Enchanted Ecuador
Overview
Embark on a remarkable eight‑day journey that brings together the best of mainland Ecuador and the legendary Galápagos Islands. Begin in vibrant Quito, where historic charm meets breathtaking Andean views before venturing into the lush cloud forests of Mindo and Bellavista, home to hummingbirds, waterfalls and rich biodiversity. Then fly to the Galápagos and settle into Santa Cruz Island, your base for exploring two uninhabited islands teeming with extraordinary wildlife. Walk pristine trails, snorkel in crystal‑clear waters, relax on the white sands of Tortuga Beach and visit the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. This perfectly balanced adventure blends nature, culture and discovery, an unforgettable escape into some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.
Important notes:
- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
- Due to the natural characteristics of the Galapagos Islands, all the activities that visitors undertake there, both on cruises as well as in the Combined Programs (Hotel + Excursions), require certain levels of physical effort and adequate mobility. These activities include:
- To climb up and down stairways and steps.
- The excursions include walks over irregular natural trails as well as aquatic activities such as snorkelling.
- Most of the walks are over irregular terrain made of lava, rocks or sand.
- To constantly get in and out of small boats in motion, on landings that can be “dry” or “wet.”
- Dry Landing: Passengers step directly from the boat to a small pier or onto the rocks.
- Wet Landing: The boat reaches a beach, and passengers disembark in the water, usually with maximum knee-high water.
- Unfortunately, due to the local conditions, the cruise vessels as well as the Combined Programs (Hotel + Excursions) in the Islands do NOT have facilities for passengers who need a wheelchair or who have limitations of mobility by themselves.
- Galápagos Islands entry procedure:
Before boarding your flight in the mainland, all travellers’ luggage must pass through the ABG Biosecurity inspection, where bags are screened and sealed to prevent prohibited organic material from entering the islands. Upon landing in Baltra or San Cristóbal, visitors proceed to pay the Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee, which for foreign adult travellers is US$200 & US$100 for children under the age of 12 years old (fee subject to change without notice). After completing this final step, travellers collect their luggage, pass the local biosecurity checkpoint and exit the arrivals area.
Format
Locations
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Mindo
- Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Islands
- Galápagos Islands
- Bellavista Cloud Forest, Ecuador
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), Quito, Ecuador
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Quito (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip domestic flight in economy class between Quito and Baltra Island
- Round-trip ferry ride between Baltra and Santa Cruz Island
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 7 nights accommodation in select category (3 nights in Quito, 4 nights on Santa Cruz Island)
- Early check-in upon arrival
- Daily breakfast, unless noted otherwise
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Quito walking tour
- Cloud Forest of Mindo visit
- Bellavista Cloud Forest
- Mitad del Mundo Monument visit
- El Chato Tortoise Reserve tour
- Full-day Island excursion
- Charles Darwin Research Station tour
- Tortuga Bay Visit
- Full-day Island Exploration tour
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees for the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Quito – Mindo
Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll proceed through customs and immigration. After collecting your luggage, you’ll be greeted by a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name, who will escort you to your hotel to check in.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide for a guided walk through Quito’s historic centre, before continuing your journey to visit the lush Cloud Forest of Mindo.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your lodge to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quito walking tour
Discover the charm of Quito on a guided walking tour through its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Wander past grand plazas, ornate churches and lively streets filled with local culture. Enjoy stunning Andean views as you explore hidden gems and architectural landmarks.
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Cloud Forest of Mindo visit
Step into the magical cloud forest of Mindo, where mist‑covered treetops, vivid orchids and hundreds of hummingbirds create a world of pure enchantment. Wander along lush trails alive with butterflies, waterfalls and tropical birds at every turn. Immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of nature as sunlight filters through the forest canopy.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve – Mitad del Mundo –
After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off on a scenic two‑hour journey into the lush Bellavista Cloud Forest, where misty treetops, vibrant flora and abundant birdlife await. On your return to Quito, pause at Latitude 0°0’0”, the iconic Middle of the World, for a memorable visit to the Earth’s equatorial line.
Continue back to your hotel by the airport and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Bellavista Cloud Forest
Explore this paradise of mist‑draped treetops, vibrant orchids and extraordinary birdlife perched high in the Andes. Wander along lush forest trails where hummingbirds flash their colours and butterflies drift through the cool mountain air. Surrounded by towering foliage and the soothing sounds of nature, Bellavista offers a peaceful escape into one of Ecuador’s most enchanting and biodiverse ecosystems.
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Mitad del Mundo Monument visit
You’ll stand at the legendary “Middle of the World” as you visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument, where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. Explore this iconic site, learn about the equator’s unique geography and enjoy fun interactive exhibits that bring science and culture to life.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Quito – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast and check out, a local representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you to the airport for your flight to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, one of the main gateways to the enchanting Galápagos Islands.
Upon arrival, you will complete the standard entry procedures before proceeding to the arrivals area, where a representative will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. From here, you will be escorted to your transfer that’ll take you to the pier where you will board a short ferry to Santa Cruz Island.
Upon arrival, your local tour guide will take you on a visit to an ecological reserve, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat at El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Following this experience, you will continue to your lodge to check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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El Chato Tortoise Reserve tour
Step into the heart of the Galápagos and experience one of its most iconic encounters. Wander along peaceful trails as these gentle giants roam freely in their natural habitat, grazing among lush highlands and moving with ancient, unhurried grace. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and endemic vegetation, this visit offers a rare glimpse into the life of a species that has shaped the islands’ history and inspired generations of explorers.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Santa Cruz Island – Galápagos Islands
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local representative and make your way to the Santa Cruz Island pier, where you’ll board your boat for an exciting full‑day exploration accompanied by a certified naturalist guide. Discover the wonders of the Galápagos as you visit one of the surrounding islands and enjoy the opportunity to snorkel in one of the world’s largest and most extraordinary marine reserves.
Note: The island to visit will be provided by your local representative on the ground.
At the end of your adventure, you’ll return to the pier, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you and accompany you back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Island excursion
Set out on an unforgettable full‑day adventure as you journey by boat to one of the remarkable islands within the Galápagos archipelago. Accompanied by a certified naturalist guide, you’ll explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine white‑sand beaches and unique ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Encounter iconic wildlife, from blue‑footed boobies and marine iguanas to playful sea lions and enjoy the chance to snorkel in crystal‑clear waters teeming with colourful fish and marine life. This immersive exploration is the perfect way to experience the magic and biodiversity that define the Galápagos Islands.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, you’ll set out with your local guide to visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, a gateway to the Galápagos’ unique wildlife and conservation efforts.
Continue on a scenic hike to Tortuga Bay, where the path itself offers opportunities to spot native wildlife in its natural habitat. After enjoying this pristine coastal setting, you’ll hike back to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Note: As the hike to Tortuga Bay is 2.5km each way, it is recommended to plan accordingly. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!
More Moments Activities Included
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Charles Darwin Research Station tour
Explore the heart of conservation in the Galápagos Islands. Walk through its open-air exhibits and breeding centres as you learn about groundbreaking efforts to protect the archipelago’s unique wildlife. You’ll encounter giant tortoises at various stages of their life cycle and discover the scientific work that has preserved these iconic species for generations.
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Tortuga Bay Visit
One of the Galápagos’ most iconic beaches, celebrated for its powdery white sand and striking turquoise waters. Stroll along a scenic coastal trail to reach this pristine sanctuary, where marine iguanas bask on the shore, and gentle waves invite you to relax or swim.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Santa Cruz Island – Galápagos Islands
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local representative and transfer to the pier of Santa Cruz Island, where you will board your boat for another exciting full-day exploration to one of the inhabited islands of the Galápagos Islands. Accompanied by a certified naturalist guide, you’ll discover charming coastal communities, unique wildlife and the fascinating landscapes that make this archipelago so extraordinary.
Notes: The island to visit will be provided by your local representative on the ground.
At the end of the excursion, you’ll return to the pier where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will welcome you and accompany you back to your hotel.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Island Exploration tour
This full-day island exploration offers another unforgettable opportunity to discover a different island in the Galápagos, each distinguished by its own dramatic landscapes and remarkable wildlife. The journey also includes a visit to a pristine snorkelling site, where crystal-clear waters unveil a vibrant world of marine life beneath the surface. Each stop reveals a new perspective of the archipelago, blending adventure, nature and close encounters with the extraordinary biodiversity that makes the Galápagos truly unique. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Santa Cruz Island – Baltra Island – Quito
After breakfast and check out, your local representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you to Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito.
Upon arrival, a representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign will greet you and guide you to your transfer. You will then be taken to your hotel near the airport to check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Quito - Canada
After breakfast and check out, your local representative will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 Adults
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 Adults
Important Information
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Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from the 4th of December 2026 until 26th March 2027
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages during meals
- Porterage of luggage at hotels
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
- Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
- Galápagos National Park fee
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport and mainland Ecuador sightseeing transfers
- Flight from Quito to Baltra Island
- Ferry from Baltra Island to Santa Cruz Island
- Ferry/boat for all sightseeing in the Galápagos Islands
- Ferry from Santa Cruz Island to Baltra Island
- Plane from Baltra Island to Quito
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- The types of accommodation used in Santa Cruz Island (Enchanted Galapagos Lodge) and in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge) are not star-rated due to the nature of the properties. These unique establishments offer guests an unforgettable experience, combining comfort, adventure and cultural immersion in a one-of-a-kind stay.
- The room category assigned at the following properties will determine the accommodation differentiation selected:
- Holiday Inn Quito Airport by IHG: Premium Accommodation will receive an Executive Suite Sky Club Room.