Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight in Quito – Ecuador’s capital, which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2850 m. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Church of the Society of Jesus (Compania de Jesus), join a market discovery Urban Adventure or take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda – Quito's oldest street. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers and their families for dinner – a great way to get to know each other. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. The complimentary arrival transfer today is only available if you’re arriving on day 1 or if you’ve booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

This morning, travel to the Amazon Jungle – the world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning eight South American countries. On the way, stop at Guango Lodge near the hot springs of Papallacta. Here, you’ll see some of the 14 species of hummingbirds that call this region home. Then, take a motorised canoe through the rainforest to your eco lodge. When you arrive, sit down for dinner with your family, then set off on a night walk through the jungle. Be sure to pack your flashlight and camera for the best chance of seeing local wildlife like fishing bats, owls and toads. Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. After lunch, you'll visit a nearby animal rescue centre. Learn more about the local wildlife and what can be done to help protect them. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Say goodbye to the Amazon as you take a motorised canoe out of the jungle. Then, board a private vehicle and travel to Banos. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk around town. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) by bike, relax in the natural hot springs or discover the religious sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Holy Water. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Travel out of Banos town this morning to the entrance of the Devils Cauldron, where you’ll visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. The 80 m waterfall has a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path – so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket! When you reach the top, take in the surrounding views over the region. After, travel back to Banos where you’ll have the afternoon free for you and your family to spend as you like. Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

This morning, drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador's second-highest peak and the tallest active volcano in the world! As you walk, look for wildlife like condors, deer and spectacles bears. Later, return to Quito this afternoon. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 2 hours.

Today is a free day to explore Quito at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 5 pm this afternoon. Maybe discover the Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. After your meeting, you might like to head out for dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to the next part of your exciting adventure. As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

Today, you’ll take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. When you arrive, visit the Highlands where you can see giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kg (and naturally, are very popular with the kids!). Then, continue to the town of Puerto Ayora. Join your local leader on a short walk around town to get your bearings then enjoy some free time to continue exploring at your own pace. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time in Quito. The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a mandatory Transit Control Card which will cost you USD 20. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival at the domestic airport on Day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Also, upon arrival to the archipelago you will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash (preferably in small bills).

Say goodbye to Santa Cruz and jump on a speedboat to Isla Isabela. Known for wildlife like penguins and sea lions, this island straddles the equator and is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. When you arrive this afternoon, set out on a family kayaking adventure. Navigate the distinct volcanic rock formations as you paddle on clear, turquoise waters, and be sure to look out for local wildlife and marine life along the way! Tonight, maybe wander through town and find a local restaurant for dinner. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. When you arrive at Isla Isabela, you’ll need to pay a port fee of USD10 per person in cash.

This morning, hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) to look for blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos penguin. Then, take a short walk on this isolated islet and learn how it’s a popular iguana nesting site, before swapping your hiking boots for a snorkel. Dive under the clear water and swim with colourful fish and green sea turtles through the winding underground lava tubes. After, dry off and return to Isla Isabel. When you arrive, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre to see giant tortoises in all stages of their development. After learning about the thousand tortoises that live here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, join a local family for a cooking class and learn to make empanadas for dinner. Snorkelling equipment will be provided today. Confident swimming skills are required to take part in today’s activity.

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading to the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! When you arrive, you'll set off for a family-friendly hike to explore the unique landscapes and take in the views. After your hike, you’ll have some free time to find a local cafe for lunch. This afternoon, maybe go swimming and relax at Concha de Perla Beach. Known for its beautiful lagoons full of mangroves, this is a great spot to go for a walk along the sandy shore or snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs. Your hiking distance today will be approximately 8 km or 3 hours.

This morning, take a speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive in Puerto Ayora, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, join a local artist who’s passionate about sustainability during a hands-on creative activity. Using plastic collected from the local beaches, you'll learn how waste can be transformed into meaningful art, while gaining insight into ocean conservation efforts. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, board a plane and make the return flight back to Quito. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe see the city from above on the teleferiqo sky cable cars. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. If you are staying in Quito longer, maybe wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. Your booking agent will be able to help you if you’d like to stay longer, just speak with them ahead of time!