DAY 2, Wednesday - Cocoa Plantation, Discover Guayaquil
The day begins with orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by viewing the lush natural scenery of the lowlands of Ecuador as you drive past banana plantations to a working Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation. Learn about the history of cocoa beans and see the modern process that begins after the beans are picked from the cocoa trees. After a lunch of local favorites, back to Guayaquil and Seminario Park, home to arboreal Iguanas. Then, view the contrasting architecture of the city's Neo-Gothic Cathedral, Moorish clock tower, and the impressive La Rotonda Monument that depicts the historic meeting in 1822 of Bolívar and San Martín. At the end of the day, stunning panoramas of the city await you from Santa Ana Hill, where the city was founded in the 16th century. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers
Overnight: Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island
Embark this morning on a journey to the beginning of time on the flight to the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands, five million years in the making. Land at Baltra airport and continue your trip* to the small village of Puerto Villamil on Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos considered the 'gem' of the archipelago. Named after Queen Isabella of Spain, this enchanting island offers an expansive beach, beautiful natural surroundings and striking pink flamingos which gracefully traverse the lagoons and marshes at dusk. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the highlands in time for dinner *The trip by speedboat to and from Isabela Island is approximately 3 hours long and cruises through open sea. The ride can be very rough and passengers prone to motion sickness should consult with their physician. May 28, 2024 through August 26, 2024 departures will use light aircraft flights (9 person seat small planes) to travel to and from Isabela Island.
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Tintoreras Islet, Wall of Tears
In Puerto Villamil, board a panga (dingy) to Tintoreras Islet. In this small bay with its calm turquoise waters and white sand beach, views of sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and marine iguanas. Enjoy time for swimming or snorkeling in the bay. When the tide is low, in the shallow crevice you can see the island's famous whitetip reef sharks. There's also a lava trail which leads to two beaches, an important nesting site for marine iguanas. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon hike to the historic 'Wall of Tears' that stands as a monument to prisoners brought to the island who perished while forced to construct the 'pointless' barrier - a sad reminder of the history of Isabela. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, dinner is together at the lodge
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Sierra Negra Volcano, Los Humedales Mangroves, Turtle Breeding Center
Hike this morning to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on the archipelago; its caldera is the second largest in the world with a diameter of six miles. Trek across an alien landscape of fascinating geological features. After lunch at the lodge, visit Los Humedales, a complex of trails where you can see all four species of mangroves found in the Galapagos. Following the path, discover secluded beaches, lava tunnels, and natural pools. In this mating area for pink flamingos, you also can observe many different species of migratory birds. Then, a fascinating visit to the Turtle Breeding Center where you learn more about the National Park's conservation programs to save the iconic Galapagos Tortoises on the brink of extinction. Tonight at dinner, share photos of some of today's amazing sights
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Sunday - Depart the Galapagos, Quito
Awake early today for your journey back to Baltra*. Bid farewell to the Galapagos and fly to colonial Quito, capital of Ecuador. Upon late afternoon arrival, check into your hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel *The trip by speedboat to and from Isabela Island is approximately 3 hours long and cruises through open sea. The ride can be very rough and passengers prone to motion sickness should consult with their physician. May 28, 2024 through August 26, 2024 departures will use light aircraft flights (9 person seat small planes) to travel to and from Isabela Island.
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Middle of the World, Papallacta Hot Springs
This morning, visit the Middle of the World Monument, located at a latitude of 0º, and stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere. Free time to explore the area and shop for souvenirs. After lunch on your own, journey to Papallacta located in the Andes Mountains. The remainder of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour to Papallacta's spas and hot springs, for which it is famous Before dinner, there's time to unwind in the comforting steaming thermal baths surrounded by the magic of nature. Later, perhaps opt for a soothing massage in this jungle paradise
Optional: Termas de Papallacta Spa Package (PM)
Overnight: Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - The Ecuadorian Amazon
A short flight over the Andes Mountains takes you to the town of Coca, jumping off point to the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to more varieties of plants and animals than any other place on earth! Stop for a box lunch before boarding a motorized canoe for a long but scenic journey down the river to your lodge. Upon entering the lodge's private reserve, walk along a raised boardwalk that stretches through a dense flooded palm forest in which several species of monkeys are often sighted. Dugout canoes await to transport you across Pilchicocha Lake to your accommodations at the lodge. Settle in, enjoy birdwatching from the mini-tower, or, refresh from the day with a cool swim. After dinner, a walk through the rainforest with your naturalist guide, or, perhaps a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans as you silently paddle across the lake. The Amazon is the world's largest ecosystem
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Exploring the Amazon, Rainforest Canopy Walk
Awake early this morning to begin your adventure -- enjoy the sounds, the serenity, and the magnificent foliage. A highlight of the day is the "Canopy Walk," one of only a few self-standing suspension canopy walkways in the world. Pause to view extraordinary panoramas from the observation platforms of this 900 foot long walkway, suspended at a height of 120 feet above the forest floor. Afterward, a walk in the pristine forest where native guides explain the many different species of medicinal plants used in their culture for hundreds of years. Later, try paddling dugout canoes along the nearby blackwater creeks where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads, and palm trees thrive. After an adventurous morning, a relaxing lunch before this afternoon's choice of a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, a challenging hike on the trails or, a tranquil canoe ride. Dinner together caps an adventurous day
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Interpretation Center, Piranha Fishing, Canoe Ride in the Forest
This morning, visit the Nueva Providencia Interpretation Center located across the Napo River, where you speak with women from the community to learn more about the Kichwa lifestyle. Here, you'll see many different fibers used for weaving before a tasting of traditional local food! Upon your return to the lodge, a native guide teaches how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed Piranha. Then, take a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest - you'll be surrounded by friendly squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Later, arrive at a 135-foot metal tower from where you can get fabulous views of vibrantly colored birds through powerful scopes. Listen to the symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate by canoe through the narrow trail, keeping your eyes open for caimans. After dinner tonight, a nocturnal jungle walk and canoe trip by flashlight to discover night creatures seldom seen during the day
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Quito's Treasures of Art and Architecture
Bid farewell to the amazing Amazon Basin this morning, and settle in for a long ride by canoe to Coca. After a box lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival, the discovery of Quito with its treasures of art and architecture begins in the historic colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour of the city starts at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits highlighting Ecuadorian culture and rich history. Visit the Compania of Jesus Church with its beautiful gilded interior. Time to enjoy this delightful city on your own with its lovely markets, cafes and superb cuisine
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Saturday - Otavalo Market, Rose Plantation
Begin the day with a visit to the market in Otavalo, one of the largest in South America run by the local Otavaleños. Here, enjoy the lively atmosphere and browse the various stalls for traditional goods such as handwoven cloth and rugs, jewelry and more. Afterwards, visit a rose plantation and hear about Ecuador's major rose cultivation industry. Although roses are not native to Ecuador, the country has a perfect environment for rose cultivation and is presently one of the world's major producers. Delight in the display of brightly colored roses, then after lunch return to Quito. Tonight, savor dinner in the center of Quito
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Sunday - Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport for your departure flightSome flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 13 and will require a transfer on Day 12. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast