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 Otavalo and the northern Andes is by private transfer. On arrival, the transfer continues to the accommodation.

From Quito, the road heads north through the Andean highlands. Along the way, views open towards volcanoes, farmland and Lake San Pablo.

The journey continues through the northern Andes. Cuicocha crater lake, Cotacachi or smaller villages can be included depending on weather, day of the week and the next destination.

The journey continues towards the Amazon by private road transfer or a combination of road and air, depending on the chosen lodge.

From the cooler highlands, the road follows valleys eastwards towards the Amazon. Depending on the lodge, the final section is made by road, small aircraft or boat.

The guide looks for birds, monkeys, frogs, insects and signs of larger animals and explains how plants, water and wildlife fit together. After lunch the pace slows. Later in the afternoon, the group heads out again as the light softens. An evening walk can be added when weather and lodge conditions permit, focusing on species that become active after dark.

The days alternate between river, forest trails and the area around the lodge. A visit to a local community may be included when it is arranged in a way that respects both the place and its hosts. Guides work with what is active that day: birds early in the morning, tracks along the trails, insects and frogs after dark. The content varies with the lodge, water levels and weather.

After a final morning at the lodge, the return journey begins towards the highlands or regional airport. Boat and road sections are planned according to water levels and local conditions.

The transfer returns towards Quito or another suitable airport for the onward flight to the Galápagos.

After the special Galápagos controls, the flight leaves the mainland for Baltra. A bus and ferry take travellers across the Itabaca Channel and onwards through Santa Cruz.

In the highlands, giant tortoises move through grassland and forest, while lava tunnels reveal the island’s volcanic origin below ground. Later, the journey can continue to a visitor centre or coastal trail. The guide explains the links between geology, evolution and modern conservation. The pace is slow enough to see how the animals use the landscape.

The destination may be a nearby island or marine visitor site and is determined by the boat’s permit, day of the week and sea conditions. The day alternates between landing and snorkelling. Sea lions, sea turtles, reef fish and seabirds are possible encounters, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. The nature guide helps interpret the differences between environments.

A kayak trip, longer walk, beach visit or another guided excursion can be chosen according to what has already been seen and what the weather allows. It is also a good day to stay longer in Puerto Ayora, have lunch by the harbour and see more of everyday life on the islands between nature excursions.

Depending on permits, boat routes and season, the day can be devoted to an excursion from Santa Cruz or a marine activity with snorkelling and nature guiding. Lava fields, dry scrub, beaches and marine environments follow one another over short distances. The exact island is chosen only when the journey is planned because availability and national park regulations determine boat operations.

If the flight time allows, a short stop in the highlands can be made on the way. The flight then returns to Quito or Guayaquil.

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.