Explore Our Destinations

Fly to Quito. On arrival in Quito, you will be welcomed and transferred to Hotel JW Marriott.

Colonial City Tour & Middle of the World: Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas, a multiethnic, artistic, and cultural heritage destination. This is one of the most popular tours in Quito Ecuador, offering a unique journey through colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Then, visit the iconic “Middle of the World”, situated at 0º0’0” latitude.

Visit the well-known indigenous market in Otavalo for an arts and crafts shopping adventure. As part of one of the most enriching Ecuador tours, explore Peguche, known for its weavers; visit a wind instruments workshop; and visit Cotacachi, known for the manufacture of leather goods, and Cuicocha crater lake. Back to Quito.

We start our Ecuador tours to Itamandi Eco Lodge at the Arajuno Bridge, where we will take a motorised canoe going upstream for 20 minutes to begin our great experience in the tropical forest. As part of one of the most curious Amazon Ecuador tours, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest during this ride—gliding along a zigzag river that flows through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the vein system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Upon arrival, check in at the lodge with a small briefing.

Early in the morning, we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick. We then head out for a hike through the primary forest. This is a highlight of any Ecuador travel itinerary, especially for nature and culture enthusiasts. Next, we visit a Native Community for a unique cultural activity.

An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us, and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. The important part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisines. We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community—an authentic and heartwarming experience in one of the best places to travel in Ecuador.

We take a 40-minute canoe ride downriver to visit the fascinating Isla Anaconda, a highlight for anyone on an Ecuador family holiday. Along the way, we can observe the prehistoric bird “Hoatzin”, woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and many other incredible species. We also visit a family in one of the indigenous communities to learn about their farming habits. A key stop on many Ecuador wildlife tours, AmaZOOnico is not a zoo but a rescue centre for animals of the Amazon in Ecuador. We can observe some animals in their natural environment at close range.

After breakfast, we check out and take a motorised canoe ride for 20 minutes to the Arajuno Bridge and drive back to Quito. On arrival in Quito, check in at hotel JW Marriott.

Depart south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, a must-see destination on many of the best Ecuador tours. Towering at 5,897 metres, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life, which can be seen on a light hike. Northeast lies Rumiñahui (4,557 m), and between the two mountains is the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo.

Fly to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend. The archipelago is situated approximately 600 miles off the Ecuadorian mainland, on the Pacific Ocean, and is a highlight of many holidays to Galapagos Islands Ecuador. Travel time is under 3 hours. San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos Archipelago; geologically speaking, it's also one of the oldest islands. This unique destination is a lovely part of any Ecuador travel itinerary, offering rich biodiversity and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

AM. Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn Islets (Española)
Spot Galapagos hawks, American oystercatchers, Galapagos doves, hood mockingbirds, 3 species of Darwin finches, yellow warblers, lava lizards, and marine iguanas.

PM. Suárez Point (Española)
Explore volcanic formations and riveting wildlife. Besides the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for bird watching. A major highlight is their mating season, from May through December.

AM. Post Office (Floreana)
Continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel which reach their destinations for free. Observe the mockingbird of Galapagos, some species of Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and lava lizards.

PM. Cormorant Point (Floreana)
It features endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, Galapagos daisies, white sand black mangrove, and holy stick. Spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food.

AM. Cerro Mesa Reserve (Santa Cruz)
Observe numerous endemic plants, 7 subspecies of Darwin’s finches, and the vermilion flycatcher. Impressive view of Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Santa Fé, and Daphne Islands.

PM. Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Observe the giant tortoises that are part of the reproduction programme and the world’s most famous tortoise, Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species.

AM. Daphne
Visit a volcanic tuff cone, formed by successive explosions caused by the interaction of lava and seawater. Here, you can observe Darwin’s finches, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Brown Noddies—a spectacular wildlife experience that highlights why the Galapagos is among the best places to travel in Ecuador. 

After your visit, transfer to Baltra Airport to board your return flight home.

Fly back home.