Spend the next three days exploring the Galapagos by land and by sea, searching out exotic plants and seven unique subspecies of finches, as well as flamingos and lava sand beaches. Hiking, walking, kayaking, fishing can all be a part of your experience.

The giant Galapagos Tortoise, the marine iguana, the waved albatross, the Galapagos penguin, and flightless cormorants are just a few of the species you can come across. There will also be opportunities to snorkel, where you can see what’s below the surface: giant sea turtles, rays, and sea lions, to name just a few. Each day you will enjoy excellent cuisine and the company of an expert bilingual naturalist guide.

Enjoy a final morning in the islands before flying out from the Galapagos back to Quito, where you will be met at the airport and take a scenic private transfer north along the Pan American Highway. Stop en route at “El Guachala,” a monument to the equator, and the town of Cayambe, known for its locally made “biscochos” (biscuits) and fresh cheese. Enjoy a typical lunch at one of the haciendas near Otavalo before arriving to Hacienda Zuleta in the afternoon, where you can relax or explore the area on your own or with your guide.

Arrive early to the Otavalo market, one of the finest and most well-known street markets in South America. The Otavalenos wear distinctive blue ponchos and white pants and have long braided hair, and the women often wear gold-colored beads around their necks. At the central plaza and along side streets, you will find weavings, sweaters, belts, blankets and rugs. After visiting the market, set out with your guide to discover the neighboring towns such as Cotacachi, Peguche, and San Antonio de Ibarra, each dedicated to its own handicraft.

Continue your journey into the clouds, at the Mashpi Lodge, a luxury oasis, located in the middle of a bioreserve home to hundreds of species of birds, trees, amphibians, orchids, and even large mammals.

Venture deep into the bioreserve and learn more about the diverse ecosystem of this 6,000+ acre protected area.

Your exact excursion options will depend on the weather and the time of year, but usually include early morning or nocturnal hikes through the jungle with a highly trained bilingual guide who will help you find the creatures hidden among the dense vegetation. Other activities include an open-air canopy gondola, treetop biking, hiking to pristine waterfalls and nature trails highlighting hummingbirds, capuchin monkeys and the unique flora of the area.

After waking up one last morning to the sounds of the cloud forest, return to Quito for your international flight home.