9-DAY GALAPAGOS ISLANDS & OTAVALO HIGHLANDS

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city in the Americas — declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, Quito is nestled in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano, right on the equator.

Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Quito’s charming old town or nearby areas. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you plan a day tour (upon request). In the evening, meet your trip leader in the hotel lobby at 18:00 for a welcome briefing where you’ll receive essential information about your adventure. Today serves as an acclimation and orientation day.

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast — the Galapagos Islands — where Charles Darwin developed his theory of the evolution of species. This magical destination brings to life the dream of swimming with sea lions, turtles, and colorful fish.

We’ll board a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island. Upon arrival, we head to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From there, a fast boat will take us to Isabela Island — the largest island in the archipelago and the most volcanically active. Isabela is formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of them remain active, making this island one of the most geologically dynamic places on Earth.

Today we’ll travel along the coast to explore stunning lava formations created by volcanic activity. This surreal landscape — used by BBC and National Geographic crews for their documentaries — is a maze of lava arches and tunnels both above and below the surface.

The crystal-clear waters are home to sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and more. At “Los Túneles”, sea turtles glide through lava corridors from mangroves to the ocean. Here, we’ll enjoy some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Galapagos — even alongside playful Galapagos penguins.

In the afternoon, we’ll go kayaking along the shoreline of “Las Tintoreras”, keeping an eye out for wildlife. The day will end with a breathtaking sunset on the beach of Puerto Villamil.

After a healthy breakfast, we’ll prepare our gear and head to the trailhead to begin our hike. We’ll trek to the rim of Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in 2005. This 6-mile route offers views of the crater’s vast, lava-filled interior while your guide shares insights about the region’s flora and fauna.

Depending on weather and timing, we may continue to Volcán Chico, where you’ll witness wild landscapes and vibrant lava formations. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tintoreras — a short boat ride from Puerto Villamil — home to abundant wildlife. Snorkeling in its turquoise waters offers a chance to spot white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions.

One of its beaches, bordered by mangroves, is one of the few locations where marine iguanas successfully reproduce.

In the morning, we’ll journey from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. During this inter-island transfer, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales (especially between July and October). Once we arrive, we’ll check into the hotel and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. There, we’ll learn about the endemic species of the Galapagos and ongoing conservation efforts across the archipelago.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the highlands of Santa Cruz to explore the El Chato Reserve — home to the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Walking among these gentle giants in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. The reserve is also a haven for other species like pintail ducks, egrets, finches, flycatchers, and frigatebirds, which gather at a freshwater lake to cleanse their feathers. We’ll end the day back in Puerto Ayora, the most populous town in the Galapagos.

After enjoying our final breakfast in the Galapagos and capturing the last moments with the iconic sea lions, we’ll head to Baltra Airport for our return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Otavalo’s market is South America’s most famous indigenous fair. An early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery will allow ample time to wander its charming cobblestone streets. Here, you’ll encounter Otavalo Indians dressed in blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair, and explore the vibrant handicraft market with its array of textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more—all at excellent prices.

We’ll then visit Cotacachi, a town known for its exquisite leather goods, where lunch can be enjoyed. Afterward, we’ll explore Peguche, a small village famous for its waterfalls and traditional wind instrument makers.

Hands-on Cultural Experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna Women Project

For lunch, we head to Pijal, a small village nestled in the Andes, to visit the Sacha WarmiKuna (“Women from the Mountain”) project—an initiative by AJ and local women to empower their communities. You’ll share a unique cultural exchange, helping prepare “Ají”, a traditional spicy salsa, and enjoy a home-cooked meal crafted with organic, locally grown ingredients.

After lunch, you’ll learn about the textile weaving process passed down through generations. Don’t miss the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handmade scarves. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the charming Hacienda Cusín.

After a delightful breakfast, we begin our challenge with a scenic 5-hour hike around the stunning Cuicocha Crater Lake. This trek offers breathtaking views of the active volcano and the lush valleys of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The trail leads us to an altitude of 11,880 feet (3,620 meters) as we complete a 9-mile (14.5 km) loop around the crater.

At the end of the hike, we’ll take a boat ride to the center of the caldera, where you’ll witness the geothermal activity firsthand as volcanic bubbles rise from the depths—a truly unique experience.

In the afternoon, we return to Quito for a well-deserved rest.

Today our adventure comes to an end. It’s time for your international departure—take with you unforgettable memories and photos, and leave a piece of your heart in Ecuador. We hope to welcome you back soon to experience even more of this enchanted land. ¡Buen viaje!