Quito

Most Galapagos adventures start in Quito, and trust us - you'll want to spend more than just a layover here. Sitting at nearly 10,000 feet in the Andes, this city surprised us with its perfectly preserved colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and yes, some of the world's best chocolate!

We kicked off our trip with a day exploring Quito's Historic Center. (Side note: wondering where to stay? Check out our recent blog post on Quito's top luxury hotels!) Our walking tour took us through Plaza Grande, the city's main square, where we got the scoop on Ecuador's history while admiring the Presidential Palace and the impressive Independence monument.

One of our favorite moments was climbing the bell tower at San Francisco Church, the oldest and most significant religious site church in Ecuador. The views of Quito's terracotta roofs against the mountain backdrop were breathtaking.

Before dinner, we visited the famous Mitad del Mundo monument, which marks the exact location of the equator - the very feature that gave Ecuador its name. Standing with one foot in each hemisphere was definitely a photo-worthy moment!

To cap off our day, we experienced something truly special - a private dinner at Clarosucro Gastro Bar. We were greeted by Aya Huma, a traditional spiritual guide in indigenous culture, and treated to local dancers performing throughout our meal. Talk about dinner and a show!

Galapagos

DAY ONE: After our magical time in Quito, we were ready for the crown jewel of our Ecuadorian adventure - the Galapagos Islands. Our journey began with a quick hop from Baltra Airport, a charmingly small airport where you literally walk onto the tarmac. A short bus ride and ferry crossing later, we arrived on Santa Cruz Island, our home base for the next four days. 

Our first day took us to the highlands, where we discovered Los Gemelos - stunning sinkholes formed by collapsed lava tunnels. We even crawled through an actual lava tunnel, getting a glimpse into the island's volcanic history.

The absolute highlight of our day was our visit to Rancho Primicias, a giant tortoise reserve that redefines the word "wildlife sanctuary". Unlike traditional zoos, this ranch allows these magnificent creatures to roam completely free. We saw tortoises everywhere - and when I say everywhere, I mean literally walking on the roads, bathing in mud, grazing, and yes, even mating! Our guides emphasized how rare it was to witness mating behavior outside of the typical season, making our experience truly extraordinary.

DAY TWO: On our second day, we embarked on a full-day boat excursion that showcased the Galapagos' incredible marine diversity. Passing by Daphne Major and Minor, we made our way to Bartolomé Island. The highlight was hiking to the island's peak, where breathtaking views of the archipelago and the iconic Pinnacle Rock - a dramatic volcanic cone - unfolded before us.

Wildlife was everywhere! We spotted blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Hawks, and even Galapagos penguins. A surprising bonus was a playful pod of dolphins racing alongside our boat. Our snorkeling stop near Santiago Island was unforgettable - we encountered small sharks, colorful fish, and had an incredible encounter with a seal that swam alongside us for an extraordinary 15 minutes.

The day ended with a stop at Santa Cruz Brewery, home to the first craft beer in the Galapagos, before settling into the charming Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront Inn in Puerto Ayora.

DAY THREE: Though our time in the Galapagos was limited, our final day was nothing short of amazing. Our exploration continued as we toured Puerto Ayora's finest accommodations and had the exclusive opportunity to board two luxury cruise ships - perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate Galapagos experience. (Check out our blog post with detailed hotel and ship recommendations!)

The day's highlight was the Charles Darwin Research Station, a beacon of conservation in the Galapagos. This remarkable organization is dedicated to protecting and researching the islands' incredible biodiversity. I was particularly moved by their Giant Tortoise program, where they've successfully hatched, raised, and released thousands of tortoises from over four different species back onto the islands.

As the largest and most populated island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz provided the perfect home base for our quick but packed itinerary. From here, we could experience the diversity of wildlife that makes this region so special, while also having the flexibility to visit other islands and sites nearby.

Otavalo

After our Galapagos adventure, we returned to mainland Ecuador and drove to Otavalo, a town renowned for its indigenous culture and exceptional craftsmanship. Here, the Otavalo people have preserved their rich traditions through generations of artisans, and we were fortunate to experience their craftsmanship firsthand.

Our day of cultural connections began at Taller Ñanda Mañachi, where we met José Luis Pichamba, a talented Kichwa artisan. In his family workshop, where local musicians and children's choirs often practice, José guided us through creating our own rondador - Ecuador's national instrument. The experience became even more magical when he treated us to a special performance.

Next, we stepped into the warm kitchen of Kawsaymi, where Claudia Fuerez is on a mission to preserve ancestral Andean cuisine. Through her immersive cooking experience, Claudia shares traditional recipes and techniques, ensuring these cultural treasures continue to nourish future generations.

One of our most memorable stops was the Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop, where we witnessed something truly special - Miguel Andrango, one of Ecuador's few remaining backstrap weavers, demonstrating his craft. Miguel and his family are dedicated to preserving this vanishing art form, teaching local children, and sharing their knowledge of traditional wool processing, from cleaning and spinning to natural dyeing techniques.

A visit to Otavalo would only be complete with exploring the famous Plaza de Ponchos market. Here, the streets come alive with colorful displays of local craftsmanship - from intricate jewelry and vibrant paintings to traditional ponchos and textiles.

As we bid farewell to Otavalo, we made one final stop at Laguna Cuicocha, a stunning crater lake nestled at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. The rim trail offered breathtaking views - a perfect finale to our journey through this culturally rich region of Ecuador.

Mashpi Lodge

Our Ecuadorian journey concluded with an unforgettable stay at Mashpi Lodge, a five-star sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Chocó rainforest. This architectural marvel, set within a 6,000-acre private reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, perfectly balances luxury with conservation, and adventure with wellness.

Picture waking up to floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the misty cloud forest - nature's own masterpiece on display. While our two-day stay couldn't encompass all that Mashpi offers, we experienced the highlights: hundreds of vibrant endemic birds, hand-feeding hummingbirds in their garden, guided hikes to hidden waterfalls, and soaring above the canopy on the Sky Bike. After our adventures, we retreated to the spa for massages and relaxation - the perfect end to our Ecuador experience.

After ten incredible days exploring Ecuador with South American Tours and Ensemble Travel Group, we're amazed by how much this diverse country has to offer - and we've only scratched the surface! While we experienced the colonial charm of Quito, the wildlife wonders of Santa Cruz Island, the cultural richness of Otavalo, and the cloud forest luxury of Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador has so much more to discover. From the majestic Cotopaxi volcano to the historic streets of Cuenca, the coastal vibrancy of Guayaquil, and the countless other Galapagos Islands waiting to be explored, this remarkable country keeps calling us back. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, wildlife, or luxury (or all of the above!), we'd love to help you discover your own perfect Ecuadorian journey.

Ready to experience the wonders of Ecuador? Contact Allie today for more information!