Enchanting Ecuador escape with optional Galápagos Islands visit

Optional Excursions

The following optional excursions can be booked in the final booking process.

• Day 3: Full-day Cloud Forest Reserve and Hummingbird Sanctuary tour (private)

Hidden high in the Tandayapa Valley at an altitude of 2,200 metres, the private Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the largest bird areas in South America, housing an impressive 330 species and classed as an IBA (Important Bird Area). Experience the internationally-renowned Chocó biodiversity hotspot on scenic hikes or from the comfort of your restaurant table, as hummingbirds, toucans, and quetzals flit through the cool, mist-shrouded forest all around you.

• Day 5: Cotopaxi Volcano and National Park tour (group)

Stopping in several of the park’s different elevation levels, you’ll be getting up close to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active stratovolcanoes in the world at 5,897 metres. Hike up past the tree line to a dizzying 4,000 metres above sea level, ready to take in magical views from a lookout point on the shores of Lake Limpiopungo - in clear weather, you’ll see the volcano’s majestic cone shape reflected in the placid waters. As you venture through the Paramo Highlands, be sure to keep an eye out for native animals like Andean gulls, wild horses and white-tailed deer, and watch as the vegetation grows sparse the higher you climb. Includes: private transfers, English-speaking driver/guide, Cotopaxi National Park guide Not included: meals and other services.

• Day 10: Cajas National Park moorlands and lakes tour (private)

Encompassing everything from lush cloud forests to eerie post-glacial landscapes, the stunning El Cajas National Park lies about an hour west of Cuenca. On a clear day, you’ll catch breathtaking views of rugged peaks and rolling grasslands dotted with over 250 lakes, as well as magical waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll embark on a two-hour hike through fairytale forests and unique landscapes, spotting the park’s colourful flora and fauna as you go. Rainy weather makes the journey that much more atmospheric, and rubber boots will be provided if needed. Includes: private transfers, local English-speaking driver/guide Not included: meals and other services.

• Day 15: Leon Dormido excursion with beach and snorkelling (group)

Starting around 9am at the port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you’ll hop on a speedboat for a scenic 45-minute speedboat ride to Leon Dormido, also known as ‘Kicker Rock.’ This ancient lava cone split in two is home to the iconic blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and frigate birds. After watching the birds, discover the world beneath the waves with two exciting snorkelling or diving sessions, where you’ll have a good chance of catching sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, tropical fish and perhaps even a Galápagos or Hammerhead shark. After that, you’ll take a 20-minute trip to the north of San Cristóbal Island, to round off the day on the beach - unwind on the sand, look out for frolicking sea lions or go for one last snorkel, before heading back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno by speedboat in the afternoon.

• Day 16: Half-day Tortoise Highlands and Lava Tunnels tour (group)

Embark on a thrilling excursion through the highlands of Santa Cruz, ready to see the area’s world-famous highlights. As you traverse the Cerro El Chato Reserve, you’ll get to observe the area’s abundant bird species, and of course the legendary Galápagos giant tortoise whose saddle-shaped shell gives its name to the archipelago. On the way back, you’ll stop by the magical lava tunnels, an underground structure typical of Galápagos shield volcanoes, part of which can even be walked through.