Ecuador and the Galapagos 

Day Three: Discover the magic of the Mindo Cloud Forest

Wake up with the songs of the Cloud Forest from birds all around the lodge. Through the Canopy experience, we can admire our stunning surroundings. During a walk around, we have the chance to spot beautiful landscapes and local fauna. After lunch, enjoy the warm weather around the pool. We will then transfer to Otavalo for a night's stay in a Hacienda, ready for the following day in the countryside (transfer approximately three hours).

• Breakfast included
• Overnight in Otavalo – Hacienda Cusín

Day Four: Otavalo Markets, Peguche Waterfalls and the Cuicocha crater lake

Today we visit the famous Handicraft Market in the Plaza de los Ponchos in Otavalo. Later, in the Community of Peguche, we attend a demonstration of different traditional weaving-techniques. After visiting the market, we journey to the sacred waterfall of Peguche, a spot for shamanistic ceremonies at special dates. Finally, we will visit the spectacular 3,000 years old Cuicocha crater lake. Then it's off to a hotel near Quito to head on to Cotopaxi the following day (transfer approximately 2.5 hours).

• Breakfast Included
• Overnight near Quito – San José de Puembo Hotel

Day Five: Cotopaxi National Park & Cotopaxi Volcano

After breakfast, we transfer to Cotopaxi National Park (transfer approximately two hours). Cotopaxi is one of the most important National Parks of Ecuador, where we witness one of the world's highest active volcanos. We head to one of the local Haciendas to meet our guide to receive instructions on riding horseback around the beautiful and unique landscapes of Cotopaxi Volcano. We will enjoy lunch in a restaurant boasting incredible views of Limpiopungo Lagoon that sits at the bottom of the Cotopaxi. At the end of the day, we head to a Hacienda to enjoy local culture of the Andes.

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
• Overnight in Cotopaxi National Park – Hacienda La Ciénega

Day Six: Quilotoa Crater Lake and Tigua Native Paintings Gallery

Once we’ve had breakfast, we head to Quilotoa Crater Lake (transfer approximately two hours). Many volcanoes overlook the Ecuadorian Andes, but Quilotoa's crown jewel is the vibrant coloured lake sitting in the crater. From several viewpoints, we will gaze into the depth and be left in awe. In one of the communities that belonged to the Hacienda of Tigua, there is an indigenous art gallery. Bright oils depict indigenous life on the campsite; working on the fields, masquerade festivals, local legends, and their interesting cosmovision, in which waterfalls, rocks, volcanoes, and condors appear as living spirits. The unique paintings of the Toaquiza family (and others) have been exhibited in Quito, Paris, and New York. 

Day Seven: Flight to Galapagos and San Cristóbal

After breakfast, we make the short transfer to the airport to fly to the Galapagos. Upon landing, we head to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal - a fascinating place to start learning about the archipelago. Next, we ascend Frigate Hill and gaze at the marvellous panoramic view of the rugged coastline. Finally, we descend to the secluded Carola Beach for a refreshing swim amidst Galapagos sea lions.

• Breakfast Included
• Overnight on San Cristobel island– Miconia Hotel

Day Eight: Diving into Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is a magnificent landmark just off the northwest coast of San Cristobal. It holds some of the most popular sites for scuba diving and deep-water snorkelling in the entire Galapagos Marine Reserve & Shark Sanctuary, without being overcrowded.

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
• Overnight on San Cristobel island– Miconia Hotel

Day Nine: Wildlife Spotting on our Española Island Hiking Trail

Today we will take a hiking trail of 1.6 km in Española island, the oldest of the Archipelago, where we can see endemic species, such as the Española mockingbird, the Galapagos hawk, the green-reddish marine iguanas and Galápagos sea lions. This island is one of the greatest in the world for birdwatchers, different kinds of finches, frigates, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies can be found. After lunch, we navigate to 'Bajo Gardner' for snorkelling. This is a shallow area where eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, batfish, turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks might be spotted.

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
• Overnight on San Cristobel island– Miconia Hotel

Day Ten: Unique Experiences in Santa Cruz

We start the day early today where we catch our speedboat to visit the Sanat Cruz Island and enjoy two of Puerto Ayora’s most popular excursions. Firstly, the Charles Darwin Research Station, with its Galapagos giant tortoise corrals, is a must-do for every Galapagos visitor. Beach lovers should also not miss Turtle Bay; it is only accessible on foot along a long but interesting nature trail (approximately 2.5km). Beyond the wild natural beach, fringed by exotic red mangroves, lies the island’s most popular recreational beach.

• Breakfast Included
• Overnight on Santa Cruz island – Lobo de Mar Hotel

Day Eleven: Remote Island Tour

Today, depending on local conditions, we get to explore a remote island. Options include Bartolomé, Seymour Santa Fé or South Plaza. Included today is lunch, snorkel equipment and a guide to help us understand and find the best spot for snorkelling. This evening, we enjoy dinner at El Muelle de Darwin Restaurant to bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands. 

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
• Overnight on Santa Cruz island – Lobo de Mar Hotel

Day Twelve: Flight from Galapagos to mainland Ecuador

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to take our flight back to the mainland. After transferring to our hotel and checking in, we have free time to relax at the hotel or explore the hotels garden and grounds, or even relax at the spa.

• Breakfast Included
• Overnight near Quito - San Jose de Puembo

Day Thirteen: Chakana Reserve & Evening Transfer

We spend our final morning together with a journey towards the Antisana volcano. With the Andes mountains as the backdrop, this area is ideal for birdwatching.  Our main visit will be to the Chakana Reserve (Jocotoco Foundation), an ideal spot for sighting the Andean condor, boasting the world's largest wingspan at over 3 meters. The lagoons in the Antisana also attract other amazing species, such as the Ecuadorian Hillstar, the Andean Ibis, the Giant hummingbird and the incredible Silvery Grebe. It is very important to mention that this Jocotoco Foundation protects and creates each reserve based on vulnerable species.    Later today, we transfer to the airport to take our connecting overnight flight back home. 

• Breakfast Included

Day Fourteen: Arrival back into the UK

Today we land back in the UK after our connecting overnight flight back home.