Ecuador 4 Worlds

Cotopaxy

Pick Up in Magic Bean Restaurant, La Mariscal Quito.

The tour begins. We are going to travel approximately for 1 and a half or 2 hours.
The first technical stop is going to be on the entrance of the National Park, because we have to pay the entrance fee. Also, if you want, you might buy some handicrafts at the small market. The products that you will find are made by the people of the near communities. This is the last opportunity for having a pair of gloves and cap of wool for being warm.

We are going to visit the Interpretation Center “Mariscal Sucre”. Inside it, we are going to have an explanation about different aspects of the National Park (history, animals, plants, others).
We are going to arrive at a big esplanade of the park. It is a good moment to take pictures and see the landscape.
We are going to be at the parking lot. We need to take the appropriate clothes and water for beginning to climb.
We are going to walk for approximately 40 minutes (it depends of your fitness)
We have deserved a rest at the refuge (José Rivas). After a moment, the people who wants to arrive until the glacier can go for a walk of 25 minutes more. And also if the weather conditions are good, you are going to have a beautiful view of the mountains and the landscapes. After that, we return to the refuge, for having lunch. It is an excellent moment, for sharing experiences with friends, while you are drinking a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
We continue our tour, now we have to come back to the parking lot, and take the bikes to go downhill until the Limpiopungo Lake
We are on the parking lot. Take the bikes and enjoy the trip. It could be for 40 minutes (it depends of your ability).
Arrive to the Limpiopungo Lake. We have a moment for resting and walking. After that, we come back to Quito.

Quilotoa – Baños

Pick Up in your Hotel in Quito.
The tour begins. We are going to travel for around 2.5 hours, from Latacunga to Quilotoa Lake. During the travel we are going to visit different places. Like Saquisilí, the Las Cruces community and Quilotoa community.
We have the first technical bus stop, on Saquisilí town. There, you are going to visit the different popular markets of the town.
At the first market, people of the community go there, for selling animals, such as: “Llamas”, pigs, cows, sheep, lambs.
In the second market you are going to observe how the people sell their small animals, like: chicken, “cuy” (guinea pig), rabbits. Also you might observe the different kinds of products for consume of themselves. There, you might observe products, for example: onion, potatoes, tomato, green / red pepper, “mellocos”, and others. Also, you can see different products on the section of the “mercado de pulgas”, where you can find products of second use, with good prices.
On the third market, you are going to find three sections:
First: handicrafts products artisanal, like: clothes made with wool,
Second: That is the section of food, you are going to see the different kind of typical food of the zone.
Third: you are going to see, products like grains, flour of different kind of grains, between others.
Afterwards there is the departure to the “Las Cruces” Community; we are going to be there in approximately 1 hour. You might observe their typical clothes and also you can take a look inside their houses. But the most important thing, is that you are going to be with them in a typical indigenous house made of straw. Sharing with them a few moments talking, watching and learning from them, how their life is, and how they prepare the earth for to sow.
If you want experiment another kind of tourism. It is your opportunity.
We will go to the Quilotoa Lake. We are going to pass the zumbahua community, and finally we are going to arrive to the Quilotoa community, before we go to the lake. We are going to have the lunch. (You might choose one of the three options: llama, chicken, vegetarian food).
Now we continue with traveling, the time for arriving to the lake is approximately 50 minutes (It depends of your fitness). At begging of the down, you are going to have a wonderful view of the lake with a turquoise color. It´s a good moment for taking pictures, after that, we continue following the pad.
When you arrive to the bottom you are going to have moments for walking, near to the water. Also, you are going to smell the minerals which are mixed with the water. If you want, you might rent to the people of the community some small boats for navigating in the lake.
We need continue with our trip, but now we are going to the top, in mules or donkeys. The time for doing it is approximately 40 min. When you arrive to the top, you might buy some handicrafts at the artisanal market of the community. Then, we go back to Quito.
We arrive to Baños

Full Day Baños

A route where you can travel through the jungle, waterfalls, rivers located between two National Parks such as El Sangay and Los Llanganates, located on the road Baños-Puyo. In this ecological corridor you can admire each of the waterfalls as: Agoyán, Mantle of the Bride, Pailón del Diablo and Machay, after doing this tour you can perform activities such as canopy, tarabita, cayoning and bunjee jumping.
It is a perfect place to enjoy a PICNIC with friends or family, likewise enjoy the fabulous views of Tungurahua volcano and the mountains that surround the city of Baños Ecuador, and if you like and are not afraid of heights and adrenaline you can go up to the most famous swing that Ecuador has.
If you are lucky you will be able to witness an interesting talk about the number of eruptions that have arisen over the last 15 years by the expert and watchman of the Military Geographical Institute Mr. Carlos Sanchez, in this conversation you will be able to observe the different type of volcanic rocks Expelled, the eruptive phases, and to know in depth the majestic Mama Tungurahua.
At 13:00 Time to Lunch (Included)
Transport to Riobamba and sleep here.

Alausí – Ingapirca

After breakfast we are gonna be part of a georgus travel by train to “La Nariz del Diablo” considered one of the train engineering spectacles of the world. You will descend gradually from the highlands to the lowlands, at times zigzagging, or hugging the cliffs. In the descent at the lowest point, an interesting rock will appear on the horizon. The train descends and then returns to Alausi again
We are gonna take a delicious lunch on the city and continue to Ingapirca ruins
It’s the most important ruins left by the cultures of Ecuador. The vast archeological complex includes Inca and pre Inca ruins. The “Temple of the Sun” is an architectural marvel to behold.
Then we are going to continue to Cuenca. Overnight.

Cuenca – Guayaquil

On Cuenca we are gonna have a great overview point with the visit to TURI, this place is the most important point to see thin awesome colonial city. Then we continue to the down town to visit “La Catedral” a beautifull church in the center of Cuenca, Abdon Calderon street, “La Calle Larga” the flowers street, the great place to learn more about Cuenca’s culture.
Cuenca also has a nature part to visit, Parque Nacional El Cajas, is only 1 hour away from the city an excellent place to see lagoons as La Toreadora, after a short path we are gonna take a chocolate to continue our trip to Guayaquil
Arrive to Guayaquil at night.
Transfer to your Hotel in Guayaquil

Guayaquil – Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island)

• Arrival at Galapagos Island, Baltra Airport.
• Transfer from Baltra Airport to Santa Cruz Island
• Visit the Highlands
• Lunch
• Briefing for next day activities

Places to Visit:

• Highlands: Visit to the El Chato 1, El Chato 2 or Primicias Farm, in any of these you can see the Giant Galapagos Tortoises and the typical vegetation of Galapagos.

Ready to explore the beauty of the Galapagos highlands?

Join us on a tour of a lifetime to El Chato or Primicias Farm where you’ll witness the majestic Giant Galapagos Tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna of this amazing archipelago as our expert guides take you on an adventure you’ll never forget. With breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, our Highland tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Are you ready to witness the majestic beauty of the Galapagos?
You’ll get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they roam freely in their natural habitat. And that’s not all – explore the stunning lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you make unforgettable memories while learning about the history and ecology of this unique destination.

Details:

• Animals to see: Giant turtles, sea lions, sea turtles, reef fish, blue-footed boobies and sharks.

• Activities: Trekking

• What do you bring: Sunscreen, Repellent, Light clothing, Binoculars, a Camera, and water.

• Include: Professional bilingual guide, Transport, Lunch, and Hotel Accommodation.

• Not Included: Lobbito Buss $5, Dinner, Tips, and Additional Expenses.

Notes:

• We can’t guarantee that you will see all the animals, since they are in the wild.
• If it is only a passenger, the first day does not include a guide.

Isabela Island

• Breakfast
• Pick up from your Hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.
• Boarding Time at 07:00 am.
• Sailing time from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island. (2 hours)
• Arrival at Villamil Port in Isabela Island at approximately 09:00 am.
• At 11:00 am, Sailing time from Villamil Port to Tunnels. (1 hour)
• Visit Tunnels
• 2 times for snorkeling. (45 minutes for each one)
• Lunch
• Return to Isabela at 16:00
• Arrival at Isabela at 17:00 approximately.
• Transfer to your Hotel in Isabela.
• Briefing for next-day activities.

Places to Visit:

• Tunnels: This is one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in Isabela, the water is shallow, calm, and very clear, a marine sanctuary. A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations, a series of arches and tunnels, below and above the water, where a large number of endemic Galapagos species live. The entrance to the site is not deep, and the waves can be very strong; for this reason, access to this place is not always very feasible. The best time to visit Los Túneles is between January and May.

Details:

• Animals to see: Blue-footed boobies, rays, starfish, penguins, sea horses, sharks, sea turtles, reef fish.

• Activities: Snorkeling

• What do you bring: Sunscreen, Repellent, Light clothing, Binoculars, a Camera, swimsuit.

• Include: Breakfast, a Professional bilingual guide, Transport, Lunch, Snacks, Water, Hotel Accommodation, and Snorkeling Equipment.

• Not Included: Isabela’s Fee of $10, Dinner, Tips, and Additional Expenses.

Notes:

• We can’t guarantee that you will see all the animals, since they are in wildlife.
• This night you will stay on Isabela Island.

Isabela Island

• Breakfast
• Pick up from your Hotel in Villamil Port, Isabela Island.
• Visit the Wetlands
• Visit the Flamingos Lake
• Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center
• Lunch
• Snorkeling in Tintoreras (45 minutes)
• Return to Santa Cruz at 15:00
• Arrival to Santa Cruz at 17:00 approximately.
• Transfer to your Hotel
• Briefing for next day activities

Places to Visit:

• Wetlands: The Wetlands of Isabela Island are located just outside of Puerto Villamil. The Wetlands consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.

• Flamingo Lake: To the west of Puerto Villamil, there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in Galapagos.

• Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center: The Tortoise Breeding Center (also known as the Interpretation Center) is located nearby Puerto Villamil. A boardwalk connects the town to the Center, stretching across the wetlands and Prickly Pear Cacti shrub. Five sub-species of the Giant Tortoise exist on the island, yet their populations are threatened by introduced animals such as goats and cats. At the Tortoise Breeding Center, eggs are nursed in a hatchery, and the giant tortoise adults are observed in supervised corrals. The Center aims to increase the population and secure the survival of these species.

• Tintoreras: The Tintoreras Islets, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Details:

• Animals to see: Giant tortoises, flamingos, terrestrial iguanas, white fin sharks, sea lions, and reef fish.

• Activities: Trekking and Snorkeling

• What do you bring: Sunscreen, Repellent, Light clothing, Binoculars, a Camera, swimsuit.

• Include: Breakfast, Professional bilingual guide, Transport, Lunch, Snacks, Water, Hotel Accommodation, and Snorkeling Equipment.

• Not Included: Isabela’s Fee of $10, Dinner, Tips, and Additional Expenses.

Notes:

• We can’t guarantee that you will see all the animals, since they are in wildlife.

Galapagos to Quito

St. Cruz Island & Flight back to Quito

• Breakfast
• Pick up from your Hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.
• Transfer to Twin Craters in Santa Cruz.
• Visit to Twin Craters
• Transfer from Santa Cruz to Baltra Airport
• Return Flight.

Places to Visit:

• Twin Craters: The Twin Craters are, in fact, not craters. These impressive holes were formed by magma (lava) domes, which hardened on the outside but continued to flow on the inside, leaving huge but empty chambers that collapsed with the passing of time, creating this breathtaking scenery that resembles two pit crates. The Twins are located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and are surrounded by lush and green forests, dominated by the endemic Scalesia plants. It is possible to walk along the rim of the craters to better appreciate the magnitude of the holes as well as the local flora and fauna. This site is also one of the most likely places to observe the endemic short-ear owl of the Galapagos.

Details:

• Activities: Trekking

• What do you bring: Sunscream, Repellent, Light clothing, Binoculars, Camera.

• Include: Breakfast, Transport.

• Not Included: Lobbito Buss $5, Guide, Dinner, Lunch, Tips, and Additional Expenses.

Notes:

• We can’t guarantee that you will see all the animals, since they are in wildlife.
• This day is not included Guide, just driver.