Galápagos & Haciendas

Today the adventure begins with a fascinating drive south through the Avenue of Volcanoes, viewing the spectacular high plains that surround Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano at 19,347 feet. In the park, see llamas, wild horses, deer, rabbits, the Andean gulls, hummingbirds, and perhaps the Andean condor if you are extremely lucky! Stop at Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, located at the base of  Rumiñahui Volcano. Limpiopungo is home to abundant highland waterfowl including gulls, ducks, and falcons.  After a hearty lunch on the trail, hike to El Parqueadero to get a breathtaking view of a nearby glacier. In late afternoon, you reach your final destination, an authentic hacienda for a delicious dinner and comfortable night’s stay. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive towards Ecuador’s Amazon Basin, crossing the Continental Divide, through a dramatic landscape of high plains and volcanoes. Arrive at the Papallacta Hot Springs, where you will enjoy a mellow hike to a waterfall and the entrance of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve located on the shoulder of the Andes at the Continental Divide. The landscape in this reserve is a mix of endemic highland paramo with patches of cloud forest. Much water is retained in this sponge-like environment, forming the largest water system in the world. Enjoy lunch at the resort followed by free time to relax at this beautiful mountain retreat. You’ll have access to hot springs at the doorstep of your room, as well as access to the thermal plunge pools in the spa area. Surrounded by majestic mountains, including views of Antisana in the distance, you will feel rejuvenated as you walk the beautiful landscaped paths of Papallacta, adorned with flowers that attract hummingbirds and other avian delights. Enjoy dinner and a restful night of sleep at Papallacta. (B,L,D)

After breakfast and a last refreshing soak, travel through the lush highlands to a valley deep in the Andes where the town of Otavalo and its famous textile market is located. Whether you are looking to shop for handicrafts or just want to browse, you’ll enjoy the endless variety of colorful blankets, ponchos, sweaters, bags, shirts, tapestries, and tablecloths. Of course, there is much more than just textiles. Other popular handicrafts include paintings, Panama hats, ceramics, leather goods, carvings, and much more. Enjoy a private weaving demonstration by a family of artisans that shows how they are preserving their ancestral traditions. In the late afternoon, you drive into a highland region of countless lakes in Imbabura Province, where you’ll enjoy dinner and cozy accommodations at a charming historic hacienda. (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast before you set off on today’s adventure though this culturally rich region of Ecuador. Drive to the town of Cotacachi, known for its handcrafted leather items and stop in Peguche, known for indigenous culture and heritage. You’ll learn about the traditions of this region and have time to browse the local handicrafts. Enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine. Time permitting, we’ll stop at a final lookout point at Cuicocha Crater Lake, which is in a nature reserve located on the slopes of the larger Cotacachi Volcano. Picturesque Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure. (B,L)

Today begins with the transfer to the airport for the 600-mile flight to the Galápagos. Galápagos Island tours are a varied mix of some of the worlds most fascinating flora and fauna. Upon arriving in the Islands, you’ll be transferred to your vessel to begin your Galápagos wildlife adventure. Depending on the Galápagos cruise you’ve selected, you’ll be spending five to eight glorious days in this magical archipelago. Not into cruising? We also offer land based tours! (B,L,D)

The next few days are spent exploring the fascinating Galápagos Islands. Each of the Galápagos Islands has its own particular topography, ecology and wildlife. For those on cruises, you’ll visit two landing sites each day, led by your naturalist guide, and have hiking and snorkeling opportunities, an evening briefing, and time to relax onboard. For those opting for land based tours, you’ll enjoy an array of daily excursions with options for more active adventures and opportunities to interact with local communities. No matter what itinerary you choose, cruise or land-based,  you’ll be blown away by the wildlife you’ll encounter. For general information, please check out our cruise and land tour itineraries on this website. Contact us to determine what the right kind of Galápagos tour is for you! (B,L,D)

Alas, Galápagos tours don’t last forever. Some tours squeeze in one last short excursion before heading to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy your final night in Quito, Ecuador. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your amazing Ecuador adventure! (B)