Itinerary - Ecuador 360º: Journey through the Galapagos Islands

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Arrive at your hotel in Quito for a warm welcome meeting. Nestled in the Andes, Quito isn't just a city—it's a hidden gem. Known officially as San Francisco de Quito, this bustling metropolis of over two million residents sprawls across the Andean slopes in central-northern Ecuador. It's the vibrant heart of the country, pulsating with cultural richness and serving as a nexus of politics, economy, and tourism. Quito's infectious energy captivates at first sight. Get ready to kickstart this extraordinary adventure! With toasts in hand, we'll celebrate the beginning of a journey brimming with unexpected wonders.

This morning marks the official start of our adventure, and what a beginning it is! Departing from vibrant Quito, we embark on a journey into the enchanting Amazon. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture—brush up on your Spanish because today, breathtaking landscapes, unexpected encounters, and pristine nature await us along the way.

Upon arrival in Tena, we transfer by taxi to our hotel. In the afternoon, our first foray into the wild awaits: we'll glide through the waters in canoes to reach AmaZOOnico. More than a wildlife recovery center, it's a gateway to an untouched world. As we wander through the rainforest, prepare to encounter an array of extraordinary creatures: acrobatic monkeys, vibrantly plumed birds, majestic turtles and more! Each encounter promises to be an exhilarating experience and an unforgettable discovery.

AmaZOOnico also stands as a beacon of hope for Amazon ecosystem conservation. Our visit to the center supports their vital work in protecting flora and fauna, making our journey both enriching and impactful.

In the morning, we'll visit the indigenous community of Misahualli, immersing ourselves in their ancient traditions, daily life, and local craftsmanship passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, the time is ours to enjoy! Relax by the banks of the Napo River, venture into the Amazon jungle on a guided trek in search of exotic creatures, or explore Puerto Misahualli—a charming village steeped in history. Let's make the most of our time exploring the surroundings before our next adventure begins tomorrow!

Today we jump on board another public bus (we liked the first one so much and wanted to do it again!) and let ourselves be lulled by the rhythm of the road, heading towards the magical Baños de Agua Santa. An array of pristine nature and pure adrenaline awaits us!

In the afternoon, let's prepare to challenge the vertigo! In front of the Pailon del Diablo, a breathtaking waterfall that plunges into an 80 meter deep canyon, our hearts will beat wildly. Let's go up the stairs to admire this force of nature from different angles and yes, let's also prepare to get a little wet!But Baños is not just this: trekking paths immersed in lush vegetation, thermal springs where you can regenerate and a sparkling atmosphere that is infectious; backpackers and free spirits, let's set off to discover this place surrounded by nature.

This morning in Baños de Agua Santa promises a series of exhilarating experiences. We have the option of an electrifying rafting adventure on the rapids of the Pastaza River or an extreme canyoning expedition among waterfalls and dizzying gorges. Joyful shouts and adrenaline surges will be the soundtrack of this unforgettable morning! One thing is certain: we will have fun, confront our fears, and step out of our comfort zone – which, let’s be honest, can get dull at times!

Following the adrenaline-pumping activities of the morning, we'll indulge in some well-deserved relaxation in Baños’ renowned thermal waters in the afternoon. Soaking in these natural pools, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we'll be able to release tension and rejuvenate both body and mind.

Good morning WeRoaders! Today marks our sixth day of travel, and we have no more excuses: we're now accustomed to the altitude and ready to embark on the real adventure! We'll rise early and set off with a private transfer to Cotopaxi National Park. This park boasts three volcanoes, including the renowned Cotopaxi, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi is the second highest volcano in Ecuador, standing at 5,897 meters above sea level, and while it's still active and challenging to climb, don't worry—we won't be tackling it!

What truly captivates is the untouched nature surrounding us: the park is home to over ninety species of birds, such as hummingbirds, alpine condors, caracaras, ducks, Andean gulls, and lapwings. Mammals like deer, hares, Andean foxes, and pumas also inhabit this area.

Here we are, facing the majestic Cotopaxi, ready for a guided hike along the winding paths beneath the snow-capped volcano. We'll keep our eyes peeled for foxes, white-tailed deer, and Brazilian rabbits that call this area home. Breathing in the fresh, high-altitude air, we'll savor the beauty of the Andes until it's time to head back to Quito for the night.

Finally, it's time to explore Quito! We begin our day with a couple of hours on a walking tour. An expert guide will take us through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, uncovering the secrets of this enchanting city. We'll marvel at Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by stunning colonial buildings, and be captivated by the neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, the Basílica del Voto Nacional.

In the afternoon, we have free time to enjoy as we wish! We can wander through the vibrant stalls of Mercado San Francisco, sampling local delicacies and finding unique souvenirs. Alternatively, we can take the Teleférico Quito for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. But Quito offers more than just history and culture; it's also a city of rich flavours. We must try traditional dishes like locro de papa, a potato soup with meat and cheese, and hornado, roast pork served with potatoes and avocado. And for dessert, we can't miss the dulce de leche, a sweet condensed milk treat that will delight our taste buds.

Today, we embark on an unforgettable adventure: we reach the Galapagos! We'll fly from Quito to Baltra and then disembark on the enchanting Galapagos Islands. After settling into our hotel on Santa Cruz Island, we dive straight into the local culinary scene. We'll head to the bustling fishing port to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, a taxi boat will take us to Las Grietas, a stunning geological formation featuring three narrow and elongated coves nestled between towering lava cliffs. This is a true paradise for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. Las Grietas is a national park and is open until 5 pm, so afterwards, we can visit Los Alemanes beach before returning to the hotel. This first day has already been filled with incredible landscapes, sea, and sun... and we can't wait to see what else the Galapagos has in store for us!

Good morning WeRoaders! Today we’re up early as we travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, we’ll dive into an incredible snorkeling tour at Las Tintoreras. Amid volcanic rocks and pristine beaches, we’ll swim alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and even Galapagos penguins—a true paradise for sea lovers! After this vibrant display of marine life, we’ll be ready for a delicious lunch featuring fresh fish at a local restaurant to recharge our batteries.

In the afternoon, we have options: we can relax on Isabela’s beach, soaking up the sun, sea, and tranquility, or embark on a bike adventure to Mirador Cerro Orchilla, where breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea await us. If we still have energy, we can explore the Wall of Tears, a historical site with the remains of an ancient prison camp. We’ll conclude the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sharing our experiences and savouring the wonderful flavours of Galapagos cuisine.

We wake up in Isabela, the largest and wildest island in the Galapagos, and get ready for an adventure that will leave us speechless! Today we will discover The Tunnels (Cabo Rosa), a magical place where nature has carved underwater lava tunnels, creating an aquatic playground for snorkeling that we will never want to leave! Imagine swimming in a natural aquarium, surrounded by tropical fish of a thousand colors, giant starfish and seahorses that move gracefully among the gorgonians. The sunlight filters through the cracks of the lava tunnels, creating a magical effect that will make us feel like we are in a dream.

But the adventure does not end there: we will enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local products, recharging our batteries for the rest of the day and in the afternoon we return to Isabela, ready to enjoy our last night on this island.

Another day, another early wake-up call… yes, it’s tough, but there’s a good reason: there’s only one ferry in the morning, and it’s at six o’clock. But don’t worry, our next stop is all about relaxation! We bid farewell to Isabela, the volcanic island that charmed us with its lava mysteries and marine wonders, and return to Santa Cruz to spend the rest of the day at Playa Iguana, an earthly paradise that will take our breath away!

Imagine a pristine beach where golden sand kisses your feet and the Pacific waves whisper wild melodies. Here, marine iguanas move gracefully like exotic dancers, and colourful fish dart among the volcanic rocks. As we stroll along the beach, we’ll encounter marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks and watch them dive into the water in search of their daily meal. Playa Iguana is a magical place where nature reigns supreme, and its pristine beauty will envelop us in an embrace. Today we recharge our batteries, and tomorrow we head to our final island, San Cristobal!

WeRoaders, today we take our last morning ferry (we promise!): from Santa Cruz we reach our last island, San Cristobal, in a couple of hours.

We start the day by dropping off our backpacks at the hotel and taking a taxi to the Interpretation Center, where we will immerse ourselves in the history and culture of the Galapagos. After this fascinating introduction, it is time to hit the road! We hike to Cerro Tijeretas, a hill that offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea. We admire the local flora and fauna, including iguanas, sea birds and sea lions.

The descent from Cerro Tijeretas will take us to Playa Baquerizo, a pristine beach where we can finally relax and enjoy the sun, the sea and the tranquility. We take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters, swim among the tropical fish or simply lie on the golden sand and let the sun caress us. Playa Baquerizo is the perfect place to end this exciting day in style.

Today is practically our last day in the Galapagos, and we want to make it unforgettable. We will explore Isla Española, a true natural gem teeming with unique wildlife. This island is a paradise for nature lovers, where we can get up close to a variety of wild animals found nowhere else in the world. Get ready to encounter waved albatrosses, majestic birds gliding gracefully through the sky with wingspans reaching three meters, along with marine iguanas, sea lions, tropical seals, and an incredible variety of seabirds, including boobies, seagulls, and frigate birds!

Isla Española is not just about wildlife! The island also boasts breathtaking landscapes: white sand beaches caressed by crystalline waters, imposing volcanic cliffs, and nature trails leading to pristine corners. We’ll also snorkel among tropical fish and enjoy a delicious lunch made from fresh local produce. Isla Española is a magical place that will leave us speechless, a perfect farewell to this earthly paradise.

The good news today? We can sleep in until check-out! The bad news? We have to head back to Quito and say goodbye to the Galapagos. During the flight, we'll reflect on these 14 incredible days spent between Ecuador and the Galapagos: breathtaking landscapes, trekking, adventure, adrenaline, excursions, and encounters with wild, untouched nature. We'll toast to these experiences and our newfound friendships during our last dinner together, where we’ll share a mix of emotions. One thing is certain: we’ll already feel nostalgic for these places and the moments we’ve shared. The magic of a WeRoad trip is truly this and more.

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!