Ecuador by Nature: A 14-Day Family Journey through the Andes, Amazon & Galapagos

Ecuador is an absolute delight and you can’t wait to be there! Upon arrival into Quito’s international airport, Mariscal Sucre, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to the base of the volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador. Along the way, you will begin to understand the many varied landscapes that Ecuador has to offer, as well as its very unique people and ways of life. The country’s rich traditions are an important part of Ecuador’s identity and you will begin to understand these during your journey to your lodge. Your lodge is situated just outside of the famous indigenous market town of Otavalo, one of Ecuador’s highlights. 

Today is dedicated to the colors and craftsmanship of Otavalo, a town known for one of South America’s most vibrant artisan markets. Browse textiles, ponchos, hammocks, tapestries, jewelry and handmade pieces that reflect generations of local skill. Continue to Cuicocha Lagoon, a striking volcanic crater lake formed thousands of years ago. A gentle walk along the rim rewards you with wide views over the water and surrounding peaks. Later, the scenery changes completely as you descend toward Mindo, Ecuador’s lush cloud forest region. Check in, breathe in the cooler mountain air and enjoy the feeling of arriving in a subtropical world of birds, waterfalls and intense greenery.

Wake up surrounded by one of Ecuador’s richest natural habitats. Mindo is a paradise for bird lovers, with hummingbirds, toucans, parrots, woodpeckers and, with some luck, the brilliant Andean cock-of-the-rock among its most treasured sightings. Spend the morning your way: follow trails to waterfalls, glide across the valley by cable car, zip-line above the canopy or enjoy a chocolate experience that reveals the journey from cacao bean to finished treat. In the afternoon, visit Mitad del Mundo, the famous Equator Monument, where you can stand between the northern and southern hemispheres. After this symbolic stop, continue to Quito for the night.

An early start today to Cotopaxi National Park, where you will take a short walk around the stunning high altitude Limpiopungo Lagoon. Surrounded by grassy fields, wetlands and towering volcanic slopes, this is the perfect place to see Andean ducks, coots and gulls as well as wild horses and occasionally an Andean fox. In the afternoon you depart for the Amazon in Ecuador and take an overnight bus to El Puente del Cuyabeno where you will start your exploration of the stunning Cuyabeno Rainforest reserve.

Arrive at El Puente, the gateway to Cuyabeno Nature Reserve, where your Amazon experience begins. After lunch and a briefing from your naturalist guide, continue by motorized canoe along the narrow Cuyabeno River. This slow river journey is part of the magic: the forest closes in around you, birds call from the trees and wildlife may appear along the banks at any moment. After reaching your lodge and taking time to rest, visit Laguna Grande, one of the reserve’s most atmospheric areas. Explore the flooded forest, cool off in the water and watch the jungle shift colors at sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

After breakfast, join your guide for a rainforest walk that introduces you to the complex life of the tropical forest. Learn how plants, insects, birds and animals exist in delicate balance within this remarkable ecosystem. In the afternoon, travel again by canoe along the Cuyabeno River, scanning the trees and riverbanks for monkeys, macaws, toucans, sloths and other wildlife. With luck, you may also spot pink river dolphins surfacing in the water. Enjoy a refreshing swim in Laguna Grande before returning to the lodge. After dinner, head out on a night canoe excursion in search of caimans, an exciting way to experience the rainforest after dark.

Today, you will be taking a short motorized canoe trip up the river to the Tarapuy indigenous community. This community comprises several Siona families that reside along the river and surrounding forest. Your guide will familiarize you with the customs of this community and you will have the opportunity to witness the daily activities of the families. You will also be given insight into their traditions. After visiting with the community, the group will return to the lodge for a short rest to absorb sounds of the rainforest. In the evening, you will participate in a short guided night walk in search of insects, frogs, spiders, snakes and other nocturnal species that inhabit the rainforest and come out at night.

Before breakfast, enjoy one final canoe outing as the rainforest wakes. This early hour is ideal for birdwatching and for observing the last wildlife activity of your Amazon stay. After breakfast, pack and begin your return journey upriver to El Puente de Cuyabeno. Lunch is included before continuing toward Lago Agrio, where you will connect onward by bus or plane back to Quito. Arrive back in the capital with vivid memories of the rainforest: mirror-like lagoons, river sounds and the rare feeling of having stepped into one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions.

This morning, fly to San Cristobal Island, where your Galapagos adventure begins. On arrival, visit the Interpretation Center for an engaging introduction to the archipelago’s natural history, volcanic origins, climate and fragile ecosystems. Continue with a hike to Tijeretas Hill, named after the frigate birds that nest in the area. From the viewpoint, enjoy sweeping views over San Cristobal and Kicker Rock in the distance. Below the hill, a small bay offers the chance to snorkel in clear water where turtles, tropical fish and sea lions are often seen. It is a memorable first taste of Galapagos wildlife.

Today’s boat excursion takes you to Kicker Rock! Kicker Rock is a partially submerged volcanic rock formation that rises 150 meters from the sea floor, with two large faces of rock and a narrow channel between them that the boat can pass through with ease. The channel provides an excellent spot for a snorkel where you can see hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles, as well as a multitude of fish and other creatures. Above the water there will be a large flock of marine birds including a large colony of Nazca Boobies as well as a smaller group of Blue-footed Boobies and a large group of Frigate birds as well as Brown Pelicans. The birds make their homes on the rock and feed from the waters below for fish. You will have lunch off of the boat and then disembark on a beautiful white sand beach where you can take a leisurely stroll and absorb all of the incredible sights of this incredible island.

Begin early with a speedboat crossing to Santa Cruz Island. On arrival, continue into the green highlands to explore Los Gemelos, the impressive twin craters surrounded by Scalesia forest. Enjoy lunch at a local farm, where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat and highland birds move through the surrounding landscape. You will also have the opportunity to explore lava tunnels, a striking reminder of the islands’ volcanic origins. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an essential stop for understanding Galapagos conservation. Exhibits and breeding programs help explain the work being done to protect the islands’ unique flora and fauna.

This morning, take a boat tour around Puerto Ayora Bay. Stop at Loberia Beach, home to a sea lion colony and snorkel in clear waters where marine life moves close to shore. Continue to Las Grietas, a striking natural swimming channel framed by steep volcanic rock walls. The transparent turquoise water and rugged surroundings make it one of Santa Cruz’s most memorable coastal spots. Later, enjoy free time at Tortuga Bay, reached by a scenic walk through Opuntia and Scalesia forest. The area combines a long, surf-washed beach with a calmer mangrove-lined bay, ideal for swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing in a beautiful island setting.

Today, you set out on a boat trip to an uninhabited island, such as Bartolome (weather and availability permitting). It will probably offer the best landscapes and the most variety of animals of the whole Galapagos experience! On the beaches, on the coast and on the paths leading to the lookout points, Blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, sea lions and many other animals will be encountered. The landscapes of volcanic origin are a result of wind, sea and time. In the afternoon you return to Puerto Ayora to spend the last night of our trip to the Galapagos archipelago.

Your tailor-made Ecuador journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the ferry connection and onward shuttle for the airport. As you leave the Galapagos, take with you the contrasts that make Ecuador so special: Andean markets, cloud forest trails, Amazon rivers, volcanic islands and wildlife encounters found nowhere else on earth.