Natural Wonders of Ecuador & Galapagos
Itinerary
Fly to Ecuador's equatorial capital, Quito. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before joining an Ecuadorian-style welcome dinner.
Discover Quito through the eyes of a local, exploring its historic streets and iconic landmarks including the Golden Church, San Francisco Square and Main Square. Visit a traditional family workshop, enjoy lunch with local hosts, then continue to the Mitad del Mundo Museum before finishing with an immersive Ecuadorian chocolate tasting.
Travel north to Otavalo, home to one of South America's most famous indigenous markets. Explore the vibrant market stalls before visiting a traditional weaving workshop, where you'll discover ancestral techniques and the rich textile heritage of the Andes.
Discover the spectacular beauty of Cuicocha Lake, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Continue to Cotacachi, known for its indigenous heritage and renowned leather craftsmanship, with time to explore its artisan workshops and traditional shops.
Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha Warmikuna community. Learn about traditional agriculture, cuisine and handicrafts, prepare ají and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before continuing to the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi.
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Visit the tranquil Limpiopungo Lagoon and travel through the Andean páramo before continuing to the vibrant town of Baños, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
Journey along Ecuador's famous Waterfalls Route, taking in spectacular waterfalls and scenic viewpoints as you travel from the Andes into the Amazon. Arrive at your rainforest lodge and experience the jungle after dark on a guided night walk, looking out for nocturnal wildlife.
Visit a wildlife rescue centre to learn about Amazonian conservation and the rehabilitation of native species. Continue to a local Amazonian community, gaining an insight into traditional ways of life and the deep connection between its people and the rainforest.
Journey through the spectacular Andean landscapes to the cloud forests of Papallacta, where you'll explore lush trails and look out for colourful hummingbirds and other Andean wildlife. Relax in Papallacta's naturally heated thermal pools, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Fly from Quito to the legendary Galápagos Islands, renowned for inspiring Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Arrive on San Cristóbal Island and explore La Lobería, a beautiful coastal reserve where you can encounter playful sea lions, marine iguanas and unique birdlife, with time to swim, snorkel or relax on the beach.
Take a boat trip to Isla Lobos and explore its remarkable wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot marine life in the surrounding waters. Return to San Cristóbal to visit the Interpretation Centre and enjoy views from Frigate Hill and Punta Carola before discovering the island's culinary heritage with a tasting of traditional Canchalagua ceviche.
Take a scenic speedboat journey to Santa Cruz Island, one of the most vibrant islands in the Galápagos. Explore Academy Bay, with opportunities to swim and snorkel alongside marine life, before visiting Playa de los Perros to see marine iguanas, striking red rock formations and turquoise waters.
Sail to Bartolomé Island, one of the Galápagos' most iconic destinations, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock. Explore the island before snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters, with the chance to encounter colourful fish, sea lions, marine turtles, rays and Galápagos penguins.
Discover the wildlife of Santa Cruz Island at Primicias Ranch, home to the legendary giant Galápagos tortoises, and explore fascinating underground lava tunnels. Visit a family-run coffee plantation to learn about sustainable farming and local coffee and cacao production, before celebrating the end of your Galápagos adventure with a unique farewell dinner inside a natural lava tunnel.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the Galápagos' unique endemic species and the conservation efforts protecting this remarkable ecosystem. Later, fly back to Quito and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight, arriving home two days later.
Trip Inclusions
- Meet Galapagos Wildlife: The wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is unique, incredible and unusual. These animals, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and much more, you'll find nowhere else in the world; completely unfazed by human presence, you get to observe them up close in their natural habitats.
- Pijal Village & Sacha Warmikuna Experience: Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha Warmikuna community, learning about their sustainable way of life, traditional cuisine and handicrafts. Prepare ají before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh local produce and browsing the community's handmade creations.
- Visit the Amazon Rainforest: Discover the Amazon's rich biodiversity at a wildlife rescue centre before meeting a local community to learn about its traditions and deep connection to the rainforest.
- Breakfasts: 15
- Lunches: 14
- Dinners: 15
- International flights and current taxes
- Domestic transportation
- 3* plus - 4* accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$230pp (AU$343pp) is paid locally.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
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Wendy Wu Latin America (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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