Best of Ecuador mit Galapagos & Amazonas

After breakfast you start your private tour with a German-speaking guide, partly in a private car and partly on foot through the UNESCO-protected colonial old town. The programme includes the „Middle of the World“ equator monument and ethnographic museum, the impressive La Compañía church and the San Francisco monastery in the historic centre. On the way, you will enjoy lunch in a carefully selected restaurant.

In the morning you set off for a Exclusive excursion in the direction of Otavalo up. Together with your tour guide, you will travel north along the Panamericana into the land of the Otavalos and pass through impressive mountain landscapes before reaching the famous indigenous market. There you will discover numerous stalls selling ponchos, scarves and blankets and experience the calm, respectful trading atmosphere. The route then takes you to the rural Andean village of Peguche, where women weave colourful carpets in front of their houses. Continue to the historic 17th-century Hacienda Pinsaqui, which impresses with its colonial charm, gardens and loving details, and enjoy a late lunch here. You will then visit the Laguna San Pablo and return to the Hotel Casa Gangotena in Quito in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, you will be taken privately to the airport and fly in economy class to the remote Galapagos Islands. You will reach your destination in the late morning and be taken to the nearby dock, where you board the yacht La Pinta. An introduction with safety briefing and lunch together awaits you there before your Galapagos expedition officially begins.

10 nights in the Upper Deck Luxury Cabin
incl. full board, drinks (soft drinks, wine & beer unlimited), VIP lounge in Baltra airport, all accom-
activities with English-speaking nature guides and crew on board – Details about the hotel

Your Galapagos expedition begins on the island of Santa Cruz. This is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and one of the largest giant tortoise populations in the archipelago. The island impressively conveys the conservation efforts and the commitment of the inhabitants to wildlife and the environment. During your visit, you can observe giant tortoises in the wild, explore the green highlands and visit a remote station with numerous land iguanas.

The small island of Eden is a remnant of a volcanic „tuff cone“ formed by the explosion of lava on contact with seawater. Off the north-west coast of Santa Cruz, the island can usually be circumnavigated by panga and offers a wealth of wildlife on land, in the air and in the water. While observing and snorkelling, you can spot blue-footed boobies while diving, Galápagos turtles, rays and sharks, especially in the shallow waters near the mangroves.

Chinese Hat, called „Sombrero Chino“ by the locals, The island is a small islet off the south-eastern coast of Santiago, which owes its name to the volcanic cone that looks like a traditional bamboo or rice hat. The sheltered, turquoise-coloured waters of the channel between the island and the mainland are perfect for exploring. A short hiking trail along the west coast leads through the rugged landscape of lava and volcanic debris, reminiscent of the fiery origins of the Galápagos Islands.

A golden beach awaits you on Bartolome with breathtaking views and impressive scenery. The island, often referred to as the „postcard island“ of the Galapagos, is crowned by the striking Pinnacle Rock. You also have the opportunity to observe Galapagos penguins and experience them up close while snorkelling.

Sullivan Bay impresses with its fascinating volcanic landscape of solidified lava fields and bizarre lava formations. As you explore the island, you can experience the geological traces of past volcanic eruptions up close. The rugged terrain and unique nature make Sullivan Bay an unforgettable place on the Galápagos Islands.

Darwin Bay on Genovesa is a paradise for birdwatchers and begins with a landing on a picturesque white coral beach. A half-kilometre path leads through bird-rich mangroves where you can spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and fork-tailed gulls, among others. Along the way you will come across tidal pools where sea lions play, and at the end a cliff with breathtaking views over the bay awaits you.

The Prince Philip's Steps on Genovesa lead up to the island via a steep, rocky staircase and offer a little adventure on the way up. Once at the top, there is a spectacular view of the cliffs and the surrounding sea. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers, where red-footed boobies, frigate birds and other seabirds can be observed.

North Seymour like the neighbouring island of Baltra, was formed by the uplifting of underwater lava. The small, flat island offers numerous hiking trails where you can explore the arid landscape and observe the native seabirds. On North Seymour, important conservation measures were implemented early on when Galapagos land iguanas were relocated from Baltra to secure their habitat. Today, the iguanas have thrived and the island is now home to well over 2,500 animals.

On the island of Isabela you can marvel at the impressive coastline of one of the largest Galápagos islands and experience the dramatic volcanic landscape. You also have the opportunity to explore the underwater world on a glass-bottom boat or snorkel with green sea turtles, playful sea lions, sunfish and perhaps even penguins.

Vicente Rock Point impresses with its striking rock formations and spectacular panoramic views of the ocean. The cliffs are an ideal observation point for seabirds such as frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Sea lions and other sea creatures can also be observed from the water.

Espinosa Point offers a unique opportunity to see sea turtles in their natural environment. The waters around the point are ideal for snorkelling and are home to rays, colourful fish and sharks. The landscape and wildlife make this spot a highlight of any Galápagos expedition.

Urbina Bay on Isabela Island is known for its impressive geological changes caused by a sudden rise in land. The shallow coastal landscape offers ideal conditions for observing sea turtles, sea lions and various bird species. You can also discover colourful fish, rays and other sea creatures while snorkelling in the clear waters.

Tagus Cove on Isabela Island impresses with steep cliffs and a quiet, secluded bay that bears witness to the historical murals of earlier seafarers. The hiking trails lead through dry vegetation to viewpoints with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding islands. Snorkelling in the waters of the bay allows you to observe numerous sea creatures such as rays, turtles and colourful fish.

The island of Rábida is known for its striking, rust-coloured beaches, which are formed by ferrous volcanic deposits. The coast offers an excellent opportunity to observe seabirds, pelicans and frigate birds. In the surrounding waters, snorkellers can discover sea turtles, rays, sea lions and colourful fish species. The rugged, volcanic terrain and unique colour palette make Rábida one of the most striking and photogenic places on the Galápagos Islands.

Dragon Hill on the island of Santa Cruz is known for its dry, barren landscape and the population of endemic land iguanas. Hiking trails lead through the vegetation, where you can observe iguanas as well as numerous bird species. The view from the hills offers an impressive view over the nearby bays and the island's coastline.

The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz is a centre for the protection and research of the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. It is particularly well known for its breeding programmes for giant tortoises, including the famous „Lonesome George“. Visitors can observe the tortoises in their habitat and learn more about the islands' conservation efforts.

The Santa Cruz Highlands in the centre of the island offer a green, lush landscape that is very different from the dry coastal region. Here, giant tortoises can be observed in the wild, often roaming the fields and forests. In addition to the turtles, the region offers numerous hiking trails, lush vegetation and an insight into the island's agricultural tradition.

Floreana Island looks back on a long whaling history, The beaches here are the result of a long history, when sailors stocked up on supplies and left letters for their families, which were hopefully delivered by returning ships. At the northern tip is Cormorant Point, with beaches between two volcanic cones that stand out for their different colours: one beach is olive green with olivine crystals, another is bright white with coral sand. These contrasts and the historical significance make Floreana a fascinating destination on the Galápagos Islands.

The Post Office Bay on Floreana Island is famous for its historic „post office barrel“, which was set up by whalers in the 18th century. Visitors can leave or take cards and letters here, which are passed on without a postmark, a living relic of old traditions. The surrounding coastline is also ideal for snorkelling and observing sea creatures such as sea lions, turtles and colourful fish.

Cormorant Point on Floreana Island is characterised by its pink-coloured sandy beach and impressive volcanic landscape. The nearby lagoon is a favourite habitat for flamingos, sea lions and numerous bird species. Off the coast lies Champion Islet, which is ideal for snorkelling to observe sea turtles, rays and colourful tropical fish.

Your Galapagos trip ends on the island of Baltra, from where you will be taken to the airport. You will fly back to the mainland to Quito in economy class and land there in the afternoon. You will then be transferred privately to your airport hotel.

1 overnight stay at the 4* Hotel Wyndham airport, double room incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel

Private transfer to the airport and domestic flight to Coca After just 40 minutes, you will land in Francisco de Orellana, better known as Coca, where you will be welcomed by an English-speaking nature guide. From there, you will travel to the landing stage on the Napo River and continue your journey downstream in a motorised canoe until you reach your temporary floating home. On the approximately 90-minute trip, you will get your first impressions of the developed rainforest and the mighty Amazon tributaries.

On board the MANATEE, you will first move into your exclusive cabin suites before travelling on to the Yasuni National Park. On the river, you have the opportunity to admire the ever-changing natural scenery, while the remaining time until dinner can be used to process your impressions. After sunset, your first expedition into the forest begins to experience the mysterious nightlife of the rainforest.

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is a comfortable adventure ship The ship can accommodate up to 30 guests and has 14 luxurious cabin suites with air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and private bathrooms. On board there is a dining room, a lounge bar, a viewing platform, a conference room and a reading room, offering guests both comfort and an ideal setting for exploring the Amazon.

3 nights on board, standard double cabin incl. full board, activities 4 days/3 nights – Details about the hotel

Full-day excursion to the Pañacocha nature reserve
Your journey takes you downstream to the delta of the Pañayacu River, from where you board canoes to explore the reserve at close quarters. On the way, you can often spot pink river dolphins, squirrel monkeys and numerous other inhabitants of the rainforest. Pañacocha means „piranha lake“ in the Kichwa language and is fed by the Pañayacu River, whose white, nutrient-rich water provides an ideal habitat for piranhas, silver bearded orangutans (arawana) and white caimans.

The lagoon itself turns dark in colour due to decomposing leaves, and the more adventurous can take a refreshing dip here. You then return to a nearby campsite, where a traditional Amazonian barbecue awaits you. After lunch, you will explore the primary forest of Pañacocha, which is home to brown woolly monkeys, marmosets, capybaras, manatees and toucans. In the early evening, you return on board the expedition ship MANATEE.

Excursion to the salt lick and rainforest hike to the „Yaku Kawsay“ water museum“
You should start with a hearty breakfast buffet, as an eventful day awaits you. The first stop is the famous salt lick rocks, where you can watch a colourful and noisy spectacle if you keep calm: Countless birds, including parakeets and parrots, lick the minerals from the rocks to balance their mineral levels.

You will then visit an indigenous community, which will give you an insight into their everyday life. The inhabitants skilfully process materials from the rainforest and offer handmade jewellery and other artistic pieces for sale. Before sunset, you climb an observation tower in the rainforest, from where you can enjoy a unique perspective of the canopy and a 360-degree panoramic view: Bird lovers should have their binoculars ready. You return to the MANATEE in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, followed by the return flight to Quito. On arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel.

2 nights in the 5*Hotel Casa Gangotena, Relais & Châteaux, Junior Suite, breakfast – Details about the hotel

Early breakfast, then your adventure beginsWelcome to the summit meeting of the giants! With your private guide and private car, you will travel south today in the footsteps of Alexander von Humboldt. The volcanoes Antisana, Illiniza and their 19 companions rise majestically along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Humboldt once tried in vain to climb the „throne of the moon“, the 5,897 metre high Cotopaxi, but your tour guide will tell you who finally succeeded. At the foot of the lava mountain, you walk in the Cotopaxi National Park to the Limpiopungo lagoon at an altitude of 3,800 metres. Wild horses roam the grassy steppe, while condors circle majestically over the páramo. A late lunch at a hacienda that Humboldt visited rounds off the day before you return to Quito in the evening.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Cuenca. On arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to the hotel, where you can leave your luggage. You can move into your room or check in in the afternoon. After a short refreshment break at the hotel, your city tour begins.

2 nights in 4* Hotel Itza, junior suite, breakfast – Details about the hotel

Private city tour with your local German-speaking tour guide. Cuenca is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America and is very popular with both locals and tourists. This is due to the pleasant climate, the charming old town, the excellent restaurants and the relaxed lifestyle. Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador with 277,000 inhabitants and is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of between 2,450 and 2,600 metres. Of particular interest: the world-famous Panama hat, which originated in the provinces of Manabí and Azuay around 1630, has been made here for centuries. It takes several months to produce a high-quality hat. During the private tour, you will explore the beauty of the city, including lunch.

Breakfast and then time at leisure. Check-out takes place around midday, Then private transfer to the airport and flight to Quito. On arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to your hotel.

1 night in the 5*Hotel Casa Gangotena, Relais & Châteaux, Junior Suite, breakfast – Details about the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out around midday. Private transfer to the airport in the early afternoon. In the evening you will fly with Iberia Return flight to Europe to.

Arrival in Madrid, onward flight to Düsseldorf, where your extraordinary journey ends.