Day 1: Start your journey to Ecuador

Start your journey to Ecuador. As there is a time difference you may lose a day during the outward journey, but this will be recouped on your return trip back home. Don’t worry, you are not in-flight for two days.

Day 2: Canada – Quito
Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito.

If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

If you want to have the hotel room available before 2:00 p.m., you can add early check-in at an additional cost. Contact our travel advisors for more detail.

Day 3: Quito – Tena – Amazony (B/D)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a guided Quito city tour to get to know the capital’s most emblematic sights. Admire the colonial-era architecture and picturesque plazas and stroll through the narrow streets of the city center. In the afternoon leave Quito behind as you set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Arrive in time for dinner. Overnight in Tena.

Day 4: Amazon (B/L/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off for a wildlife walk through the primary and secondary rainforest of the Amazon. Look out for tropical wildlife and appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the jungle. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure with the opportunity to join in optional Amazon activities organized at the lodge. Once the sun sets, enjoy a fascinating night walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon.

Day 5: Amazon – Tena – Middle of the World – Quito (B)
After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. Along the way, visit the Middle of the World Monument, on the equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 6: Quito (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Otavalo, the Quilotoa Crater Lake excursion or booking our Pack of 3 Excursions. Overnight stay in Quito.

Optional Otavalo Day Tour: Full-day tour to various towns in the Andean highlands where you’ll discover some of the local gastronomy and traditional way of life. Start off your experience by tasting the interesting Cherimoya fruits in Guayllabamba, carry on to try the local biscuits made by the community in Cayambe. You will then be guided around the indigenous markets in Otavalo, Peguche and Cotacachi and get to know the story of the native people.

Day 7: Quito – San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It’s also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get comfortable before setting off on a brief afternoon tour of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Explore this quaint coastal community and get to know its most important sights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax before your adventure continues tomorrow. Alternatively, take part in a Ceviche-making workshop in a local restaurant near the beach of Playa Mann! Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Optional Beach Cooking Class in San Cristobal: Learn how to cook the traditional Galapagos dish of ceviche with this guided cooking class in a local restaurant near the beach of Mann Beach, known for its friendly sea lions! Use authentic ingredients to craft a delicious dish whilst listening to fascinating insights about Galapagos life from the locals. And of course, you can enjoy your homemade ceviche at the end of class!

Day 8: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day tour of San Cristobal to explore the delights of the island. Visit Galapaguera, home to amazing giant tortoises and observe diverse species of sea birds from Puerto Chino. The white sand here is perfect for a short rest before continuing to La Loberia, home to a large colony of sea lions who can be seen resting on the rocks. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 9: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos on your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Optional Half-Day Tour with Snorkel in Isla Lobos: Board a boat to visit Isla Lobos where you will encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles and rays before getting to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters of this island. From here, make your way to Ochoa Beach to relax, swim and take in the beauty of this stunning landscape. Lunch is included.

Day 10: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands – Guayaquil (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a shared transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 11: Guayaquil (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill or take an optional excursion to Puerto Moro for a dolphin-watching boat trip!* Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Optional Boat Excursion to Puerto Morro: From Guayaquil, visit the charming fishing village of Puerto Morro. Take a boat ride through the mangroves to watch colourful Ibis birds and look out for playful pods of dolphins! Spend some time relaxing at Puerto Morro Beach before returning to Guayaquil.

Day 12: Guayaquil – Night on board (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.

Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in Canada today.

 

 

Optional Tours

(Price is per person based on double occupancy – additional cost will apply to solo travelers or group with odd numbers)

Day 6: Full-day Otavalo Tour
Price: from $148
Taste the Cherimoya fruits in Guayllabamba, try the local biscuits in Cayambe. Check out the markets in Otavalo, Peguche and Cotacachi and get to know the story of the native people.

Day 7: Prepare your own Ceviche near the beach in San Cristobal
Price: from $62
Learn how to make your own ceviche with a local near Mann Beach, known for its friendly sea lions! Use authentic ingredients to craft a delicious dish, and of course, you can enjoy your homemade ceviche at the end of class!

What’s included: Cooking class materials, English translation assistance and ceviche prepared by you.

Not included: Drinks, extras.

Day 9: Half-Day Tour with Snorkeling in Isla Lobos
Price: from $218
Dive into the crystal clear waters of this stunning island to snorkel alongside blue-footed boobies, sea lions and other marine life.

What’s included: Bilingual National Park guide, snorkeling equipment and lunch

Not included: Drinks and other foods.

Day 11: Boat Excursion to Puerto El Morro
Price: from $297
From Guayaquil, we will travel 100 km west to the small fishing village of Puerto El Morro. The village is located within the marine protected area El Morro Mangrove Refugee and has access to a beautiful mangrove area which you will explore on a boat tour.

What’s included: Round-trip transportation, boat ride to watch dolphins

Not included: Lunch, drinks, extras

 

• Entry requirements
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ecuador. Mandatory travel insurance.
• Important Notes
  • We strongly recommend you consult your healthcare provider regarding the possible effects of altitude sickness.
  • Galapagos transit control card (TCC) is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost US$20 per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment.
  • At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost: US$100 per person.
    Starting August 1, 2024, the fees will be $200/pp for guests aged 12+ and $100/pp for guests aged 12 and under. 
  • For the flight to Galapagos we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours in advance in order to complete the required formalities.