Complete Ecuador tour: Andes, Amazon and Galapagos

Begin your Ecuador travel in Quito, the country’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, your private driver will greet you and transfer you to your boutique hotel in the heart of the historic center.

After settling in, head out to explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial quarter. Take in the atmosphere of Plaza Grande, admire the intricate beauty of La Compañía and the striking architecture of La Basílica, then wander the charming streets of La Ronda.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel, where local flavors and warm hospitality offer the perfect introduction to Ecuador.

After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel for a walking tour through Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial center. Explore Plaza Grande, step inside the richly decorated La Compañía and admire the striking architecture of La Basílica, then wander along La Ronda, the oldest street in the city.

Continue with a hands-on cooking class in a historic colonial house in the heart of Old Town, where you will prepare and enjoy traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

In the afternoon, travel to Mitad del Mundo to stand on the Equator line and explore its museums, planetarium, and cultural exhibits.

Immerse yourself in Andean culture with a day trip to Otavalo, one of the best places to visit in Ecuador and home to one of South America’s most vibrant traditional markets. Browse colorful textiles, handcrafted goods, and fresh produce, meet local artisans, and sample street food such as salted mango and fried chicken with corn.

In the afternoon, continue to Cuicocha Crater Lake and hike along its scenic rim as your guide shares stories of the volcano and introduces the unique high altitude flora and fauna.

You may also choose to take a boat ride around the lagoon’s two islands before returning to Quito.

Today, your Ecuador trip takes you from Quito into the lush Mindo Cloud Forest on the western slopes of the Andes, a vibrant landscape of mist, birdsong, and remarkable biodiversity.

Explore peaceful forest trails leading to hidden waterfalls, visit a butterfly garden filled with color and movement, or choose to glide through the canopy on an exciting zipline for a different perspective of the forest.

Along the way, meet local chocolatiers, learn how cacao is transformed from bean to bar, and enjoy tasting your own freshly made creations.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Mindo, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the cloud forest. Follow quiet trails to hidden waterfalls, listen for birds in the canopy, or, for a more active start, glide above the valley on an exhilarating zipline.

You can also visit a local chocolate producer to discover the bean-to-bar process and sample rich, artisanal cacao that reflects the character of the region.

In the afternoon, return to Quito, carrying with you the calm and beauty of the cloud forest.

Fly from Quito to Coca on a scenic journey across the eastern Andes, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys below. Upon arrival, a local representative will escort you to the Napo River dock.

Board a motorized canoe for your journey into the Amazon, followed by a short paddle canoe ride for the final stretch to your jungle lodge, while the staff takes care of your luggage.

On arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and light snacks, followed by a brief orientation to the Amazon environment. After time to settle in, meet your naturalist guide for an introduction to local cultures, wildlife, and forest ecology.

Later, walk along the Matapalo Trail to encounter towering mahogany trees and strangler figs, and watch for wildlife as dusk approaches. Return to the lodge for dinner, with time to relax or enjoy optional activities such as lagoon swimming, kayaking, massages, or simply unwinding in the peaceful surroundings.

Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a guided walk to the national park’s observation tower, an ideal vantage point for spotting colorful birds and playful primates in the canopy.

Continue along the Tucaneta Trail, where your naturalist and native guides share insights into medicinal plants and the intricate ecology of the Amazon. Alternatively, venture toward the blackwater igapó forest and the lagoon of Mandi Cocha, home to unique bird species and the elusive giant otter.

After lunch, follow the Charapa Trail to the edge of the lagoon for wildlife viewing as the day winds down. As evening falls, take in the glow of an Amazonian sunset before gliding out on a canoe for a night excursion, where stargazing and sightings of rare nocturnal creatures create a memorable end to the day.

Rise early for a canoe ride to the parrot clay lick, a highlight of any Ecuador itinerary, located about an hour from the lodge. Here, up to eleven species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather in a vibrant display of color and sound.

Continue along a forest trail to the Kichwa community of Añangu, where you will share daily activities, stories, and traditions with a local family, gaining insight into life in the Amazon.

Hike through lush terra firme forest to a second clay lick, then enjoy lunch at the Napo Cultural Center alongside community members. In the afternoon, paddle back to the Napo Wildlife Center, with time to relax before dinner in the heart of the rainforest.

Venture deep into pristine primary rainforest from the Napo River dock, walking beneath towering trees while tracking signs of wildlife such as peccaries, deer, and tapir.

Arrive at the tranquil Mandi Cocha Lagoon and board a canoe to paddle through the blackwater igapó forest. As you glide along, watch for giant otters, vibrant birdlife, and several species of monkeys around Garzacocha Lagoon and along the Ceiba Trail, including squirrel monkeys, capuchins, howler monkeys, and pygmy marmosets.

After dark, set out on a guided night walk, listening to the sounds of the forest and searching for nocturnal creatures by flashlight.

Say farewell to the rainforest as you travel by motorized canoe back to Coca, taking in your final glimpses of jungle life along the river.

From Coca, fly to Quito, where your private driver will meet you on arrival. You will then be transferred to your centrally located hotel, an ideal base to continue your Ecuador trip.

After breakfast in Quito, your journey continues south into Cotopaxi National Park, home to the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. At Limpiopungo Lake, take in sweeping views of the volcano’s near-perfect cone as you walk along its shores.

Keep an eye out for highland birdlife and, with a bit of luck, wild horses roaming freely across the páramo.

If time and altitude permit, continue up to the José Ribas Refuge for a closer encounter with Cotopaxi and the dramatic landscapes of the high Andes.

Today, you visit the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, a turquoise crater lake surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks. Walk along the rim for sweeping views or follow the trail down to the water, with the option to ride a mule back up.

Continue to Baños de Agua Santa, a vibrant town set between the Andes and the Amazon. Relax in mineral-rich hot springs, admire waterfalls such as Agoyán, and visit the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa.

Take time to explore the lively streets and sample local treats, including handmade taffy, guava paste, candied peanuts, and traditional nougat.

Leave vibrant Baños behind and travel along scenic Andean roads, with views of the majestic Chimborazo volcano rising above the surrounding highlands.

At Chimborazo, experience the altitude as you hike toward the Carrel Refuge, taking in expansive views of valleys and snow-capped peaks. If you feel up to the challenge, you can continue higher for an even greater sense of accomplishment.

In the afternoon, continue to the Andean town of Riobamba, where you can unwind, connect with local life, and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

Travel south from Riobamba toward Cuenca, crossing the windswept, otherworldly dunes of Palmira. If time and conditions allow, stop at Baños del Inca to explore evocative ruins and relax in steaming hot springs long cherished by locals.

Continue into the lush landscapes of Gualaceo, known as the “Garden of Ecuador,” where you can admire delicate orchids and catch glimpses of traditional Andean life.

Later, arrive in Cuenca and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure, taking in the city’s colonial charm and unhurried atmosphere.

After breakfast in Cuenca, your journey continues west into the highlands of Cajas National Park. Follow scenic trails that wind past more than 200 shimmering lagoons, set within rugged páramo landscapes and dotted with unique Andean vegetation.

Along the way, learn how these interconnected watersheds feed rivers that eventually flow to both the Pacific and the Atlantic, shaping much of Ecuador’s natural geography.

In the afternoon, descend from the cool highlands to coastal Guayaquil with your private driver, experiencing a striking transition in climate, scenery, and culture.

Early this morning, your Ecuador trip continues as you are collected from your hotel in Guayaquil and transferred to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, meet your guide and begin your journey to Santa Cruz Island. Head into the lush highlands for a fresh lunch at a traditional farm, then walk along quiet trails to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Continue to Puerto Ayora to check in at your hotel before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn how international scientists work to protect these fragile ecosystems, explore the turtle breeding center, and observe land iguanas while gaining insight into the islands’ ongoing conservation efforts.

Set out by yacht from Santa Cruz to one of the Galápagos’ uninhabited islands. Depending on conditions and National Park permits, you may explore Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, each offering a unique landscape and wildlife experience.

Santa Fé and South Plazas are known for their endemic land iguanas and dramatic coastal cliffs, while Bartolomé impresses with its surreal lava formations and iconic panoramic views. On North Seymour, walk among frigate birds, land iguanas, and blue-footed boobies in one of the archipelago’s most active wildlife areas.

After a day of exploration, return to Puerto Ayora for a relaxed evening and time to wander the town at your own pace.

Begin your day with a short scenic flight from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island, offering views of the archipelago from above. After landing, visit the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station for close encounters with some of the Galápagos’ most iconic wildlife.

In the afternoon, join a guided excursion to Tintoreras Islet for a coastal walk and snorkeling experience. Observe Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, and sea lions along the lava-formed shoreline, and look for reef sharks resting in the calm channels.

Then slip into the turquoise water to swim among colorful fish, rays, sea turtles, and, if you are lucky, playful penguins. Return to Isabela Island for a relaxed evening at your own pace.

Explore the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters on Earth. Hike across vast lava fields shaped by past eruptions and take in sweeping views of Isabela’s northern volcanoes and distant Fernandina Island.

Along the way, notice the changing vegetation zones that reflect the island’s unique ecology, with a packed lunch enjoyed out on the trail.

Later, take a scenic flight from Isabela Island back to Santa Cruz, offering a final aerial perspective of the archipelago’s dramatic landscapes.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Santa Cruz, with time to explore at your own pace. Walk from Puerto Ayora to the pristine shores of Tortuga Bay, perfect for swimming, photography, and quiet moments by the sea.

Back in town, stroll along the waterfront, browse local boutiques, or seek out hidden coves along the coast. You may also choose to rent a bike and venture into the lush highlands for a different perspective of the island.

In the evening, unwind with dinner by the sea, savoring fresh seafood or gourmet cuisine at one of Santa Cruz’s oceanfront restaurants, a perfect way to slow down and reflect on your journey.

Make the most of your final morning in Santa Cruz with a relaxed stroll along Puerto Ayora’s waterfront or time to pick up last-minute souvenirs.

At the scheduled time, your driver will take you across the island to the Itabaca Channel. From there, cross by local ferry and continue by shuttle bus to the airport, offering one last glimpse of everyday life in the Galápagos.

Fly from Santa Cruz to Quito and connect with your international flight, departing Ecuador with lasting memories of your journey.