Our journey begins as travellers from across Canada gather in Toronto for our flights to Quito, capital of Ecuador. The northern capital of the Incas, and a 16th century Spanish colonial city, Quito has had a varied and fascinating history. Today the city is a storehouse of elegant churches, ancient monasteries, colonial mansions, fascinating antiques and hand-crafted Indian artifacts. JW Marriot (2 nights)

Our morning tour will provide insights into this beautiful Andean city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit impressive San Agustin Church and the Monastery of San Francisco and the church of La Compañía de Jesús, followed by a panoramic view of the city from Panecillo Hill. This evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner.

Today we begin our exploration into the Andean World and the awesome scenery of the Ecuadorian Andean Region. Our first stop will be at the village of Sangolquí to visit the traditional local market. Visit Cotopaxi National Park for close-up views of its unique flora and fauna and continue up the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano for lunch. We continue along the Pan American Highway, up and down the slopes of the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Urbina, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano. On our way to quaint Riobamba, watch for grazing vicunas and marvel at the well-tended mountain fields. Hacienda Abraspungo (1 night)

The llama is perhaps one of South America’s most iconic camelids. The Palacio Real Community have created an exclusive space dedicated to teaching visitors about the significance, history and relevance of this noble animal for the indigenous peoples of the region. The llama's flesh is used as meat for nourishment, their wool for textiles and clothing, and fur for keeping warm and decorating homes. Walk along the trails and visit the community museum that focuses on their fascinating Andean worldview. The Inti Sisa Foundation offers visitors the chance to appreciate Andean life up-close. Located in the small community of Guamote, the project is a way of sharing some time with the friendly inhabitants of the town while learning about the organization's programs that are focused on providing the community with workshops and lessons in music, English, computer science, and sewing, amongst other topics. Continue exploring the Andean world by road to the south, passing through stunning landscapes before visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route to Cuenca. Hotel el Dorado (2 nights)

With red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums, Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city, is filled with beauty. We will visit the Plaza of San Sebastián, the Museum of Modern Art, the flower market and stroll in the Main Square. Then enjoy a relaxing drive along the Tomebamba River to admire the overhanging houses. After lunch, we will visit a ceramics handicraft shop as well as a Panama Hat factory.

Today offers us another wonderful experience as we drive from the highlands to the coast, crossing through a series of climatic and vegetation zones. En route we will visit El Cajas National Park, a highland park noted from its many lakes and scenic beauty. On arrival in Guayaquil, enjoy a brief orientation drive through Ecuador’s second city and major port en route to our hotel. Hotel Hilton Colon Guayaquil (1 night)

This is the day that we have been anticipating, as we fly westward across the Pacific to the Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles away. On arrival we transfer to the beautiful Santa Cruz II. Designed to hold just 90 passengers, our ship is fully air-conditioned, has a comfortable lounge and dining room, and all cabins have private facilities. After lunch and our introductory briefing, we go ashore at Santa Cruz and the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. The first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance to see Galapagos land iguanas. Back on board gather for a welcome reception and a briefing before dinner. Santa Cruz II (4 nights)

At Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela, fauna includes the largest marine iguanas of the Galapagos and a healthy population of flightless cormorants. Galapagos is the only place where one can find penguins above the Equator. Nearby we can spot great blue herons and brown pelicans nesting. This afternoon visit Punta Espinoza, on the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark lava. Having no introduction to mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.

This morning visit the Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we will witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. There may be an opportunity to stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. After lunch we will venture to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where we may see the islands’ most famous reptile, the giant tortoises, in their wild habitat.

Morning visit to Post Office Bay, where mail can be left for other travellers. Explore the north shore of Floreana where narrow channels teem with life. Rays, turtles and sea lions can be seen gently swimming next to our pangas. On shore walk to the Baroness’s Tower, with wonderful views of the island. At Punta Cormorant (wet landing) the beach walk includes lagoons where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons and others may be seen. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.

Disembarking at Baltra, we catch our flight back to Quito, with the afternoon free to explore the city or simply relax. JW Marriot (1 night)

We drive north from Quito in the rugged mountains that separate the plains of the coast from the rainforest interior. Here we find a truly unique eco-lodge, designed to blend with the environment and to bring us close to nature in the Cloud Forest. This afternoon there will be a welcome briefing followed by a guided walk on the Napa Trail with our naturalist and local guides, experiencing life in the cloud forests. Following dinner, we will be introduced to the flora and fauna of the high mountains. Mashpi Lodge (2 nights)

A full day of activities awaits us with our dedicated naturalist and local guides. Enjoy walks through the pristine jungle, surrounded by 150 foot high trees, visit the butterfly farm to learn about these delicate creatures, take a ride on the tree top gondola, to enjoy the flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Be sure to visit the observation tower where you stand on top of the rainforest canopy and learn about this ecological wonder. Observe toucans, parrots and dozens of other birds and, with some luck, the infamous howler monkeys, foraging squirrel monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth. This will be a day to remember!

Leaving our cloud forest reserve, we make our way north, passing through rich farmlands and past dramatic mountain scenery, to the village of Otavalo, with South America's most unique Indian market. En route, we will visit artisan villages like San Antonio de Ibarra and Peguche famous for wood carvings and hand-woven textiles. Hacienda Cusin (1 night)

Visit the world famous silent market of Otavalo, where sellers barter with their hands, a marked contrast to the raucous babble of other markets. We will have ample time to bargain for colourful ponchos, woolen goods and Indian jewelry. Enjoy lunch in the area and a coffee break at a traditional hacienda as we make our way back to Quito. JW Marriot (2 nights)

Quito’s artistic trails offer some of the most rewarding roads you can follow. Pre-Inca peoples created among the South American continent the oldest and finest artifacts and jewelry. The Spanish conquest brought new skills and religious fervour to the creation of superb religious sculptures; while 20th century artists have produced dramatic and expressionist paintings. We will uncover three eras in the country's history: pre-Colombian, colonial and contemporary, by visiting the National Archeological Museum, and La Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), a striking modern structure housing the works of Ecuador's most celebrated painter, Oswaldo Guayasamín. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner.