You're flying to Quito. The highest capital city in the world (2,800 m) will captivate you with its spectacular location in the heart of the Andes, even on your approach to landing! You'll spend two nights in Quito. (Distance: approx. 40 km; Travel time: approx. 45 min.)

Welcome to Ecuador! Travel along the famous Pan-American Highway to the Equator, located just 20 km from the capital city. Ever wanted to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time? This unique opportunity awaits you at the "Mitad del Mundo" Equator Monument. The nearby Intiñan Museum vividly illustrates the forces at work at latitude 0° and invites you to try some experiments with gravity. Prepare to be amazed! On your way back to town, you make a quick stop for lunch and try empanadas, the typical pastries, in various flavors. Chicken, beef, or cheese – which empanadas do you like best? Afterwards, you'll explore the historic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a leisurely stroll. You'll wander through the colonial streets of the old town, founded in 1534, across the Plaza Grande with its historic cathedral and the imposing Government Palace. For a little refreshment, your tour guide will treat you to a typical "Helado de Paila," a local ice cream made from a mixture of fruit juice, sugar, and sometimes spices, or a coffee. To end the day, you'll travel to Itchimbia Park and enjoy what is arguably the best view of Quito's Old Town and Panecillo Hill from a café. Savor the atmosphere with a warming drink courtesy of your tour guide. Perhaps try the national drink, "Canelazo," a kind of Ecuadorian mulled wine. Your hotel, located in the new town, offers you the opportunity to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Explore the area with an evening stroll and visit one of the many restaurants nearby. Your tour guide will be happy to provide recommendations. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 80 km; Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)

In the morning, you'll leave Quito and travel with your guide up into the eastern mountain ranges, crossing the La Virgen pass (4,000 m). Afterwards, you'll descend until you reach the picturesque Papallacta thermal baths at an altitude of 3,300 m. Once there, you can relax in the "Balneario," the hot springs of Papallacta. On a clear day, you'll also have a breathtaking view of the Antisana volcano. Afterwards, the journey continues towards Oriente, the rainforest region. Passing cloud forests, you'll enter an increasingly tropical climate until you finally reach the small Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge, hidden in the rainforest – a little paradise in the heart of the Ecuadorian mountain jungle. At the lodge, you'll have some free time in the afternoon. For example, you can cool off in the palm-shaped pool filled with fresh spring water or end the evening with a delicious cocktail in a hammock (at your own expense). The evening hours are also perfect for a relaxing massage amidst the sounds of nature. Afterwards, you'll be treated to a delicious three-course meal. After dinner, you'll take a short night hike in the area surrounding the lodge, where you'll have the best opportunity to observe nocturnal insects and amphibians up close. Two nights at the lodge in Archidona. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 210 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Today, you'll set off for the parrot lick before sunrise. First, you'll travel by canoe up the Arajuno River, where you'll have the opportunity to observe numerous birds such as herons, caciques, tanagers, and other animals. Upon arriving at the salt lick, hundreds of parrots and parakeets await you. You'll most likely spot the black-eared parrot and the brown-headed parakeet. After another canoe trip, you'll reach a small indigenous community where you'll enjoy a typical local breakfast with a variety of native specialties. After this delicious meal, you'll have the opportunity to actively participate in planting and harvesting yuca, also known as cassava. You'll also have the chance to prepare and taste the drink made from it, "chicha." Finally, you can test your skills at blowgun shooting and spear throwing. On the return canoe trip, you'll stop for a short hike through the jungle of the Jatun Sacha Reserve. After lunch on the riverbank, you'll travel to an idyllic lagoon with a small island in the middle and be enchanted by the magical sounds of the jungle as you paddle through the naturally formed channels. If you're lucky, you might encounter hoatzins, monkeys, and exotic, colorful birds, or perhaps even a paiche, the world's largest freshwater fish. In the evening, dinner awaits you once again in the unique atmosphere of your lodge. (B/L/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 100 km; travel time: approx. 2 hours + 1 hour canoeing)

Today, you'll explore the fascinating plant life of the jungle together. The Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge offers you a private, 120-hectare protected rainforest with various trails winding through the lush tropical vegetation. During your morning hike, you'll discover different insect species and plants, including a small ceibo tree and the famous dragon tree, whose bark yields the intensely red resin "sangre de drago." Your local guide will explain the importance of the flora and fauna to the rainforest and its inhabitants. Afterward, you'll get hands-on in a cooking class and prepare the region's typical, delicious fish dish, Maito de Pescado. Under the guidance of local Kichwa women, you'll select and prepare fresh ingredients and learn how to wrap tilapia in "bijao" leaves with aromatic herbs and spices and cook it gently. Of course, you'll also learn how to present the dish attractively. After lunch, a true gourmet highlight awaits you in the afternoon: a chocolate tour. You'll learn about the entire production process – from the cacao pod to the finished chocolate. You'll discover more about cacao cultivation, traditional roasting, and even get to participate yourself. As a reward, you'll enjoy your own freshly made chocolate as a delicious dessert. After an eventful day, you can look forward to a tasty dinner in the lodge's cozy restaurant. (B/L/D)

Your journey to the Andes begins in the early morning. After breakfast, you bid farewell to this special place and travel with your guide from the tropical Amazon basin up to Otavalo. As you observe the changing vegetation, you'll stop in the cloud forest near Papallacta, where you can enjoy a walk and perhaps spot hummingbirds. You'll also visit a small rose farm near Cayambe. Ecuadorian roses are considered among the best in the world and are one of the country's top five exports. Next, you'll reach Otavalo, near the Imbabura volcano in the heart of Ecuador's Lake District. Along the way, you'll encounter the traditionally and colorfully dressed Andean people, pass through magnificent valleys, and admire the impressive mountain scenery. The small town of Otavalo is famous for its craft market and its indigenous Kichwa population. The women wear long black skirts, richly embroidered blouses, and gold necklaces, while the men wear white trousers with blue ponchos and are often seen with shoulder-length braids. Overnight in Otavalo. (B) (Distance: approx. 250 km; Travel time: approx. 5 hours)

For many years, Ecuador's most famous indigenous market has been held in the Plaza de las Ponchos in Otavalo, a town of 60,000 inhabitants. Here, the tradition-conscious locals gather to offer their wares. This morning, let yourself drift through the crowd and stroll through a sea of colorful fabrics, interesting handicrafts, and past exotic food stalls and barefoot porters. Enjoy the authentic atmosphere and the lively bustle of the market. If you're already thinking about souvenirs, be sure to ask your tour guide to show you the Ecuadorian way of haggling and bargaining! Next, you'll leave Otavalo behind and stop en route at the Cuicocha crater lake of the long-extinct Cotacachi volcano (4,939 m). Your tour guide will be happy to explain why the lagoon is also called Guinea Pig Lake during a walk along the crater rim. Afterwards, you'll travel south along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to the Cotopaxi province. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of the Cayambe volcano (5,790 m) along the way. The equator runs directly through the glacier of this massive mountain, making it the highest point on the equatorial line in the world. Finally, you'll pass the capital city of Quito before arriving at your comfortable hacienda hotel in the small town of Lasso, located near the entrance to Cotopaxi National Park. Even on the drive there, you might be lucky enough to enjoy fantastic views of the Cotopaxi volcano. Lasso is the ideal base for exploring the attractive surroundings of the national park on excursions. Overnight in Lasso. (B) (Distance: approx. 220 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

Today you're heading to Cotopaxi National Park. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional indigenous market, either in Pujili (Wednesdays and Sundays), Saquisili (Thursdays), or Latacunga (Saturdays), depending on the day of the week. Browse for souvenirs and mingle with the locals. Next, you'll reach the national park. The centerpiece of this 34,000-hectare park is the picture-perfect Cotopaxi volcano (5,897 m), the highest active volcano in the world. With this impressive volcano at your back, you'll hike for about an hour and a half along the Limpiopungo Lagoon, situated at an altitude of 3,830 m. Keep your eyes peeled; you might spot the enormous Andean condor or encounter some of the shy wild horses! Enjoy this breathtaking scenery, as the majestic volcano not only provides a spectacular backdrop but can even be reflected in the water on a clear day. Afterwards, you'll continue on to Quito. Near your hotel in the new town, you'll visit a rooftop bar to round off the evening and relax with a drink while soaking up the modern city atmosphere. Overnight in Quito. (B) (Distance: approx. 140 km; Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)

Today's the day! We're off to the Galapagos Islands, the fascinating archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and a true paradise for nature lovers, scientists, and adventurers. Here, you'll encounter animals found nowhere else in the world, including giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, iguanas, and many bird species such as blue-footed boobies and albatrosses. And you'll get closer to the animals than you might currently imagine. Early in the morning, you'll head to the airport. To ensure you start your day off right, your accommodation will provide you with a packed breakfast. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll board your domestic flight to Baltra with your tour guide (entrance to Galapagos National Park and transit pass not included: approx. USD 220). You'll then take the ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Your first stop will be the island's highlands, where you'll visit a ranch to see the spectacular giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You'll have the unique opportunity to observe these gentle creatures up close. It's hard to imagine the long lives some of these tortoises have already lived. A delicious lunch will also be served at the ranch. Afterwards, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora is on the agenda – a must for all visitors to the archipelago. Here you will learn more about the development of the islands and the efforts to conserve species, especially the Galapagos giant tortoises. The famous tortoise Lonesome George, the last survivor of his species from Isla Pinta, once lived here as well. 1 night on Santa Cruz. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 100 km; Travel time: approx. 2 hours, + 5 minutes ferry transfer)

After breakfast, you'll travel directly by speedboat to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago (travel time: approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your comfortable hotel in the small and still very tranquil fishing village of Puerto Villamil. Just before reaching Isabela Island lies the small island of Las Tintoreras, only about a 15-minute boat ride away. You'll set off for Las Tintoreras as part of a group excursion in the afternoon. Here, you'll walk across white-flecked lava fields and past mangrove groves, constantly having to dodge the fearless marine iguanas and sea lions that like to bask in the sun right in the middle of the path. Whitetip reef sharks are clearly visible in a small channel nearby. After your time ashore, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel around the island and discover the fascinating underwater world from a different perspective, experiencing it up close. Back on Isabela, you can stretch your legs with a walk on the beach and, with a bit of luck, observe some of the local wildlife in their natural habitat. 2 nights on Isabela. (B) (Distance: approx. 5 km; Travel time: approx. 20 min + 2 hr island transfer to Isabela)

The morning is dedicated to exploring the impressive volcanic landscape of Isabela Island. It was formed by five adjacent shield volcanoes whose lava flows merged to create a single landmass. Together with your guide, you'll travel for about 30 minutes across the foothills of the Sierra Negra volcano to the western crater rim. From there, you'll hike uphill through pristine nature until you reach the crater rim after about an hour. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view into the vast crater floor. At 1,124 meters high and with a crater diameter of approximately 9 kilometers, the volcano is the second largest volcanic cone in the world. The still-young lava flow from the August 2005 eruption is clearly visible. After a short break, you'll hike back down the same route (moderate, approximately 12 kilometers, hiking time: approximately 4 hours). You'll return to Puerto Villamil around midday. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoy the evening as you wish. (F) (Distance: approx. 50 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)

Early in the morning, the speedboat will take you back to Santa Cruz. After your arrival in Puerto Ayora, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nice restaurant. You can spend the rest of the morning relaxing or exploring the town a bit. In the afternoon, you'll take an easy hike to one of the island's most beautiful white sand beaches, Tortuga Bay (easy, approx. 5 km, approx. 1.5 hours). Along the way, you might spot finches, pelicans, flamingos, and marine iguanas. At the far end of Tortuga Bay ("Playa Brava") lies the somewhat hidden Playa Mansa, a cove surrounded by mangrove trees with a stunning beach. The calm waters are perfect for swimming. Even from the beach, you can sometimes see the heads of sea turtles emerging from the water somewhere in the bay, gulping for air. You'll spend two nights on Santa Cruz. (B) (Distance: approx. 4 km; Travel time: approx. 15 min + 2 hr island transfer to Santa Cruz)

Today, another spectacular island in the Galapagos archipelago awaits you. For example, South Plaza, which captivates visitors with its striking vegetation and abundance of iguanas and bird species. Among others, you can observe swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies. Several sea lion colonies also inhabit this rocky island, and you'll be greeted with loud barks upon your arrival. Or you could visit the small lava plateau of Seymour Norte, which rises from the ocean floor. Here, you can witness a true natural spectacle: during courtship, male magnificent frigatebirds inflate their iridescent red throat pouches and rattle their beaks seductively to impress the females. Besides other bird species and sea lions, you might also encounter a unique species of land lizard. Or you could travel to Bartolomé Island, where the distinctive volcanic landscape and the view from the lookout point will make any amateur photographer's heart beat faster. You can observe the colorful underwater world while snorkeling at the offshore reef. (F/M) (Distance traveled: approx. 80 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hours + approx. 1.5 hours to 4 hours boat trip) (Please note that due to government regulations on tourism in the Galapagos archipelago, it is not possible to specify in advance exactly which of the many uninhabited islands you will visit. You will receive the exact itinerary on site.)

"Goodbye Galapagos Islands!" Today it's time to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands. You'll fly back to your home country overnight via Quito. (F) (Distance: approx. 45 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hour + 5 minutes ferry transfer)

Back in Europe.