Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.
Really enjoyed the variety of things to see and do.
Galapagos Islands were amazing and pleased to see that they are trying hard to protect the local environment and native animals and educate the next generation.
Loved the giant tortoises and the way local rangers are protecting them from extinction from hand rearing eggs to releasing them when they are older.
Blue footed Boobies were a highlight of mine to see, only wish I had seen the red footed boobies as well.
The visit to the rose farm was an eye opener as I hadn't realised that Ecuador was such a productive place for roses and exportation, the employees all looked happy and relaxed.
Interesting visit to Condor sanctuary and the way they are rehabilitating injured birds and introducing them into the countryside.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra
Quito, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Tortuga Bay, Otavalo, Laguna Cuicocha, Mindo, Cotopaxi National Park, Galapagos Islands, Puerto Villamil
This was one of the best "Discovery" tours I have been on with Explore. It felt like a real adventure, with the excursions to the volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo and the boat trips on the Napo river, a tributary of the Amazon. Our tour leader, Fabian, and driver, William, were both excellent. The accommodation was generally very good, with the exception being the Riobamba hotel. I find the comments by a previous reviewer about the current power outages in Ecuador to be absurd. The outages were a mild inconvenience (to us - although I pity the Ecuadorian people) but there were absolutely no security or food safety issues as a result. When I travel in (e.g.) South America I don't expect everything to be just like it is in my cosy Western European home! My one criticism of this trip is that there were far too many shopping stops that were thinly disguised as "cultural visits" - I counted at least ten of these. The number should be at least halved. I mean, what on earth do painted balsa wood parrots have to do with the culture of Ecuador? Or carved nut kernels, for that matter?
From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest, this nine-day Premium adventure will take you through the well-travelled and lesser-known icons of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. Then, head to the highest active volcano in the world for a hike through Cotopaxi National Park before relaxing in the lush gardens of your Feature Stay. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while also getting close to the animals that call this diverse part of Ecuador their home.
