Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Flight to Quito. On arrival, you will be met at the airport. A driver will take you to the hotel.
Day 1 - 2
Hotel Boutique Vista del Angel Quito
The boutique hotel Vista del Angel is located around 600 meters from the “Plaza Grande” square with the Presidential Palace and the Basilica. Thanks to its very special location, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the old town and the surrounding volcanoes.
Day 2
City tour in Quito: Equatorial Monument
In the morning:
Our first stop will be the Middle of the World City, where we'll delve into intriguing facts about this unique location. Later, on the way to the center, we will stop by a project that has worked for the recovery of knowledge and enhancement of one of the oldest heritages of the equatorial inter-Andean valleys, the Agave culture, all its uses and derivatives.
Quito city tour: Historic old town of Quito
In the afternoon:
In the afternoon, you will explore Quito's historic centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito has the largest contiguous colonial historic centre in South America. With its many sights, colonial townhouses, countless churches and monasteries, the influence of the Catholic Church is still unmistakable today. We will explore and discover the city's most important churches and squares to experience the history of the colonial era at first hand.
Day 3
Thermal springs of Papallacta
In the morning:
After breakfast, we set off in the direction of the Amazon. On the way, we stop at the hot springs of Papallacta, where we can relax and enjoy the therapeutic effects of the mineral-rich water. Depending on the time of year, the outside temperature is between 10 °C and 14 °C. The water temperature is up to 40 °C. There is the option of a massage in the spa: this service is optional and must be booked on site.
Day 3 - 5
Huasquila Amazon Lodge
The Huasquila Amazon Lodge is located at an altitude of 800 meters, which results in an excellent climate - warm during the day and refreshing at night. This means you can enjoy waterfalls and rivers in the bright sunshine during the day and a hot cup of Amazon cocoa in the afternoon. At night it cools down even further, guaranteeing you a restful sleep under a light blanket.
Day 3
Visit an indigenous community
In the afternoon:
Upon reaching Huasquila, we will enjoy lunch. Later, we will visit the Kichwa community, immersing ourselves in their traditional dance, delving into their culture, and observing the preparation of the renowned indigenous corn drink, chicha. The day ends with a delicious dinner in the restaurant at the front of Huasquila lagoon.
Day 4
Rafting-Tour
Daytour:
After breakfast, we set off towards Tena to the Jatunyaku River, where we will undertake a 23 km full rafting journey (approximately 3 hours) around the Llanganates National Park, filled with adrenaline and adventure (Note: The river may be subject to change based on availability and safety conditions for the activity at that time). This activity includes a safety briefing, rafting protective gear, and a box lunch. Upon returning to the lodge, you can enjoy the pool and hot tub, followed by a delicious dinner.
Day 5
Hike to the Huasquila waterfall with our all-terrain wheelchair
In the morning:
Once you had breakfast, we will embark on a jungle hike (approximately 3 hours). Before entering the forest, we will pass by a guayusa and medicinal plant farm, surrounded by primary and secondary forests. We will have the opportunity to bathe under a cascade. We are also prepared with all-terrain wheelchairs to do this activity.
Visit to El Arca Zoo and a night-time chocolate session
Afternoon:
After lunch, we go to the El Arca Zoo to see different Amazonian animals. The day ends with the chocolate tasting, where you will learn about the process of chocolate making in Huasquila, from roasting and grinding to tasting - the perfect plan after dinner.
Day 6
Trip to Baños
In the morning:
After breakfast, check out and continue your journey to Baños (approx. 3-hour drive).
Day 6 - 7
Luna Volcan Baños
The Hotel Luna Volcán Adventure SPA is located 170 km south of Quito near the thermal town of Baños. Surrounded by mountains, 70 natural waterfalls and hot thermal springs, the hotel offers panoramic views of the charming town of Baños and the active volcano Tungurahua (5,016 m).
Day 6
City tour in Baños de Agua Santa
In the afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will walk through its streets to learn more about this city. We will visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Agua Santa. Inside, you can see a collection of murals depicting local miracles attributed to the Virgin, the patron saint of the city. The Basilica is an architectural infrastructure, a work of art that has withstood the test of time and history. We will also stop at the Fray Enrique Mideros Museum to learn more about the city's religious culture and to see items that have been left as gifts to the Virgin. We will also visit the central market to observe the local crafts offered there, and of course, this city tour also includes tasting traditional sweets from the area.
Day 7
Waterfall route
In the morning:
After breakfast, we will focus on visiting the surroundings of the town of Baños to observe and admire the beauty of one of the attractions that has made the city famous: its waterfalls. We will follow the route of the waterfalls, stopping at the most important ones for Baños, such as Cabellera de la Virgen, Agoyan, Manto de la Novia, and Pailón del Diablo, so you can photograph and cherish these beautiful sights. .
El Salado thermal water
In the afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will visit Termas El Salado, a complex of sulfurous water pools, where visitors can choose between different temperatures ranging from very hot to extremely cold, enjoying a bath while taking in the landscape.
Day 8
Trip to the Cotopaxi National Park
In the morning:
After breakfast, we will drive our way to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi stands as the second-highest peak in the country, soaring to 19,347 feet (5,897 m) and earning its title as one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Situated within the Andes Mountains, this stratovolcano offers breathtaking views. We will stop by to take some pictures, look the flora and fauna surrounding and go to the hotel nearby to rest the afternoon.
Day 8 - 9
Hacienda El Porvenir Cotopaxi
The Hotel Hacienda El Porvenir is a beautiful farmhouse built in the traditional style with a thatched roof. This is the ideal starting point for exploring Cotopaxi. You can also get to know the way of life in the Andes at first hand. The hacienda is about a 35-minute drive from the town of Machachi.
Day 8
Cotopaxi Nationalpark
In the afternoon:
In the afternoon you can relax at the hotel or go for a walk in the national park.
Day 9
Free morning and return flight home
In the morning:
This morning is at your leisure. Depending on your flight connection, you will be travelling to Quito airport in good time.
We wish you a safe journey home.