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.

Mindo Orchids & Birdwatching Within Cloud Forest – Alambi

TOUCH

Equator

Visit the iconic equatorial line at the middle of the world

TOUCH

Hummingbird

Explore Mindo’s rich wildlife and visit a hummingbird reserve.

TOUCH

Birdwatching

Discover diverse bird sand butterflies in the Alambi Reserve

Itinerary

Quito – Alambi - Mindo

Day 1 - Quito – Alambi - Mindo

Departing from the Northwest of Quito, about 2:30 hours away, we can find a natural treasure. Along the way, we’ll witness a portion of the rich biodiversity nestled just 52 miles (83.69 km) from Quito. The road promises diverse landscapes featuring various vegetation and animal species.

Our first stop is the Alambi Reserve, an exquisite, unspoiled, and serene haven housing a variety of birds, butterflies, and flora, including orchids and bromeliads. Describing itself as a place where “the forest and its conservation is the heart of what Alambi is all about”, the reserve is committed to preserving the beautiful cloud forest in Ecuador’s northwest for generations through ecotourism.

Mindo-mariposario

Our journey then leads us to Mindo, a renowned hub for birdwatchers and adventurers. Situated in the “Andes Chocó” corridor, this small town is part of an extensive area known for its impressive biodiversity.

Once in Mindo, we’ll explore a butterfly farm, delving into their life cycle and discovering fascinating facts about their feeding habits and natural contributions. You could explore a variety of activities by yourself. One of the best is a chocolate tour (you could pay for it directly).

colobrí-mindo

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.