Quito, the capital . BB

Meet our representative at Quito International Airport for a relaxing transfer to the Le Parc Hotel located in the business area of Quito only 10 minutes away from the airport.

Day 2:

The colonial art and the mystic surrounding hills. BBL

Tour the colonial center, a jewel of baroque art and architecture in a horse-drawn carriage;  churches, monasteries, narrow streets reflect people’s artistic creativity and blends of indigenous and Spanish cultures. Drive to El Panecillo, the Temple to the Sun God, for a panoramic view of the city. Lunch at El Itchimbìa, the “Sacred Hill of the Radiant Sun”, a name given by the Quitu-Caras, the pre-Incan inhabitants of this land, the former northeast limit of the city prior the conquest.
In the afternoon browse the amazing world of plants visiting Quito`s botanical garden with a display of more than 1,200 orchid species, along with some other breathtaking Ecuadorian flora.

Day 3 & 4:

Papallacta Thermal Baths

Termas de Papallacta is located 40 miles east of Quito, perched on a high Andean valley at the entrance route to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. Termas de Papallacta spa- resort offers visitors health, recreation, adventure and rest.  The thermal baths provide the ultimate relaxation and you have the opportunity to pamper yourselves with luxurious spa treatments.  You can always take advantage of your surroundings and head off on an adventurous walk in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. Allow the beauty to fuel your passion for life as you watch life unfold before your eyes. The rooms are situated next to the thermal pools which are for the exclusive use of guests. The hotel restaurant offers delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine using ingredients from the organic kitchen garden located on the hotel grounds.

Day 3:

Papallacta FB

After a delectable breakfast in Quito, you will drive the 40 miles to Papallacta.  Today you have a full day to do exactly as you please your loved one. Take advantage of all the offerings at your resort or head out for a hike. Overnight at Termas de Papallacta.

Day 4:

Papallacta HBB

After a romantic breakfast take a quick hike to the Rancho del Cañón , a protected area covering 625 acres (250 hectares), located at the entrance of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve. This is an exciting way to appreciate and learn about the local flora and fauna which boasts a large number of species endemic to the area, including more than 160 bird species, tapirs, anteater bears, and many more.  Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing lunch in the hotel restaurant.
In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the 'Exploratorio', the area's research and interpretation center that provides detailed information on this protected area and its surroundings. Overnight at Termas de Papallacta.

Day 5:

Today take half the morning to enjoy the pools, breathe in the clean, fresh air and from the Amazon and enjoy the breath-taking Andean landscape. In the afternoon return to Quito for a night at Cafe Cultura, a boutique hotel.

Day 6 – 10:

The Amazon

Enter the once unexplored tributaries of the Napo River by visiting the Napo Wildlife Center.  This unique lodge is one of the only community owned,  sustainably managed lodges within the Amazon. Owned and managed by the Kichwa community of Añangu, The Napo Wildlife Center  Amazon Lodge, is one of the most  impressive alternative luxury eco-hotels Amazonian Ecuador.
This ecotourism project is located in some of the  most pristine Amazon Rain Forest found within the Yasunì National Park. It  is the winner of the  prestigious Rainforest Alliance ´Community Standard Setter ´  award 2009, for its efforts and success in protecting 21,400 hectares of pristine primary and secondary forest.

Day 6:

A rewarding 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range is only the beginning of yet another amazing experience.
After landing, you will be driven the  5 minute-drive to the port on the Napo River from which you will board the, comfortable covered motorised canoe.  You will set off on the journey along the Napo for approximately 2  hours  stopping occasionally for your guide to point out interesting places of historic and natural importance. Keep your eyes open for the many different species of birds in the area. After arriving at NWC’s welcoming area, you will take the final magical and peaceful 1 hour journey  to the lodge in a dugout-canoe along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.  Enjoy the spectacular view and peacefulness of paddling through the pristine rainforest while looking out for wildlife; you might spot monkeys of various species, as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. Late afternoon you will arrive at the lodge. After dinner there will be a short introductory walk and a caiman watching trip in a paddle canoe.  As your first day in the Amazon Rainforest concludes, rest comfortably in the well appointed, yet ecologically sound cabin, designed in keeping with the Kichwa tradition.

Day 7:

After a buffet breakfast, experience life above the forest floor by climbing the 36-meter canopy tower. This tower is located about 20 minutes from the lodge, deep within the forest.
You will be able to view a very good sample of the 567 bird species registered at NWC to date, a get a close look of colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, flycatchers and even Spider/ Howler Monkeys feeding in the nearby trees. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to the guests of the Napo Wildlife Center!! Return to the lodge for a typical Ecuadorian lunch. After lunch you have many options before you start the afternoon activity : swim in the lake with your guides, climb the dinning- room tree tower for more birds, or just relax in your hammock. 
In the afternoon, hike through the marvelous terra- firme forest to discover the ecology and the role of the plants in the complex world of the Tropical Rain- Forest: you will come across vines, ancient trees, bromelias and orchids in this impressive natural garden. After the hike, explore the surrounding creeks with possibilities of running into a Giant otter family. After dinner your guide will share a talk regarding the community-supported by Camera Trap Project.

Day 8:

This morning visit the best parrot clay licks of Ecuador!!!  Wake up early and paddle downstream on the Añangu creek to the welcoming area, then a 10 minute motor boat ride will take you to a wonderful spot where you can view of thousands of parrots landing on the earth to eat the clay!  Species include Amazon-Mealy, Blue-headed and Orange –cheek, among others.  Next, back to welcoming area and short hike to the “periquitos” clay lick, where hundreds of cobalt-winged parakeets wait at the top of the trees searching for the best time to eat the salts, chemicals and minerals contained in the organic matter. Lunch in the welcoming area. In the afternoon, visit the interpretation area to see the traditions of the ancestral Kichwa community of Añangu and share a traditional ceremony with the shaman. Back to the lodge late in the afternoon for a refreshing fresh juice. After dinner there will be another talk with your bilingual guide regarding the Oil in Protected Areas.

Day 9:

This morning´s hike passes through different trails and forest types, searching for more wildlife such as Golden-Mantled Tamarins, Woolly monkeys, peccaries, carnivores, looking for their tracks on the forest floor or maybe a close encounter with them!  Back to the lodge for lunch and a well deserved rest. In the afternoon paddle canoes will take you to explore deeper into the surrounding creeks with more opportunities to see the unique wildlife. After dinner there will be a video regarding the community and the NWC.

Day 10:

Early breakfast, and a last excursion in the canoe back to the Napo river. The creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys, hoatzins, black-capped donacobius or other birds.
The motorized canoe will return you back to Coca, for the flight back to Quito. Transfer to Casa Aliso.

Day 11 – 18:

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands - World Heritage site - are synonymous with talk about the Seven Wonders of the World. This magic archipelago is home to array  of  extraordinary wildlife,  a unique volcanic landscape and fearless animals: sea lions, boobies, fur seals, Giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins are all part of this fantastic world. Set sail aboard our ‘First Class’ schooner motor sailor, Cachalote 1,  and feel free to relax and enjoy any of her three wooden decks; maybe soaking up some equatorial sun, or perhaps reading with the wind in your hair and salt in the air.

Day 11:

Baltra – Plazas

Transfer to the airport for the 3 hour flight to Baltra Island the first landing strip built in Galapagos. Your guide will welcome you and immediately transfer you  to the schooner for the journey to South Plazas and some very close encounters with land iguanas, sea lions, Swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds. Dinner on board followed by a short get together to plan the next day`s activities.

Day 12:

Santa Cruz – Highlands . Darwin Station

Today, visit The Charles Darwin Research Station and the highlands whose vegetation is represented by Miconia and Scalesia plants. The highlands offer a lush, humid zone inhabited by the famous Galapagos tortoises - their natural habitat.

Day 13:

Española

Gardner Bay is a spectacular beach where you can swim and snorkel with sea lions. Punta Suarez offers a full display of wildlife: mocking birds, marine iguanas, finches, gulls, blue footed-boobies, oystercatchers, lava lizards and sea lions. Waved albatross are seen in this island during the breeding season from April to December.

Day 14:

Floreana

Floreana is famous for the Post Office, where one can deposit letters in a wooden barrel mailbox!  Point Cormorant is home to the flamingo lagoon where this species and other shore birds may be seen. There are plenty of opportunities to snorkel at the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater full of underwater life just waiting for you to discover.

Day 15:

Isabela : Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay

Punta Moreno  offers a different landscape full of lava fields and pioneer plants . Thereare many oasis-like green lagoons with flamingos flightless cormorants and marine iguanas. Today you will be delighted with the presence of Brown Pelicans, marine turtles and iguanas, rays, and beautiful remains of coral reefs.

Day 16:

Isabela: Urbina Bay – Fernandina

At Punta Espinoza, flightless cormorants, pelicans, sea lions, Sally-light foot crabs and an abundance of marine iguanas can be seen along the shores of one of world’s most active volcanoes. This afternoon, visit Tagus Cove, a beautiful protected cove sheltered by the shoulders of two volcanic craters, which has served as an anchorage for centuries. Keep an eye out for flightless cormorants, hawks, blue-footed boobies, whales, dolphins, and penguins.

Day 17:

Santiago – Puerto Egas (Bartolome)

Nowhere else is the geological history of the archipelago better portrayed than here. The most impressive volcanic scenery may be viewed from the top of Bartolome: varied lava formations, volcanic peaks and the moon-like landscape. The Galapagos penguin can be seen here.

Day 18:

Turtle Cove – Baltra

Today, you will visit Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz. Enjoy a Panga ride in the mangrove lagoon and see stingrays, sharks, the night heron, several species of Darwin’s finches, and possibly marine turtles. Then, return to Baltra Island for your flight back to the mainland.

Day 19:

Transfer for the flight back home.