20-Day Best of Ecuador with Galapagos Islands

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Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9,000 feet. The historic centre of Quito is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches, and open squares. Today, you'll visit the official equator monument for your perfect photo with one foot in each hemisphere. You'll learn about the importance of the 1736 Geodesic Mission scientific study and perform scientific Equator tests at the Inti Ñan museum, as well as other fun activities.

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Today, you'll have from Quito to the indigenous town of Otavalo, which is famous across South America for its colourful market, diverse handicrafts, and indigenous Indian groups, but the area offers far more. Located two hours north of Quito, it offers a combination of activities such as visits to the beautiful lagoons in the Andes, indigenous weavers, handicraft markets, waterfalls and Andean birdwatching. It is a fantastic place to visit.

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Today, you'll set off to visit Cotacachi, located only 10 minutes away from Otavalo, it is an artisan town famous for leather products, handicrafts and clothes. Afterwards, you will visit the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon. With a wide caldera of three kilometres that was created by an eruption, it's at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. It has two forested islands; although it is prohibited to visit them, you can take a boat around the lake. You'll then continue to Quito for the night.

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This morning, you'll leave Quito once again and travel two hours to the Mindo Valley. Found in the western slopes of the Andes, Mindo Valley is where two biologically diverse ecosystems meet, the Chocoan lowlands and the Tropical Andes. As well as a collection of beautiful landscapes, Mindo Valley is an adventurers paradise, with rafting, hiking, canyoning and tubing activities available in various reserves. Upon arrival, you'll explore its wonderful waterfalls and visit the Butterfly Farm.

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Today, you'll enjoy one of the most famous activities in Mindo: the Chocolate tour. You'll learn each step of how small batch chocolate is made from the bean to the bar. You'll finish the tour with a decadent array of chocolate tastings and pairings. After lunch, you can make a short stop in the Orchids Garden before having the rest of the day as free time to explore the town.

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Cotopaxi National Park is home to Ecuador’s most captivating volcano. Towering at 5897 metres, the giant Cotopaxi peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone and picturesque surrounding parkland. Today, you will have lunch at the park's restaurant, trek up to the volcano refuge and enjoy panoramic views from the snowline. Later, you'll visit the Cotopaxi National Park Museum to learn about the destructive history of the volcano, and also stop for photos at the pretty Limpiopungo Lake.

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Today, you'll visit Quilotoa crater lake, a rewarding day trip in the Ecuadorian Andes, especially when trekking to the lakeside. Not only will the crater lake take your breath away but there are wonderful landscapes and indigenous villages along the way. You'll visit the Tigua art workshop to see the famous colourful artwork that originated in this region of Ecuador. You'll then enjoy fine views of Toachi Canyon and rural scenery during the road journey to Baños.

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Today, you'll travel to Cuenca and spend a full day amidst the white-washed buildings and cobbled street. Upon arrival, you'll embark on an introductory tour to the colonial highlights of the city including its handsome plazas and domed churches. Then, you'll head to the famous Turi Lookout, for a beautiful view of the city. You will also see how the famous Panama hats are made by local families as the Panama hat is actually Ecuadorian, a fact that many people don't know.

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Today, you'll journey from Cuenca down to El Cajas National Park. There are more than 260 lakes in the park, with the most famous one been Lake Lupa. Beware that the park is cold and windy, so warm clothes are recommended. You will also find very interesting and different flora and fauna, such as the Polylepis tree (paper tree) and with some luck, the South American Condor. Afterwards, you'll head back to Cuenca and take a flight to Quito. On arrival, you'll be taken to a hotel near the airport.

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Today you'll arrive either from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island. You'll then travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will be able to see the giant tortoises roaming free in the wild. You are definitely starting with a highlight! You will board the Grand Daphne Yacht from Puerto Ayora. Once onboard, you will be assigned your cabin, meet the crew members and get to know your naturalist guide and fellow travellers who will be with you for this journey.

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In the 18th century, whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island to use as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel. After visiting Post Office Bay, you will then visit Cormorant Point, which hosts a large flamingo lagoon, and on the beach, you can spot rays. Finally, you'll enjoy some snorkelling at Devil's Crown, one of Galapagos emblematic locations for this activity.

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Punta Suarez is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses (the only location in Galapagos) and Nazca boobies. A beautiful sight on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. You will also find the unique Christmas marine iguanas here. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities. In the afternoon, you will disembark at Gardner Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Galapagos! It is filled with sea lions!

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Today, you'll continue your Galapagos Islands with Kicker Rock where there is a striking rock formation located a couple of hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center which was opened in 1998. Here, you can enjoy expositions on natural history, human history and conservation.

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Santa Fe is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest and the unique Santa Fe Iguana. South Plaza Island. with its steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas.

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El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up to a high cliff face. A marvellous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows and Galapagos doves. In Darwin Bay, white-sand coral beach heads create a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted.

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Today, Sullivan Bay's coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava - it will be a true volcanic experience. Rabida Island is one of the most colourful and volcanically varied islands and a great snorkelling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight.

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You'll fly to the back mainland today so it will be an early start for your last morning. To begin the day, you'll visit Black Turtle Cove, situated in the north of Santa Cruz surrounded by mangroves. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Afterwards, your Galapagos Islands tour will end and you will be taken to Baltra's airport to take your onward flight to Guayaquil.

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This morning, after breakfast, you can enjoy some free time at Salinas Beach, which is often described as one of the best beaches in Ecuador. For those looking to explore the many beaches of Santa Elena, it makes the perfect base whilst also having a wealth of restaurants and hotels to choose from. In the afternoon, you'll be collected by your driver and driven back to Guayaquil for the night.