Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Karanki - Magdalena & Ibarra | Quito Surroundings

TOUCH

Traditions

Visit Otavalo’s vibrant indigenous market.

TOUCH

Connection

Experience local activities and cultural connections.

TOUCH

Highlands

Explore Peguche, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lagoon.

ITINERARY

Quito – Otavalo – Magdalena Community

Day 1 - Quito – Otavalo – Magdalena Community

Driving north from Quito, we pass through various ecosystems and agricultural zones, even crossing the equator. Along the way, we taste local flavors and enjoy scenic views of volcanoes, including “El Taita” Imbabura.

At the Otavalo market, visitors can engage with locals, negotiating for woven goods, bags, hats, flutes, and other crafts.

We visit villages like Peguche, known for traditional looms and Andean instruments, and Cotacachi, famous for its leather work. Next, we explore Cuicocha Lagoon in Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. Enjoy free time for lunch with recommendations from your guide.

Our journey continues to the Karanki-Magdalena Community, at 3,100 meters above sea level. The landscape resembles a colorful patchwork, and locals are known for their exquisite embroidery, which is available for purchasing directly from artisans.

Experience their daily life, unhurried by modern distractions. Overnight in a comfortable room with private facilities and hot water. Enjoy authentic, Andean home cooking and optional activities like horseback riding and hiking.

Meals Included: Dinner at Magdalena Home Stay.
Accommodation: Magdalena Home Stay.
Service and Entrance Fees Include: Bilingual guide (English—Spanish), a Tour transfer, Cotacachi Lagoon, and an Andean Instruments Workshop.

Magdalena Community – Ibarra – Quito

Day 2 - Magdalena Community – Ibarra – Quito

Join Magdalena locals in their morning activities, such as milking.

Next, we visit Ibarra, “La Ciudad Blanca,” Imbabura`s capital. Your guide will share its history as we admire the city’s architecture.

Our next stop is “Parque Cóndor”, a bird of prey rescue center. The park educates visitors about the issues that Andean condors and owls face.

We continue to Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic site in Imbabura Province. Enjoy a traditional lunch, explore its gardens, and interact with its horses.

Afterward, we drive back to Quito, dropping you off at your hotel or at the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast at Magdalena Home Stay, Lunch at Pinsaqui Hacienda.
Service and Entrance Fees Include: Bilingual guide (English – Spanish), Touristic Transportation, Parque Condor Refugee.

Multilingual guides

Luxury Ground Transportation

Entrance fees

24/7 assistance

OTHER ECUADOR LAND TOURS

Explore more of Ecuador with our additional land tours. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences this beautiful country has to offer.