Ecuador Galapagos hiking between the Andes, the Amazon and enchanted islands

A bus trip to unspoiled nature

This morning, our adventure officially begins... and what a start! We leave the bustling city of Quito to immerse ourselves in the magic of the Amazon, aboard a comfortable public bus. And yes, we want to truly connect with the local culture, so we're brushing up on our Spanish because we'll need it today: breathtaking landscapes, unexpected encounters, and the discovery of unspoiled nature await us along the way.

We arrive in Tena and take a taxi to our hotel. In the afternoon, our first immersion in the wilderness awaits: aboard canoes, we reach AmaZOOnico, which is not just a wildlife conservation center, but a true gateway to a preserved world. As we paddle through the rainforest, we'll come face to face with a multitude of extraordinary creatures: acrobatic monkeys, birds with vibrant plumage, majestic tortoises, and friendly rodents. Each encounter will be an explosion of emotion and an unforgettable discovery. AmaZOOnico is also a beacon of hope for the conservation of the Amazonian ecosystem: our contribution, through a visit to the center, will support their invaluable work protecting the flora and fauna.

Ancient traditions and natural wonders

The morning begins with a visit to the indigenous community of Misahualli. Here, you can immerse yourself in their ancient traditions, discover their daily life and explore local crafts, the result of ancient wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

In the afternoon, you can relax on the banks of the Napo River, venture into the Amazon rainforest in search of exotic creatures, perhaps with a guided hike, or take a trip to Puerto Misahualli, a charming little village steeped in history. There's plenty of time to explore the surroundings, so let's make the most of it: tomorrow, we're off on a new adventure!

Adventure lovers, it's time to start your engines!

Today, we're boarding another public bus (we loved the first one and wanted to do it again!) and letting ourselves be lulled by the rhythm of the road, heading towards the magical Baños de Agua Santa. A vortex of unspoiled nature and pure adrenaline awaits us!

In the afternoon, prepare to conquer your fear of heights! With the Pailon del Diablo, a breathtaking waterfall plunging into an 80-meter-deep canyon, your heart will race. From the top of the stairs, you can admire this force of nature from different perspectives, and yes, be prepared to get a little wet! But Baños is more than just that: it also boasts hiking trails immersed in lush vegetation, thermal springs for rejuvenation, and a lively, infectious atmosphere. Adventurers and free spirits, let's explore this place surrounded by nature.

An adrenaline rush

This morning in Baños de Agua Santa, we'll experience a series of thrilling adventures. We can choose between breathtaking rafting on the rapids of the Pastaza River or extreme canyoning among waterfalls and vertiginous gorges. Screams of joy and adrenaline rushes will be the hallmarks of this unforgettable morning! One thing is for sure: we'll have fun, face our fears, and step outside our comfort zone – which, let's face it, sometimes gets boring!

After the adrenaline-fueled activities of the morning, the afternoon offers a well-deserved relaxation in the famous thermal waters of Baños. Immersed in these natural pools, surrounded by breathtaking views, you can release tension and regenerate body and mind.

Mountain wonders

Today we have no more excuses: it's our sixth day of travel and we're now used to the altitude, so we're ready to begin the real adventure! We'll wake up early to leave (this time with a private transfer) for Cotopaxi National Park. This park is home to three volcanoes, including one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, which gives the park its name: the famous Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is the second highest volcano in Ecuador (5,897 meters above sea level), it's still active, and climbing it is no walk in the park—but don't worry, we won't be doing it together! What is most fascinating is the preserved nature that surrounds it: more than 90 species of birds inhabit the park, including the hummingbird, the Alpine condor, the caracara, ducks, Andean gulls and the lapwing, while mammals include the deer, the hare, the Andean fox and the puma.

We're here, facing the majestic Cotopaxi, and ready to hike: we'll take the winding trails that meander through the park for a guided trek through the area beneath the snow-capped volcano. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the foxes, white-tailed deer, and Brazilian rabbits that inhabit this region. We'll breathe in the fresh, high-altitude air and soak in the beauty of the Andes, until it's time to head back to Quito, where we'll spend the night.

A little bit about the city

The moment has finally arrived to discover Quito! We begin the day with a walking tour of a few hours. A guide will lead us through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing the secrets of this magical city. We admire the Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by breathtaking colonial buildings, and are enchanted by the Basílica del Voto Nacional, an architectural masterpiece in the Neo-Gothic style.

The afternoon is free! You can lose yourself among the colorful stalls of the Mercado San Francisco, where you can sample local specialties and find unique souvenirs. Or you can take the Quito cable car and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. But Quito isn't just about history and culture; it's also a city bursting with flavor. You absolutely must try the traditional locro de papa, a potato soup with meat and cheese, and a delicious hornado, roast pork served with potatoes and avocado. And for dessert, of course, dulce de leche, a sweet condensed milk dessert that will win you over.

Las Grietas: the volcanic jewel of the Galapagos

Today, finally, we're off on an unforgettable adventure: we're going to the Galapagos! We'll fly from Quito to Baltra and then land on the charming Galapagos Islands. After settling into our hotel on Santa Cruz Island, we'll immediately dive into the local culinary scene. We'll head to the bustling fishing port, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch in the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, a water taxi will take us to Las Grietas, an enchanting geological formation known for its three narrow, elongated coves nestled between towering lava cliffs—a true paradise for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. Las Grietas is a national park and is open until 5 p.m.: after that, we can always head to Los Alemanes beach before returning to the hotel. This first day was already filled with breathtaking scenery, sea, and sunshine... We can't wait to see what else the Galapagos have in store for us!

A volcano of emotions combining snorkeling, relaxation, and breathtaking views

Today the alarm rings bright and early: from Santa Cruz you'll reach the volcanic island of Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos. As soon as you disembark, head straight out for a breathtaking snorkeling excursion to Las Tintoreras. Among volcanic rocks and pristine beaches, you'll swim alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and even Galapagos penguins! A true paradise for sea lovers! After this explosion of color and marine life, you'll be hungry... so recharge your batteries with a typical lunch of fresh fish at a local restaurant!

In the afternoon, the choice is yours: relax on Isabela Beach to soak up the sun, sea, and tranquility, or venture out by bicycle to the Cerro Orchilla viewpoint, where breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea await. If you still have some energy, delve into history by visiting the Las Lagrimas wall, a historical site containing the remains of an old prisoner camp. The day ends perfectly with dinner at a local restaurant, sharing today's experiences and savoring the delicious flavors of Galapagos cuisine once again.

The Tunnels: Between lava mysteries and marine wonders

You'll wake up on Isabela, the largest and wildest island in the Galapagos, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you speechless! Today, you'll discover The Tunnels (Cabo Rosa), a magical place where nature has sculpted underwater lava tunnels, creating an aquatic playground for snorkeling that you won't want to leave! Imagine swimming in a natural aquarium, surrounded by colorful tropical fish, giant starfish, and seahorses that move gracefully among the gorgonians. Sunlight filters through the cracks in the lava tunnels, creating a magical effect that will make you feel like you're in a dream.

But the adventure doesn't end there: we will enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local produce, recharging our energy for the rest of the day, and in the afternoon we will return to Isabela, ready to enjoy our last night on this island.

Santa Cruz: relaxation and iguanas to recharge your batteries!

Another day, another early wake-up call... Yes, it's (a little) tough, we admit, but there's a reason: there's only one ferry in the morning, and it's the 6:00 AM one. But don't worry: the next leg of the journey is absolutely relaxing! We say goodbye to Isabela, the volcanic island that captivated us with its lava mysteries and marine wonders, and head back to Santa Cruz to spend the rest of the day at Playa Iguana, a breathtaking paradise on earth!

Imagine a pristine beach, where golden sand kisses your feet and the Pacific waves whisper wild melodies. Here, marine iguanas move gracefully like exotic dancers, while colorful fish dart among the volcanic rocks. Stroll along the beach and encounter marine iguanas basking on the rocks, watching them dive into the water in search of their daily meal. Playa Iguana is a magical place, where nature reigns supreme and its unspoiled beauty will envelop you: today, we've recharged our batteries, and tomorrow, we set sail for our final island, San Cristobal!

An adventure combining nature, history, and relaxation

WeRoaders, today we're taking our last ferry of the morning (we promise!): from Santa Cruz, we'll reach our last island, San Cristobal, in a few hours.

We start the day by leaving our backpacks at the hotel and taking a taxi to the interpretation center, where we immerse ourselves in the history and culture of the Galapagos. After this fascinating introduction, it's time to hit the road! We embark on a hike to Cerro Tijeretas, a hill offering breathtaking views of the island and the sea. We admire the local flora and fauna, including iguanas, seabirds, and sea lions. The descent from Cerro Tijeretas leads us to Playa Baquerizo, a pristine beach where we can finally relax and enjoy the sun, the sea, and the tranquility. We cool off in the crystal-clear waters, swim among the tropical fish, or simply lie on the golden sand and let the sun caress us. Playa Baquerizo is the perfect place to end this exciting day on a high note.

A dive into the wild nature of Isla Española

Today is practically our last day in the Galapagos, and we want it to be unforgettable: we're going to discover Isla Española, a true natural gem that is home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Isla Española is a paradise for nature lovers: here, you can admire up close a variety of wild animals that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Get ready to encounter undulating albatrosses, majestic birds that soar gracefully through the sky, with wingspans of up to three meters, marine iguanas, sea lions, tropical seals, and an incredible variety of seabirds, including gannets, gulls, and frigatebirds, which color the sky with their acrobatic flights.

But Isla Española isn't just about wildlife! The island also boasts breathtaking landscapes: white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, imposing volcanic cliffs, and nature trails that lead you to unspoiled corners. Of course, you'll also go snorkeling among tropical fish and enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh, local ingredients. Isla Española is a magical place that will leave you speechless—a fitting farewell to this earthly paradise.

Flight from San Cristobal to Quito

The good news today?! A lie-in: we can sleep until check-out! The bad news? We have to go back to Quito and say goodbye to the Galapagos! During the flight, we start thinking about these 14 days spent between Ecuador and the Galapagos: breathtaking landscapes, trekking, adventure, adrenaline, excursions, and encounters with wild and untouched nature! We'll toast all of this, as well as new friendships, at our last dinner together, where we'll experience a mix of different emotions. One thing is for sure: we'll already be nostalgic for these places and the moments we've lived and shared. The magic of a WeRoad trip is also, and above all, this.

This is the end

It's time to say goodbye: it was an incredible adventure we won't forget, but we're sure we'll experience many more, perhaps together again. Goodbye Ecuador, goodbye Galapagos, and thank you for these wonderful days!