A Journey to the Past of Ecuador & Galapagos

Exploring the Heart of Guayaquil

Start your day with a comforting breakfast before diving into the vibrant spirit of Guayaquil, known as the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. In recent years, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, highlighted by its revitalized historic district with narrow streets and centuries-old houses.

Stroll through Las Peñas, the city ‘s oldest and most colorful neighborhood, before climbing the 444 steps of Cerro Santa Ana, where stunning panoramic views await you. Your tour may include a visit to the majestic cathedral, a walk along the iconic Malecón 2000 by the Guayas River, or an exploration of the Iguana Park. Be sure to stop by the botanical gardens and the Cámara de la Rotonda, a monument commemorating the historic meeting between Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín in the 19th century. Guayaquil awaits you with history, culture, and unforgettable views!

Adventure on Rails: Discover Ecuador aboard the Tren Crucero

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, head to the Durán train station where your unforgettable journey aboard the Tren Crucero begins, an icon of railway tourism in South America. Relax as this carefully restored antique locomotive transports you through vast plantations of bananas, sugarcane, and rice in the coastal region. This railway project not only offers a luxurious journey but also promotes sustainable development, revitalizing local communities along the route.

Built between 1897 and 1908, this railroad was for decades an essential artery of Ecuador before falling into neglect in the ’90s. Today, as you board, you become part of its revival, enjoying a trip that blends history, culture, and spectacular landscapes.

The journey will take you to the picturesque town of Yaguachi, where you’ll change trains and continue to Naranjito, known as the “little orange town.” Then, visit the San Rafael ranch to learn about cacao production and the Shuar indigenous culture. At the end of the day, relax in a cozy accommodation and prepare for new experiences on this unique journey.

High Altitude Adventure: From the Cloud Forest to the Devil’s Nose

Start your day breathing in the fresh air of the cloud forest while enjoying a breakfast at your hotel. Then, head to the Bucay station to board the Tren Crucero and embark on an unforgettable journey into the Andes. Over the course of 34 miles of track, the train ascends more than 9,600 feet, taking you through breathtaking landscapes and a journey full of history.

A stop at the Pistishi viewpoint will allow you to admire the famous Devil’s Nose, a feat of railway engineering that, in the early 20th century, took four years to build and cost the lives of thousands of workers. This section of the trip is unique, featuring a zigzagging system that enables the train to scale steep slopes before arriving at the picturesque town of Alausí.

Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional lunch and immerse yourself in the local culture before continuing on to Colta, where you can witness the fascinating change from steam locomotives to diesel-electric ones. 

Finally, the journey concludes in Riobamba, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore a vibrant indigenous craft market before retreating to a traditional hacienda to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

Day Three on the Tren Crucero

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll take a short bus ride to the Urbina train station. Here, you’ll have the spectacular opportunity to meet Baltazar Uscha, the last traditional ice merchant in Ecuador. Like his father and grandfather, Baltazar makes his daily journey with his donkeys to bring ice down from the glacier and sell it to juice vendors in the city.

Say goodbye to Baltazar and the historic town of Urbina as you board the Tren Crucero and begin your descent into Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. If the weather favors you with clear skies, you may catch a glimpse of up to 20 volcanoes dotting the Andean mountain range. One of today’s excursions will take you to the foothills of the iconic Cotopaxi volcano, so be sure to wear your hiking shoes!

After a trek through an Andean forest trail, you’ll board the Tren Crucero again for the final leg of your journey toward Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll spend the night at one of the most historic haciendas in Ecuador, built in 1580.

Exploring Andean Culture: The Last Day on the Tren Crucero

On your last day aboard the Tren Crucero, you’ll embark on a journey through the beautiful valleys of northern Ecuador, heading towards Otavalo, a region renowned for its rich artisan tradition. Local artists, who have been perfecting their crafts for generations, will provide you with an authentic glimpse into Ecuadorian culture as you explore their workshops.

Your first stop will be San Roque, where you can enjoy traditional music and meet skilled local weavers. In Andrade Marín, you’ll be treated to a delicious sample of local cuisine and have the chance to visit the Imbabura Cultural Center and museum. The visit will continue in San Antonio, where carpenters will showcase their impressive works. To end the day, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at Hacienda La Compañía before resuming your train journey back to Quito.

Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll have some time to relax in this historic city before continuing with more exciting experiences in your adventure.

Private Tour of Quito City and the Middle of the World

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you on a journey to discover Quito’s old town. During the tour, you’ll stroll through the Main Square, admire the city’s majestic Cathedral, and explore several notable churches from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Next, you’ll head north toward the famous equatorial line. This area, known as the “Middle of the World,” has held significant historical importance, as both Inca and pre-Inca civilizations recognized and revered it. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the spot where you can stand in both hemispheres simultaneously.

After the tour, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to continue exploring Quito at your own pace.

Trip to Zuleta: Roses, Landscapes, and Tradition

After breakfast, your journey will begin heading north along the Pan-American Highway, with a brief stop in Cayambe to visit a rose plantation. Here, you’ll learn about Ecuador’s prominent floral industry, which boasts over 300 varieties of these beautiful flowers. You’ll have the chance to get a close-up view of the vast rose fields that flourish in this region.

Continuing east, you’ll take a picturesque ride through the green meadows of the Andes, eventually reaching Hacienda Zuleta. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano. Upon arriving at Zuleta, your host will inform you about the various activities available at the hacienda. If you wish, you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee while discussing any personal preferences or questions you may have.

Next, you’ll take a tour of the hacienda and learn about Zuleta’s rich history, including the private library of former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso, and explore the beautiful gardens and chapel.

At the end of the day, as the sun sets, enjoy a glass of local wine and cheese by the fireplace, savoring the peace and tranquility of the hacienda. Then, a relaxing bath and restful night await you to end your day in this charming place.

Exploring the Andean Reserve: A Day of Adventure and Tradition

After enjoying a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, muesli, and homemade bread, you’ll start the day with a visit to the cheese factory. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional artisan cheese production of Zuleta and how the process has evolved over time.

Since mornings are usually sunny in this region, we recommend taking advantage of the good weather to embark on the Condor Tour. You’ll walk the trails or enjoy a bike ride to the condor reserve, located just 3 kilometers from the guesthouse, in a picturesque valley surrounded by native forest. You might even spot a wild condor soaring on the horizon during your adventure.

On the way back, the route will take you through green pastures, where you can admire ancient remnants of the Caranqui culture. You’ll pass small burial tombs dating back to 700 A.D., as well as impressive truncated ceremonial pyramids from the 13th century.

If you’re a horse lover, don’t miss the chance to ride one, as the hacienda offers stables for this activity, available for an additional fee. You can reserve this directly upon arrival and enjoy a unique equestrian experience in the region.

Adventure in the Galápagos Islands: Discovering Cerro Dragón in Santa Cruz

Today marks the beginning of a unique experience in the Galápagos Islands, a natural paradise of incomparable beauty. Early in the morning, a representative will take you to the national airport for your flight to these stunning islands, with a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, a crew member from your ship will greet you and accompany you to the boat that will take you to the island.

Once on the water, you’ll have a short break to adjust and then begin exploring the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. One of the main destinations will be Cerro Dragón, an ideal place to spot a variety of species, including the famous lava lizards, Darwin’s finches, and wading birds. On the way to Cerro Dragón, you’ll stop at a small lagoon known for being a popular spot for flamingos and other colorful birds that feed there. After this first day of exploration, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a peaceful night, preparing for the adventure that will continue the next day.

Adventure in the Galápagos Islands: Kicker Rock, San Cristóbal, and Lobos Island

Start the day by following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, sailing by the imposing tuff rock formation known as “Kicker Rock.” This site serves as a refuge for a variety of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigates. It’s an ideal place for diving, with the opportunity to see hammerhead sharks swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

Next, we’ll take a wet landing on San Cristóbal Island, where we’ll visit Cerro Brujo, also known as “Wizard Hill.” This lava hill, located on the northeast coast of the island, offers breathtaking views of Kicker Rock and the southern area of San Cristóbal. The area is home to species like blue-footed boobies, gulls, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked ducks, and pelicans. Additionally, the protected bay is a common habitat for young sea turtles and rays, making snorkeling here a vibrant and unique experience.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Lobos Island, located off the coast of San Cristóbal. This island is an important nesting site for blue-footed boobies and frigates. In its calm waters, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside the playful sea lions that inhabit the island.

Adventure on Española Island and Punta Suárez

Today, your journey begins on Española Island, the oldest island in the Galápagos Archipelago, located to the south. This island, also known as “Hood Island” in honor of British Admiral Samuel Hood, stands out for its unique biodiversity, which has been preserved due to its isolation. Here, you’ll enjoy excellent snorkeling in its turquoise waters and explore beautiful beaches like Gardner Bay, a perfect spot to spend the afternoon. While swimming, observe the colorful fish around the Gardner and Osborn islets, and if you’re lucky, you might see sea turtles and peaceful sharks. The bay is also home to a transient colony of Galápagos sea lions that enjoy swimming alongside visitors.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues at Punta Suárez, one of the richest wildlife areas in the islands. Here, cliffs and sandy pebble beaches serve as the habitat for various species, including five types of seabirds. You’ll also spot the famous Española mockingbirds, known for their curiosity, along with pigeons, swallow-tailed gulls, Galápagos hawks, and the largest colony of Galápagos albatrosses in the world. The island is home to exclusive reptile species such as the marine iguana and giant lava lizard. Furthermore, Punta Suárez is the only place where you can see the red-colored marine iguanas. If the sea is rough, you may witness an impressive natural geyser, where water shoots up to more than 30 meters high, creating a spectacular end to your day surrounded by natural wonders.

Exploring Santa Fe Island and the Charles Darwin Research Center

Today, we embark on a fascinating visit to Santa Fe Island, a small island covered with Palo Santo trees and towering Opuntia cacti that reach up to six meters in height. This island is home to an abundant array of wildlife, including yellow land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks, and pelicans. If you’re passionate about snorkeling, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the underwater world, where you’ll find a wide variety of tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Later, we will head to the iconic Charles Darwin Research Center, located just outside of Puerto Ayora. This international research center is famous for its studies on the geology, climate, natural history, and conservation of the Galápagos Islands. One of the highlights of your visit will be the Fausto Llerena Turtle Breeding Center, dedicated to the breeding of giant tortoises. These impressive reptiles can live up to 200 years and weigh between 250 and 300 kg. The tortoises here are accustomed to human presence, offering visitors the chance to take photographs and learn about the conservation efforts that ensure their longevity.

Final Adventure on South Plaza Island and Return to Quito

On your final day in the Galápagos Islands, you will visit South Plaza Island, located to the east of Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by colonies of sea lions and majestic land iguanas, while birds such as red-billed tropicbirds and the famous frigatebirds soar overhead. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the island, which is home to vibrant Opuntia cacti that display a range of colors throughout the year.

Before departing, you’ll have time to once again admire the natural beauty of the Galápagos, just before boarding your flight from Baltra Island airport back to Quito. Upon arrival in the Ecuadorian capital, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel, where you’ll spend your final night in Ecuador.

Farewell and Return Journey with IB

The time to return home is often the hardest part of a luxury trip to Ecuador, but with IB, we ensure that everything is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Your host will be there to accompany you, comfortably escorting you to the airport so your departure is just as relaxing as the rest of your experience. We wish you a wonderful journey back!