Compare Best of Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise by Indus Travels vs Galapagos Islands: Wildlife Odyssey by Discover Corps

Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services.  Upon arrival in Quito you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, where you will see eclectic architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to colonial churches.

Overnight in Quito

After breakfast you will enjoy a fully guided city tour of Quito. You will visit La Ronda, a beautiful street in the heart of the old city, and Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square.  Here you can see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and several historic churches. You can then enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint at Penecillo hill, before driving north of Quito to ‘the Middle of the World’, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres.  After spending time at the equator, you will return to Quito, where you are free to relax and enjoy the city at your leisure.

Overnight in Quito

Today you will depart Quito and drive north to the mainly indigenous town of Otavalo. You can taste exotic fruits in the Guayabamba Valley before crossing the Equator at Cayambe where, on a clear day, you can see the majestic snow-capped mountains and try some famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. At the foot of Imbabura Mountain enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake: San Pablo. Afterwards, visit the famous and colourful Otavalo Indian Market where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of textiles, including ponchos, rugs, mittens and scarves as well as jewellery and other artisanal work. If time permits you will also visit Cotacachi Village, known for its leather products and home to Cuicocha Crater Lake.

Overnight in Otavalo

This morning you will travel the same route taken by Francisco de Orellana on his way to explore the legendary “El Dorado”, in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, towards the moors of the Eastern mountain range. During this trip, you will see a radical change in scenery due to the changing altitude. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 m above sea level you will discover Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot waters.

Overnight in Papallacta

Today you will leave the majestic Andes highlands and travel down into the “Oriente”, or Amazon region. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs of the lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes await you for a short ride downstream to your lodge. Have a refreshing welcome cocktail and relax in the beautiful gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers before enjoying a delicious dinner, accompanied by the nightly sounds of the Amazon jungle.

Overnight in the Amazon

After breakfast this morning you will travel upstream by canoe and embark on a short walk to see some of the jungle's diverse secondary forest and visit the breathtaking "Cascada de Latas" waterfall, and if you wish you can take a refreshing dip in its clear crystal waters. After lunch, back at the lodge you will put on your "wet gear" (rubber boots and rain poncho) and enjoy an exciting walk in the rainforest with your expert native guide.  You will see a great variety of plants and insects, and may be lucky enough to see exotic birds and monkeys weaving around the giant trees. Later this afternoon you will return to the lodge in time for another delectable evening meal served among the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Overnight in the Amazon

Today you will depart the Amazon and travel east to Baños, a small city located in a valley of scenic waterfalls, tempting hot springs and the impressive Tungurahua volcano.  Visit the famous waterfalls “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo”, before enjoying incredible views of the active Tungurahua volcano from a lookout point.

Overnight in Baños

Your destination today is the bustling city of Guayaquil. On arrival, you will enjoy a city tour visiting the picturesque Las Peñas area and the Malecon, the lively square overlooking the Guayas River. At the Malecon you will visit some important historical sites, including La Rotonda, a monument that immortalizes the meeting between generals Simon Bolivar and San Martin. Afterwards you will walk through the old town and visit Seminario Park, which is home to many iguanas! This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Guayaquil

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world famous Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be met by our experienced cruise staff and escorted to your boat.  This afternoon you will sail to the island of Santa Cruz where you can enjoy a tour of the highlands, a lush, deep green area populated with Scalesia trees.  Here you will have the opportunity to observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment and see underground lava tubes that are over half a mile long – exploring them is a surreal experience!

Overnight on board 

This morning you will sail to Floreana Island and visit Post Office Bay.  You will see the unofficial mailbox created from a wooden barrel by whalers who visited the island in the 18th century – the tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards and sort through left mail to deliver at home.  This afternoon you will visit Cormorant Point, home to a large flamingo lagoon where you can also see other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails.  You will also have the chance to see some of the island’s distinct beaches, including “Green Beach”, which has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and “Four Sand Beach”, which is composed of white coral.

Overnight on board

Today you will sail to Española Island and visit Suarez Point, where you can enjoy a hike out to see blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. There is also a famous blowhole here, where water spurts high into the air.  This afternoon you will visit Gardner Bay on the eastern side of the island, the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has a beautiful white sandy beach where sea lions bask in the sunshine; this is a great place for diving and snorkeling.

Overnight on board 

This morning you will visit Kicker Rock on the island of San Cristobal, where the rocks stand hundreds of feet above the ocean, jutting out of the water.  Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks and occasionally even manta rays.  This afternoon you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight back home via Quito.

Day 1: Arrive in Quito and Meet Your Group

Meals: Dinner

On arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport, you’ll be met by a member of our staff for the short journey to your home away-from-home. After a welcome cocktail as you settle into your hotel, sample Ecuadorian cuisine at a welcome dinner and discuss the schedule for the week before a relaxing night.

Day 2: Quito Cable Car City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning we’ll head to the city center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, eventually making our way to Teleferico Complex, the 4,050 meter cable car located on the summit of Cruz Loma. Experience an unforgettable view of the city, 14 peaks of the Andes (or the “Avenue of Volcanoes”), and the surrounding mountain towns. After returning to town for dinner, experience Quito by night on a city tour around the beautiful colonial part of the city. Marvel at breathtaking views of the famous colonial churches illuminated by night before heading to Panecillo Hill for your final and most spectacular view of the city – a panoramic night view where each church lights up the sky.

Day 3: Journey to Otavalo and Learn Ecuadorian Culture from the Peguche People

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast move on to Otavalo, the village town famous for its artisan markets. Taste the delicious “bizcochos,” a traditional recipe of the Ecuadorian highlands, visit a textile market, and take in the culture of the indigenous Otavalenos as you meander through the streets. Visit the people of Peguche for lunch, live music, and a lesson in creating traditional Andean instruments. Enjoy dinner back in Quito and a free night to relax and prepare for an early morning.

Day 4: Spot Galapagos Giant Tortoises at the Galapaguera Breeding Center

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, catch a 2-hour flight out to San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos Islands. You will be met by our naturalist guide who will take us to the San Cristobal highlands for a traditional lunch. Get your first taste of wildlife at The Junco Lake, an inactive volcano home to frigate birds, before a medium-level hike 1 hour to the Galapaguera Breeding Center.* Run by the Galapagos National Park Authority, travelers will have the opportunity to not only see these magnificent tortoises, but also see some of their eggs and learn about the Center’s conservation efforts. After a busy afternoon, relax on the white sand beaches of Puerto Chino before heading back to the hotel for an ocean view dinner.

Day 5: Experience the Wildlife and Beaches of San Cristobal Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day five marks our move to the water. Visit the tucked-away beach of White Rose Bay. Because this is not a common stop for travelers visiting San Cristobal Island, we’ll experience a very open, uncrowded place to snorkel and watch manta rays, sharks, seahorses, and more (for those interested in fishing, move on to Punta Pitt). After lunch, move through Sardine Bay and hike 30 min up to Punta Pucuna, a place only recently opened up to travelers, where you will get the unique opportunity to see the lava ground. Humans have not modified this land in any way, so it is a unique and usually untouchable place. Continue your journey to Cerro Brujo and Kicker Rock, a gorgeous rock formation full of Galapagos wildlife including the endemic Galapagos shark, before enjoying dinner with a local fisherman and his family.

Day 6: Visit a Local Farm and Learn about Coffee Harvesting

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, journey to El Trinar, a farm that has been supporting the work of the MAGAP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animals of Ecuador, and the Galapagos National Park. Get an up-close look at the coffee harvesting and fruit picking process, and take part in Otoy recollection – the food the tortoises will eat. Enjoy a fresh, organic lunch with the produce grown at the farm before relaxing and snorkeling at La Lobería.

Day 7: Free Day or Charles Darwin Station

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Awake bright and early to board the boat to Santa Cruz. Today is a free day to enjoy the amenities at your luxurious hotel, scout for wildlife just outside your front door, or take a five-minute walk to the Charles Darwin Station to learn more about the ongoing conservation effects taking place to preserve the giant tortoises.

Day 8: Snorkel in the Famous Bahia Borrero Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Zip over to Pinzon Island, the island where Charles Darwin first proved his theory of evolution, for world-class snorkeling. Move on to Daphne Island for more snorkeling and fantastic bird watching – keep your eyes open for the Daphne Island finch and the blue footed boobies!

On Daphne Island, feel like you’re on the moon and marvel at two craters – the Daphne Major and the Daphne Minor. Spend your afternoon and early evening in Bahia Borrero Bay, some of the best snorkeling in the world, before heading back to Pinzon Island and finally Santa Cruz Island for dinner.

Day 9: Visit the Gorgeous Tortuga Bay for World-Class Wildlife Scouting

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, experience Tortuga Bay, famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that stretches across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Full of wildlife including iguanas, colorful reef fish, white-reef sharks, hammerhead rays and seas turtles, it’s a great place to try surfing, kayaking, or to just relax on the beach. In the afternoon, visit Las Grietas, or “the cracks,” a series of volcanic crevices that were formed during the cooling of molten lava.

Day 10: Return Home or Continue on to the Amazon Basin

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head for your local flight back to Quito. Either catch your international flight back home or continue on to our Amazon Basin extension (next page).