14 DAYS EVOLUTION OF ECUADOR: GALAPAGOS, AMAZON & SPECTACLED BEAR

Transfer: Airport to Hotel
You would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Quintessential Quito
We dedicate the day to explore the historic centre of Quito. Admire Basilica del Voto Nacional, one of the most important Ecuadorian Neo-Gothic architecture. Immerse in the vibrant Plaza Grande, which is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the church of the Compañia de Jesus with its impressive interior inlaid in gold and marvel at a bird’s eye view of the city from the panoramic Virgin of Quito monument atop El Panecillo Hill. Enjoy a chocolate tasting experience at Pacari, one of the world’s most awarded chocolate companies.

Into the Middle of the World
Our journey continues into Mitad del Mundo (“Middle of the World”), an equatorial monument that was built to commemorate the French scientists who in the 1830s, made history by determining the shape of the planet thanks to their studies at this location. Next to the monument is “Middle of the World City,” a village built in a colonial style – with a main square, a church, a post office, a bullring, restaurants and several souvenir and crafts shops. We will also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you will have the opportunity to perform various unusual experiments like balancing an egg on a nail, losing weight in a second, or straddling the equatorial line that separates the two hemispheres.

Transfer: Quito to Yasuni
Departing from Quito, we will fly over the eastern Andes mountain range to the Amazonian city of Coca to begin your amazing rainforest experience. Upon landing, we will take a local “chiva” (an open-air bus) on a short 5-minute drive to the port on the Napo River, where we will board a covered motorboat along the Napo River for approximately 2 hours. After reaching the Napo Wildlife Center’s welcoming area, we will take a two-hour dugout canoe ride into the lake where the lodge itself is located. This ride presents great chances for wildlife spotting, including various species of monkeys and large birds.

Observation Tower
Experience life above the forest floor from a 36-meter-high observation tower that rises above the jungle canopy. Located 30 minutes deep in the rainforest, you will have a very good view at some of the 567 bird species recorded in this area, as well as Spider and Howler monkeys feeding in nearby trees.
Afternoon in the Rainforest
After lunch, you may continue to look for more birds from the observation tower or just relaxing in your hammock.

Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing and hiking to learn about the ecology and role of plants in the complex world of the tropical rainforest. Explore the surrounding creeks, known to house a Giant otter family.

Parrot Clay Lick & Local Community
Rise early to the best parrot clay lick in all of Ecuador, located approximately an hour away from the lodge. Up to 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen here. Hike through the forest along a trail that leads to the local Kichwa community of Añangu to spend some time with a family in their day-to-day activities. Return to the river and hike through a terra firme forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive at a second parrot clay lick.

Canoeing in Napo River
Enjoy a morning canoeing back to the Napo River and the creek for more wildlife sightings of Giant otters, saki monkeys, hoatzins, black-capped donacobius birds and other wildlife.
Transfer: Yasuni to Quito
The motorized canoe will return you to the town of Coca, where you will be driven to the airport for your flight back to Quito.

Transfer: Quito to Maquipucuna
You would be met and transferred approximately 2 hours to your accommodation for the night.

During your stay in Maquipucuna, you may join a variety of activities including hikes. Please note that trails may involve significant mud and inclines.
A World of Medicinal Plants
Join a guided walk to discover the wonders of Maquipucuna’s medicinal plants. Whether you need a natural “Neosporin” for a cut, a botanical bug repellent, or are curious about plants that claim to prevent baldness, the forest provides. You will also learn the folklore behind names like Lengua de la Suegra (Mother-in-law’s tongue).
Hiking the Bear Trail
Hike the Bear Trail and portions of the Palmito or River trails in search of the elusive Spectacled Bear (which inspired the Paddington bear). This moderate hike passes through both secondary and primary forests. Look out for emblematic birds such as the Lanceolated Monklet, Choco Toucan, Esmeraldas Antbird, Guayaquil Woodpecker, and the vibrant Cock-of-the-rock.

You will see the Pacche tree (a member of the Lauraceae family), which produces “mini avocados.” During fruiting season, these trees attract a high concentration of bears, which can often be seen feeding in the canopy just 15 minutes from the lodge.

The peak season is strictly August to early December, with highest concentration around October and November, depending on when the fruits ripen.

Pre-Inca Birding Trail
Rise early for a birding hike from 6:30 to 8:30 AM. This is the perfect time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest at dawn, as it is when the birds are most active and their songs are most vibrant.

We will explore the Humedal Trail to deepen our knowledge of local flora and continue birdwatching. As we progress, we will step onto the ancient pre-Inca trail once used by the Yumbo people. As a reward for the hike, we will reach the Yumbo Waterfall, a pristine natural swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.
A Coffee Experience
Visit the coffee orchard, orchid garden, organic vegetable garden, and the Coffee House, where you will learn the intricate journey of what it takes to harvest and process a world-class cup of coffee.

Transfer: Maquipucuna to Quito
In the morning, you may choose to explore additional trails, such as an expedition to the Cloud Forest. Thereafter, you would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Transfer: Quito to Galapagos Islands
You would be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Airport. After a short ferry crossing and approximately one hour’s drive, you will reach your land-based lodge.

Guests of Finch Bay Hotel will stop by a Highlands Reserve to spot the amazing Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild, while guests of Pikaia Lodge can hike a private trail of 3.5km to spot these ancient creatures.

Option 1: South Plazas Island
Explore South Plazas Island, known for its large colony of land iguanas (including the rare hybrid iguanas), as well as various seabirds nesting on the cliffs such as swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and Nazca boobies. The island is also known for its unique landscape of prickly pear cacti, as well as vibrant red and green sesuvium vegetation, which changes color seasonally.
Option 2: North Seymour Island
Explore the nesting sites of the largest breeding colonies in the islands. Here, you will find Blue-footed boobies, Magnificent and Great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. This exploration will also present a chance to see sea lions, Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, lava lizards and pelicans.

Charles Darwin Research Station
Go on a trip to Tortuga Bay, a white-sand beach stretching alongside natural emerald-green ponds filled with thousands of colourful fish. It is also common to see turtles, marine iguanas and pelicans.

We will also visit Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), a vital scientific research and conservation hub operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. Over 200 scientists and volunteers from around the world are involved in various projects. The station plays a crucial role in protecting and restoring the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos.

Bartolome Island
We dedicate the day to visit Bartolome Island, known for the iconic Pinnacle Rock view, which can be reached through a 40-minute walk up to the 114-meter high summit. The trail leads through a wild and otherworldly moon-like lava landscape, a walk that advances along a wooden boardwalk built to protect visitors and the erosion of the trail.

You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in a small sandy cove where you can try to keep up with the speedy Galapagos penguins. Numerous varieties of colorful reef fish, green sea turtles and various rays are also often spotted around this snorkeling site.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport
You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.