Inspiration

Wild Ecuador

Explore Quito with your senses savoring incredible street food and local drinks as you discover modern street art mixed with colonial architecture, paddle through the calm waters of the Amazonia arriving at your jungle-immersed lodge and top it off with the exploration of uninhabited islands of the Galápagos.

GET TO KNOW ECUADOR

Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is – by South American standards – a relatively small country. Small though it may be, its arsenal of attractions is far from meagre. Broadly speaking, the country can be split up into three distinct regions: the Costa (coast), Sierra (Andes) and Oriente (Amazon). Because of its compact size, traveling around Ecuador is a breeze and you can hop between wildlife-filled jungle, culture-packed colonial cities, mountain valleys and sublime beaches in just a few short hours. For the wildlife-watching experience of a lifetime, travelers can combine a journey of the mainland with a side trip to the world-famous Galápagos Islands. On this volcanic archipelago, slow-moving giant tortoises, eye-catching blue-footed boobies and leathery marine iguanas – as well as all manner of other unusual creatures that exist here and only here – can be seen going about their daily business, seemingly unbothered by the curious humans who come to observe them.

Best time to travel

Coast: December, January April & May Highlands: Year round, but May – November is drier and warmer. Amazon: June-November Galapagos: December- May is the warmest weather in the Galapagos and the water is pleasantly warm. Great for diving and snorkeling as the waters are calmer. June- Novemebr is drier but chillier due to Humboldt currents, you might be able to see more wildlife. In general you are able to see wildlife year round in Galapagos, but if you have a specific interest please contact us so we can help you decide.

Amount of time to spend

8 to 15 days

Highlights

  
Awe at the natural beauty of pit craters, lava tunnels, and the unique forest ecosystem of Galápagos

  
Share time with giant tortoises in their natural habitat, surrounded by abundant bird life

Wake up to the sounds of the Amazonian rainforest

Wild Ecuador

DAY 1

Arrival in Quito

Your private guide and driver will take you to your hotel for check in as you prepare for the incredible journey ahead.
DAY 2

Explore Quito's streets

Enjoy lunch at local stalls and taste Ecuador’s essential dishes in the colonial part of Ecuador’s capital. In the afternoon you’ll wander and explore the street art of the colonial town as you learn about the urban movements. Then, enjoy a chocolate and coffee tasting with fresh local produce from sustainable farms.
DAY 3

Cultural immersion in Otavalo

Your guide will take you on a 2-hour drive to Otavalo where you will meet with a local community to share a traditional "Pachamanca" style lunch. Then you will experience an ancient cleansing ceremony before visiting the local museum and meeting the local elders.
DAY 4

Arriving in the Amazon

You will catch a short flight to Coca, board a speedboat for 2 hours to then hop on a canoe to arrive to your rainforest lodge. Check in and prepare for your 4 days full of amazing activities. Selected hotels
DAY 5

Observation tower, trails and canoe ride

Climb 120 ft above the forest and spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, including certain primates. Discover Charapa trail and its different mammals, monkeys and birds that come closer to the lagoon looking for food. Witness your first Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.
DAY 6

Meet Kichua women and explore natural trails

Make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of the wild world. Then, an Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua’s in the Amazon. In the afternoon, explore Coco Trail where groups of black-mantled tamarin monkeys can be spotted and some even tapirs too.
DAY 7

Heading to Galápagos

Depart early in the morning to catch your flight to Galápagos. Upon arrival enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced lunch at a farm. Take in the area’s natural beauty, pit craters, lava tunnels, and learn more about the unique forest ecosystem. Visit the Tortoise Reserve and meet the giant tortoises surrounded by the abundant bird life of the area.
DAY 8

Explore uninhabited islands

Visit North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas and Santa Fe islands. Each island is an endemic treasure to explore and enjoy. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is among the largest in the world, and snorkeling the crystal-clear waters surrounded by abundant colorful marine life is highly recommended.
DAY 9

Experience the East

Hike Cerro Mesa delighting yourself with spectacular views of the largest crater on the island, exotic plants and seven unique subspecies of finch, plus the elusive vermilion flycatcher. After lunch, explore Garrapatero Beach with its stunning contrasts of mangroves, black lava, white sand and turquoise water — including a flamingo lagoon.
DAY 10

Adios, Ecuador!

Enjoy a relaxing morning choosing any activity. In the afternoon, depart to catch your flight to Quito, for your onward flight home.