Wonders of Ecuador
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey that seamlessly connects Ecuador’s most captivating destinations, from the historic charm of Quito and the cultural richness of Otavalo to the breathtaking Andean landscapes of Riobamba and the timeless elegance of Cuenca. Continue onward to the vibrant coastal energy of Guayaquil before concluding your adventure in the awe‑inspiring Galápagos Islands, a natural wonder like no other. Thoughtfully designed to blend culture, scenery and unforgettable moments, this itinerary offers travellers a harmonious flow through the heart and soul of Ecuador, delivering an experience that is as diverse as it is inspiring.
Important notes:
- This itinerary includes ferry/boat rides. If you are prone to seasickness, please plan accordingly.
- 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.
- Galápagos Islands entry procedure:
Your Galápagos experience begins smoothly, with both the Transit Control Card (TCT) and the Galápagos National Park entrance fee already included in your package. Prior to departure, all luggage must pass through the ABG biosecurity inspection, where bags are screened and sealed to prevent prohibited organic materials from entering the islands. Upon arrival in Baltra or San Cristóbal, visitors collect their luggage, proceed through the local biosecurity checkpoint and then exit the arrivals area to continue their journey.
Format
Locations
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Otavalo
- Riobamba
- Ingapirca
- Cuenca
- Guayaquil
- Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands
- Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Islands
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), Quito, Ecuador
- Antisana, Napo, Ecuador
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Quito (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- One-way flight in economy class from Guayaquil to Baltra airport, and from Baltra Island to Quito
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 9 nights accommodation in select category (2 nights in Quito, 1 night in Riobamba, 2 nights in Cuenca, 1 night in Guayaquil, 3 nights in Puerto Ayora)
- Early check-in upon arrival
- Daily breakfast, unless noted otherwise
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Quito half-day city tour
- San Antonio de Pichincha half-day city tour
- Northern Highlands half-day excursion
- Antisana Ecological Reserve visit
- La Balbanera Church tour
- Fortress of Ingapirca tour
- Cuenca half-day walking city tour
- Full-day Galápagos Islands navigation
- Half-day Bay of Santa Cruz excursion
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Quito – San Antonio de Pichincha – Quito
Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll proceed through customs and immigration. Once cleared, you’ll collect your luggage and exit the baggage hall, where a local representative will be waiting to greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. Your representative will then escort you to your transfer for a comfortable journey to your hotel to check in.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a captivating half‑day excursion. Your journey begins with an enriching tour through colonial Quito, followed by a brief drive to San Antonio de Pichincha. There, you’ll explore the Intiñan Museum and the Middle of the World monument.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quito half-day city tour
Start your day with an inspiring journey through the heart of Quito, beginning at the iconic Plaza Grande, where you’ll enjoy views of historic treasures such as the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace and the beautifully preserved San Francisco Convent. After absorbing the charm and heritage of the old city, continue north toward one of Ecuador’s most fascinating highlights, Latitude 0°0’0”, the symbolic centre of the world. Here, you’ll visit either the Intiñan Museum or the Temple of the Sun Museum, where insightful exhibits reveal the richness of Andean cosmovision, culture and ancestral traditions.
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San Antonio de Pichincha city tour
Begin your visit with a visit to the Intiñan Solar Museum, where interactive exhibits and fascinating experiments reveal the unique forces at play along the Equator, followed by a stop at the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument. Here, you’ll enjoy the rare opportunity to stand between two hemispheres while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable landmark in San Antonio de Pichincha.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 2
Quito – Otavalo – Peguche – Quito
After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a captivating journey into Ecuador’s Northern Highlands, homeland of the renowned Otavalo community. Enjoy a scenic two‑hour drive into the enchanting province of Imbabura, set at 2,530 meters above sea level and framed by serene lakes and majestic mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Otavalo market before continuing to the picturesque town of Peguche, a charming community where many Otavalo families reside and maintain rich cultural traditions.
After your visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Northern Highlands half-day excursion
Wander through the vibrant Otavalo Market, a lively maze of colour, filled with beautifully crafted textiles, ponchos, hats, jewelry and unique handmade treasures, an inviting setting for exploring authentic Andean artistry.
Continue with a leisurely stroll to the nearby town of Peguche, a picturesque community known for its master weavers and traditional loom‑crafted designs. Here, you’ll have the chance to see typical local homes and gain a glimpse into the daily life and enduring cultural heritage of its residents.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Quito – Antisana Reserve – Riobamba
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide and settle in for a breathtaking three‑and‑a‑half‑hour journey through the magnificent Andean region. This spectacular 400‑kilometre stretch, famously known as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes,” unfolds as a natural boulevard lined with towering peaks, both active and dormant, adorned with glaciers and shimmering caps of perpetual snow. On clear days, you may even catch a dramatic view of the perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, rising proudly above the landscape.
En route to Riobamba, you will pause in Papallacta to visit the Antisana Ecological Reserve, a serene high‑altitude refuge that adds yet another layer of natural beauty to your journey. Afterward, you’ll continue toward Riobamba, where your hotel awaits.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, an ideal moment to unwind and take in the Andean atmosphere.
More Moments Activities Included
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Antisana Ecological Reserve
Pristine high-altitude wilderness in the Ecuadorian Andes. Explore the unique Andean páramo (moorlands) and learn about its fascinating ecosystem, home to a variety of native flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the possibility of spotting the majestic Andean condor soaring above. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Antisana Volcano, a towering stratovolcano with a large glacier, which at 5,704 m is the fourth-highest volcano in Ecuador. This visit offers a perfect blend of nature, wildlife and stunning Andean landscapes.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Riobamba – Ingapirca – Cuenca
After breakfast and check out, your journey continues with a scenic five‑hour drive toward Cuenca. As you travel through the highlands, enjoy sweeping panoramic views and take in the striking transitions of the Andean landscape, with possible opportunities for photo stops along the way.
En route, you will visit La Balbanera Church, followed by the impressive Fortress of Ingapirca, a remarkable glimpse into Ecuador’s pre‑Columbian history.
Following this fascinating visit, your journey resumes toward Cuenca. Upon arrival at your hotel, you’ll proceed with check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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La Balbanera Church tour
Ecuador’s oldest church. Set against the sweeping landscapes of the Andean highlands, this beautifully preserved sanctuary offers a quiet moment of reflection and a glimpse into the country’s rich past.
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Fortress of Ingapirca tour
The most important Inca archaeological site in Ecuador. Explore the Temple of the Sun, perfectly aligned with the sun’s rays, and discover a fascinating blend of Cañari and Inca architecture. Visit the onsite museum to admire ceramics, textiles and metalwork, and stroll through the ruins while learning about the daily life and cosmology of these remarkable pre-Hispanic cultures.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Cuenca
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set out on a fascinating half‑day walking city tour of Cuenca. This immersive experience offers the perfect introduction to one of Ecuador’s most charming and culturally rich cities, known for its elegant architecture, historic atmosphere and vibrant artistic spirit. As you explore, your guide will share insights that bring the city’s heritage to life, making this tour both engaging and enriching.
At the conclusion of your visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day walking city tour
Today’s journey begins with a charming walking experience through the historic heart of Cuenca, where elegant churches and beautifully preserved façades reflect the city’s rich architectural heritage. Along the way, you’ll visit traditional artisan centres that showcase the craftsmanship for which Cuenca is renowned. Here, you’ll gain insight into the creation of ceramic pieces, the famous Panama hat, gold and silver jewelry and intricate embroidery, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions that continue to shape the city’s cultural identity.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Cuenca – Guayaquil
After breakfast and check out, you’ll meet your tour guide for a scenic four‑hour drive to Guayaquil. As the journey unfolds, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the Southern Highlands and witness the striking transition in climate and vegetation as the route descends toward the coastal lowlands.
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perfect for relaxing or exploring at your own pace.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Guayaquil – Baltra Island – Puerto Ayora (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 and once finished, proceed to the arrivals area, where a local representative will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. They will escort you to your transfer bound for the Itabaca Channel, where a short 15–20‑minute ferry ride carries you across to Santa Cruz Island.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local representative displaying an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name, who will then accompany you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora for check-in.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Santa Cruz Island – Galápagos Islands
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on an unforgettable full‑day navigation excursion through the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Your guide will confirm the island you will explore that day, ensuring your adventure aligns with local schedules and approved routes while showcasing the remarkable beauty of this one‑of‑a‑kind archipelago.
Important Information
- Island assignments and itineraries are determined by availability and the operational schedule authorized by the Galápagos National Park.
- Navigation excursions are shared services, confirmed according to operational availability.
- All visits within the protected Galápagos National Park are conducted with one certified naturalist guide (English/Spanish) for every 16 guests, ensuring an enriching and responsible experience.
- Itineraries and sailing plans may change due to Galápagos National Park regulations or weather conditions, safeguarding both visitor safety and environmental protection.
- All navigation programs operate on vessels with a capacity of 16 to 26 passengers, offering an intimate and comfortable way to experience the islands.
- A light lunch is included during your excursion.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Galápagos Islands navigation
This full day promises an unforgettable journey across the pristine waters of the Galápagos, immersing you in the remarkable beauty and unmatched biodiversity of this legendary archipelago. As you navigate between sparkling turquoise channels and dramatic volcanic coastlines, each moment reveals new natural wonders, rugged shores shaped by ancient lava flows, secluded beaches of astonishing purity and wildlife encounters found nowhere else on Earth. Blending scenic cruising, guided navigation and moments of awe, this full‑day adventure captures the very essence of what makes the Galápagos one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Meal(s): Breakfast and light lunch
Day 9
Santa Cruz Island – Galápagos Islands
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby and make your way to the Puerto Ayora pier, where you will board a ferry and begin a captivating half‑day excursion across the serene and scenic Bay of Santa Cruz. Enjoy the gentle coastal landscapes and the tranquil ambiance that make this bay one of the island’s most picturesque settings.
At the end of your excursion, you will return to the Puerto Ayora pier, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will be waiting to welcome you. They will escort you to your transfer back to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day Bay of Santa Cruz excursion
Your adventure begins with an exciting excursion to La Lobería, a charming islet known for its playful sea lions and crystal‑clear waters. Here, you’ll have the chance to swim or snorkel alongside these gentle creatures, surrounded by an atmosphere of pure island tranquillity. As your journey continues, you will explore remarkable natural formations such as the Love Channel, the Shark Channel, Las Grietas (The Cracks) and the Dog Beach, each offering its own unique landscapes and surprises. Throughout the experience, you may encounter an array of iconic Galápagos wildlife, including sharks, sea lions, blue‑footed boobies, marine iguanas and graceful rays—making this excursion a vibrant showcase of the archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Santa Cruz Island - Quito – Canada
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 in Quito, collect your luggage and proceed to check in for your Canada‑bound flight, bringing your Galápagos adventure to a smooth and comfortable close.
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 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
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 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Important Information
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Dec 10/26 (Thursday), Dec 12/26 (Saturday)
Jan 7/26 & Jan 14/26 & Jan 28/26 (Thursdays) and Jan 09/26, Jan 16/26 & Jan 30/26 (Saturdays)
Feb 20/26 (Saturday)
Mar 04/26, Mar 11/26 & Mar 18/26 (Thursdays) and Mar 06/26, Mar 13 (Saturdays)
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- 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)
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport and mainland Ecuador sightseeing transfers
- Ferry/boat for all sightseeing in the Galápagos Islands
- Plane from Guayaquil to Baltra Island
- Ferry from Baltra Island to Santa Cruz Island
- Plane from Baltra Island to Quito