Upon arrival in Quito, the delightful capital of Ecuador, you will be greeted and privately transported to your accommodation.

Today, accompany your guide on a walking tour of colonial Quito to explore its abundant art treasures and beautiful balconies. Admire San Francisco Church and its museum of religious art, along with La Compañía, which features dazzling gilded walls. Explore vibrant Independence Plaza, surrounded by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Quito. Visit Panecillo Hill later to enjoy stunning views of the city and the neighboring Andean peaks. Indulge in a leisurely afternoon to immerse yourself in Quito's unique atmosphere at your own pace.

Travel to Cuenca, a concealed gem often regarded as Ecuador's most exquisite city. Cuenca was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 due to its well-preserved cultural and architectural elements in the historic core. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your accommodation. Afterwards, you will embark on a guided tour of the city's cobblestone streets, floral plazas, and scenic locations. Begin at Plaza San Sebastian in the western part of colonial Cuenca and go through the narrow streets to reach the Museum of Modern Art, showcasing pieces by numerous current Ecuadorian artists. Proceeding to the city center to explore Cuenca's famous flower market with arum lilies, orchids, and roses. Observe the neo-Gothic New Cathedral featuring its unique blue domes that stand out on the skyline, and visit the Homero Ortega hat factory known for crafting excellent toquilla straw hats.

Visit Bellavista Equestrian Hacienda, situated in the Tarqui cattle zone outside the city, for a horseback ride in the Andes. Begin by familiarizing yourself with your horse, then mount up for a journey to a nearby hacienda that provides stunning vistas of the mountain range and the moorlands. Go back to your hotel for lunch. Visit Piedra de Agua Fuente, a spa and thermal fountain constructed mainly from volcanic limestone, offering therapeutic treatments such as springs, volcanic mud, steam massages, and steam baths in a distinctive and exclusive environment.

Today, accompany your personal guide to explore Ingapirca, the most significant ruins complex in the country, which translates to Inca wall in Quichua. Constructed on pre-existing Cañari structures from 1200, the site served as a political and religious hub until the Incas overtook the Cañaris and began building a temple in 1460. Observe the intricate hand-carved masonry of the structure, which functioned as a place for sun worship and as a calendar for agricultural activities. Examine more important features of the complex, such as the location of the virgins of the sun and the Inca baths. Additionally, explore the small museum on the premises to see antiquities from the Cañari and Inca civilizations. Later, savor a tasty lunch on the premises, then spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Begin your experience in El Cajas National Park, located in the Andes at elevations ranging from 10,500 to 14,760 feet. The park covers 69,000 acres and is rich in diverse plant and animal life, as well as striking rock formations. Observe some of its 235 glacial lakes that contribute to stunning waterfalls, with some draining into the Pacific and others into the Amazon. Accompany your guide in this lively environment abundant with páramo (high altitude grasses) and remarkable microflora such as brilliant flowers, mosses, lichen, and various fungi. While hiking in Cajas, pay attention to the diverse bird species present, such as the endangered Andean condor, violet-tailed metal tail, sword-bill, glittering sunbeams, and sparkling violet-ears. Immerse yourself in the untouched surroundings, which feature wetland and bird protection areas of global significance. Subsequently, go back to Quito.

Today, go to Baltra, the entrance point to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will have VIP lounge access to assist you with entrance requirements. You will then be ferried across the channel to Santa Cruz Island and transferred to Pikaia Lodge. You will arrive in time for a light lunch, which you may enjoy on the pool terrace. Unwind and acquaint yourself with the property and its amenities. Explore the five miles of paths within the lodge's limits by walking, jogging, or cycling, or enjoy a swim in the pool.

Board the 105-foot luxury boat 'Pikaia I,' specifically designed for exploration, for a day of discovery in the Galápagos Islands. You can visit different islands, islets, or beaches according on the day of the week.

• Santa Fe is renowned for possessing one of the most exquisite coves in the Galápagos. Endemic species in the Galápagos include the Galápagos hawk, Galápagos snake, rice rats, various finch species, and the Galápagos mockingbird.
• South Plaza is the southern island of two small crescent-shaped islands located 600 feet off the east coast of Santa Cruz.
• Bartolome Island is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, a tall spear-shaped obelisk that emerges from the ocean and is the most well-known sight in the Galapagos Islands. Galápagos penguins cautiously traverse tiny volcanic ledges near the base. Sea lions rest on rocky surfaces, prepared to enter the water to interact with snorkelers passing by.

Sombrero Chino has a bay that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Bachas Beach is situated northeast of the Santa Cruz coast. This beach is crucial for observing sea turtles, flamingos, and migrating birds.

Upon returning to your lodge, you have the option to relax in your air-conditioned private cabin, use the Jacuzzi, engage in discussions with guides, sunbathe, or observe seabirds and dolphins.

Today, explore Santa Cruz Island and select from several activities. Choose to visit the Los Gemelos Sinkholes and Scalesia Forest, observe the giant tortoises at a farm in Rancho Chato II, explore the impressive lava tunnels of Santa Cruz Island, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Scientific Research Center known for breeding giant turtles, or wander around the town of Puerto Ayora, including the fish market popular among seabirds.

Embark once more on the 'Pikaia I' for a full day of exploring islands, with chances for trekking and diving. Explore two captivating islands on a morning and afternoon tour, which could involve:

• Cerro Dragon, also known as Dragon Hill, is a site that has been dedicated to preserving land iguanas for many years. It features stunning views, rocky terrain, and opportunities for snorkeling.
• Mosquera Islet is situated between North Seymour and Balhas islands and is home to a significant colony of sea lions. Visitors may also have the opportunity to observe orcas hunting in the area.
• Sullivan Bay is a location on the south-east side of Santiago Island known for its unique geological features, including solidified and wave-shaped lava flows. Visitors can swim in the pure blue sea along the lava stream.
• North Seymour is an uplifted island created by lava, known for its many sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and spectacular frigatebirds. Visitors can trek a loop track to observe a variety of Galápagos animals.

Guy Fawkes consists of two crescent-shaped islands located on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island. The islets include crumbled walls, caves in some areas, and large boulders covered in black coral in others.

Afterward, return to our lodge for dinner.

Today, return to mainland Ecuador and arrive in Quito. You will have the rest of the day free to rest or explore local attractions such as the Central Bank Museum to view pre-Inca treasures or visit spectacular Baroque cathedrals.

After breakfast, proceed to the airport and embark on your outbound flight.