Day 1 Quito
We will gather in our hotel for a get-acquainted meeting and then enjoy our first Ecuadorian meal together.
Ikala Quito Hotel (3 nights) https://www.ikalaquitohotel.com/

Day 2  Quito
Intinan; Casa Agave
In the morning we will visit the Intiñan museum. This fun museum features life-size dioramas depicting Ecuadorian daily life and interactive demonstrations designed to test the unique physical forces at work in the equatorial region. Next we will visit Casa Agave, a fascinating museum project dedicated to preserving Agave culture, one of the oldest of the Andes.

Day 3  Quito
Otavalo
The northern indigenous town of Otavalo is known as the handicraft capital of Ecuador. Today we’ll explore the fabulous local market, the largest in Ecuador. You can shop for or simply photograph the colorful hand-made textiles and explore family artisan workshops. You can sample the Andean cuisine for which this area is known, including the tasty Biscochos de Cayambe. Enroute we’ll make a photo stop at San Pablo lake, with its dramatic backdrop of Imbabura volcano.

Day 7  Cuenca
Cooking Class
Today we’ll indulge in a unique experience. We’ll visit a ranch, have a traditional Andean cuisine cooking class, and enjoy the results for lunch. The event begins with a market visit where we acquire fresh produce and ingredients while learning about Ecuadorian fruit, medicinal herbs, and more.

Day 8  Guayaquil
Cajas National Park; Cacao Experience
Enroute to Guayaquil we will visit Cajas National Park, the second largest lake park in the world and unique in Ecuador. The morning will be filled with photo ops, impressive vistas, and beautiful landscapes. Next we’ll visit Cacao y Mango, a perfect place to learn about cacao production and try some local chocolate.
Cedros Inn (1 night) https://www.cedrosinn.com/

Day 9 Santa Cruz
Twin Craters; Lava Tunnels
The Galapagos Islands are home to hundreds of fascinating species and we’ll be escorted by an expert naturalist committed to providing us with the best experience possible. The day starts with a flight to the islands where we’ll be picked up and whisked to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Highlights are Los Gamelos or “Twin Craters” and a visit to the famous Lava tunnels. Potential wildlife spotting includes giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos Finches and much more.
Hotel Fiesta (2 nights) https://www.galapagoshotelfiesta.com/

Day 13  Quito Airport
Today is a travel day as we return to the mainland. First we return to Baltros Island where we catch our flight to the mainland. It will take us all day to arrive in our Quito hotel so we are staying near the airport to accommodate your homeward flights tomorrow.
Holiday Inn Aeropuerto (1 night) https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/quito/uioap/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-EC-_-UIOAP

Day 14 Tour Over
The tour ends officially after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

[Itinerary specifics and hotels are subject to change.]

Day 4  Banos
Waterfall hike; Banos de Aqua Santa; La Casa del Arbo
Our first activity of the morning will be a short hike to Pailon del Diablo, the most impressive waterfall in the region. Then it is on to Baños de Agua Santa at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano. There we will enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, surrounded by a unique art exhibition. In the afternoon we will visit La Casa del Arbo (AKA “The Swing at the End of the World”), with a panoramic view of still active Tungurahua. SWING
Hotel: La Floresta (1 night) https://laflorestahotel.com/

Day 5 Cuenca
Ingapirca
In the morning you will leave Baños for the long drive to the South of Ecuador. We’ll break up the drive with a visit to Ingapirca, the largest pre-Columbian ruins in Ecuador.
Posada del Angel (3 nights) https://hostalposadadelangel.com/

Day 6  Cuenca
Vega Gallery; Panama Hats; Cuenca tour
We’ll begin our Cuenca explorations with a visit to the Eduardo Vega Gallery. Vega is Ecuador’s most famous ceramicist and designer. Then we will visit an original Panama hat factory (yes – Ecuadorian origins). We’ll continue to explore the city’s historic center, seeing the Cathedral, traditional squares & markets, colonial buildings and terraces, and more.

Day 10  Santa Cruiz
Island Excursion
Today you will visit an uninhabited island by boat*. We will enjoy a variety of exotic flora and fauna. Wildlife possibilities include sea lions, frigates, marine iguanas, penguins, boobies, and more. At the same time experiencing one of the most dramatic, unique, and awe-inspiring landscapes and ecosystems on the planet.

Day 11  Isabella
Tintoreras Islets
Today we will transfer to Isabela island, the largest of the Galapagos and one of the most popular. Enroute we’ll explore the Tintoreras islets. Potential marine wildlife spottings include: whitetipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas. There will be excellent snorkeling available (equipment and wetsuits available for rent).
La Laguna (2 nights) https://lalagunagalapagoshotel.com/

Day 12  Isabella
Los Tuneles
Los Tuneles is one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos islands. It boasts a sheltered maze of pools and lava bridges formed when lava flowed from a nearby volcanic eruption into the sea. The waters are crystal clear and the volcanic bridges provide a sanctuary for vibrantly colored reef fish, decades-old sea turtles, large sea horses, starfish, and whitetip reef sharks, just to name a few.

What’s Included: 14 nights hotel accommodation; All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners; All tour transportation (bus, boat, airplane, transfers, and port fees); All tips (Imprint escort, tour director, drivers, group meals, hotel staff); Full-time services of Ecuadorian tour manager and Imprint escort; All entrances: Intinan, Casa Agave, Ingapirca, Vega Gallery, Panama Hat factory, Cajas National Park; Galapagos NP; All activities: Otavalo market, La Casa del Arbo, Banos de Agua Santa, waterfall hike, Cuenca walking tour, cooking class, cacao experience, many photo-stop vistas, and much more. Galapagos coach, boat, and snorkeling excursions including: Twin Craters, Lava Tunnels, Tintoreras Islets, Los Tuneles, and more.
*Note: All boat excursions are subject to weather and may not be possible.

Important Exclusions
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, snorkling equipment, and flight baggage overage fees.