DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

DAY 2 - OPTION 1
Otavalo Market & Craft Villages in the Hacienda Highlands (view in detail)
Early in the morning we set out north with our guide along the famed ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ to the village of Otavalo. The Otavalo Indian market is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Then it is on to the village of Peguche for a weaving demonstration, followed by Cotacachi, home to Ecuador's finest leather craftsmen. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L)

DAY 2 - OPTION 2
Papallacta Hot Springs (view in detail)
If you are looking for maximum relaxation and the ultimate way to decompress after your flight to Ecuador we recommend a visit to Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa. Outdoor pools brimming with natural thermal waters beneath green volcanic peaks await. There is a wonderful hike through the area’s nature reserve beside a very lively creek with water falls. But the real attraction is the springs and spa, on par with just about anything you will find around the world, but at extremely reasonable rates. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L, D)

DAY 2 - OPTION 3
Hummingbird Excursion in the Tandayapa Cloud Forest (view in detail)
Just an hour and a half north east of Quito stands a primeval cloud forest set in the mountains above the Tandayapa River. Here a North American has discovered what could be the birders’ paradise of the world. Even without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds who frequent the feeders of this former cow pasture, the list of bird species seen here would rival—and may well surpass—any single location in the world. If you want your species list to expand exponentially, this is a must visit. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L, D)

DAY 2 - OPTION 4
Full Day Quito City Tour with Aerial Tram or Equator Monument (view in detail)
On a walking tour along its cobblestone streets we will have the chance to view the colonial section of Quito. This section is a living museum of grand en colonial architecture; its mansions, cathedrals and squares have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will also marvel at the ornate interior of the Baroque/Moorish Church of San Francisco as well as the golden interior of La Compañia church. For the second part of the tour you can choose to visit the Equator monument, the site of a small colonial town crowded with craft shops and restaurants. This excursion includes a visit to the marvelous Ethnographic Museum, which traces the history and archeology of Ecuador’s native peoples back to the Pleistocene. Or, you can choose to take a ride on the Aerial Tram which in just 10 minutes takes you to 4,050 meters, for a spectacular city overlook, as well as a breathtaking view of the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. (B, L, D)

DAY 3
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight
After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

DAYS 3 - 10
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace
See M/V Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See M/Y Grace's Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 10
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Mainland / Hotel
Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the Colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Quito and Ecuador!

DAY 11
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home
Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.

DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

DAY 2
Full day at Otavalo market & Surrounding Craft Villages
Early in the morning we set out north with our guide along the famed ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ to the village of Otavalo. The Otavalo Indian market is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Then it is on to the village of Peguche for a weaving demonstration, followed by Cotacachi, home to Ecuador's finest leather craftsmen. This is a trip for those looking for colorful scenery, cultures and bargains. Late in the afternoon we take you to your hacienda where you will spend the night. (B, D)

DAY 3
Hacienda Activities + Visit to Cuicocha Crater Lake
After a relaxed breakfast you may just want to enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens of your hacienda or go horseback riding in the area (extra cost involved). You can also decide to go to Cuicocha Lake instead for a wonderful partial hike around the crater lake or a ride in a motorized canoe to get a close look at the islets. This will give you the opportunity to see highland hummingbirds and orchids besides the spectacular Andean scenery. In the late afternoon we return to your hotel in Quito. Dinner is on your own. (B, L)

DAY 4
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight
After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

DAYS 5 - 11
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace

See Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See Grace's Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 11
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Quito / Hotel
Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the the colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Ecuador! (B, L)

DAY 12
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home
Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home. (B)

DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner is on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

DAY 2
Full Day Outing at Papallacta Hot Springs and Surroundings
An hour and fifteen minute drive east of Quito brings one to a place of outdoor pools brimming with natural thermal waters beneath green volcanic peaks and towering snow-capped Antisana volcano. For those looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa is the perfect place. The first thing you will want to do is wonder through the gardens and marvel at the seemingly endless supply of water pouring out of pottery earns into the pools. The grounds are extensive. Next you will want to jump in! There are pools right outside your cabins and your are free to roam and explore each one as you relax your way along. Spa treatments are very reasonably priced and are best ordered from a menu prior to arrival, though you are also be able to arrange these on the spot. The hotel, spa and public area all offer top notch restaurants offering the freshest of ingredients (try the fresh fruit juices) used to create both local and international dishes. By the time you retire this evening you will feel as though you have become part of this relaxing environment. (B)

DAY 3
Papallacta Hot Springs
Papallacta offers its own nature reserve that follows a very lively creek. You can hire a guide to take you on a hike deep into a reserve up the valley along the creek and into the mountains above. The creek offers outlooks where you can enjoy waterfalls while looking for the reserve’s wildlife. You also have the better part of the day to continue enjoying the springs and spa. The spa also  offers some inner secrets and amazing treatments. You can visit an indoor grotto where steaming spring water passes over a large natural stone to create an amazing steam bath. The water has amazing properties, is odorless and is easy on your skin acting as a softener. There is even a water massage treatment of try the stone or Andean mud treatments.

After another near full day of  relaxation we say farewell to this magical part of the planet to return down the long Andean valley to Quito. (B, L)

DAY 4
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight
After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

DAYS 5 - 11
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace

See Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See Grace's Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 11
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Quito / Hotel
Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the the colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Ecuador! (B, L)

DAY 12
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home
Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home. (B)

DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner is on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

DAY 2
Full Day Outing at Mindo and the Tandayapa Reserve
High in the Andes, just an hour and a half northwest of Quito, is a primeval cloud forest set in ridges and valleys above the Tandayapa River. Along our route we spend time visiting an orchid reserve before continuing on into the cloud forest to our destination. Tony Nunnery, who hails from Alabama and worked at Monte Verde in Costa Rica, which is considered one of the most biologically diverse Parks in the world, purchased some cow pastures and forest land above the river. He hung out some hummingbird feeders and built his home. The result is one of the top hummingbird viewing areas on the planet. You’ll be able to watch a seemingly endless procession hummingbirds fly in to feed. Thirty one species have been recorded in the area, but on any given day you can expect to see 15 species or more and hundreds of individuals. Even without counting the hummingbirds, the list of bird species seen here would rival—and may well surpass—any single location in the world. If you want your species list to expand exponentially, this is a must visit. After a day of birdwatching and easy hiking in the cloud forest, we head a little further down the road to Arasha Resort & Spa.(B)

DAY 3
Relax at Arasha + Birdwatching in Sachatamia
After a relaxed breakfast you will have time to enjoy Arasha Resort & Spa and its pools. We will set out to Sachatamia late in the morning where guests may walk through a natural subtropical jungle, passing pristine rivers discovering a variety of endemic trees, plants and wild flower species. Highlight of any stay in Sachatamia should be bird watching of over 100 bird species. This is a hummingbird paradise!

You will spend most of the day at Sachatamia Rainforest Reserve in search of orchids, hummingbirds and the cloud forest creatures. Toward the end of the day we return to Quito arriving in the early evening. Once again dinner is on your own. (B, L)

DAY 4
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight
After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

DAYS 5 - 11
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace

See Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See Grace's Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 11
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Quito / Hotel
Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the the colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Ecuador! (B, L)

DAY 12
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home
Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home. (B)

DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel
You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

DAY 2
Flight to Cuenca / Full Day Cuenca City Tour
After an early breakfast we transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Cuenca. Cuenca is ideal for those looking to blend into the relaxed setting of a truly romantic colonial city. A walk along its cobblestone streets or just watching people go by in its town square is both peaceful and inspiring. Declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, Cuenca is considered the most beautiful city in the country due to its architecture, surroundings and small town ambiance. The city is crossed by four rivers and surrounded by green valleys. Sights to be visited include the blue-domed Cathedral, the flower market and the Cañari and Inca ruins of Pumapungo. We also take you to the Ethnographic and Conceptas Museums, the latter with a fine collection of religious art. (B, L)

DAY 3
The Inca Ruins of Ingapirca
One-and-a-half hours north of Cuenca and passing by small Andean towns and indigenous villages, is the Inca astronomical observatory and fortress of Ingapirca. This is the most important Inca site in Ecuador, where the Inca and his entourage would rest during trips to this northern part of the Empire. The structure of the Central Temple offers classic Inca architecture: walls formed by square or polygonal blocks, trapezoidal doorways, niches and windows, rectangular rooms and the typical circular highland fortress of that period. After lunch on site we return to Cuenca by mid-afternoon. (B, L)

DAY 4
El Cajas National Park
About 1 hour outside of Cuenca is the rugged and beautiful El Cajas National Park. With over 200 lakes and ponds of ancient glacial origin, it has a total extension of 28,800 hectares with altitudes ranging from 2500 to 4,500m / 7500 to 14,700 ft above sea level. The National Park is home to hummingbirds, partridges, condors, hawks, spectacle bears, white tail deer, tapir, and many other Andean species that are commonly spotted while we are surrounded by the typical tundra-like environment of the paramo and among amazing geological formations. We return to Cuenca in time to board our late afternoon flight back to Quito and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

DAY 5
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight
After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)

DAYS 6 - 12
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace

See Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See Grace's Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 12
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Mainland / Hotel
Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the Colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Quito and Ecuador!

DAY 13
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home
Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.