Experience Ecuador: Quito, Cloud Forest & Galapagos

Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be able to make a stop at the Pululahua volcanic crater (optional) for a peek into the crater with its patchwork fields far below on the crater floor. Soon after, you will be back on the road and before long, will reach the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Here, you will follow a winding road to the top of the mountain, taking in fabulous views along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy the flurry of hummingbirds at the lodge entrance, and after checking-in, take a hike into the forest on the reserve's variety of trails. An incredible one hundred and seventy species of birds have been recorded at Bellavista, and the list continues to grow: Tanager - finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and the White-face Nunbird can all be found here, while everybody enthuses over the brightly colored Tanagers and the Platebilled Mountain-Toucan. After lunch at Bellavista Lodge, you will be able to take another hike into the forest. Along this walk, your local naturalist guide will acquaint you with the cloud forest's exuberant vegetation, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this special environment. As the day breaks to night, you will settle in for dinner, then join in on a brief nocturnal exploration, or simply retire to your room for a night of rest.

Today you are invited to start the day early in order to visit the "cock of the rock" lek, a place where these marvelous birds congregate to feed. After a healthy breakfast, set out on a nature walk along the heights of the Bellavista Reserve in search of rare and elusive creatures. Later, visit "Tony's House", a well-known spot where you can see more than 24 species of hummingbirds. Tony is an expert on the birds and their songs, and has placed a lot of hummingbird feeders around his house, as well as in the forest, to attract the amazing variety of brilliantly colored birds you will see here. More than 19 varieties can regularly be seen, including some very rare examples.

Mindo, a protected area found near Bellavista, has about 370 species of orchids in the reserve. Orchids are undoubtedly one of the most impressive attractions to those visiting this unique section of the country, and the impressive range of species on display dazzles, while also attracting a wide range of butterflies. Today you will join your guide to admire and enjoy the interactive butterfly garden where, surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies, you will be able to observe the four stages of a butterfly's life. While you are in the garden you will be able to feed one or more of the 25 different species of butterflies. Later you will visit the Garden of Orchids, where you will see about 35 to 60 species of orchids in bloom, some so tiny they must be observed by a magnifying glass. At the end of the tour, you have the ability to observe more hummingbirds, before making your way to the Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve. Alambi is a family home-style guesthouse set in 250 hectares (625 acres) of mostly primary cloud forest at the foot of the Tandayapa Valley, famed among world birders. Here you will test your luck at spotting rare species before joining your guide for the return transfer back to Quito.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Galapagos Islands, where nature thrives in its purest form. Depart from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal, a flight lasting roughly two hours and 30 minutes (included). Upon your arrival at the San Cristobal airport, a Monserrat guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and will escort you to the yacht where you will enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about the Galapagos.

Your afternoon will take you to Isla Lobos, a small, tranquil island located just a short navigation from San Cristobal. After a dry landing, you will explore a trail where you will encounter a vibrant colony of Galapagos Sea Lions resting on the shore and playful pups swimming in the surf. You'll also witness Blue-footed Boobies nesting nearby and enjoy the serene beauty of the white-sand coastline, offering your first intimate look at the islands' remarkable wildlife.

Your morning will begin with a spectacular dry landing on Gardner Bay, located on Espanola Island. This location will greet you with a breathtaking, long stretch of pristine white beach, composed entirely of pulverized coral. Here, you'll have an extended opportunity to walk and relax, sharing the shore with massive, playful colonies of sea lions. You will witness their social dynamics firsthand, with pups approaching you out of curiosity - an unforgettable welcome! Following your beach exploration, the calm, crystalline waters will invite you for a refreshing dip. You can take a delightful swim or snorkel right off the beach. As you explore the shallow bay, you will discover the colorful marine life and may even see groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom. This ideal morning setting perfectly balances relaxation with unique wildlife interaction.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a fascinating visit to Suarez Point, the wildlife epicenter of Espanola Island. After a smooth dry landing, embark on an extensive two-mile (3.2 km) circular trail that weaves along spectacular lava cliffs. Along this incredible route, you will observe the worldwide known "Christmas Iguanas", the largest marine iguanas in the world, uniquely marked with striking red and green colors, before reaching the main nesting area. Here, be thrilled with the sight of hundreds of Nazca Boobies and the bright feet of the Blue-footed Boobies performing their signature dance. If you visit the Galapagos Islands, you will witness the impressive Waved Albatrosses, performing their curious courtship rituals just meters away from you. The journey ends at the blowhole, where high tides will send water spraying dramatically into the air - a truly fitting finale!

Your morning adventure will start with an exciting wet landing at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. Prepare to be amazed by the geological contrast: you will first encounter a striking green-sand beach, its color derived from microscopic olivine crystals. After a short walk, transition to the famous "Flour Sand Beach," a pristine white stretch composed of finely ground coral, which serves as a vital nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles. You will follow a well-defined trail inland that leads to a large, brackish lagoon. There, focus your attention on finding the majestic Greater Flamingos, which often congregate in large numbers, feeding in the shallow waters alongside other wading birds like White-cheeked Pintails and Black-necked Stilts. Finally, after absorbing the unique terrestrial views, you will gear up for a refreshing snorkeling experience just off the shore, where you will witness the playful sea lions and may even glide beside a calm sea turtle in its natural element.

Your afternoon will take you back in time as you visit the legendary Post Office Bay on Floreana Island. Following a simple wet landing, you'll find the famous wooden barrel that has served as an unofficial postal service since the 18th century, used initially by whalers and pirates. You will participate in this unique maritime tradition: searching through the postcards left by previous visitors for any mail addressed near your home. If you find one, you will become the postal carrier, delivering it by hand! Next, take a delightful panga (dinghy) ride along the coast, exploring the historical anchoring spot and observing the coastal wildlife, including the playful sea lions and marine birds. This site offers a perfect blend of unique human history and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and interactive afternoon.

Your final morning will be dedicated to conservation and science with a visit to Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. This stop will offer you a crucial, inspiring perspective on the efforts to save the archipelago's unique ecosystems before you depart. You will walk through the breeding and rearing facilities and you will witness the dedicated work being done to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, most notably the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. See tortoises of various sizes and ages in the captive breeding program, from small hatchlings to majestic adults. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges and the success stories that ensure the future of the islands' unique inhabitants. This final, thoughtful encounter will serve as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of life in Galapagos. Afterwards, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito.