Ecuador guided tour: Andes, Amazon and Galapagos journey

Begin your Ecuador guided tour in Quito, the high altitude capital and a gateway to unforgettable Ecuador travel. On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your boutique hotel in the historic center.

After settling in, step out to explore UNESCO listed colonial Quito. Visit Plaza Grande, admire the intricate beauty of La Compañía and the impressive La Basílica, then wander the atmospheric streets of La Ronda.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel, where Ecuadorian flavors are thoughtfully presented in an intimate and locally inspired setting.

After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will meet you for a walking tour through Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in culture and architecture. Explore Plaza Grande, admire the intricate details of La Compañía and the grandeur of La Basílica, and experience everyday life along La Ronda, the city’s oldest and most atmospheric street.

In the afternoon, continue to the Mitad del Mundo monument, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equatorial line first identified by French scientists. Explore interactive exhibits and capture memorable photos at this iconic landmark.

Set out from Quito on a private journey south to the extinct Pasochoa Volcano, where a rewarding day of exploration awaits. The trail opens to sweeping views of the surrounding Andes before leading you into a rare pocket of original Andean forest hidden within the crater.

Hike for five to six hours through this unique ecosystem, home to a remarkable diversity of birdlife, wild horses, and, with luck, the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead.

After a full day immersed in high altitude landscapes, return to Quito for a restful evening.

Start your day with an unforgettable high altitude adventure on Rucu Pichincha, rising above Quito on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. This active experience adds a dynamic edge to your Ecuador guided tour, revealing the country from a completely different perspective.

Ride the TelefériCo cable car from the city up, where sweeping views open across the Andean landscape. From here, follow a scenic trail through golden páramo, hiking for around three hours as you gradually gain elevation. The final stretch brings a rewarding and slightly challenging scramble to the summit.

At the top, take in panoramic views before descending and returning to Quito by cable car, completing a memorable day in the Andes.

Begin your day in the highlands around Cuicocha Lagoon, one of the best places to visit in Ecuador, where scenic trails wind through vibrant Andean flora and overlook deep blue waters set within a volcanic crater.

Continue to the tranquil region of Otavalo, known for its rich culture and authentic atmosphere. Arrive at your charming hacienda and take time to unwind in its peaceful surroundings, enjoying a sense of remoteness and connection to the highlands, far from the crowds.

Travel from Otavalo into the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, where dramatic Andean peaks rise on all sides. Set out on a guided hike toward the foot of Cotopaxi’s glacier, where you will practice essential mountaineering techniques using specialist equipment under the guidance of experienced local professionals.

This hands-on experience builds both skill and confidence as you prepare for your next high-altitude challenge.

End the day at a traditional hacienda near Cotopaxi, where warm hospitality, crackling fireplaces, and sweeping views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes create a memorable Andean evening.

After breakfast, continue your Ecuador guided tour with a private transfer toward Cayambe Volcano, accompanied by experienced mountain guides who support you throughout the day.

Begin a three-hour hike to the Cayambe Refuge, where you enjoy a box lunch and take part in glacier practice under expert supervision, building confidence with your equipment and techniques.

After an early dinner and time to rest, your guides will assist you in preparing for the ascent. Around midnight, fully equipped and supported at every stage, you begin your climb toward the summit. Over the next five to six hours, your expert team leads you safely across the glacier, managing pace, safety, and conditions as you progress.

Reaching the summit, take in the vast Andean landscape before beginning your descent, completing one of the most rewarding experiences of your Ecuador journey.

After waking near the Cotopaxi Refuge, enjoy your final moments in the high Andes, surrounded by sweeping views. Your guide will then drive you back to Quito, passing through dramatic valleys and traditional highland communities.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the creative La Floresta neighborhood, relax in Carolina Park, or visit museums and viewpoints such as Itchimbía Park for panoramic views over the city.

Fly from Quito to Coca on a short, scenic journey over the Eastern Andes. On arrival, continue to the river port, where the rhythm of the jungle begins to take over, and the pace of life slows.

Arrive at the Napo Cultural Center in the ancestral territory of the Kichwa Añangu community. You are welcomed with a refreshing wayusa and an introduction to life in the Amazon before settling into your rainforest view room.

Set out on the Playas trail, watching for wildlife along riverbanks and forest edges in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Later, enjoy an optional kayak on the Napo River as the sun sets, before returning for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by jungle sounds.

Rise early for breakfast before continuing your Ecuador guided tour deep into Yasuni National Park. Set out with your naturalist and native guides to the Yasuni Observation Tower, climbing above the forest canopy for sweeping views and the chance to spot vibrant birdlife and, with luck, playful primates.

Return along the Tucaneta Trail, where your guides share insight into medicinal plants, or continue to the blackwater lagoon of Mandi Cocha, a quiet igapó forest habitat known for rare birds and giant otters.

After lunch, explore the Charapa Trail before heading out on a night canoe excursion. Glide through calm waters under the stars as your guides help you spot elusive nocturnal wildlife, bringing the rainforest to life after dark.

Rise before dawn to take part in a traditional Kichwa wayusa ceremony, a meaningful moment within your Ecuador itinerary. Sip this sacred, energizing tea as you listen to ancestral songs, meditate with your hosts, and share dream interpretations, gaining rare insight into Amazonian culture that has shaped life in the rainforest for generations.

Later, travel by motorized canoe back to Coca, taking in your final views of the jungle. From here, fly to Quito, where your private driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

Set off from Quito on a day tour to the Mindo Nambillo Ecological Reserve, a lush cloud forest in the subtropical Mindo Valley. Perched on the edge of the Andes, this misty landscape is a haven for wildlife and one of Ecuador’s top birdwatching regions, home to more than 400 species, including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and the elusive Andean cock of the rock.

Visit Mindo Chocolate Makers, where you can learn the craft behind small-batch chocolate and create your own. Continue to a butterfly sanctuary alive with vibrant color and movement.

For those seeking adventure, optional activities include tubing along forest rivers or gliding through the canopy on zip lines, offering a different perspective of this rich and diverse ecosystem.

Begin this stage of your Ecuador guided tour with a private transfer to the airport and a flight from Quito to the Galapagos. On arrival, continue to Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises up close.

Explore the town’s lively waterfront, fish market, and wildlife-rich shores, where sea lions, iguanas, and pelicans gather. Walk to Laguna de las Ninfas to discover mangroves and birdlife, then unwind at Tortuga Bay. Here, relax on white sand, swim in clear waters, or enjoy snorkeling and kayaking in one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful settings.

Begin your day with an unforgettable introductory scuba experience off the coast of Santa Cruz. Your instructor will guide you through essential techniques and equipment before leading you into the water from the beach, allowing you to build confidence at a comfortable pace.

This non-certification dive reaches depths of up to 10 meters and takes place at one of three National Park-approved sites around Santa Cruz. In the clear waters, watch for hammerhead sharks, white tip sharks, sea lions, golden rays, sea turtles, and vibrant schools of fish, offering an incredible first glimpse into the Galapagos underwater world.

Today takes you deeper into the rich marine world surrounding Santa Cruz Island. Join a guided scuba excursion to one of the region’s premier sites, such as Gordon Rocks, Carrion Point, Daphne, or North Mosquera, with the exact location chosen according to conditions and National Park regulations.

Explore vibrant underwater landscapes alongside your expert dive guides, with opportunities to encounter diverse marine life in one of the Galapagos’ most renowned diving areas.

Return to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening, whether strolling along the waterfront, sampling fresh seafood, or simply soaking up the laid-back rhythm of island life.

Enjoy a free day on Santa Cruz, a flexible moment within your Ecuador guided tour to shape entirely to your style. Hike the scenic trail to Tortuga Bay, wander the relaxed streets of Puerto Ayora, or browse local shops for artisan souvenirs.

For a more active option, rent a bike and ride into the cooler highlands for sweeping island views, or set out to discover hidden coves along the coast. Later, unwind by the sea or join a snorkeling excursion, embracing the natural rhythm and freedom of Galapagos island life.

Make the most of your final morning in Puerto Ayora with time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed stroll along the waterfront, taking in your last views of the Galapagos Islands.

At the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you across Santa Cruz to the Itabaca Channel. Cross by ferry, then continue by shuttle bus to the airport for your flight to Quito.

On arrival, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the capital, enjoying a gentle return to city life.

Enjoy a final morning in Quito, taking in the crisp Andean light and savoring a last taste of local flavors.

At the designated time, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and provide a smooth transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. As your Ecuador guided tour comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the volcanoes, rainforest, and ocean landscapes that have shaped this unforgettable journey.