Andes to the Coast

Day 1 QUITO

Upon arrival in Quito, transfer from the airport to the hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 QUITO (B)

Colonial City Tour & Middle of the World: bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas, a multi-ethnic, artistic and cultural heritage destination. Visit the “Middle of the world” situated at a 0º0’0”latitude. Overnight.

Day 3 QUITO – OTAVALO – COTACACHI – MAGDALENA KARANKI COMMUNITY (B – D)

Visit Otavalo for an arts and crafts shopping adventure. Visit Peguche known for its weavers, visit a wind instruments workshop, Cotacachi known for the manufacture of leather goods, Cuicocha crater lake. Arrive to Magdalena Community, overnight at one of the community houses.

Day 4 MAGDALENA KARANKI COMMUNITY – TRAIN RIDE SALINAS (B – L)

Magdalena Community, discover this hidden mountain niche through a series of activities; horseback riding, mountain biking or hiking. Then drive to Ibarra and catch the “Liberty Train”. The landscape provides a magical setting as you pass through mysterious tunnels, cross bridges spanning canyons and gullies, and admire a unique biodiversity. Then arrive in the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas, well known for its agricultural activities. Overnight in Quito.

Day 5 QUITO – COTOPAXI – BANOS – RIOBAMBA (B)

On the way to Baños admire the highest active volcano on Earth, Cotopaxi, in Baños admire its beautiful scenery of waterfalls. Then drive south to Riobamba for overnight.

Day 6 RIO BAMBA – DEVIL’s NOSE TRAIN RIDE – INGAPIRCA RUINS – CUENCA (B – LB)

Start your day with a drive through some of the most picturesque indigenous areas of the country. Take the Devil’s Nose train ride, continue your way south to the Ingapirca Ruins, then arrive at Cuenca for overnight.

Day 7 CUENCA – EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK (B)

City tour of Cuenca before driving to El Cajas National Park. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes with at least 200 lagoons, like the famous La Toreadora. After lunch, drive to Guayaquil for overnight.

Day 8 – Day 11 GALAPAGOS CRUISE (B – L – D)

Domestic flight to Galapagos. All-inclusive 3-night top quality cruise (M/Y Galapagos Legend or M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II). Only a special few have the chance to travel through this paradise, sailing on a charming ship, with nautical interior decoration of wood and brass, featuring ample outer decks, sea-view cabins and suites, jacuzzi, pool, bars and more.

See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows. Swim and snorkel at any time of the year in the warm clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.

Multilingual naturalist guides lead shore excursions twice a day to a place unlike any other full of wildlife that has no fear of man.

Lectures explaining the geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands are provided in several languages.

A fine selection of meals will delight you, from buffet breakfast to gourmet dinners, ice cream festivals, and evening barbecues.

Flight to Guayaquil. Overnight.

Day 12 GUAYAQUIL (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your onward flight. Extension programs can be arranged by Latino Holidays.

End of our services

Food Code = (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

LHKTUIO003 *Please note: Prices based on twin share, per person, low season, as per the itinerary informed. Itinerary does not include airfare from Quito / Galapagos / Guayaquil. Optional / Extension tours not included and are at extra cost. The itinerary & pricing can change at any time due to availability & of activities. Please check our website for full terms and conditions*

More information on Ecuador:

Ecuador – The State of the Andes has its name because of its location on the equator. Ecuador is situated in the northwest of South America and borders in the north with Columbia, in the east and south with Peru and bounds in the west upon the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos Islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean, with a distance to the continent of about 1000 km, belongs to the national territory of Ecuador.

More information on the destinations you will visit:

Quito – The capital city of Ecuador, is situated between mountain peaks and a green landscape. The city’s “Old Town” is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is packed with colonial monuments and architectural treasures, restored buildings, 17th century facades, plazas and magnificent churches.

Quito will also surprise you with good nightlife and gastronomy. The city is your main entry point to discover the secrets of Ecuador.

Galapagos – doubtlessly, Galapagos Archipelago will be the highlight of every Ecuador trip and you also should not miss a visit, for it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes and you will see a variety of exotic species endemic to this Archipelago! Galapagos is the perfect setting to experience the evolutionary changes, which have led to a new understanding of life on earth. Animals unafraid of man and so different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their existence on our planet. Among the animals found, are the different species of giant “Galapagos” tortoises that gave the islands their name, a variety of birds and marine mammals such as iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, whales as well as a great number of fish. Among the flora, the most distinctive are mangroves and endemic cacti -to mention only a few!

Guayaquil – also know as Santiago de Guayaquil, the city is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador. Located on the coast of the country, this huge city is home to the main port of Ecuador.

More information on visa requirements:

Visas are not required for Australians when the maximum stay is 90 days.

When visiting Galapagos you may obtain a Transit Control Card – Fee: USD 10.00 (Ingala Fee)*.

*Note: the fee to enter Galapagos is subject to change at any time without prior notice.

For more information consult your nearest Ecuadorian embassy/consulate.