Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is situated at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), making it the second-highest city in the world after Bolivia’s La Paz.

The Old Town of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in all of Latin America. It is renowned for its extravagant churches, gorgeous plazas, and cobblestone pathways. In this area, rows of pastel-colored homes with flower-decorated wrought-iron balconies coexist with perfectly rebuilt palaces with tranquil internal gardens. The pre-Columbian ancestral civilizations of Ecuador, some of which date back to 4000 B.C., are shown in detail in the museums of Ecuador.

The city’s illustrious history is just as intriguing as the thriving metropolis it is now. Stop at a sidewalk café to see local women dressed in traditional attire as they go about their day’s business alongside shoe shiners, street vendors, and other street workers.

Coca is reached through a 35-minute flight from the Andes down into the jungle in the morning (official name: San Francisco de Orellana). During your trip, you will travel over the eastern Andes, cross the equator, and enjoy breathtaking views of Ecuador’s snow-capped mountains. Finally, you will reach the Amazon Rainforest’s headwaters near the Rio Napo.

After arrival at the Coca airport, the lodge’s personnel will meet and welcome you. The journey continues with powered canoes after a brief shift of a few minutes. A lovely wind will accompany you for over two hours (80 kilometers) on the Ro Napo, the biggest river in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

During this excursion, a huge number of birds, including kingfishers and, with any luck, ospreys, may be viewed. The resort is situated at the northern boundary of Yasun Park, where the boat will arrive.

To arrive to the lodge, you will take a short, guided trek of approximately 2.5 kilometers, or you will have the chance to paddle in a dugout canoe along with the lodge personnel for about 1.5 hours down a river branch covered with dense palm forest. Here, there is a high possibility of seeing a variety of monkey species and large birds, such as toucans, parrots, and macaws. At the conclusion of the trek or paddle, you will reach Aangu Lagoon and be greeted with a spectacular view of the resort.

After a buffet breakfast, visit the 36-meter canopy tower to see life above the forest floor. This tower is around thirty minutes away from the resort and is nestled deep into the forest. Observe colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, flycatchers, and even spider or howler monkeys dining on surrounding trees, providing an outstanding representation of the 600+ species of birds reported to far. The canopy tower offers Napo Wildlife Center visitors access to a whole new and intriguing world.

Return to the lodge for an Ecuadorian-style meal. After lunch, you have a variety of alternatives for your afternoon activities. Climb the center tower for birding, try kayaking, or if you prefer, just rest in your hammock.

Learn about the ecology and function of plants in the fascinating world of the Tropical Rainforest as you go through the spectacular Terra Firme Forest.

This amazing natural garden has vines, old trees, bromeliads, and orchids. Explore the adjacent lake and streams after the trek for the possibility of seeing a family of gigantic otters. At 7:30 p.m., a sumptuous meal will be served in the lodge restaurant.

This morning, we will visit Ecuador’s finest parrot clay licks! As we paddle upstream on Añangu Creek until we reach the welcome area, an early start will enable us to see a variety of animals. Then, we take a 10-minute speedboat cruise for a breathtaking view of hundreds of parrots, including the Amazon-mealy, blue-headed, and orange-cheeked parrots, among others, feeding on clay at a natural riverbank formation.

Later, we return to the welcome area and undertake a short climb to the parakeets’ clay lick. Here, hundreds of cobalt-winged parakeets stay clustered in the trees, waiting for the most self-assured members of the flock to determine that now is the perfect moment to extract nutrients from the soil. Observe in awe as they each land at this clay lick in a whirlwind of color and noise.

At the afternoon v isit the interpretive area in the afternoon to learn about the traditions of Añangu’s ancestral Kichwa community via music, dance, and discussion. Then, return to the lodge in the late afternoon. You will be greeted with a fruit drink upon your return, and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

Trip back to the Napo River.

The stream might provide unique views of large otters, monk-saki monkeys, black-capped donacobius, and other birds. The motorized boat will return you to Coca for your return trip to Quito and free time at the hotel

The ancient town of Quito is famous for the preservation of its architecture, which include fine mansions with flower-decorated balconies, squares, and cathedrals that bear the imprint of their respective eras. This separates Quito from other Colonial-era neighborhoods. Their gigantic adobe walls may be up to one meter wide, and their foundations are built of volcanic rock. Many of them include internal decorations created by Ecuadorian artists who have left their mark on future generations. Churches are the most visible manifestations of the nation’s many religious groups.

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is an example of architecture; you may view its nineteenth-century Neo-Gothic design from a distance, and as you approach, you will find gargoyles depicting Ecuadorian fauna. The Basilica del Voto Nacional is situated in Quito, Ecuador.

The Catholic Church of La Compañía de Jesus is a clerical complex built in the Baroque style with significant Mudejar and Moorish architectural characteristics. Moorish design influenced its construction by Spanish architects. The greatest spot to see this is inside the inner pillars.

Since it was created over a period of 150 years, starting in the 16th century, the San Francisco Church is an excellent example of a diversity of architectural styles. Quito has traditionally been a Catholic city, as seen by the wonderful religious artwork on display in its cathedral and convent, both of which are still in operation.

Solar Museum It provides the most enjoyable and educational interactive activities in the surrounding area. You may stand with one foot in each hemisphere, balance an egg on the head of a nail, or notice how water in a container spins differently in each hemisphere yet runs straight down at the equator.

Otavalo, located north of Quito, is home to the largest prominent indigenous population in Ecuador. The Otavaleo have traditionally been merchants, as seen by their attire and the braiding of their long hair. It is believed that their market is one of the most significant in all of Latin America.

Even though the business is open seven days a week, Saturday is the busiest day. Fabrics, colorful weaves, geometric patterns, and representations of Andean animals are the most distinctive of its handicrafts, all of which convey the everyday in their art. Its streets have cobblestone pavement. Stone, wood, and metal goods embellish every part of the Otavalo market; let yourself be delighted by the pleasant Otavaleos that work there. The key to success in this situation is effective negotiation that results in a fair price for all parties.

The Peguche Waterfall, situated to the north of the city, is one of the most prominent cultural sites in Otavalo. Here, purifying ceremonies are performed at night, followed by enormous processions that move down secondary woodland routes and pass across farmland; only community members participate in these events. You need not fear, though, since you may explore this enchanting place during the daylight and determine what makes it so special.

There are also a number of lovely lagoons in the vicinity, such as the Cuicocha Lagoon.

From Quito, you can observe the majestic Cotopaxi volcano with its snowy peak that invites you to get closer; through small towns and charming Andean villages is the access to the Cotopaxi National Park, where you can observe the change in vegetation from small eucalyptus forests to a variety of mosses and shrub species of paramo.

The Cajas, Limpiopungo, and Santo Domingo lagoons are situated in the neighborhood of the volcano and are home to a variety of local species, including the dabbling duck and the half-moon duck. Climbing the Cotopaxi Volcano, you can experience the difference in height while witnessing some of the most magnificent vistas of the Andes. The volcanic structures of the passage of lava from its ancient eruptions demarcate the passage of pyroclastic flows in magnificent canyons, revealing the splendor and might of nature at her finest. After a physically demanding trek, you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Ecuadorian Andes upon reaching the refuge.

Zumbahua is a picturesque indigenous village noted for its Saturday fair, which is a traditional mountain market where llamas and horses are sold. It is located south of Quito, across the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and on the way to Pujil. Saturday is one of the most significant days for the Zumbahua community; they congregate here not just to sell their agricultural goods and animals, but also to mingle and catch up on the latest news, since many of them reside in far locations from the Andean Paas. We will arrive to the Quilotoa Lagoon, one of the natural formations that has fascinated everyone who is familiar with it, after passing through other areas containing several little communities. This lagoon lays near the entrance of the volcano at a depth of 250 meters, and its tranquil waters are only stirred by the bubbling trails that discharge gases from deep beneath. At the peak of the volcano is a vantage point from which you can take in the whole magnificence of the region, with the Andes as a background and the blue sky reflected in its waters.

From the vantage point, a twisting road will bring us through numerous elevations where we will encounter many of the flora of this biome, mostly bushes, and, with any luck, one or more pajarito wolves patiently waiting for an unseen rabbit. As we approach, we can notice the majesty of this lagoon as their hues transition to deeper tones. To approach its waters, nature will seem flawless. When returning to the peak, the route is farther than it seems; altitude plays a significant part in this arduous trek, but do not fear; the locals will welcome you to borrow one of their pack animals to experience Sancho Panza’s distinctive style.

If you speak about adventure, enjoyment, and relaxation, you are talking about Baños de Agua Santa.

Baños is a picturesque town situated in the province of Tungurahua. Baños has a natural beauty surrounded by breathtaking waterfalls and rich flora owing to being on the border of the Amazon, which favors this sort of vegetation, swift rivers, and a wonderful, charming town to explore. Baos is also frequented for the multitude of activities that may be taken out, such as horseback riding, rafting, hiking, and paragliding. In addition to riding, particularly following the path of the waterfalls,

The Baños-Puyo route is noteworthy because it includes multiple waterfalls along the way. The Tungurahua Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in South America, is one of the primary attractions and reasons why hundreds of people from across the globe go to Chile. El Pailon del Diablo, with an 80-meter drop, is one of the most renowned waterfalls in the region and can be reached in a few minutes from Baños. There are two primary entrances to El Pailon del Diablo, one to the north and one to the south. Both routes wind through an area rich of greenery where many species of birds and flowers reside. When you get to the waterfall viewpoint, it is hard not to be drenched with the power of the water flowing from the waterfall. In the local cosmovision, this fills the bodies with fresh vitality emanating from mother nature.

Another of the main attractions of Baños is the renowned treehouse that is erected on the side of a mountain near the Tungurahua volcano. From here, you may enjoy beautiful panorama and capture the typical photo of oneself sitting on the swing at the end of the earth. In addition, Baños offers several perspectives from which you may experience the beauty of Baños. You may visit them by private transportation or in one of the traditional “Chivas” buses modified in a handcrafted fashion, famous for its brilliant color and all the party atmosphere and enjoyment until you reach the top of each viewpoint. Baños is a paradise for all sorts of tourists, including families, friends, and couples, due to the variety of activities available for all types of guests. In the afternoon, you will return to Quito.

The next step is to make your way to the airport so that you may board your excursion to the Galapagos Islands. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport in San Cristobal to drive you to the hotel upon your arrival.

The first stop will be at La Loberia. There, you will have the chance to swim and snorkel with the sea lions, which are the basis for the beach’s name. You have a decent possibility of seeing iguanas, frigatebirds, Darwin finches, and yellow warblers (the only yellow birds seen on these islands!). This area is also home to a substantial iguana population. In the afternoon, you will make your way back to the hotel where you are staying so that you may take use of the amenities there.

Kicker Rock is the nickname given to León Dormido in English. The Spanish name for the rock originates from the belief that it resembles a sleeping sea lion, while the English name does not appear to have a clear provenance but may be a relation to old sea marks in Hampshire, England, that were originally known as Gilkicker and Kicker-Gill. In any event, erosion has had a crucial influence in the construction of this unique rock structure.

The trek on foot from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno takes roughly an hour. You journey through a broad diversity of habitats and biomes as we make our way to our goal. Keep your eyes open along the road as you never know what type of unusual creatures or plants we may come across as we walk. When you travel to Leon Dormido, you will be able to swim or snorkel with sharks, including Galápagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and blacktip reef sharks. You will also be able to engage with sea turtles. In addition, a broad range of species, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and lava gulls, inhabit the region.

Get an early start this morning to catch the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, around 2.5 hours distant. Meet your guide at the pier, and then go to the Highlands to see gigantic tortoises in their natural habitat. Before traveling to Puerto Ayora, have lunch at a nearby farm.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all around the globe gather and work together. Environmental programs include water analysis, the conservation of indigenous animals, investigation of the impact of tourism on nature, and other critical concerns. Visit the turtle raising facility to discover where creatures are nurtured before being released into nature. Keep a look out for land iguanas, which reside surrounding the station.

There is the opportunity of visiting certain deserted islands, such as Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, where there are various routes to experience the richness of the islands’ surroundings. Visiting these islands relies on the weather, schedule, and permits provided by the National Park Service. Travelers will have the choice to visit one of the following islands on each of these two days:

Santa Fe Island

This island, which can be located in the Galapagos, was not produced by volcanic activity but rather by an uplift, which explains why the bulk of its surface is flat. A number of different ideas assert that this is the archipelago’s oldest island. Santa Fe is home to a variety of unusual species that can only be found on the Galapagos Islands. These include the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, Galapagos Mockingbird, Rice Rats, and one of the two kinds of land iguanas present on the islands.

As soon as you put foot into the pristine waters after disembarking, you will have the chance to interact with one of the countless colonies of sea lions. Along the trek, there are a lot of salt plants as well as a big prickly pear cactus; gigantism is a trait that is typical on sea islands. One of the most well-liked activities to do is to go snorkeling with friendly sea lions and bright tropical fish.

South Plazas

Islas Plazas are a pair of islands that may be located to the east of Santa Cruz Island. South Plaza is one of such islands. The Galapagos Islands, despite their comparatively tiny size, are home to some of the world’s most unique and extraordinary wildlife. On Plaza, the land iguanas are substantially smaller than their counterparts on other islands. On the island, there are a number of iguanas that are hybrids, which indicates that they are the result of a sea iguana and a terrestrial iguana mating. They are readily separated from one another and may be identified at a glance owing to their black or gray colour, the crest that land iguanas have, and the face and tail that sea iguanas have. The availability of tuna, which is one of their favored sources of sustenance, has led to the expansion of iguanas in the region.

It is possible to view swallow-tailed gulls and Audubon shearwaters nesting on the rocky cliffs, as well as red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.

Bartolome

Bartolome: Pinnacle Rock is the most photographed site in all of the Galapagos. It is a natural marvel that will stay forever.

The dry landing is placed on a jetty, and the summit path, which safeguards the sensitive environment by crossing a wooden footbridge and climbing a flight of steps, travels to the highest point on Bartolome. The view from the peak is absolutely spectacular, as it takes in the islands of Bartolome, Santiago, Sullivan Bay, and the other adjacent islands. The secondary cones, lava flows, and lava tubes all feature a landscape that is extremely similar to the moon. Later in the afternoon, we board a panga and proceed to the rocky beach in search of Galapagos penguins, who establish their nests and rear their young in lava tubes.

North Seymour

Instead of being produced by volcanoes, the island of North Seymour is hilly. As a direct result of this, the ground is generally flat and scattered with stones. There is a substantial population of these magnificent birds, and the nesting sites are excellent. In the more open areas, blue-footed boobies may be seen practicing their courtship dance, while swallow-tailed gulls may be seen perching on the edges of the cliffs.

Even when enormous waves strike the outer shore, sea lions have been seen bodysurfing on the beach.

We will come pick you from your hotel and take you on the journey to the airport so that you can catch your aircraft to the continent. You will be picked up from the airport by a member of our staff and taken to the hotel, where you will have the chance to make use of the facilities given by the hotel or simply rest in your room.

Depending on the time of your international departure, you will have access to transport to the airport in order to catch your flight home. It is time to wave goodbye to Ecuador; we will always be ready to welcome you again and present you with even more fascinating adventures.