Author's Tour All the secrets of Ecuador

Arrival in the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the hotel. Transfer duration is 1 hour. Accommodation at the Finlandia 3+* hotel

Breakfast in the hotel. Sightseeing tour of the city of Quito with a visit to the equator line. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 8 hours. Height – 2800m. The average temperature is +20C during the day, +10C at night. During a sightseeing tour of Quito, you will see fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and rooftops that are historical relics, and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and is located at an altitude of 2800 m. Despite the earthquake of 1917, the city has the best preserved and least altered historical center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors are examples of the Quito School of Art, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. Artists of this school worked in stone and wood to give shape to the most important religious events. After an hour and a half walking tour exploring the Old Town, you will understand why Quito was the first city in the world to be included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Quito takes its name from the Quitus tribe, which inhabited the region long before the Spanish conquest. In 1533, Sebastian de Benalcazar took possession of the city, which was first the capital of the Inca Empire, and in 1541 it was elevated to the rank of a Spanish city. Its full name is San Francisco de Quito. The city was the capital of the state of Quito until the end of Spanish colonial rule. The Franciscan Order was the first of the orders to establish itself in Quito. The Franciscans immediately began construction of the monastery, which became a center of education and art and has its own schools of painting and sculpture (the Church of San Francisco is visited during the tour). Around the main square, Plaza Grande, are the main buildings of the country: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall. We will visit the best example of colonial art in the city - a Jesuit temple, the facade of which is covered with intricate carvings. Quito is a capital city and has many contrasts, you can appreciate this by visiting the old city and new areas. You will get a beautiful view of the entire city from the Panecillo observation deck with a statue of the Virgin Mary with wings, the patroness of the city. We go to the “Middle of the World” (equator line). There are two places to visit the equator line, and we will visit both places: 1.) The city of Mitad del Mundo. The town of Mitad del Mundo is a tourist complex where tourists can discover a monument made in memory of the geodetic expedition of 1736 that established the location of the equator line in this place. The tourist complex "Middle of the World" belongs to the prefecture of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. It is located in the parish of San Antonio of the metropolitan district of Quito, north of the city center of Quito. The headquarters of the Union of South American Nations is being built on the territory of the complex. Between 1979 and 1982, a 30-meter-tall monument was erected to mark where the equator line was thought to lie. A line marking the equator extends from the center of the monument, and countless tourists have crossed it over the years. But in fact, the entire structure is located 240 m south of the real line, which was calculated correctly in the 20th century thanks to the advent of the GPS positioning system. 2.) Intignan Museum. In this museum we will be able to implement a series of experiments that explain the influence of the equator line on the natural forces of nature. Also here you will receive information about the culture of ancient peoples, and we will be able to see a series of totems from various cultures of South America. Here are traditional dwellings of different cultures existing in the country, for example, a house with objects that belonged to an Indian family that lived in this place many generations ago. Return to the hotel. Free evening. Accommodation at the Finlandia 3+* hotel

Breakfast in the hotel. Visit to Quilotoa Crater Lake. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 11 hours. The duration of the trip from Quito to Quilotoa is 3.5 hours; Quilotoa-Baños – 3.5 hours. Excursion altitude – 3900m. Overnight altitude – 1800m. The average temperature during the excursion is +10C. We will travel from Quito along the Pan-American Highway towards the rose plantation in the Cotopaxi Valley. On the plantation we will see roses of different colors and sizes, which Ecuador exports to various parts of the globe. We will observe the processes of cutting, selection and packaging, which will convince us of the high quality of the exported goods. Note: the plantation is not visited on Sundays and holidays! Continuation of the journey to the Quilotoa volcano. Along the way, we visit an artisanal workshop in the village of Tigua, where the Naive style of painting - Andean landscapes of Ecuador on sheep's clothing - originated. We will then continue our journey westwards towards the Central Andes of Ecuador. We will travel along the route known as the Puhili Path, passing through the village of Quilotoa. Arriving at Quilotoa Crater, we will visit an observation deck overlooking the crater lake and have the opportunity to walk through the Indian community. If desired (depending on the time and desire of the whole group), we can go down on foot to the edge of the lake, go kayaking and return on mules. Kayak and mule rides are not included. Continuation of the journey to Banos. Along the way, we will visit an Indian family in the highlands of the Andes of Ecuador to get acquainted with the life of the local Indians. Accommodation at the Sangay 4* hotel

Breakfast in the hotel. Sightseeing tour of the city of Banos and visiting the waterfalls. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 8-9 hours. The duration of the transfer from Banos to Riobamba is 2 hours. Overnight altitude – 2800m. The average temperature is +20C during the day, +10C at night. The tourist town of Baños is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs next to the 5016-meter-high Tungurahua volcano. Baños has a population of 20,000 inhabitants, the city is located at an altitude of 1826 meters, the average annual temperature is 20 °C. The city invites you to relax in its resorts and offers adventures for the whole family and extreme sports such as rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, canopy, trekking, mountain biking and bungee jumping. After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a short tour and visit the town center with a pleasant subtropical climate. Later we will begin our journey through the waterfalls: Agoyan, Bridal Veil (Manto de la Novia) and Devil's Frying Pan (Pailón del Diablo). We will also be able to ride on the famous "End of the World" swing and do a canopy over Pastaza Canyon (canopy not included in the price - USD 15 per person). In the afternoon we will travel to the city of Riobamba. Free evening. Accommodation at the Casa Real 3+* hotel

Visit to the Chimborazo Nature Reserve and the ruins of Ingapirca. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 11-12 hours. Duration of transfer Riobamba-Chimborazo – 1 hour; Chimborazo-Ingapirca 4 hours; Ingapirca-Cuenca – 2 hours. Excursion altitude – 3200-4800m. Overnight altitude – 2500m. The average temperature during the excursion is 0-+10C. Located in the heart of Ecuador, this relatively small reserve preserves historical, cultural and biological treasures, although the prevailing cold suggests otherwise. The imposing view of the “grandfather” Chimborazo, more than six thousand meters high, takes your breath away when you look at it, no matter from what point: from the city of Riobamba, from a train carriage heading to Alausi, from the Ambato-Guaranda highway in the Cruz del region -Arenal or from an airplane flying over the Andes. It’s not for nothing that when flying close to a majestic volcano, pilots always announce this to their passengers. The Chimborazo Nature Reserve was created in 1987 to implement a program to manage the “Andean camels” (llamas, alpacas and vicuñas). These close relatives of the famous camels are indigenous to the riding páramo, but disappeared from the wild many years ago. The creation of this reserve was intended to repopulate these territories with native species; in this case, vicuñas were brought from Peru and Chile, where they still live in natural conditions. Thus, the reserve has formed and manages wild populations, from which it will later obtain valuable wool. The reserve, although its importance is obvious, undoubtedly attracts the attention of tourists thanks to the aforementioned Chimborazo volcano - the highest mountain in Ecuador, covered with eternal glaciers - and its neighbor, the Carihuairazo volcano. Both volcanoes are located in the center of the reserve. Numerous streams formed by the melting of volcanic glaciers flow into the Ambato, Chambo and Chimbo rivers, which in turn form the Pastaza River. Launch Box. After visiting the Chimborazo Nature Reserve, we will go to the ruins of Ingapirca. The next stop on the trip is the ruins of Ingapirca, which are the largest and most important archaeological complex of the Inca Empire in Ecuador. The ruins date back to the 15th and 16th centuries AD. In the complex you can see various architectural units, among which it is worth mentioning the Temple of the Sun, which has an elliptical shape, 37 meters long and 12 meters wide, and was used to perform rites and rituals by the Cañari Indians and the Incas. In addition, you can see the oldest building in Ingapirka - Pilaloma, consisting of a number of rectangular rooms. Note: The ruins are open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday! On other days, the ruins are visited from the outside, from behind the fence, from where they are also clearly visible. After visiting the ruins we will head to the city of Cuenca. Free evening. Accommodation at the El Dorado 4* hotel

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of the city of Cuenca. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 5-6 hours. Height – 2500m. The average temperature is +25C during the day, +12C at night. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 1, 1999, and the city center contains important historical monuments, museums and ancient churches (such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, one of the largest in America, and others dating from the 16th and 17th centuries), cobbled streets and houses with republican facades that reflect European architectural influences, especially Spain and France. The city is also known as the "Bowl of the Andes" and the "Athens of Ecuador" for being the birthplace of several poets and historical figures such as Miguel Velez, Gaspar Sangurima, St. Brother Miguel, Onorato Vazquez, Remigio Crespo Toral, Avdon Calderon, Antonio Borrero et al. We will visit the Square of Flowers, the Cathedral, Abdon Calderon Square, the Turi observation deck and typical galleries. Take advantage of this opportunity and buy carpets, silver jewelry or so-called Panama hats, which are made only in Ecuador. Return to the hotel. Free evening for independent walks around the city. Accommodation at the El Dorado 4* hotel

Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to the Cajas National Park and the Cacao Plantation. The duration of the excursion day including transfers is 8-9 hours. Excursion altitude – 3900m. Overnight height – 0m. The average temperature during the excursion to Cajas is +10C. Cajas National Park is located 30 km west of the city of Cuenca, the capital of the province of Azuay. The park area is 28,544 hectares; There are more than 250 small lakes in Cajas. It was declared a national park on November 5, 1996 due to its archaeological value and the abundance of flora and fauna of the region. Cajas is home to a large number of endemic and endangered species. Cajas National Park is a beautiful desert with valleys, lakes and cliffs of the páramo ecosystem. The soil is covered with a thick layer of grass and a large number of pillow-shaped plants, which play an important role as real water reservoirs on the ground. There are also many species of small shrubs in the park. The highest point, called Three Crosses, can be reached by road; this place is also a watershed, with some rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean and others flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean. Winds and rain make the area cold, but the landscape that surrounds these 250 lakes is very lush and encourages walks and excursions to explore the flora, fauna and bird watching. These forests are the natural habitat of many species of animals such as hummingbirds, gray-breasted mountain toucans, etc. In the second half we will go to the city of Guayaquil (3.5 hours drive). Along the way, we will visit a hacienda where cocoa is grown (one of the main products of the Pacific coast region of Ecuador). Here we will have an interesting excursion, during which we will see and learn how this fruit is grown and how chocolate is made from it. The hacienda is located within a dry tropical forest and covers an area of 15 hectares. This is a great agro-tourism destination near Guayaquil, ideal for learning how the land is farmed to grow cocoa and other products. How these products are collected and prepared for export. We will observe the work of the producers of these products (only during the harvest season). Included lunch at the hacienda. Here we will have the opportunity to personally make chocolate paste, brew and taste real hot chocolate. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, our guides will accompany you to your hotel. Free evening. Accommodation at the Palace 4* hotel

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your guide will meet you and help you with your luggage, as well as escort you to the bus. Itabaca Canal, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island, is a 10-minute drive away. Motorboat crossings across the canal to Santa Cruz Island take 5 minutes. From here we will travel by private transport (approximately 45 minutes drive) across the island to the town of Puerto Ayora and your hotel. Notice the change in environment from the red rocky surface in the north to the green wildlife in the highlands and south. From the airport, the guide will go with the group to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. As we travel through the island's agricultural zones with the surrounding wild landscape and various species of flora and fauna, we will be able to see the finches that served as the basis for Darwin's theory of evolution. Watch the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how private farms are helping to conserve these unique animals and their habitats. You can hear them making noises while plucking leaves from trees or searching for tasty food. Here you can see turtles of different ages and sizes: young ones with sparkling shells and lazy old ones with partially cracked shells - traces of a long life. The well-known lava tunnels are another goal of our trip. The channels, resulting from the uneven cooling of lava flowing from the slopes of the volcano, extend from the highlands to the shores. Lava tubes have been destroyed in several places. However, there are preserved lava tunnels that can be walked through in 30 minutes. You will be able to see and understand how they were formed, in some places difficult to pass, and in others with collapsed boulders. The guide will share a detailed history of the origin of these tunnels. Lunch included. Transfer to the hotel. A welcome reception at the hotel will be followed by accommodation in our spacious rooms. You will then have free time to explore the port town of Puerto Ayora, where there are many souvenir shops. Accommodation at the Fiesta 4* hotel

SEA EXCURSION TO BARTOLOME ISLAND Early in the morning you will depart from your hotel by bus to the Itabaca Channel, where a pleasure yacht will be waiting for you, ready to sail. A day awaits you in a unique corner of the Earth with beautiful white sandy beaches, an out-of-this-world environment, a sea with crystal clear waters and a variety of animals. During the two-hour sail, you will have a unique opportunity to have breakfast and spend the morning at sea. Also in the early hours of the morning you can often see dolphins and other sea creatures very close to the yacht. Landing on the shore of Bartolome Island. You will have to hike up for about 30 minutes; You will cross an almost lunar landscape and reach the highest point of the volcanic island. From there you will have amazing views of the islands of Santiago, Seymour Norte, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Rabida and the island of Chinese Hat, as well as the famous Pinnacle Rock - the remains of an ancient volcano. This place is the habitat of thousands of birds. The landscape opening from the top is a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, captured by many photographers. Next is a change of clothes for visiting the beach. During the boat ride, our guests will see Galapagos penguins (only 50 centimeters tall) standing at the foot of a cliff or swimming at the speed of a bullet in the clear waters of the ocean. Time for a beach holiday or snorkeling: The shallow sea gives you the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside Galapagos penguins, sharks, starfish, stingrays, sea turtles and a variety of exotic colorful fish, and you will also be able to see several species of the islands' permanent inhabitants: marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans and much more. Lunch on board after this amazing adventure. Today will end with a return to the hotel in the evening. You will have a free evening to explore the town of Puerto Ayora. Accommodation at the Fiesta 4* hotel

BOAT EXCURSION TO SEYMOUR ISLAND OR PLACE (confirmed after booking; both islands are equally interesting): SEYMOUR ISLAND This excursion day will give you the amazing opportunity to visit Seymour Norte Island and the beaches of Bachas. We will travel by bus to our yacht in the Itabaca Channel and then sail for one hour to Seymour North Island. Landing on a rocky shore near a small forest of gray and silver palo santo trees, which are leafless most of the year. Seymour Island is famous for its numerous colonies of different species of birds. Particularly memorable are the male frigatebirds with their red crop, which they use to attract females during the mating season, and the famous blue-footed boobies. These seabirds have a wedge-shaped tail and long, pointed wings. During mating dances, males raise one wing and one blue paw and begin to dance in order to impress the females. The tour will continue to a beach with small cliffs where you can see sea gulls, many sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans. Most animals can be observed at arm's length. Freshly prepared lunch is served on board the yacht. During the afternoon rest, the yacht will continue sailing to the beaches of Bachas on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. First we will go to the lagoon behind the beach, often visited by flamingos. Next we will have a refreshing swim and snorkeling on a paradise uninhabited beach with white sand and turquoise water! Sea lions, different types of stingrays, sea turtles and tropical fish can join you on this underwater adventure! Return to Puerto Ayora at approximately 16:30. Free time to stroll along the pier, buy souvenirs or enjoy the sunset. PLACE ISLAND Departure from the hotel to the north, to the Itabaca Canal. Board the yacht and sail to the island of Plaza Sur. It is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, located near the eastern tip of Santa Cruz Island. After an hour and a half of sailing, the Plaza welcomes guests with a red and green carpet of sesuvium, endemic plants scattered throughout the island, and the friendly barking of several families of sea lions that live here. The turquoise water of the ocean is in perfect harmony with the white sandy beaches and rock formations on the shore. Hiking around the island is very easy - the trail passes sea lions and sea lions and reaches the highest cliff, where ragged gulls cut the air with their calls, and sea lions, who cannot resist their rivals, climb up the almost vertical wall. At the same time, tropical birds, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds glide softly through the air. We recommend bringing binoculars to see this extraordinary wildlife up close. The view from the highest point of the ocean and the mighty waves crashing against the cliffs is an unforgettable sight. Next, the journey will continue to Cape Carrion. Lunch on board. This is a unique place to snorkel and swim alongside stingrays, sharks and hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Return to the hotel. Accommodation at the Fiesta 4* hotel

Transfer to Baltra Airport for return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival - independent transfer to the international flight terminal - check-in for an international flight.