Unbranded: Vera Pechackova - Ecuador and Galapagos discovery - 18 days/17 nights - Galapagos Bonita Cruise

Transfer in Quito

Upon your arrival to Quito, you will be greeted by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name.  You will be assisted with your belongings and provided transportation to your next destination or hotel.  You can find all your transfer information within the itinerary.  

Quito City Line Tour - Transfer to Mindo

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will begin your day by exploring the historic center of Quito. This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to having the best preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you the highlights such as La Plaza de la Independencia, La Iglesia de San Francisco, and the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional. During this time you will learn more about Quito’s interesting and colorful history while taking in the sights and sounds of daily Ecuadorian life. 

Afterward, you will visit Mitad del Mundo or the “Middle of the World”.  A visit to the Intiñan Museum will allow you to participate in experiments demonstrating the uniqueness and magic of this special location.

Mindo Cloud Forest

Be mesmerized by the colorful humming-birds flitting from flower to flower, undoubtedly one of the main highlights for visitors. This amazing cloud forest adventure is easily accessible for a short weekend get-away, located just a couple of hours from Ecuador’s capital city Quito.

Mindo is a rural parish just about  3 hours min drive from Otavalo(165 km), located in Los Bancos canton in the province of Pichincha. Mindo is known for its increase in ecotourism based in the Mindo – Nambillo Protected Forest. The beautiful landscapes and exuberant flora and fauna of this cloud forest attract all types of travelers and adventurers.

Today your guide will take you to an amazing Chocolate process visit, then to the waterfalls and finally to the butterflies farm.

Then you will reach the city of Otavalo

Otavalo Tour

About two hours north of Quito, we find a magical land of lakes, beautiful green scenarios, and living cultures known as the Province of Imbabura. During this full-day excursion, you will visit some spots on the way to Otavalo, the Quitsato complex, and the Otavalo Indian Market, famous for its colorful textiles and unlimited display of amazing handicrafts.

Tour starts in Otavalo, you will discover the most famous indigenous artesian market in Ecuador. You will have free time to explore and purchase local handicrafts and the guide will explain the local indigenous culture. You then continue to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods then onward to the incredible Cuicocha lagoon.

Finally, you will start your drive back to the next destination, Papagayo, and visit the San Pablo lake mirador on the way

Then, a stop  in  Cayambe to taste the famous bizcochos, which are traditional biscuits baked on an open fire.

Finally a last stop at the Quitsato complex to appreciate the Ecuador line that cross the world in the 2 hemispheres. 

Cotopaxi Day Tour

About half an hour of a fantastic drive south from Machachi, the misty Cotopaxi volcano rises in the "Avenue of Volcanoes", covered with a perpetual blanket of dazzling white snow and glaciers.

At 19,348 feet (5,897 m) above sea level, it is considered the highest active volcano in the world and is home to Cotopaxi National Park. The park offers a tundra-like environment and is surrounded by other active and extinct volcanoes. The area offers great hiking with the opportunity to explore and enjoy the unique geology and flora, as well as the chance to see local fauna, including wild horses and the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. It is also home to llamas, foxes, rabbits, high paramo birds, condors and herds of wild horses. The Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that starts with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the "Avenue of Volcanoes". Within the national park, you can even hike up to the main Jose Rivas refuge, located at 4,810 m near the snow line of Cotopaxi.

Quilotoa Lagoon - Transfer to Baños

Ever growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoa is a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You’ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua, which makes for a great photo opportunity, and close to there, you will visit an indigenous family (subject to change due to the Covid pandemic). When you reach Quilotoa you can decide if you would like to walk down from the crater rim and down to the water’s edge. You can appreciate the beauty up close for yourself. Kayaks are also available for rent for an additional cost if you feel up for the adventure. Or you may decide you would like to enjoy the crater from other angles and hike the loop around the volcano crater. If you hike to the bottom, keep in mind that the way back up is rather steep, good hiking shoes are recommended. There is also the option of renting a mule to ride back up for about $15 per person.

Baños de Agua Santa Town

Baños is a small city in the Andean highlands under the smoke of the Tungurahua volcano and surrounded by green lush mountains. Its name, which in Spanish means ¨baths (of sacred water)¨, comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. Baños is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador – you can do all sorts of adventure activities in the area surrounding Baños, such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, canyoning, bungee jumping, ziplining, white water rafting, and a lot more! It´s quite a tourist place, so there are lots of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents.

The Valley of the Waterfalls outside of Baños is much visited by tourists, and the Paillon del Diablo is the most impressive of all. There is also the famous Swing of the Edge of the World which you can visit for a stunning swing!

Suggested activities in Baños and its surroundings

What to do in Baños? 

The Town: bike and quads rental, walking around the village, shopping for handicrafts, excellent typical gastronomy, visiting the city’s historic Cathedral with its impressive paintings, and visiting one or more of the thermal baths, public and private.

Swing at the end of the world 

If you are in Baños town, make it a point to make a trip to Casa del Arbol in Baños. This is where the famous Ecuador swing is located. Currently, there are three swings and a zip line in the area. There is also a small snack bar. The whole park is being managed by the family of Carlos Sanchez who volunteered to monitor the Tungurahua volcano.

The famous Ecuador swing is attached to the same tree that holds the treehouse known as Casa del Arbol which serves as a seismic monitoring station. It is located at 8530,184 ft or 2,600 meters above sea level. For a long time running, it has been manned by a local named Carlos Sanchez, and its purpose was to observe and monitor Mt. Tungurahua.

Visit “Pailon del Diablo” Waterfall: 30 minutes from Baños, on the road to the Amazon Rainforest this breathtaking waterfall can be admired. Beautiful natural surroundings and some hiking trails are some of the highlights of this incredible site. Hiking down to the waterfall can take about 40 minutes while going up can take about one and a half hours, depending on pace and physical conditions. From Baños you can visit Pailon del Diablo either by car or by renting a bike.

Baños - Alausi (Simbambe community)

Today starts your ride from Baños to Alausi. So far the Devils nos train is not operating but in case it will be operating, we will book the ride for you (Extra cost)

If it's still not operating , your guide will take to Simbambe to discover and share with the Nizag Community.
This is a local indigenous community located near the Devil’s Nose cliff. The community is known for keeping alive their ancestral traditions despite modern times. Tours to the community are available to experience cultural immersion and exchanges including learning about the community’s history, agriculture, industry, clothing, culinary traditions, and other customs.

Ingapirca Fortress Ruins

The Ingapirca ruins are the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador. At the temple, a guide will lead you around this fascinating ruins complex with impressive stone structures surrounding the prominent circular Temple of the Sun. Discover how this site displays both the Inca and Cañari culture's master of stonework and their keen awareness of solar patterns. You will also learn how this complex played an important role in military strategies by serving as a fortress and provision to troops in the north of Ecuador.

Start the tour after breakfast.

On this day you will wake up to visit the historical ruins of Ingapirca (Wall of the Inca), the largest archeological Inca complex in Ecuador. Ingapirca was originally built by the native Kañari people as a temple and observatory. It was later expanded by the Inca Huayna Capac to be used as a resting house for Inca messengers and other travelers going through the Inca trail, a garrison, a resting place for the emperor, and a Temple. The most important and larger construction is the ellipse-shaped Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) with perfectly fitting green diorite stone. A small archaeological site-museum will provide more in-depth information about the daily life and ceremonies held at Ingapirca both in Kañari and Inca times.

After this visit, you will continue to the city of Cuenca located 1 hour away from here.

Cuenca City

A favorite for many, the colonial city of Cuenca is a beautiful and charming gem in the southern Ecuadorian Andes. Your tour will take you to the most important and interesting sights such as the picturesque and traditional neighborhood of San Sebastian,, Calderon Park, the flower market, and the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

In the afternoon depending on the time and the factory schedule, you will visit a Paja Toquilla hat factory, as known as the Panama hat. Here you can observe the process of making the finest hats possible. From there you will enjoy a walk alongside the river and be able to take in the charming architecture that lines the river banks. To finish the day you visit the Mirador de Turi, a scenic viewpoint where you can take beautiful photos of the landscape and city.

Cajas National Park - Trnsfer to Guayaquil

With a dramatic rolling landscape and jagged rocks, Cajas National Park is a unique and impressive area. The park lies on the continental divide so rivers run to both the Amazon in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west. It’s the perfect place for a hike with 232 lakes and a range of fauna including spectacled bears, pumas, hummingbirds, and condors.

This National Park with astounding scenery is only 40 minutes away from Cuenca. With over 200 lakes and ponds formed by remains of a glacial valley, the rugged and beautiful El Cajas National Park has a total extension of 28,800 hectares with altitudes ranging from 300 to 4, 500/984 to 14,764 feet above sea level, although most of the park is over the 3,000m / 9,843 feet mark. This territory surrounded by the typical tundra-like environment of the Andean moorlands is home to hummingbirds, partridges, condors, hawks, spectacled bears, whitetail deer, tapir, and many other Andean species.

FLIGHT TO THE GALAPAGOS - BONITA CRUISE

In the morning, transfer out to Guayaquil airport for your flight to the Galapagos

AM: Baltra Airport

Departure to the Galapagos Islands, arrival at Baltra airport, where our naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.

PM: Dragon Hill

Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill gets its name from the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location on the whole island of Santa Cruz where you can see this large species of reptiles. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was on the brink of extinction during the 1970s and 80s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small saltwater lagoon where we can often see flamingos, ducks, stilts, sandpipers, and other shorebirds.  

Snorkel: After the hike, you will have the option to snorkel in shallow sheltered water where you will see large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish, as well as reef sharks, rays, and a large diversity of tropical fish

Highlights: Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin finches, American flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, herons

Trail: 2,2 km / 1,4 mi

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE

AM: Buccaneer Cove / Espumilla Beach

This site gets its name because it was used by pirates and buccaneers during the XVII and XVIII centuries as a place to hide and get fresh water and tortoises. The place is very scenic with beautiful cliffs and interesting rock formations. There is no trail, but here you will take a dinghy to look at wildlife from the small boats.

Snorkel: You can snorkel in a sheltered bay that is teaming with underwater wildlife including large schools of fish (angelfish, puffers, parrotfish, snappers, grunts…) but also reek sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles

Highlights: Boobies, herons, Galapagos fur seals, swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks

Espumilla is a beautiful 1km (0,6 mi) long beach with rusty-brown sand, located on the northern coast of Santiago. It is surrounded by large mangrove trees and a very interesting native dry forest, which is home to Galapagos hawks but also a great diversity of finches, mockingbirds, and doves. Don’t forget to check the salt pan, as during the rainy season there could be flamingos and ducks.

Highlights: Bobbies, oystercatchers, herons, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks

Trail: 2,3 km / 1,4 mi (plus an extra loop 1 km - 0,6 mi)

Level: 1

Panga Ride

PM: Egas Port

Despite its name, there is no “port” at Puerto Egas, but you might see a few remains of the last attempts to colonize the island during the 60s. The trail goes along the coastline which is rich in wildlife, with marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere, Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers, and many shorebirds. At the end of the trail, an area called “the grottos ' is home to a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more difficult to see at close range than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area, so look around for these impressive reptiles which were extinct from Santiago for over a century. 

Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach and explore an area of rocky bottoms which is excellent for fish, turtles, and reef sharks. Often, sea lions are also present and are happy to interact with divers

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, oystercatchers, marine & land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, herons, shorebirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves

Trail: 2,3 km / 1,4 mi

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Wet landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE

AM: Vicente Roca Point

Surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, Vicente Roca point is a great location to observe spectacular landscapes and interesting volcanic features. There is no trail here but you will take a dinghy tour along the shore to get a closer view of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. The area is also known to be a good location for whales and dolphins.

Snorkel: Snorkel in the cove to look for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, cormorants, rays, and many different species of fish. Look for fan corals, sponges, and other invertebrates growing on the walls

Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, fur seals, Nazca & blue-footed boobies

Level: 1

Panga Ride

PM: Espinoza Point

Fernandina is the most active volcano of the islands, with regular eruptions every 3-5 years. This island is also one of the jewels of the Galapagos because of the large number of animals on its shores. As soon as you disembark you will see hundreds of marine iguanas lounging in the sun, while the tide pools are a favorite playground for sea lions. Further along, Galapagos cormorants build their nests near the shore, not far from other species such as herons, oystercatchers, and other shorebirds, while hawks often perch in the mangroves in search of prey.

Snorkel: The nutrient-rich waters are the reason for the great diversity of species in this area, including penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and many sea turtles. The abundance of algae makes this place the best place to see marine iguanas feeding underwater

Attractions: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, cormorants, penguins, sea lions, turtles, herons, shorebirds, and zayapa crabs

Level: 2

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE

AM: Urbina Bay

This place is known for the dramatic uplifting that happened here during the 1950s. A large portion of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Look carefully along the trail and you will find small shells and corals, proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. The trail will allow seeing land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees. 

Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach to see sea turtles, cormorants, and penguins. Fish are also abundant in the area

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, flycatchers

Trail: Short trail: 1,2 km / 0,7 mi. Long Trail: 3,0 km / 1,8 mi

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Wet landing and hiking

PM: Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove is one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. A trail will take you through the dry Palo Santo forests where you can see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. You will get great views of Darwin’s lake and the large volcanoes of northern Isabela.

A boat tour along the shore will give you chances to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and a very unique species: The Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird that is one of the most endangered species on the island.

Snorkel: The nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove attract a lot of sea turtles and a great diversity of fish, but also penguins, who feast on large schools of anchovies. It is common to see cormorants underwater as they chase fish through the reef

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, herons, penguins, sea turtles, and sea stars

Trail: 2,6 km / 1,6 mi

Level: 3

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE

AM: Elizabeth Bay

Elizabeth Bay is a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail here so you will take a dinghy tour to explore many channels, pools, and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins, but don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3.000 of them. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area and blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant.

Highlights: Galapagos hawks, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, herons

Level: 1

Panga Ride

PM: Moreno Point

Moreno Point is a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Once inland, scattered brackish lagoons form an oasis of life where you can find flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the shore, we will look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and other shore birds.

Snorkel: We will snorkel to see sea turtles, cormorants, and many species of fish. Look carefully in the long seaweed and you might find a seahorse

Highlights: American flamingos, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches

Trail: 1,6 km / 1 mi

Level: 3

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE

AM: Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization that has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit, you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment. One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers

Trail: 2 km / 1,2 mi

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

PM: Highlands

Either if you do this visit starting from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a bus will take you to the highlands stopping along the way at one of the reserves to visit the lush highland forests where you will look for Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural environment. This is the best place in the Galapagos to see these gentle giants (reaching over 300 kg / 600 pounds!) casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. This is also home to a great diversity of birds rarely found in the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian finches), flycatchers, and several species of water birds. You will visit a lava tunnel (depending on the itinerary) and learn how these extraordinary formations were created by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels

Trail: 1-1,5 km / 0,6-0,9 mi

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking

BONITA CRUISE - FLIGHT TO ECUADOR CONTINENTAL

AM: Twin Craters

The Twin Craters or also known as “Los Gemelos”, is located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. They are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site, it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl.

Then, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

Level: 1

Type of Landing: Dry landing and hiking