📌Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Dinner in the evening.

Meals: None

📌Day 2: Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. Many colonial architectural monuments have been preserved here, and the Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. After breakfast, we will explore the ancient and colonial parts of the city, visiting the Convent of the Americas, the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, and Santo Domingo. In the afternoon, we will visit "La Mitad del Mundo," the "Middle of the World" museum, built on the site of the supposed equator line. After sightseeing, transfer to a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

📌Day 3: Mindo

Early morning, we set off towards the cloud forest stretching across the surrounding mountains. Our first stop will be a short trek to Nambillo Falls, where lush vegetation surrounds us, and the sound of falling water creates a unique atmosphere.

Then, we visit the butterfly conservatory, where you can admire hundreds of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there's a canopy adventure, a zipline ride over the cloud forest – a guaranteed adrenaline rush and exceptional views.

📌Day 4: Mindo Birdwatching

This morning we devote the entire morning to tropical birdwatching in the cloud forests of Mindo, home to over 350 species. Wake up at 5:00 AM to enjoy the birds' most active hours. During a guided morning walk, we'll spot toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, and other rare and endemic species. This is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of tropical nature and capture the extraordinary colors and sounds of the Amazonian cloud forest. Returning to Mindo is scheduled for around 11:00 AM. Today, we'll visit a local chocolate factory, where we'll learn about the entire chocolate-making process—from cocoa beans to the finished bars. The Mindo region is renowned for some of the finest chocolate in Ecuador, so there will also be an opportunity for a tasting. We conclude the day with an overnight stay in the picturesque town of Mindo, overlooking the surrounding forest and mountain landscapes.

Overnight stay in a beautiful hotel surrounded by tropical scenery.

📌Day 5: Otavalo – Cuicocha

Visit the Otavalo market. We'll see many ethnic minorities selling their products at this market. Here, you can also purchase some of the most unique souvenirs from Ecuador. Next, we head towards the Cuicocha Lagoon, where we'll trek around the lagoon. If time permits, we'll head to the Peguche Falls for a beautiful walk. Overnight stay in Otavalo.

📌Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park

Depart from our hotel for Cotopaxi National Park. Our first stop will be the Limpiopungo Lagoon, where we'll take a walk and learn about the local flora and fauna. We'll then take our private bus to the parking lot at 4,500 meters above sea level. From here, we'll hike an hour to the Jose Ribas Refuge, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, we'll take an hour-long walk along the glacier's edge near the refuge. Lunch is available at the refuge. Overnight stay at the Tambopaxi Lodge – a beautiful refuge.

📌Day 7: Climbing Ruminahui Volcano

After breakfast, we ascend to the summit of Ruminahui Volcano (4640m – approximately 5 hours of ascent, 3 hours of descent). We enjoy panoramic views of Cotopaxi National Park. We'll have a box lunch along the way. We return to our shelter. Today's second night is at Tambopaxi Lodge.

Hiking time: approximately 7-8 hours

📌Day 8: Cotopaxi Park – Quilotoa Lagoon

After breakfast, we leave Cotopaxi National Park and head towards the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon – one of the most spectacular volcanic craters in Ecuador. Upon arrival in the village of Quilotoa, we'll have time to hike around the lagoon, admiring its turquoise waters and steep crater walls.

For those who prefer a shorter route, there's an easier section along the rim, with viewpoints perfect for taking photos. The trek is tailored to participants' fitness levels – regardless of your choice, every step offers incredible panoramas and the opportunity to experience the rugged Andean nature. Overnight stay at a beautiful hacienda near the Quilotoa Lagoon.

📌Day 9: Quilotoa Lagoon – Baños

After breakfast, transfer from the Quilotoa Lagoon area to Baños. Activities in Baños: visit the famous Casa del Arbol. Dinner in Baños.

📌Day 10: Baños

After breakfast, we start the day in the charming town of Baños, located at 1,800 meters above sea level, where the mighty Andes Mountains meet the tropical jungle. We set off on a hike through the tropical rainforest to reach the impressive Pailón del Diablo waterfall. The walk includes crossing a suspended bridge, offering breathtaking views.

For those who want an extra dose of adrenaline, there's a glass bridge to walk across, a zipline over the waterfall, or a swing over the abyss. In the afternoon, relax at Luna Volcán, a picturesque spa with volcanic hot springs, or in the local hot springs. Overnight in Baños.

📌Day 11: Baños – Quito

After breakfast, travel from Baños to Quito. Along the way, we'll stop at a local hacienda for horseback riding. Overnight in Quito.

Day 12: End of the trip: Ecuador + optional 5 days in the Galapagos. If not, transfer to the airport and return to Europe.

GALAPAGOS SUPPLEMENT:

📌Day 12 – Galapagos (San Cristobal, Day 1)

In the morning, we fly from Quito to San Cristobal Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. After checking in, we head to the coast, to the beaches of Tijeretas, where our first adventure in the crystal-clear waters awaits. While snorkeling, we'll spot sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, and numerous tropical fish. After our aquatic adventures, we'll take a walk to a nearby hill, which offers a picturesque panorama of the island.

📌Day 13 – Galapagos (San Cristobal, Day 2)

Today, we'll embark on an exciting 360° tour, circumnavigating San Cristobal Island, stopping at the most beautiful snorkeling spots. We'll swim among manta rays, sea lions, green turtles, and numerous tropical fish, and if we're lucky, we'll even spot sharks at the famous Kicker Rock. Upon return, we'll relax at the hotel and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

📌Day 14 – Galapagos (Santa Cruz, Day 3)

In the morning, we'll transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Our first attraction will be a walk through Tortuga Bay, where we'll observe seabirds, iguanas, and local vegetation, including giant cacti and mangroves. At the end of the route, we'll find a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or kayaking. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we'll learn about the work of scientists, see tortoises and iguanas being bred, walk through a cactus forest, and observe a variety of birds. This is a place where history and nature combine in a unique way.

📌Day 15 – Galapagos (Bartolomé, Day 4)

A full-day excursion to Bartolomé Island, one of the most picturesque islands in the entire archipelago. During the yacht cruise, we'll admire panoramic views of the island, and during breaks, we'll enjoy lunch on board. Those interested can snorkel off the white, sandy beaches. We'll get up-close views of Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish.

📌Day 16 – Galapagos (Santa Cruz, Day 5 / return)

Very early in the morning, we'll depart for Santa Cruz Island to see the twin craters. Then, transfer to the airport in Baltra for a flight to Guayaquil, from where we begin our journey back to Europe.

The price includes:

🟩Local ground transportation, airport transfers (private transportation throughout)
🟩Polish tour guide
🟩Accommodation in comfortable hotels in single, double, or triple rooms
🟩Daily breakfasts
🟩Half-board meals in the Galapagos (breakfast and dinner)
🟩All attractions included in the program (all entrance fees except the Galapagos National Park)
🟩Flights Quito – San Cristobal, Baltra – Quito
🟩3-star hotel during the Ecuador visit
🟩3-star hotels in the Galapagos
🟩Snorkeling equipment in the Galapagos

The price does not include:

🟥International flights Poland – Ecuador – Poland
🟥Meals not mentioned
🟥Drinks Tips, personal expenses
🟥Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (approximately $200)
🟥Airport taxes (approximately $30)
🟥Health insurance is required for the Galapagos Islands. Must be presented at the airport in Guayaquil.