Ecuador Highlights

After arrival in Quito Airport, you will take a short distance shuttle to the Hotel. Our meet and greet crew will travel with you to the hotel to present you the local copy of the country itinerary and assist you with check in.

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Wyndham Quito Airport. Offering a terrace and spa centre, Wyndham Quito Airport is located in Quito, the hotel has a hot tub and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. An airport shuttle is available upon request.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some units include a seating area where you can relax. You will find a coffee machine in the room. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.

Airport English speaking assistance to organise your Galapagos departure card. This $20 USD per person is only payable at the departing airport and is included in the cost of your trip.

Please note that your itinerary includes a visit to the Galapagos Islands, the following taxes are payable locally:

• Galapagos Conservation tax - USD $100 pp payable IN CASH ONLY on arrival in Galapagos.
• Isabella Island Dock Fee - USD $10 pp payable upon arrival.

Travel Just 4U's Galapagos representative will be waiting for you at the Baltra Airport. They will provide you with your pre-paid transfer ticket and will escort you to the short airport shuttle and the ferry which takes you across the small channel (10 min ride) to Santa Cruz Island. Here your private transfer and guide is awaiting you. 

You will journey across the island up into the highlands and will be amazed by the island’s variety of wildlife and geology. Beginning on the coast and travelling along the road to Puerto Ayora, the road climbs through the agricultural zone and into the mist-covered forests of the highlands. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present on the archipelago, with wonderful birding opportunities, like Darwin’s finches. Almost every land bird present on the islands can be found here. Continuing on, the tour will stop at a local ranch for lunch. You will be able to explore the grounds in search of tortoises during the visit. After lunch, you continue to descend through the agricultural zone into the transition zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located. In this area, the introduced vegetation of the higher farmlands is replaced by native vegetation. 

The tour continues to Puerto Ayora where you will check-in at your selected hotel and have the rest of the late afternoon and evening for leisure time. 

Hotel La Casa de Judy started as a place for scientists from around the world, who came to conduct studies of species in the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Parque Nacional Galapagos. Today it is a beautiful and warm hotel with 20 rooms for 46 passengers with the comfort of air conditioning, swimming pool, cafe, bar and spectacular view from upper terrace.

Hotel La Casa de Judy offers free WiFi . 

All rooms at Hotel La Casa de Judy are fitted with air conditioning and have a flat-screen TV. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Every room includes a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower and shower.

Please note that all water based island explorations in this itinerary are subject to change, without prior notice, due to weather conditions. 

Additionally, the order of island explorations or the specific islands visited may also change, closer to your time of travel. This is due to available permits for the excursion yachts provided from the government which is assigned yearly, but can change. 

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel. Travel by small boat, max 16 passengers total, on an excursion to North Seymour Island. 

North Seymour is a small 1.9 km² island north of Baltra with a path that crosses the interior and allows you to explore rocky coast. You will see some of the largest bird colonies on the Galapagos Islands here.

The main features of this island are the incredible fauna species you can observe such as the Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate bird with their incredible scarlet pouches, blue-footed boobies with their unique courtship dances and sea lions surfing across the waves. You will have time to explore and learn about the animals from your guide. 

Once on board, you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning to Santa Cruz Island where you will have the opportunity to snorkel at Bachas Beach if you wish, or alternatively, you can relax on shore. You will see a variety of fish species and maybe even swim with sea lions if they are feeling friendly.

After snorkeling, you will be brought back to port and transferred to your hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel. Travel by small boat, max 16 passengers total, on an excursion to South Plazas Island. 

South Plazas Island is very small at only .13 km² and is situated off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is formed from uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest islands on the archipelago. This island, despite its size, has a high concentration of wildlife. The tour disembarks (this is a dry landing) on a small dock frequently occupied by sea lions. 

You will continue through a small forest of prickly pear cacti with bright yellow flowers. You will see land iguanas (South Plazas has the largest population of land iguanas in the Galapagos) as they are often waiting for the pear cacti's fruits and flowers to fall on the ground. The walk continues up to a small cliff, where you can often see a shoal of the endemic yellow-tailed mullet swimming below. The clifftop lookout also offers excellent views of swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds, frigate birds and pelicans. 

The view extends to the eastern end of the island where bull sea lions congregate to rest after they have lost territory to a challenger. Here they recover energy before vying to once again be the master of the beach. 

Return to Santa Cruz. Lunch included.

Your day starts after breakfast at your hotel. Travel by small boat approximately 45 minutes to a small island 24 kms squared which lies in the centre of the Galapagos archipelago, to the south west of Santa Cruz Island. 

Geologically it is one of the oldest, since volcanic rocks of about 4 million years old have been found. The vegetation of the island is characterized by the presence of a dense forest of the giant opuntia cactus.

Weathered cliffs provide a haven for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds,shear-waters petrels. Santa Fe species of Galapagos Land Iguanas and lava lizards are frequently seen. 

Santa Fe Island is home to one of the most beautiful coves in all the Galapagos. The landing site is a wet landing located in Barrington Bay on the northeastern side of the island. Large numbers of sea lions are found on the beaches here.

After landing on Santa Fe Island you will continue for a short walk to see two species of land iguanas found only within this island. Crabs, Night Heron, Sea Iguanas, Mockingbirds and other birds are seen frequently on the Island. After the walk we will go back to have lunch on board and finally enjoy a wonderful snorkel experience. 

The bay is an excellent swimming and snorkeling place where Sea Turtles, rays, fish, and the clear and warm water are unique attractions.

OPTIONAL: Not included in starting price

After breakfast, we will head to Tortuga Bay. Starting from the main street in Puerto Ayora this tour will have about an hour of walking. The trail goes through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way. Arriving to Tortuga Bay beach you will find the first beach “Playa Brava” this beach is with open waters and strong under currents not recommendable for swimming, if you continue walking to the right side (15 minutes) you will arrive to “Playa Mansa” ideal for sun bathing, swimming and photo shooting, you will also find marine iguanas along the shore. 

Then we will do a navigable excursion to isolated bays of Puerto Ayora. We will visit interesting and beautiful sites such as Lobería with time for snorkelling with sea lions, Reef Shark Channel. There will also be a short walk to see the Opuntia Cactus, Marine Iguanas and the Love Channel where there are small colonies of blue-footed boobies. Snacks, water and snorkel equipment (mask and tub) are included.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel (with your luggage) for a Twin Craters tour before continuing on to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. 

This tour takes you to the Gemelo Lava Tunnels, or "twin" lava tunnels which were formed over hundreds of thousands of years of continued volcanic pressure on the rock surface. The tour includes a short walk around the lava tunnels. 

Continue via your private transfer to Baltra for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Marquiz Hotel Boutique is set in Quito, 1.1 km from El Ejido Park. 1.9 km from El Ejido Park Art Fair, the hotel offers a garden and a terrace. Free WiFi is available and La Carolina Park is 2.9 km away.

At the hotel, each room is equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. 

A bicycle rental service is offered by Marquiz Hotel Boutique. The accommodation can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.

You will be picked up after breakfast for your shared tour.

The day begins visiting the Quito's downtown, one of the biggest in South America, our first point is the oldest street of the city, La Ronda, that used to be the home of musicians, poets and politics back in time. Here we will encounter with the traditions of the city first by stopping in the gastronomic capsule, to have an explanation of the different local spices that are used for the typical Ecuadorian gastronomy. Continuing we will visit the house of handicrafts made of metal and wood most of them designed for the traditional churches and made by hand for furniture decoration. After we are done with la Ronda we will visit the Independence Square, surrounded by important historical buildings. 

Visit the Cathedral (XVI Century), the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century), one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Not to be missed are the Church of San Francisco and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards (XVI Century). Finally you will drive to the viewpoint at the Panecillo hill, where the virgin of Quito is located, the unique winged virgin of the world. You will have a wonderful view over the city and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

Next you will drive 30 kms north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. You will visit the main monument built in honour of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the XVIII century to determine the correct location of the equator line. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural museum, located in the exact crossing of the Equator Line. Return to Quito.

Note: Lunch is not included in this tour. Your guide will provide time for you to eat and explain your food options. 

Note: This shared tour is only available on Tuesdays & Saturdays.

You will be picked up from your hotel after breakfast and start the drive north towards Imbabura, “the lakes” – Province. You will taste exotic fruits in the Guayllabamba valley, cross the Equator Line at Cayambe where on a clear day, it is possible to admire the majestic snow-capped mountain (5,790 m.), the world´s highest point where the Equator Line crosses, and try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese.

At the foot of Imbabura mountain enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake, San Pablo. Afterwards, visit the famous Otavalo Indian Market, where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weaving - such as the famous ponchos - among other textiles like rugs, mittens and scarves. The market is compared often with a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. You can also find handcrafts, jewellery and other artisan work.

If time permits, you will also visit Cotacachi Village known for its leather products and the Cuicocha Crater Lake. Return to Quito.

Lunch is not included on this tour but you will have time to eat lunch in Otavalo.

You will be picked up in your hotel in Quito and start the drive South along the Pan-American Highway known as "Avenue of the Volcanoes" towards one of the world´s highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi (5,897 m). During the journey, we can enjoy the marvelous view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow-capped volcano in the world. But firstly, we will visit one of the local markets in this region, depending on the day of the week for understanding the local culture and even experience the barter process, and being able to taste some of the local and exotic flavors that Ecuador has to offer to us. After this introduction to the local culture, we will drive along the Pan-American Highway towards the Cotopaxi Volcano with 5,897 m (19,347 ft) high. Once we are here, we will reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and drive through a pine forest to Limpiopungo lagoon, a glacial Andean lake located at 3,800 m (12467 ft). From this site, we can have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards you will continue onto your hotel.

Featuring a restaurant and a garden, Hacienda La Cienega offers free Wi-Fi and American breakfast in Latacunga. Guests can enjoy a welcome cocktail upon arrival.

Providing a tranquil environment, the rooms in La Cienega feature private bathrooms. Room service is provided.Guests can order regional and international dishes at the restaurant, and laundry services are available. 

Today you will head to the Quilotoa Crater Lake. It is located in the province of Cotopaxi and is part of the ecological Reserve Ilinizas. The beautiful lake in the crater, with its emerald colored water, will take your breath away. During the trip we will enjoy the picturesque landscape, seeing on the way rural indigenous people in their small agricultural communities. 

This lagoon is not just any lagoon; it’s a lagoon with a legend. There is a legend that tells about King of volcanoes Quilotoa who used to live on the surface of the lagoon. He faced many battles with his worst enemy, Toachi, who was living beneath the surface of the lagoon. 

The temperature is warmer inside than outside, it's a half-hour hike down from the viewpoint (and 1-2 hour hike back up the 280-meter vertical ascent). Afterwards you will drive to your hotel and check in and have the evening at leisure. 

Hosteria Rumipamba De Las Rosas features a restaurant, free bikes, a bar and garden in San Miguel de Salcedo. This 4-star hotel offers room service and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

At the hotel, each room is equipped with a wardrobe. At Hosteria Rumipamba De Las Rosas every room comes with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a patio with a garden view.

You can play table tennis and tennis at the accommodation, and the area is popular for cycling.

After brekafast we will head to Baños, this small city is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs. One of the main attractions is the Tungurahua, a large stratovolcano, derives its name from the local language, meaning 'throat of fire as well as a variety of adventure sports. Our tour will begin visiting the famous waterfalls “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo”, later we search for a lookout point to see the Tungurahua active volcano.

In the afternoon we will continue the drive to Riobamba through “El Arenal”, an arid location in the slopes of Chimborazo Mountain. This gigantic mountain was included in the famous 1802 expedition led by the renowned German scientist Alexander Von Humboldt. If time and weather allow, this location offers amazing views of wild llamas, vicunas and alpacas. We will then head to your hotel in Baños.

Featuring a garden, a heated pool and a sauna, Samari Spa Resort is set in a charming colonial-style house with an inner patio. It features rooms with free Wi-Fi in Baños. 

Decorated with gabled roof and exposed-brick walls, rooms at Samari Spa are very bright. They feature work desks, cable TV and private bathrooms.

A buffet breakfast including Ecuadorian specialties is served daily. Regional and international can be ordered at the property’s restaurant. Room service is provided. There is also a karaoke bar, where guests can enjoy themselves singing while sipping drinks and cocktails.

Guests can benefit from several beauty treatments at the spa, which features a massage room, a sauna and a heated pool. A games room is also featured. Excursions can be booked at the tour desk.

Today we will drive to the Upper Napo region, here we will meet the Santa Rita Community where you will be able to explore the process of making the world’s finest chocolate in cooperation with the world famous Pacari brand. 

Led by these amazing chocolatiers we will visit the Santa Rita Kichwa community and the marvelous ago-tourism project where they grow cocoa beans and make 100% ecological chocolate. We will learn the entire process from harvest of the pods, peeling, fermenting and toasting of the beans. We will learn to prepare chocolate in the traditional way and even take part in the process. 

We will also help the ladies from the community to prepare an exquisite local dish called fish “maito”. This tour, which takes place in a unique surroundings is a unique and interesting experience for visitors, allows you to learn about this amazing project, the world’s best chocolate and the local community life in the rainforest. It is also an important form of income for the local community. Afterwards we will head to the lodge in Tena.

A treasure between the Andes and the Amazon, Hakuna Matata Lodge is a unique spot for pleasure-lovers. In the heart of Ecuador, off the beaten tourist paths, you will find a place where nothing is obligatory, but everything is possible! From absolute relaxation to total adrenaline. At only 10 km from Tena, capital of the safe Napo Province, this private hacienda of approximately 150 ha is the perfect place to enjoy to the fullest a never-ending series of activities. Hakuna Matata lies on the shores of the crystal-clear river and has a unique palm tree shape swimming pool filled with spring water with an average temperature of 25° C. Our three types of accommodation, 'Hakuna Cabins', 'Hakuna Lodge' and 'Hakuna Supreme' offer you spacious rooms with private bathroom and hot shower. Excellent mattresses and a mosquito-free stay guarantee you the rest you deserve! 

After breakfast we will head to Papallacta. During this trip, you will appreciate the radical change of scenery due to altitude variation. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 m level you will discover Papallacta Hot Springs. 

Then you will have a short walk in the moors to observe the unusual local flora. After that, you will enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot waters. After that, a short walk in the moors to observe the unusual local flora. Soak up the atmosphere and relax. 

Afterwards you will head to your accommodation in Papallacta. 

Just 45 minutes from the Quito International Airport, staying overnight at Termas de Papallacta is a fabulous alternative to staying at the Quito airport. 

Featuring a spa, a restaurant, and hot spring baths, Termas de Papallacta offers rooms and bungalows with free WiFi. Decorated with wooden walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are fitted with wooden furnishing. Some of the bungalows feature seating areas with fireplaces.

Guests can relax in the thermal and swimming pools. Several beauty treatments are available at the spa, including aromatherapy, therapeutic massages, body treatments with mud and clay or chocolate, individual hydro massages, and Turkish baths at the Thermal Cave.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in order to connect your flight.