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In the Footsteps of Humboldt and Darwin
L'Équateur, votre destination entre nos mains - 13 nuits 14 jours
DAY 1 – TRANSFER IN
Arrival in Quito, Ecuador's vibrant capital nestled high in the Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level. You will be greeted at the airport by our friendly team and privately transferred to your hotel. Use the afternoon to rest, acclimate to the altitude, or take a leisurely walk nearby. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you will receive a briefing about the exciting journey ahead.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – QUITO HISTORIC CITY TOUR & PANORAMIC VIEWS
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Quito’s majestic Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover architectural treasures like the Basilica, La Compañía de Jesús Church, and Independence Square. Stroll through narrow colonial streets and vibrant plazas. After lunch (on your own), take the cable car up to the Rucu Pichincha volcano for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 – MINDO CLOUD FOREST & EQUATOR LINE
DAY 4 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK & ARRIVAL IN BAÑOS
DAY 4 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK & ARRIVAL IN BAÑOS
Early departure to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, a paradise of biodiversity. Start with a thrilling zipline adventure through the canopy, followed by a guided visit to a chocolate factory to learn about the process “from bean to bar.” After lunch (on your own), enjoy a nature hike to hidden waterfalls and spot butterflies and hummingbirds. On the way back to Quito, stop at Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, the Middle of the World Monument, and the Intiñán Museum for hands-on experiments on the Equator line.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK & ARRIVAL IN BAÑOS
DAY 4 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK & ARRIVAL IN BAÑOS
DAY 4 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK & ARRIVAL IN BAÑOS
After breakfast, travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy a scenic hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon, with views of wild horses and the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m). Learn about páramo ecosystems and glacial formations from your guide. Continue your journey toward Baños de Agua Santa, a town known for its waterfalls and hot springs. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 – ADVENTURES IN BAÑOS & TRANSFER TO RIOBAMBA
DAY 6 – HISTORY, ANCESTRAL CULTURE & INGAPIRCA RUINS
DAY 6 – HISTORY, ANCESTRAL CULTURE & INGAPIRCA RUINS
Start the day with a tour of Baños’ most iconic waterfalls. Visit Pailón del Diablo, one of the most spectacular in South America, and the beautiful Manto de la Novia. Cross suspension bridges and ride a tarabita (cable car) over the Pastaza River for incredible views. Optional: visit a butterfly sanctuary or enjoy a thermal bath. After lunch (on your own), transfer to Riobamba, a charming Andean city surrounded by volcanoes. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 – HISTORY, ANCESTRAL CULTURE & INGAPIRCA RUINS
DAY 6 – HISTORY, ANCESTRAL CULTURE & INGAPIRCA RUINS
DAY 6 – HISTORY, ANCESTRAL CULTURE & INGAPIRCA RUINS
Visit Ecuador’s first church, La Balbanera (1534), and continue to the dramatic Devil’s Nose viewpoint. If operating, ride the famous train along this engineering marvel. Then, journey to the archaeological site of Ingapirca—the most important Inca ruins in Ecuador. Walk among ancient temples and learn about the fusion of Cañari and Inca cultures. Arrive in Cuenca, a city of colonial beauty, for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 – CUENCA, COLONIAL HERITAGE & LOCAL TRADITIONS
DAY 7 – CUENCA, COLONIAL HERITAGE & LOCAL TRADITIONS
DAY 7 – CUENCA, COLONIAL HERITAGE & LOCAL TRADITIONS
Begin the day with a walking tour of Cuenca, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore key landmarks such as San Sebastián Plaza, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Calderón Park, and the colorful Flower Market. Then, visit a traditional toquilla hat workshop, where Panama hats are handmade. End the morning with panoramic views from the Turi viewpoint. The afternoon is free for you to visit museums, browse artisan markets, or stroll along the Tomebamba River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 – CAJAS NATIONAL PARK & GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR
DAY 7 – CUENCA, COLONIAL HERITAGE & LOCAL TRADITIONS
DAY 7 – CUENCA, COLONIAL HERITAGE & LOCAL TRADITIONS
Today, venture into the high-altitude wilderness of Cajas National Park, famous for its glacial lakes and páramo landscapes. Take a guided walk through unique flora and fauna, including polylepis forests and Andean wetlands. Enjoy the crisp mountain air before descending to sea level as you head to Guayaquil. Once in Ecuador's largest city, visit the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, the vibrant Malecón 2000 boardwalk, and the charming Iguana Park. For those with energy, a walk up Santa Ana Hill offers fantastic city views.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 – FLIGHT TO THE GALÁPAGOS & HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ
Board a morning flight from Guayaquil to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, meet your certified naturalist guide and travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Walk through lush vegetation and volcanic landscapes to observe giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat. Explore underground lava tunnels and learn about the island’s unique geology. Check in at your hotel in Puerto Ayora and enjoy a welcome dinner with your group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SNORKELING IN SULLIVAN BAY
DAY 10 – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SNORKELING IN SULLIVAN BAY
DAY 10 – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SNORKELING IN SULLIVAN BAY
Start the day with a scenic navigation to Bartolomé Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Galápagos. Hike up a wooden staircase to reach the viewpoint of Pinnacle Rock, where you’ll admire volcanic formations and panoramic views of surrounding islands. Learn about geological evolution and volcanic activity. Later, snorkel at Sullivan Bay—an underwater world teeming with marine turtles, penguins, reef sharks, and tropical fish. Return to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 – TORTUGA BAY & CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
DAY 10 – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SNORKELING IN SULLIVAN BAY
DAY 10 – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SNORKELING IN SULLIVAN BAY
Walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Galápagos. Along the way, spot marine iguanas, frigatebirds, and bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs. Enjoy time to relax, swim, or kayak in the calm turquoise waters. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll learn about conservation efforts, endemic species, and the story of the iconic Lonesome George.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & SNORKELING AT BACHAS BEACH
DAY 12 – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & SNORKELING AT BACHAS BEACH
DAY 12 – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & SNORKELING AT BACHAS BEACH
Navigate to North Seymour Island, a haven for birdwatchers. Walk through arid landscapes dotted with palo santo trees while observing colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and possibly land iguanas. Witness unique mating rituals and nesting behaviors. In the afternoon, snorkel at Bachas Beach, where sea turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish await. You may also spot flamingos in nearby lagoons. Reflect on Galápagos' fragile ecosystem during a traditional fishing experience led by local guides.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 – RELAXING IN SANTA CRUZ: NATURE & FREE TIME
DAY 12 – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & SNORKELING AT BACHAS BEACH
DAY 12 – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & SNORKELING AT BACHAS BEACH
Enjoy a final morning in Santa Cruz with a return visit to Tortuga Bay. Stroll along the white sand, observe marine iguanas, and take in the peaceful scenery. Later, you’ll have free time to explore Puerto Ayora at your own pace. Options include relaxing at Playa de los Alemanes, swimming in the natural pools of Las Grietas, or shopping for unique souvenirs and local crafts. This is a perfect moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14 – FAREWELL GALÁPAGOS & FLIGHT HOME
After breakfast, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be assisted to connect with your international flight home. This marks the end of a remarkable journey full of nature, science, and cultural heritage. We hope you leave inspired, with unforgettable memories of following in the footsteps of Humboldt and Darwin.
Meals Included: Breakfast
