Andes, Amazon & Galápagos MultiSport

In the morning, depart Quito by car heading south through the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. If the skies are clear, you’ll see the peaks of several volcanoes throughout the scenic drive. Upon arrival, warm up with a short hike around the Limpiopungo Glacier Lake at the base of Volcan Ruminahui, which is home to a wealth of highland water fowl, local gulls, ducks and falcons. This area offers a great opportunity to learn about the park’s highland paramo ecosystem. After your hike, begin an amazing mountain bike ride through the park from this same glacier lake. Travel across the high plains and around the south side of Cotopaxi. The ride is mostly downhill  with some flat stretches and a few short, easy climbs. As you ride across the paramo, keep an eye out for native wildlife and take in amazing views of Cotopaxi’s massive, glaciated cone looming above.  End the ride at the Pucara Inca ruins near the park’s south entrance. Here, learn more about the western hemisphere’s most powerful ancient civilization and their history in Ecuador. Enjoy your packed lunch from the park, as you sit back and enjoy the views. In the late afternoon, arrive at the hacienda where you spend the night. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive to the ancient farmlands of Hacienda Tilipulo, located in an inter-Andean valley surrounded by native vegetation and astounding views of the nearby volcanoes.  The horseback riding adventure begins with a departure towards the western cordillera bound to the highlands of Atapulo where you’ll observe small farmlands called chacras, adobe houses, llamas, sheep and other livestock. The indigenous way of life, the occasional view of volcanoes Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Illiniza, Chimborazo and Altar will accompany you throughout this journey along spectacular trails and country roads. After the horseback ride, drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Leito Valley with beautiful views of the Tungurahua Volcano. Next, hop on bikes for a scenic ride through the beautiful landscapes and charming small towns of the Patate River Gorge. In the afternoon, reach a cozy Andean hacienda. If time allows, hike to a beautiful waterfall. Relax and dine at the hacienda tonight. (B,L,D)

This morning’s drive takes you to the edge of Llanganates National Park, an area that extends from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin. Gaining altitude, you come upon one of the best views of the often fuming Tungurahua Volcano for the start of today’s scenic mountain bike descent. Beginning in the highland paramo, the picturesque route of wild orchids, waterfalls, high rock walls and deep canyons transitions into mountain cloud forest before becoming lowland rainforest. Ride through a dry basalt gorge, a hot spot for wild orchids, and the canyon widens and deepens as you reach the Pastaza River Gorge, which forms spectacular waterfalls. Stop to visit two of these waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil). Then continue the drive down into the Amazon Basin to reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where you learn about balsa, bamboo and ceramic products. Continue through the Amazon highway until you reach your Amazon Lodge.  If time allows, you’ll visit a Kichwa indigenous community to learn about their way of life, culture, traditions, and customs of the Amazon. Enjoy dinner at your jungle lodge and a peaceful evening surrounded by rainforest sounds. (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll drive into a part of Llanganates National Park that has been declared a Biosphere Zone by UNESCO. The water that collects here forms the Jatunyacu River, famed for its Class III and III+ rapids, big waves, fun holes and high volume of water, and considered the best one-day Ecuador whitewater rafting run. Before today’s adventure begins, walk to some naturally-formed swimming pools in the rain forest and have a safety briefing. Your rafting route of breathtaking landscapes, abundant birdlife and crystal clear water passes indigenous riverbank communities. In the afternoon, travel back into the Andes to reach the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort and Spa, nestled where the cloud forest meets the paramo. Spend the evening relaxing in the therapeutic alkaline-rich natural thermal waters of Papallacta followed by a restful night in your comfortable accommodations. (B,L,D)

This morning, visit the Quisato equatorial monument shaped like star of eight points, representing pre-colonial and Incan indigenous beliefs that 0º latitude was the center of time and measurement. Learn about Ecuador’s geographic position and how its location on the equator influences its many cultures, climates, and biological diversity. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the towns of Otavalo and Peguche, where Ecuador’s indigenous culture and heritage is visible in their famous markets full of colorful textiles, traditional handicrafts, and more. Spend time one-on-one with local weavers who share the secrets of their craft that have been passed down for generations, and experience an Andean Music workshop to hear the traditional instrumental and vocal sounds of the Andes. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. (B,L)

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island. After arrival and orientation, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the unique natural and human history of the Galápagos. Hike to Frigate Hill along natural trails lined with lava rocks and surrounded by native plants like Galápagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and opuntia cacti. Spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs. Listen to your guide interpret the amazing flora and fauna in the context of the natural history that you see before your eyes. Take in the scenic views of the rugged coastline, Kicker Rock in the distance, and the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Your final stop is Darwin Bay, where Charles Darwin disembarked for the first time in the Galápagos! Here, enjoy your first snorkeling activity with playful sea lions and colorful fish. Afterwards, walk back to town and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight. (B,L,D)

Transfer to the coastline where your kayaks await! Paddle along the coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, full of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. Keep your eyes out for rays swimming below and marine iguanas perching on lava rocks along the coast. In the afternoon, leave your kayaks and continue to explore by boat. The visitor site will depend on the day of the week, according to Galápagos National Park regulations. You will swim with sea lions and snorkel all while on the lookout for spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galápagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color. With luck, you might even see some menacing but harmless hammerhead sharks! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L,D)

This morning, you travel via small plane to the small town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. Hop on mountain bikes and ride through the town’s sandy streets toward the Wall of Tears. Along the scenic coastal path, take in gorgeous views of white sand beaches and the sparkling ocean beyond. Stop at a brackish lagoon for an opportunity to spot flamingos before turning inland. Hop off your bike and walk up the steps to the lookout tower offering expansive views of historic lava fields, Puerto Villamil town, beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Continue along a rolling track with mild ups and downs until you reach the final climb that takes you up to the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas). Your guide will explain the history of this lava rock wall built by prisoners between 1946 and 1959, when Isabela was used as a penal colony. Next, it’s time to enjoy some time on the water! You’ll slip into ocean kayaks and paddle through a maze of rocky mangrove areas at a place called Tintoreras, a group of small islets south of the town of Puerto Villamil. Here you will see one of the smallest penguin in the world, also endemic to Galápagos. Watch as they perch ashore and whiz by you in the water! Paddle in company of playful sea lions, spotted eagle rays, turtles, iguanas, as well as blue footed boobies and other marine birds, all from your kayak. (B,L,D)

Biking Details: 8 miles, mostly flat with some hills. Multiple stops along the way at places of interest. Not into biking? No problem! Tell us and we’ll arrange an alternative activity.

Get ready for an exhilarating day – you’re heading up a volcano!  Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the island’s most active volcanoes and last erupted in October 2005. As you hike to the perimeter of the caldera, be on the lookout for bird species found only in the highlands, such as the bright red vermillion flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Once you reach the rim, you’ll be met with a panoramic view that stretches 6 miles across one the largest calderas in the world. Traverse the vast lava fields of Volcan Chico en route for a lookout boasting breathtaking views reaching north of Isabela. The trip back to town includes a stop for lunch in the highlands. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to enjoy the gorgeous white sand beach of Isabela followed by a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)

Hiking Details: 10 miles, approximately 5 hours. This hike is easily adaptable if you prefer a shorter hike.

Alternate Option: Los Tunnels instead of Sierra Negra (Subject to availability, additional cost). Today, set out by small boat to Los Tunnels, an extraordinary snorkeling location consisting of lava tunnels and arches, both above and underwater.  Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, white tipped reef sharks, and other exciting marine life. After the excursion, return to town for some leisure time. Stroll the gorgeous, long white sand beach of Puerto Villamil in search of wildlife, walk around town, or visit the flamingo lagoon.

In the early morning, you will be transferred from Isabela to Baltra Island to board your flight back to Quito. Arrival and transfer to your hotel for the evening. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your international departure home. (B)