TBD.

This morning, you will depart the United States on an international flight bound for Quito, Ecuador. *Flight details, TBD.  

Today, you’ll arrive in Naples, Italy! Upon your arrival, you will deplane and proceed through immigration before going to baggage claim. After you’ve collected your luggage, you will meet your arrival transfer outside the exit and make your way to the city center. Welcome to Ecuador!  

Upon arrival in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital nestled high in the Andes, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the city's renowned Botanical Garden for a special private experience. Enjoy an exclusive guided tour led by the garden’s curator or head groundskeeper, offering unique insight into Ecuador’s extraordinary plant diversity, conservation efforts, and the remarkable ecosystems that make the country one of the most biodiverse destinations on Earth.

As you stroll through beautifully curated collections of native and endemic species, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural treasures that await throughout your journey. This memorable introduction to Ecuador will be followed by a welcome dinner set within the tranquil surroundings of the garden, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, connect with fellow travelers, and celebrate the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

After discovering the wonders of the Botanical Gardens, you’ll return to your hotel in Quito for an evening at leisure.

Meals: TBD

Overnight: Hotel Carlota, Quito

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet your transfer and make your way to the airport for the next stop on our adventure!

At Quito Airport, you will be met by one of our La Selva representatives in the National departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey. After a 30-minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana "El Coca", our representative will transfer you by private transportation to the city's main dock at the Napo River. The following two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading downriver on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon.

At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva's main dock, and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins. The final leg of the trip to the lodge will be completed in a paddle canoe.

The only thing you must take care of during this part of the trip is your carry-on and camera equipment, all other luggage will be transported by La Selva staff. The manager will be waiting to greet you with a refreshing juice, snacks, and a brief overview of your stay at La Selva.

4:30 pm – Intro to the Rainforest. One of the Naturalist Guides will give you the basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived at.

5:00 pm  Matapalo Trail. This trail was given the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of many remarkable trees that you can find on this short walk. Mahogany trees over 400 years old can be seen, and your guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. Due to the time of day, there is great natural light, and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.

7:00 pm – Snacks At the bar, you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself to limitless tea and coffee.

7:30 pm – Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, and dinner

Overnight: La Selva Jungle Lodge, Coca, Ecuador

Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a day of adventure and discovery in the Amazon!

7:00 am – Observation Tower/Tucaneta or Mandi Forest. After a 20-minute walk, the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

On the way back from the tower, there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail, where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today, and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

There is also the option of visiting the beautiful lagoon of Mandi Cocha. A hike of about 1 hour takes you to the lagoon where an Igapo Forest is present, meaning that the forest is temporarily flooded by black water. Different species of birds and even giant otters can be seen here.

This afternoon, you’ll break for lunch, then enjoy some time at leisure to rest before heading out on an afternoon excursion.

4:30 pm – The Charapa Trail. This trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys, and birds can be seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

 6:40 pm – Night Canoe Ride. With the help of a spotlight, your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!

7:30 pm – Enjoy dinner!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: La Selva Jungle Lodge, Coca, Ecuador

Enjoy an early morning breakfast before setting off for the day’s adventure!

7:00 am - Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi. Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment. After the clay licks we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity.

An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua's in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

After a morning of sightseeing, enjoy lunch and some time at leisure to relax before your afternoon excursion.

4:30 pm – Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail. This is one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here there are many chances to see monkeys and birds, and sometimes families of squirrel monkeys join capuchin monkeys looking for food. The tremendous calls of the Howler monkeys can be heard in the afternoon, and the smallest monkey in the world, the Pigmy Marmoset, can be seen here too. Plenty of birds like the Hoatzin, toucans, or macaws can also be seen flying overhead.

6:30 pm – Nocturnal Walk. On a night walk, you can enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience.

7:15 pm – Departure Briefing. Our manager will provide you with all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning.

7:30 pm – Enjoy dinner!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: La Selva Jungle Lodge, Coca, Ecuador

Enjoy an early morning breakfast before departing Coca to return to Quito.

7:00 am – Departure for Coca. In accordance with your briefing the night before, you will have an early wake-up call, breakfast, and departure from the lodge. The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage, and the motorized canoe ride will head upstream back to Coca, where our representatives will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes. Board your domestic flight to Quito.

Upon arrival in Quito from the Amazon, the group will enjoy a delicious lunch in the iconic Middle of the World area, a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the rainforest while surrounded by one of Ecuador’s most emblematic landmarks. Following lunch, continue towards the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, located on the lush western slopes of the Andes.

As the journey descends from the highland valleys into the Chocó bioregion, the scenery transforms dramatically, revealing one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. This unique transition zone offers exceptional opportunities for botanical observation, among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. This unique transition zone offers exceptional opportunities for botanical observation, where changes in elevation create a remarkable diversity of plant communities within a relatively small geographic area. The Bellavista region is renowned for its extraordinary richness of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, heliconias, aroids, and countless epiphytic species that flourish in the cool, humid cloud forest environment.

Throughout the afternoon, botanists and nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating ecosystem while learning about the ecological processes that sustain such an impressive concentration of biodiversity. The combination of persistent mist, abundant moisture, and varied microclimates creates ideal conditions for an exceptional variety of plant life, making Bellavista one of Ecuador’s premier destinations for botanical exploration, nature photography, and scientific appreciation.

After a full day of traveling and exploring, you’ll sit down to a lovely dinner to relax and chat about the day’s adventure!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Bellavista Lodge Valle de Tandayapa, Ecuador

After breakfast at Bellavista, depart for a full day of exploration in the spectacular Tandayapa Valley, one of the most biodiverse cloud forest regions in Ecuador and a true paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and botanical enthusiasts. Nestled within the Chocó-Andean biodiversity hotspot, Tandayapa is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of flora and fauna.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to explore lush forest trails surrounded by towering trees draped in mosses, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and countless epiphytic plants that thrive in the cool, misty environment of the cloud forest. The region is particularly famous for its remarkable birdlife, with opportunities to observe colorful tanagers, toucans, hummingbirds, motmots, and many endemic species that inhabit these forests.

Specialized feeders and observation areas provide excellent viewing and photography opportunities throughout the day. As you venture deeper into the forest, expert guides will interpret the fascinating ecological relationships that sustain this unique ecosystem, highlighting the incredible plant diversity and the important conservation efforts that protect these fragile habitats. The constantly changing elevations and microclimates create ideal conditions for an astonishing variety of species, making every trail a new discovery.

A picnic lunch or lunch at a local reserve will be enjoyed amidst the natural beauty of the valley before continuing the afternoon exploration. In the late afternoon, return to Bellavista to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the cloud forest, reflecting on a day immersed in one of Ecuador's richest natural environments.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Bellavista Lodge Valle de Tandayapa, Ecuador

Embark on a delightful morning journey from your hotel towards the charming town of Mindo, located just 52 miles away from Quito. Nestled within the captivating Mindo cloud forest, and discover a natural paradise. Begin your adventure with a ride on the Tarabita, a scenic cable car soaring 150 meters above the Mindo Nambillo Ecological Reserve. This short cable car journey offers captivating vistas and conveniently shortens your walk to the enchanting waterfalls' entrance.

The Tarabita transports you between mountaintops, pausing at the entrances of various waterfalls. Embark on a 15-minute stroll to the stunning Nambillo waterfall, perfect for both swimming and photography. For a more immersive experience, venture on a 30-minute detour leading to the Sanctuary of Waterfalls, or opt for an exclusive path guiding you to the majestic Reina Waterfall. This scenic route spans 60 minutes through untouched virgin forest, revealing the ultimate waterfall spectacle.

Indulge your senses in Mindo's unique Butterfly House, an interactive garden where you'll discover the captivating journey of butterflies through their four life stages. Immerse yourself amidst a mesmerizing display of around 1,200 butterflies, representing 25 vibrant species. Witness these delicate creatures up close as they gracefully flutter around and even land on you.

 Savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing the authentic flavors of the region. In the afternoon, uncover the secrets of Ecuador's renowned chocolate as you visit a fair trade chocolate factory in Mindo. Ecuador's chocolate is celebrated worldwide, and here you'll have the opportunity not only to taste its excellence but also to engage in the art of crafting it.

Delve into the comprehensive process of producing top-quality cocoa beans, from cultivation to the creation of delectable chocolate bars. The factory's dedicated educational area provides a captivating insight into each step of this intricate journey. Your day in Mindo promises an enchanting blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and delectable delights.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Bellavista Lodge Valle de Tandayapa, Ecuador

After breakfast at Bellavista Lodge, departure towards the northern Andes and the beautiful valley of Zuleta, enjoying a scenic drive that crosses changing ecosystems from the lush cloud forest to the spectacular highland landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Along the route, travelers will experience dramatic variations in altitude, vegetation, and climate, revealing the extraordinary ecological diversity that makes Ecuador one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Arrival at Hacienda Zuleta, a historic working hacienda surrounded by mountains, native forests, and wide Andean pastures.

During the stay, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities within the hacienda’s private reserve and surrounding landscapes. Hiking trails lead through aromatic eucalyptus woods, rolling pastures, and scenic mountain paths where condors soar overhead, and native wildlife inhabits the high Andean ecosystem. Horseback riding is one of Zuleta’ s signature experiences, allowing guests to explore the estate aboard the renowned Zuleteño horses while enjoying breathtaking views of the valleys and volcanoes.

Additional activities include cycling through picturesque country roads, birdwatching with opportunities to observe hummingbirds and the rare Andean condor, and relaxing evenings around traditional bonfires accompanied by local music and Andean hospitality. Some excursions are self-guided, allowing guests to explore the hacienda at their own pace while fully immersing themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes.

This evening, after a day of traveling and sightseeing, you’ll sit down to dinner with your fellow travelers!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta, Angochagua-Imbabura, Ecuador

Today, enjoy a day at leisure and choose your own adventure with the various on-property experiences at Hacienda Zuleta.

Hiking

Explore different routes through idyllic pastures, aromatic woods, and winding mountain trails, where soaring condors and Andean bears make their home and volcanoes rise on every side.

Horseback riding

An exclusive stable with our own breed of Zuleteño horse gives you the opportunity to discover this magnificent landscape in true style! We have horses for every level and provide you with good quality helmets, half chaps, rain ponchos, and a saddle bag so you can feel like a proper caballero while exploring some of our glorious horse trails.

Carriage

Watch the beautiful scenery go by from the comfort of our pretty horse-drawn carriage.

Cycling

 Just you, our mountain bikes, and miles of scenic roads through valleys and high grasslands. Let the world open up before you as the horizon fades into the blue yonder…

Cooking Class

Learn to cook Andean specialties together with our local chef, using handpicked produce from our organic gardens.

Embroidery

In every stitch is a piece of my soul…even if I can’t go abroad, my embroidery goes for me. - Teresa Casa, famous local embroiderer. Become part of the famous creative tradition of Zuleta and try your hand at embroidery with the help of our friendly local experts!

Bird Watching

From bejeweled hummingbirds to magnificent condors, Zuleta is a haven for bird species of all kinds, and one of the few places you can see the extremely rare condor in the wild. With our Condor Huasi conservation program, we are also ensuring that this will be a sight to see for many years to come.

Bonfires

Tired of a long, exciting day hiking or horse-riding? Let the family relax by the fire and experience traditional Andean music and culture. And no bonfire is complete without marshmallows for toasting!

After a day exploring on your own, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta, Angochagua-Imbabura, Ecuador

Today, journey into the heart of Ecuador’s Andean Highlands to visit the renowned Otavalo Market, considered one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Stroll through its colorful stalls filled with handwoven textiles, intricate embroidery, jewelry, traditional crafts, and unique artwork created by skilled local artisans.

This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage while browsing for authentic souvenirs and handcrafted treasures.

Continue to the charming town of Cotacachi, internationally recognized for its high-quality leather goods and artisan workshops. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of Cayambe’s famous bizcochos, a beloved local specialty. Traditional buttery biscuits that have become a warm, homemade lunch will be served at a beautiful historic hacienda, where guests can savor traditional Ecuadorian flavors in an elegant and tranquil setting surrounded by the breathtaking Andean landscape. In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Cuicocha Crater Lake, a stunning volcanic lagoon nestled within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.

Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and home to two picturesque islands, the lake offers exceptional views and outstanding photographic opportunities. Enjoy a leisurely walk along part of the crater rim, taking in the pristine natural beauty and learning about the geological and ecological significance of this remarkable destination. Return to the hacienda in the late afternoon to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ecuadorian countryside.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at the hacienda.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta, Angochagua-Imbabura, Ecuador

After breakfast at Hacienda Zuleta, depart for Quito, enjoying a scenic drive through the beautiful Andean countryside. Along the way, admire the changing landscapes that characterize Ecuador’s highlands, where fertile valleys, rolling hills, and traditional villages reflect centuries of cultural and agricultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Quito, enjoy a delightful lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, offering an opportunity to savor Ecuadorian cuisine while taking in the atmosphere of the country's vibrant capital. In the afternoon, begin a guided exploration of Quito’s Historic Center, one of the best-preserved colonial districts in South America and the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nestled among dramatic Andean peaks, Quito offers a remarkable blend of history, architecture, art, and culture. Stroll through charming cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, elegant plazas, and magnificent churches renowned for their artistic and architectural significance. Highlights may include Independence Plaza, the Presidential Palace, the Church of La Compañía, famous for its dazzling gold-leaf interior, and the iconic San Francisco Square, one of the city's most historic and atmospheric landmarks.

Throughout the visit, your guide will share fascinating insights into Quito’s colonial past, indigenous influences, and its role as one of the cultural capitals of the Andes. Opportunities for photography abound, with stunning views of the city framed by the surrounding volcanic landscape. After the tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: La Selva Jungle Lodge, Coca, Ecuador

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Later, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Quito to take you to the airport for a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago.

Arriving at a small lava dock, our first encounters are with marine iguanas that blend in perfectly with the dark rock. As we walk past large prickly pear cacti, we arrive at one end of a long, sickle-shaped beach with Dragon Hill standing in the distance. Our walk takes us on a circular path, past a shallow lake where flamingoes frequently come to feed. Waders such as stilts, turnstones, and sandpipers work the muddy edges frenetically, looking for food as we continue inland to a dry, forested habitat where land iguanas nest and burrow.

Highlights: Dry vegetation zone, endemic land iguana, Darwin finches, mockingbirds.

Disembarking: dry landing

Physical Condition: medium

Type of terrain: rocky

Activities: 2-hour hike / 1-hour beach snorkeling

After your afternoon’s adventure, you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure and dinner as a group!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Sea Star Yacht

Set off on a dinghy tour through Black Turtle Cove, a shallow-water haven surrounded by lush mangroves. This sanctuary is home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and various species of rays. It also serves as a crucial breeding ground for turtles and sharks. Watch herons, boobies, and pelicans hunt among schools of anchovies. Though there’s no landing, the incredible wildlife seen from the boat offers an up-close and unforgettable experience.

Discover mangroves, white-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, and blue-footed boobies!

This afternoon, discover the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions. Snorkel Experience: Experience a world of vividly colored fish, sleek reef sharks, and perhaps a swift penguin chasing after a school of anchovies. It's a mesmerizing underwater spectacle you want to take advantage of.

Discover lava tubes, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, Oystercatchers, and Galapagos hawks!

Later, enjoy a relaxing evening on board your yacht with dinner as a group.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Sea Star Yacht

Enjoy breakfast before setting out on the day’s excursions!

Start your day surrounded by the bustling avian life of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher's paradise. As soon as your feet touch the sandy terrain, you're welcomed by a symphony of seabird calls, with frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls soaring overhead or nestled in the foliage. The trail meanders through colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, night herons, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and more.

Riding our dinghy to the far side of the caldera, red-billed tropicbirds display vociferously overhead while Galapagos fur seals can be seen on the shoreline. Once at the top of the rocky stairway we are immediately met by Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds and finches that line our way through a palo santo forest until we arrive at an expansive open lava field. Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm above the lava where we keep our eyes peeled for short-eared owls.

Snorkel Experience: Dive into the bay's underwater realms, teeming with vibrant fish, elusive sharks, graceful rays, and playful sea lions. With multiple snorkeling spots, from cliff-lined deep waters to shallow beachside areas, you're guaranteed a spectacular aquatic show.

Highlights: Dried lava field, red-footed bobbies, short-eared owl, Nazca boobies’ nesting site.

Disembarking: dry landing

Physical Condition: medium

Type of terrain: rocky

Activities: 2-hour hike / 45-min dinghy ride

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Sea Star Yacht

In the morning, you will discover Bartholomew Island. Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of the Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock are excellent for snorkeling from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world, and with a little luck, you’ll get to snorkel with penguins.

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy Ride

Difficulty: Easy

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate, unique textures. The seemingly lifeless landscape gradually unveils a resilience of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and tiny birds emerging on careful observation.

Keep your eyes on the shoreline for resident penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers. Snorkel Experience: A dip in the water here starkly contrasts the barren land. The coral sand beach and the dinghy access point reveal a marine world with fish schools, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

Highlights: Lava tubes, Galapagos penguins, Oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Sea Star Yacht

In the mountains of the Galapagos is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paintbilled crakers, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises´ shells). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrast that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agriculture zone straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatcher’s haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.

Difficulty level: Easy

Type of terrain: Flat muddy (depending on the season)

 Activities: 45-minute drive/ 1 ½ hour walk.

After your visit to the tortoise reserve, you’ll return to the airport and catch your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival, you’ll make your way to your overnight accommodations and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Ecuador

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your transfer arrives. From here, you’ll make your way to the airport and board your flight with service to the United States.

Meals: Breakfast