The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
The wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is truly unique, with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and many other species found nowhere else in the world. Remarkably unafraid of humans, these fascinating creatures can be observed up close in their natural habitats.
Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha WarmiKuna community, learning about their sustainable way of life, traditional cuisine and handicrafts. Prepare ají before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh local produce and browsing the community’s handmade creations.
Discover the Amazon’s rich biodiversity at a wildlife rescue centre before meeting a local community to learn about its traditions and deep connection to the rainforest. Journey through the Andes into the lush cloud forests, where you’ll explore the surrounding wilderness and look out for colourful hummingbirds and other unique Andean wildlife.
Fly to Ecuador’s equatorial capital, Quito. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before joining an Ecuadorian-style welcome dinner.
Discover Quito through the eyes of a local, exploring its historic streets and iconic landmarks including the Golden Church, San Francisco Square and Main Square. Visit a traditional family workshop, enjoy lunch with local hosts, then continue to the Mitad del Mundo Museum before finishing with an immersive Ecuadorian chocolate tasting.
Travel north to Otavalo, home to one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Explore the vibrant market stalls before visiting a traditional weaving workshop, where you’ll discover ancestral techniques and the rich textile heritage of the Andes.
Discover the spectacular beauty of Cuicocha Lake, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Continue to Cotacachi, known for its indigenous heritage and renowned leather craftsmanship, with time to explore its artisan workshops and traditional shops.
Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha WarmiKuna community. Learn about traditional agriculture, cuisine and handicrafts, prepare ají and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before continuing to the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi.
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Visit the tranquil Limpiopungo Lagoon and travel through the Andean páramo before continuing to the vibrant town of Baños, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
Journey along Ecuador’s famous Waterfalls Route, taking in spectacular waterfalls and scenic viewpoints as you travel from the Andes into the Amazon. Arrive at your rainforest lodge and experience the jungle after dark on a guided night walk, looking out for nocturnal wildlife.
Visit a wildlife rescue centre to learn about Amazonian conservation and the rehabilitation of native species. Continue to a local Amazonian community, gaining an insight into traditional ways of life and the deep connection between its people and the rainforest.
Journey through the spectacular Andean landscapes to the cloud forests of Papallacta, where you’ll explore lush trails and look out for colourful hummingbirds and other Andean wildlife. Relax in Papallacta’s naturally heated thermal pools, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Fly from Quito to the legendary Galápagos Islands, renowned for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Arrive on San Cristóbal Island and explore La Lobería, a beautiful coastal reserve where you can encounter playful sea lions, marine iguanas and unique birdlife, with time to swim, snorkel or relax on the beach.
Take a boat trip to Isla Lobos and explore its remarkable wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot marine life in the surrounding waters. Return to San Cristóbal to visit the Interpretation Centre and enjoy views from Frigate Hill and Punta Carola before discovering the island’s culinary heritage with a tasting of traditional Canchalagua ceviche.
Take a scenic speedboat journey to Santa Cruz Island, one of the most vibrant islands in the Galápagos. Explore Academy Bay, with opportunities to swim and snorkel alongside marine life, before visiting Playa de los Perros to see marine iguanas, striking red rock formations and turquoise waters.
Sail to Bartolomé Island, one of the Galápagos’ most iconic destinations, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock. Explore the island before snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters, with the chance to encounter colourful fish, sea lions, marine turtles, rays and Galápagos penguins.
Discover the wildlife of Santa Cruz Island at Primicias Ranch, home to the legendary giant Galápagos tortoises, and explore fascinating underground lava tunnels. Visit a family-run coffee plantation to learn about sustainable farming and local coffee and cacao production, before celebrating the end of your Galápagos adventure with a unique farewell dinner inside a natural lava tunnel.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the Galápagos’ unique endemic species and the conservation efforts protecting this remarkable ecosystem. Later, fly back to Quito and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
Places Visited: Quito (2N) – Otavalo (2N) - Cotopaxi (1N) – Banos (1N) - Amazon (2n) – Papallacta (1N) - Galápagos (5N) - Quito (1N)
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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