All wonders of Galapagos islands in Ecuador

Capital Quito, Walks in the city, National cuisine restaurant

We arrive in Quito, the second highest capital in the world. We are 2850 meters above sea level.

It's time to get to know the local cuisine better. Ecuadorians love different types of grilled meats, especially the Kui guinea pig. Vegetable lovers will appreciate the dishes made from potatoes, corn, cassava roots and green plantains. Canelaso, a hot drink made from fruit juice, cane alcohol, cinnamon and cloves, is especially loved by the locals.

Santa Cruz Island, Charles Darwin Station, Wild Seals, Iguanas, Turtles and Flamingos

In the morning we fly to the Galapagos Islands, check into a hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. Let`s begin in the Charles Darwin reserch center. Here, an international team of scientists work on research and conservation of the island animals that are not found anywhere else in the world. We will learn about local animals, their life and habits, and understand how exactly on the Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin came up with the idea of evolution.

But isn`t it better to learn out in the wild? Let`s meet local wild animals at arm's length! We will walk around the island admiring huge turtles, iguanas and fur seals. We might also meet pink flamingos.

In the morning we leave for the most beautiful beach of the Galapagos Islands, Tortuga Bay. You can swim here only in specially designated places so as not to dirturb the wild animals that live here. But we will see plenty of marine iguanas, Galapagos crabs, brown pelicans and huge turtles.

We return for lunch, rest and explore the island in jeeps. Today we will see the famous lava tunnels. Only a few thousand years ago, volcanoes erupted here, and only these arches, reminiscent of long caves, remained from the boiling lava flows. Galapagos islands are home to 21 volcanoes, of which 13 are active. Scientists believe that the islands were created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions on the ocean floor.

It's time to explore the largest island of the Galapagos - Isabela. We will reach it by motorboat in about 2.5 hours and check into a hotel. Bicycles can be rented to explore the island. You should definitely go snorkelling in the bay next to the sea lions and iguanas. Feel like a wildlife explorer learning to understand every move of the animal!..

We walk to the Sierra Negra volcano reaching the summit 1124 meters above sea level in about 5 hours. The giant under our feet is alive - the last time it erupted in the summer of 2018! We will look into the crater, then walk down, have lunch and enjoy kayaking near Puerto Villamil Bay.

In the morning we move to the island of Santa Cruz, then to the island of Baltra, where the airport is located (3-4 hours on the speed boat). We fly to the capital of Quito and check into the guesthouse.

Today we will get to the top of the Pichincha volcano inside the comfortable cable car cabins. The huge city in the valley is getting smaller, and now it is covered with lush clouds. We are 3945 meters above sea level. The views of the green mountains and valleys are mesmerizing!

In the morning we take a public bus to the city of Otavalo (2 hours). It is home to the Otovaleños Indians, who have been known for centuries as skilled weavers and artisans. They sell their goods in the huge city market, one of the largest markets on the continent! Bright textiles, leather goods, wood products, handmade furniture, souvenirs. Here you will definitely find what you were looking for!

In the evening we return to Quito, go to the airport and fly home. Thank you for exploring Ecuador with us!