Days 1-2
Departure on Friday (First) or Monday (Tourist) on a daytime flight to Quito. The following day we take a tour through scenic mountain countryside to visit the village of Otavalo and its tourist market. A colourful affair, where people dressed in traditional clothing, sell their weavings and handicrafts. (B)

Days 3-10
Cruise the Galápagos Islands for 7 nights with daily, morning and afternoon guided excursions to observe the wildlife. First Class cruises aboard M/V Eric, Letty, Flamingo cruisers Iguana deck cabin and Tourist Class cruises on the M/V Cachalotte (B,L,D) Return to Quito for 1 night. (B)

Day 11
Early morning start along the Andean mountains, stopping at a local hacienda. Visit the local market at Latacunga or Saquisilli, and continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, affording views of the towering snowcapped peaks. The road passes small villages and a patchwork of fields and crops arriving at Riobamba, a city embraced by majestic volcanoes. (B,L)

Day 12
Transfer to the railway station for a spectacular train journey south to Alausí and down the steep Devil's Nose to Chanchán. Continue to Cuenca through lush vegetation, visiting the fascinating Inca fortress of Ingapirca, en route. (B,L)

Day 13
Full day tour to the Gualaceo Valley famous for its orchid plantations and mountain scenery, and the village of Chordeleg with its church and handicrafts. Instead visit the Cajas National Park (B,L)

Day 14-15
Tour of the elegant colonial city of Cuenca, with its cobbled streets and relaxing charm visiting the flower market, tree lined plazas, Panama hat workshop and museum. Afternoon flight to Quito for 1 night. Day 15, late afternoon flight, overnight, arriving home on Day 16, Saturday or Tuesday. (B)