Ecuador’s Treasures: Andes, Amazon & Galápagos Islands

Days 1-2: Quito

Your adventure begins in Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, Quito. Acclimatise in the comfort of La Casona de la Ronda: a heritage boutique hotel situated on the city’s oldest street, perfect for independent evening strolls through its cobbled lanes and lively plazas.

The next day, a guided tour reveals Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic centre – one of the best-preserved in South America. Explore a district bursting with colonial charm, from the grandeur of the Presidential Palace and the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía Church to the sprawling San Francisco Basilica. Later, the TelefériQo cable car whisks you up the slopes of Rucu Pichincha volcano for a birds-eye view of the city framed by dramatic Andean peaks. Round-off the day with a hands-on cooking class in a charming local restaurant, where you’ll learn to prepare classic Ecuadorian dishes with fresh produce handpicked from a traditional market.

Day 3: Tabacundo

Follow in the footsteps of 18th-century explorers as you visit Mitad del Mundo, known as the ‘Middle of the World’, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and snap the perfect photo. Head to the nearby Inti Ñan Museum, a fascinating site marking the true equatorial line, where fun interactive experiments reveal the effects of gravity and the planet’s hidden scientific secrets.

Next, head to a distillery to learn about Ecuador’s traditional spirit Miske, crafted from the agave plant. Sample different varieties as you discover the significance of this drink, which has been part of Andean culture for centuries. After checking into Hacienda Hostería San Luis, a working ranch and charming retreat, enjoy a guided night walk by torchlight. Gaze at the snow-capped Cayambe volcano under a starry sky as you gather around a bonfire, sipping on warm spiced cinnamon rum and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Ecuadorian highlands. 

Day 4: Puembo

Start the day with a scenic drive to Otavalo, home to South America’s famous indigenous market in the heart of the Andes Highlands. Wander stalls brimming with colourful textiles, intricate jewellery, and fragrant spices, meeting local artisans as you pick up a handwoven alpaca scarf or unique souvenir. A short drive away is Cotacachi, where high-quality leather goods can be found against the picturesque backdrop of a volcano. 

In the afternoon, visit Cuicocha Lagoon: a turquoise crater lake within a collapsed volcanic caldera. Hike along the crater’s rim for panoramic views or take a boat ride across the lagoon to see bubbling vents from the dormant volcano. After a day of sightseeing and stunning scenery, settle in for an overnight stay at Rincón de Puembo, an oasis of wellness with serene gardens and trickling fountains. 

Days 5-6: Ecuadorian Amazon

Journey through dramatic landscapes to Suchipakari Jungle Lodge near the upper Amazon basin, one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions. A naturalist guide will lead you along the Ceibo Ecological Trail, where the rainforest’s living symphony surrounds you. The adventure continues as you drift gently downstream along the jungle-fringed river during a tranquil tubing excursion.

The following day, wake to the sounds of the rainforest’s exotic wildlife before embarking on an early morning canoe ride to a clay lick, home to hundreds of rainbow-bright parrots and parakeets. Later, visit an animal rescue centre to learn about its conservation efforts, meet a local Kichwa family to experience their culture, and finish the day searching for caimans on Anaconda Island.

Day 7: Puembo

After a final chance for an optional morning walk through the jungle, journey back towards the Andes. The highlight of your return trip is a stop at the Papallacta Hot Springs, nestled in a misty mountain valley. Here, you can soak in naturally heated, mineral-rich pools, enjoying a wonderfully restorative experience surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery.

Feeling completely relaxed, continue the drive back to Rincón de Puembo near Quito, where you can recharge and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Days 8-10: Galápagos Islands 

After a short flight, spend the final days of your journey exploring the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Start in the highlands of Santa Cruz at the Twin Craters: ancient lava formations now blanketed in forest. Visit a private ranch to observe free-roaming giant tortoises as they take mud baths, feast on fallen fruit, and carry birds on their shells. Enjoy lunch with a view of these magnificent creatures before settling in for three nights at the sustainable Ikala Galapagos Hotel.

The next two days promise more special encounters with native species found nowhere else in the world. As well as uncovering the highlights of Santa Cruz, enjoy a guided boat tour to a nearby paradise island and kayak in the crystal-clear waters of pristine Tortuga Bay. Snorkel with playful sea lions, watch marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks, and witness fearless blue-footed boobies perform their signature dance. Return home with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Ecuador’s incredible wildlife.