A short walk near the hotel is enough after arrival. The altitude of around 2,850 metres affects people differently, so the first day is best kept relatively free of planned activities.

When the cloud lifts, the mountain ridges around the city become visible, and even from street level it is clear how Quito is shaped by its narrow valley.

Plaza Grande, churches and convents sit close together, but the guide’s account does not stop at the buildings. Markets, small businesses and everyday life in the older neighbourhoods show how the centre is still used by the city’s residents.

Changes in elevation are noticeable and the walk is taken at an unhurried pace. In clear weather, the day can end at a viewpoint where Quito’s long, narrow setting between mountains and surrounding volcanoes becomes especially clear.

From Quito, the journey continues to the next part of Ecuador. The road may head north towards Otavalo, west towards Mindo’s cloud forests, south through the volcanic highlands or back to the airport.

The journey from Quito to Cotopaxi is by private transfer. On arrival, the transfer continues to the accommodation.

From Quito, the journey heads south along the so-called Avenue of the Volcanoes. As the urban areas thin out, farmland, páramo and broad horizons open across the highlands.

Lake Limpiopungo and the open páramo provide views towards the volcano in clear weather and opportunities to see highland birds. Higher up, the air becomes thinner and any longer walk is adapted to conditions and individual fitness. If park access is restricted by weather or volcanic activity, the emphasis shifts to other parts of the highlands. Safety always determines how high the excursion goes.

The morning can begin with a short walk or horse ride around the hacienda before breakfast and check-out. After check-out, the journey continues through the Andes towards Quilotoa, Baños or the next highland stop.

The journey from Cotopaxi and the volcanic highlands to Baños is by private transfer. On arrival, the transfer continues to the accommodation.

The road towards Baños follows the Andean valleys south and east. The slopes grow greener and the gorges deeper as the journey approaches the Pastaza River. The compact town is easy to explore on foot during the afternoon. The thermal baths are an option if opening hours permit and guests wish to visit.

The road passes a series of waterfalls and viewpoints where the river cuts between green mountain slopes. Pailón del Diablo is one of the most dramatic stops and is reached by paths and steps that can be slippery.

The pace is adapted to individual fitness and the weather. Travellers who want to can cycle sections of the route, while others cover the same stretch by vehicle and have more time at the stops.

With a later departure there is time for a short walk or one final view over the valley before the journey continues. The road may head east towards the Amazon or back up into the Andes.

The journey from Baños and the Waterfall Route to Cuenca is by private transfer. On arrival, the transfer continues to the accommodation.

On arrival in Cuenca, a transfer takes you to the hotel in or near the historic centre. The afternoon is free for a first walk along the Tomebamba or through the streets around Parque Calderón.

The architecture reflects both the colonial period and later waves of prosperity, while markets and small businesses show the contemporary city. A visit to a hat-maker or craft workshop gives a concrete picture of the work behind the finely woven straw hats internationally known under a misleading name. The afternoon leaves plenty of time for a museum, café or walk.

From Cuenca, the journey continues to the next part of Ecuador. Depending on the route, it may continue through Cajas towards Guayaquil, via Ingapirca and the central highlands, or to the airport for an onward flight.

The journey continues via Guayaquil or Quito, depending on which flight connection works best.

Before the flight from the mainland, the formalities and checks required for the Galápagos are completed. After landing on Baltra, the journey continues by bus, ferry and road across Santa Cruz.

A nature guide leads an excursion that may head into the highlands, a protected coastal environment or a marine visitor area depending on permits and the rest of the itinerary. Giant tortoises, lava landscapes and coastal birds provide ecological context at the beginning of the journey. In the afternoon there is time in Puerto Ayora and the chance to walk along the waterfront.

The crossing is made in a small passenger boat and the sea can be rough. Once luggage has been left at the hotel, the afternoon is kept unhurried. A walk along the coast may bring the first encounters with marine iguanas, sea lions and birds very close to the town.

When trails and weather permit, the day’s walk heads towards Sierra Negra and the open volcanic landscape around the crater. Parts of the terrain are uneven and the sun can be strong, so water and sun protection are needed even when the morning starts cool. The guide explains how young lava fields, wetter highlands and coastal environments together have shaped the island.

A regulated boat trip heads to a marine site where snorkellers may see fish, sea turtles, sea lions and other species. The exact site is determined by national park permits, sea conditions and visibility. Black lava formations and clear water show a completely different side of Isabela from the previous day’s highlands.

After arrival there is time to get to know the harbour area, where sea lions often rest beside the waterfront. The crossing between islands takes up a substantial part of the day and weather can affect the timetable, so the afternoon schedule is kept light.

A boat trip with snorkelling gives access to marine environments, while a land excursion can explore the island’s greener interior and viewpoints over the coast. The choice is made according to which environments have already been visited, current permits and sea conditions so that the day adds something new.

From there the flight returns to the mainland. The national park archipelago is left behind, but the distance between wildlife and everyday human life is often smaller here than at almost any other point in an Ecuadorian itinerary.

On the Ecuadorian mainland, the journey home continues towards Scandinavia. Final flight times and connections are shown in the itinerary.

Arrival in Scandinavia after the overnight flight.