Ecuador, pure nature!
Fernando’sfeeling about Ecuador Nature tour
This 20-day “nature” themed trip to Ecuador will give you a broad overview of the extraordinary biodiversity of our adopted country. Ecuador is divided into four regions with radically different biotopes (Amazonia, Andes, Pacific Coast, and Galapagos Islands), it offers a magnificent playground for lovers of nature and wide-open spaces.
Following your arrival in Quito, we have decided to introduce you to the Andes Cordillera first, which is the longest mountain range in the world. You will go in search of the famous condor (emblematic animal of Ecuador) while walking through magnificent landscapes: Cotopaxi National Park, the Chimborazo reserve, and the Mindo region (the Cloud Forest, a paradise for birdwatching!).
Then, your trip to Ecuador will bring you to meet the primary Amazonia, in the heart of the Cuyabeno Reserve. Finally, you will go to the Galapagos archipelago, which is another world…
Indicative route :
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer-in to Quito | Quito city tour | Quito > Equator Line > Cloud Forest (Mindo Region) | Cloud Forest > Cotopaxi National Park |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
| Cotopaxi Park > Tigua | Tigua > Quilotoa > Chugchilan (Trekday 1) | Chugchilan > Isinlivi (Trekday 2) > Riobamba | Riobamba > Chimborazo reserve > Riobamba |
| Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 |
| Riobamba > Baños | Baños > Quito | Quito > El Coca > Amazon rainforest (Yasuní Reserve) | Amazon rainforest (Cuyabeno reserve) |
| Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 |
| Amazon rainforest (Yasuní Reserve) | Amazon rainforest > El Coca > Quito | Quito > Galápagos (San Cristobal island) | Galápagos (San Cristobal island) |
| Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 |
| Galápagos (San Cristobal island) | San Cristóbal > Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz island – North Seymour | Santa Cruz > Baltra > Quito/Guayaquil – departure |
Tour highlights :
– Visit 4 reserves or protected parks during your trip to Ecuador.
– One week in the incredible Galapagos Archipelago.
– 3 nights in the primary Amazon rainforest, in the Yasuní National Park.
– Discovery magnificent spots: Cotopaxi Park and Chimborazo Reserve, the Cloud forest (Mindo Region) and Quilotoa.
– Completely private transport & guides in the Andes region
Rates (per person) :
| 2 people | 4 people |
|---|---|
| $ 5794 | $ 5076 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based on the “Superior” 3/4**** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Comfort” 2/3*** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– Accommodation in superb lodges, haciendas, inns, & hotels
– All transfers, vehicles, guides, and , drivers (their costs and fees).
– Guides as indicated in the “Guides & Drivers” part.
– Meals included in this program
– Licenses and entrances to National Parks (except Galápagos)
Rate Doesn’t include
– Roundtrip tickets to Galapagos
– Entrance to the Galápagos National Park
– International Flights
– INGALA Migration Card
– Individual Equipment
– Activities indicated as “optional” or “at an additional cost”
– Alcoholic drinks
– Tips
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Transfer-in to Quito
Arrival to Quito. Transfer to your charming hotel located in a lively and pleasant area.
Meal
D
Visit
No
Hike
No
transport
1h00
Day 2 : Quito visit
Full-day city tour in Quito you will visit the city at your own pace with your private English-speaking guide. In the late afternoon you will head to the Cloud Forest. You will discover a charming private reserve and stay surrounded by a great biodiversity, in the Mindo region.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 3 : The Cloud Forest
Today you will discover a great biodiversity in the heart of the Cloud Forest. Indeed, Ecuador has one of the last remnants of this rich type of forest.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
5h00
Hike
2h00
transport
0h30'
Day 4 : Cloud Forest > Cotopaxi National Park
The starts early to allow you to observe the birds up close. From Mindo, you can go in search of the famous cock of the rock.
In the afternoon, transfer to Cotopaxi Park where you will stay in a superb hacienda in front of the Volcano.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
3h30
Hike
0h00
transport
3h30
Day 5 : Cotopaxi National Park > Tigua
You will visit the famous Cotopaxi Park which is the highest active volcano in the world with its 5,897m. You can go hiking around the Limpiopungo lake and/or go up to the Cotopaxi refuge. At an additional cost you can go horseback riding or mountain biking. You will then travel to Tigua in a charming typical Andean inn.
Meal
b/L/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
1h to 4h
transport
2h30
Day 6 : Tigua > Quilotoa > Chugchilan (Trekday 1)
In the morning you will go to the Quilotoa lake, the starting point of your 2-day trek.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
4h00
transport
0h45
Day 7 : Chugchilan > Isinliví > Riobamba (Trekday 2)
You will begin your second day of trekking towards the village of Isinliví where your driver will meet you to continue your journey towards the city of Riobamba.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
5h00
transport
2h45
Day 8 : Riobamba > Chimborazo Reserve > Riobamba
In the morning you will get to the heart of the Chimborazo reserve to the Hermanos Carrel refuge. You will see vicuñas in total freedom. You can take a more or less long hike there, according to your desire.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
1-3h
transport
2h00
Day 9 : Riobamba > Baños
In the morning you will get to the lively and vibrant spa-town of Baños. You, in the company of your guide, will visit some of the nicest spots in this lively town. Check in your charming hotel in the afternoon.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
3-4hh00
Hike
1h00
transport
2h30
Day 10 : Baños > Quito
You will have a free morning in Baños. At an additional cost you can take part in several activities available.In the afternoon you will return to the Ecuadorian capital. Check in your hotel and time to rest!
Meal
b/l
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
3h30
Day 11 : Quito > El Coca > Amazon rainforest (Yasuní National park)
You will flight from Quito airport to El Coca city, gateway to the primary Amazon Rainforest. After a 2-hour motor-boat transfer, you will arrive in your lodge, by the lake, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
2h00
Hike
0h30'
transport
3h30
Day 12 : Amazon rainforest
Visits are planned by the lodge in question. You will tame the Amazon rainforest environment.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 13 : Amazon rainforest
Visits are planned by the lodge in question. You will tame the Amazon rainforest environment.
Meal
bld
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 14 : Amazon rainforest > El Coca > Quito
You will be transferred by canoe back to el Coca city where you will catch your regional flight back to civilization, Quito.
Meal
b
Visit
1h30
Hike
0h30'
transport
3h30
Day 15 : Quito > Galapagos (San Cristobal island)
Flight to San Cristobal then transfer to your hotel. You will have some free time in afternoon, enjoy the port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2-3h30
Day 16 : San Cristobal island – Española island
You will visit Española Island. Well known for the emblematic Albatrosses which are endemic to this particular island. This will be a unique experience!
Meal
b/l
Visit
5h00
Hike
1h00
transport
4h30
Day 17 : San Cristobal island – 360 Tour
During this snorkeling-par-excellence tour you will go around San Cristobal Island. You will make stops in the best spots, go snorkeling .
Meal
b/l
Visit
5h00
Hike
1h00
transport
3h00
Day 18 : San Cristobal island > Santa Cruz island
After about a 2-hour transfer by speedboat you will Arrive to Santa Cruz, transfer to your hotel, and installation (depending on the arrival time you might not be able to use your room).
Take advantage of your day to go to one of the free accessible sites:
– Tortuga Bay
– Charles Darwin Station
– Grietas
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2h00
Day 19 : Santa Cruz island – North Seymour island
In the morning, you will be transferred to the Itabacca Canal where you will take a boat to North Seymour Island. This island is famous for its many birds and iguanas species.
Meal
b/l
Visit
3h00
Hike
2h00
transport
4h00
Day 20 : Santa Cruz island > Baltra > Quito/Guayaquil – departure
Transfer to Baltra airport where you will take your flight to Guayaquil or Quito. Depending on your international flight’s schedule you can take it this same day, only in the Guayaquil international airport.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2-3h30
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort » Tourist Superior category : charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Superior » First Class category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** categoryoffering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
* Andes:
=> Private Guide/Driver (on Days 2-10, except on Day 3). transfers and visits with your English-speaking certified guide / professional driver.
Note:
* For groups of 4+ you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide + a Spanish-speaking driver.
* On day 1, transfer In with your Spanish-speaking driver only.
* Amazon Rainforest:
=> Collective Naturalist Guide (on Days 11-14). Activities will take place in the company of your English-speaking guide in groups (max 6 people).
* Galapagos:
=> Collective English-speaking guide (on days 17, 17 & 19). Naturalist guide during activities. Transport and activities will be collective (Groups max 20 people).
=> Private Driver (on Days 15, 18 & 20). Transfers with your Spanish-speaking driver.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket (gore tex type)
-1 waterproof jacket (type kway)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– beach clothing -if necessary-
– cap
Additional :
-1 water bottle
– sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars
– No specific physical or technical level is required for this trip. However, some walks will be planned. They will not be physically hard but you will have to accept to walk 2 to 3 hours straight
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!