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Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Nature Itinerary in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Quito
    30 minutes (12.5 miles) from Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    In the morning, visit the historical center of Quito to see the most famous churches and colonial buildings. In the afternoon, hike up the Teleferico and enjoy the stunning views of the Andes Mountains. In the evening, explore the local cuisine and try the famous "Locro de Papas" soup.

  2. Day 2: Isabela Island
    2 hours and 30 minutes by boat from Santa Cruz Island

    In the morning, visit the Tintoreras Islet to see white-tip sharks, sea turtles and marine iguanas. In the afternoon, hike to Sierra Negra Volcano to see the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. In the evening, relax at the Concha de Perla beach.

  3. Day 3: Santa Cruz Island
    2 hours and 30 minutes by boat from Isabela Island

    In the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts to protect the giant tortoises. In the afternoon, snorkel at Tortuga Bay to see the marine life, including sea turtles and rays. In the evening, have dinner at the local fish market.

  4. Day 4: San Cristobal Island
    2 hours and 30 minutes by boat from Santa Cruz Island

    In the morning, visit the Kicker Rock, one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. In the afternoon, hike to the El Junco Lagoon to see the largest freshwater lake in the Galapagos. In the evening, stroll around the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos.

  5. Day 5: Baños
    2 hours and 30 minutes (88 miles) from Quito

    In the morning, visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfall and swing at the Casa del Arbol. In the afternoon, hike to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve to see the exotic birds and plants. In the evening, relax at the hot springs and try the traditional canelazo drink.

  6. Day 6: Mindo
    2 hours (58 miles) from Quito

    In the morning, visit the Butterfly Farm and the Hummingbird Garden to see the colorful insects and birds. In the afternoon, hike to the Nambillo Waterfall and the Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve. In the evening, have dinner at the local restaurants that use organic and fresh ingredients.

  7. Day 7: Cotopaxi National Park
    2 hours (47 miles) from Quito

    In the morning, hike to the Limpiopungo Lagoon and see the Andean wildlife, including llamas and Andean gulls. In the afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history, geology and fauna of the Cotopaxi Volcano. In the evening, have a picnic with the view of the Cotopaxi Volcano.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Otavalo Market, the biggest indigenous market in South America, and the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest peak in Ecuador. Take a day trip to the Quilotoa Lagoon, a stunning crater lake in the Andes Mountains. To maximize your fun, book a guided tour to see the best spots and learn about the local culture and nature.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Teleferico (3 hours, $8)
  • Tintoreras Islet (3 hours, $60)
  • Sierra Negra Volcano (6 hours, $30)
  • Charles Darwin Research Station (2 hours, $10)
  • Tortuga Bay (3 hours, free)
  • Kicker Rock (3 hours, $80)
  • El Junco Lagoon (3 hours, free)
  • Pailon del Diablo waterfall and Casa del Arbol (4 hours, $10)
  • Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (5 hours, $20)
  • Butterfly Farm and Hummingbird Garden (3 hours, $15)
  • Nambillo Waterfall and Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve (5 hours, $25)
  • Cotopaxi National Park (6 hours, $30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $288
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