Explore Ecuador’s wild orchids, Andean forests, and extraordinary Galápagos wildlife on a tour developed by Fundación EcoMinga in collaboration with the Orchid Conservation Alliance, March 6–20, 2027.

Drawing on EcoMinga’s deep knowledge of Ecuador’s biodiversity and its work protecting threatened habitats, this 15-day journey combines mainland botanical exploration with a three-night cruise aboard the Infinity Yacht and additional time on Santa Cruz Island.

The mainland program offers a special opportunity to experience Ecuador through the eyes of the people working to conserve it. EcoMinga’s reserve rangers and local field experts will introduce us to orchid-rich forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes, helping us locate orchids in their natural habitats and understand the remarkable diversity of these landscapes.

Our explorations will also take us into high-elevation forests and páramo, with opportunities to enjoy hummingbirds, bromeliads, and other native flora and fauna.

In the Galápagos, naturalist-led excursions offer opportunities to observe giant tortoises, marine iguanas, seabirds, and other island wildlife, with optional snorkeling and kayaking. Throughout the journey, we will discover the connections between Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity and the conservation efforts that sustain it. OCA is pleased to offer this experience through its longstanding partnership with Fundación EcoMinga.

Destination

Ecuador

Dates

March 6 - March 20, 2027

Ecuador Currency

Ecuador's currency is the U.S. dollar

Duration

15 days/14 nights

Group Size

Maximum 18

Cost

Double Occupancy (Early bird special, booking before 5/31/2026) $7750 pp. Double Occupancy $8050 pp, Single Occupancy $12050 pp

Final Booking Date

January 1, 2027

Refund

The OCA refund policy is here.

Final date for deposit refund July 1, 2026

Final Payments Due

Final date for first tour installment payment July 31, 2026

Final date for remaining tour payment is January 1, 2027

Tour Type

Nature and Wildlife Tour

Primary Focus

Orchids, birds, other flora and fauna

Activity Level

In the Andes, several times we will be at altitudes between 11,000 and 12,000 feet. This can be challenging for many people and potential trip participants should check with their physicians if they have any concern that the altitude could be a problem. Most of the walking in the Andes is on fairly level ground. The hike to Reserva Rio Anzu. Reserva Rio Anzu is at roughly 3700 ft, and involves a 400 foot elevation change in a distance of approximately one-half mile; an alternative guided walk will be available. The Pailón del Diablo trail and Galápagos lava trails and steps also have some elevational change and uneven ground. Kayaking and snorkeling are optional activities.

Ecuador Entry Requirements

For U.S. passport holders, no visa is required for a tourist visit of up to 90 days in any consecutive 12-month period. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival, with two blank pages available for an entry stamps. Travelers with other passports should check the requirements for their nationality.

Galapagos entry requirements

Note, these are extra costs that need to be paid by participants.

• Transit Control Card (TCT): Required for each visitor; currently US$20. You must also show a return flight between mainland Ecuador and the islands. gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec

• National Park entrance fee: Currently US$200 for an adult U.S. visitor, separate from the TCT. These fees are NOT included in the tour price.

• Biosecurity inspection: Luggage is inspected before flying to the islands, with further checks on arrival. Foods, plants, and other organic materials are subject to restrictions

Who should join

Orchid enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers who enjoy exploring. No orchid expertise is needed, and solo travelers are welcome.

Travel Medical Insurance

A travel medical insurance plan is required for all participants. More information about the requirements can be found here.

What's included

Hotels and cabins aboard the Infinity Yacht (March 6 to the night of March 19; the evening of the 20th is NOT included), guides, meals (except dinner on March 13 and 20), ground transportation, domestic airfare.

What's not included

Tips, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature. National Park Entrance Fee ($200) and Transit Control Card ($20) for the Galapagos. Dinner on the evenings of the free day in the Galapagos (March 13) and the last day of the trip (March 20). International airport transfers to and from hotels are not included.

Arrival and Departure Airport

Mariscal Sucre International Airport, with airport code UIO.

Arrival notes

Many international flights arrive in Quito late at night or after midnight, when staffing at Casa Foch is limited. If your flight arrives at those hours, our tour operator recommends booking a hotel near the airport for your arrival night, then taking a taxi to Casa Foch the following morning. The tour begins at 2 p.m. on March 6, so please plan to arrive at Casa Foch before then.

Departure notes

Please book your departure flight from Quito for 9 p.m. or later on March 20, or for a subsequent day.

Our tour begins with an introductory orientation at 14:00 at Hotel Casa Foch, (www.hotelcasafoch.com), located at Mariscal Foch E4-301 y Juan Leon Mera, in Quito, Ecuador. Following the orientation there will be a short visit to colonial downtown Quito and snacks at an Itchimbia restaurant or bar. Overnight at Hotel Casa Foch.

Our day begins at 7:00 am, departing towards an 8:00 am breakfast at Inraki Lodge, a conservation project within the High Andean Dry Forest ecosystem in the Valley of Guayllabamba. This visit will include a hike in their 15-hectare reserve of High Andean Dry Forest and a walk through their Bosque de las Bromelias botanical garden, which is dedicated to the conservation and study of bromeliads, one of the most fascinating and diverse plant groups found in the Andes.

Of the 300+ bromeliad species in the garden we will find some endemic to Ecuador, including Ronnbergia drakeana, Puya aequatorialis, Wallisia pretiosa, Tillandsia tectorum,  Guzmania kentii, and Racinaea hamaleana.

Lunch at the garden, then return to Quito. Overnight at Casa Foch.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will travel by bus to the Yanacocha Reserve ("Black Lagoon" in Kichwa). This is an important refuge for one of the most endangered ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Andes: the montane forest.

We will hike on a trail (11,480 ft) within the elevation range where an ecological transition is clearly visible. Above you lies the páramo ecosystem, with Polylepis trees growing in the surrounding upper landscape. Along the trail, and looking downslope, you will have clear views of the foothills of Pichincha Volcano, covered in green montane forest.

You can expect to encounter genera such as Elleanthus, Maxillaria, Pleurothallis, Cyrtochilum, Sobralia, Oncidium, Aa, Epidendrum and others. The route has a slight elevation gain or loss.

Lunch in the reserve, and a relaxing time watching the hummingbirds. We hope to see Shining Sunbeam and the Great Sapphirewing, the second-largest hummingbird in Ecuador. Flower piercers are also common in the area, and, with some luck, you may observe the Sword-billed Hummingbird, the species with the greatest bill-to-body ratio of any bird.

A guide to the plants of Yanacocha, with an emphasis on those visited by hummingbirds can be found here.

We return to our hotel, and prepare for our transfer to the Galapagos the following day. Luggage is limited to 1 carryon and backpack and extra luggage can be left at the Casa Foch until our return.

Departure time from Hotel Casa Foch will be at 6:30 am, leaving the city behind before rush hour, with a 45-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, the Galápagos transit control begins, a mandatory pre-departure procedure designed to protect the fragile ecosystems of the islands. Throughout this process, you will be assisted by Andean Study Programs staff, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Stepping off the plane at Baltra Island, you are welcomed into a world shaped by isolation and adaptation. The arid lowlands stretch out before you, dominated by towering Opuntia cacti, iconic giants of the Galapagos. Land iguanas roam beneath them, well camouflaged against the volcanic terrain, while Darwin’s finches move actively through the vegetation, offering a first glimpse into the evolutionary processes that inspired Darwin himself.

At the arrivals gate, you will meet your naturalist guides, who will accompany you throughout your time in the islands. From here, you will be transferred directly to the Infinity Yacht, your home for the coming days. Once onboard, you will settle into your cabins, meet the crew, and receive an initial briefing as you begin navigation.

Your first excursion takes you to Black Turtle Cove, a serene mangrove estuary tucked along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This sheltered inlet serves as a nursery, often referred to as a “marine kindergarten,” for a remarkable diversity of life, including juvenile reef sharks, rays, and a variety of fish species. Gliding silently through its crystal-clear waters, you will explore by dinghy, allowing for close and undisturbed wildlife observation.

Seabirds are always present here. Blue-footed boobies may be seen plunging into the water with precision, while frigatebirds and other opportunistic species circle above, attempting to steal freshly caught prey mid-air.

As the day comes to a close, you return to the yacht, which will begin its overnight navigation toward Genovesa Island , setting the stage for the days ahead.

Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>,

This day you will begin by waking up at Darwin Bay, surrounded by the towering walls of the ancient crater of Genovesa Island. After breakfast, you will head toward the crater rim. A narrow set of steps carved directly into the volcanic rock leads up to a trail of hardened lava. Along the way, the lava is fractured and split in places by the persistent growth of palo santo trees, which thrive in these arid, nutrient-poor conditions through strong drought adaptations.

Genovesa is often referred to as “Bird Island.”

This remote outpost serves as a critical breeding ground for large colonies of seabirds. Red-footed Boobies nest in the low trees, while Great Frigatebirds and Magnificent Frigatebirds soar overhead. Red-billed Tropicbirds can often be seen gliding along the cliffs or nesting in crevices.

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to snorkel along the inner walls of the crater. These nutrient-rich waters attract an exceptional diversity of marine life. This area is an important habitat for the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, and while sightings cannot be guaranteed, encounters with small groups are not uncommon.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, kayaking along the crater walls offers a quiet, immersive way to observe the landscape, with seabirds passing overhead and the dramatic geology rising around you.

Later in the afternoon, you will head to the beach to further explore the island’s unique flora and fauna. This is an excellent opportunity to search for two endemic species: the Genovesa Cactus Finch and the Genovesa Ground Finch, both found only here. The island’s distinctive Opuntia cacti, adapted to withstand both drought and herbivory, are also a defining feature of this ecosystem.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Panorama of the east side of Santiago Island, Galapagos.

By MasterfulNerd - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107558386

Following another overnight navigation aboard the Infinity Yacht, you will wake up along the shores of Santiago Island. The morning begins with a short coastal hike across a landscape shaped by past volcanic activity—fields of solidified lava flows, fragmented by time and erosion, revealing the island’s dynamic geological history.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for one of the archipelago’s most iconic and unexpected inhabitants: the Galápagos Penguin, the only penguin species found north of the Equator, often seen resting on rocky shores or darting through the water in search of fish.

After returning to the yacht for breakfast, you will begin navigation along the coast of Santiago toward Rabida Island. This small but striking island is known for its distinctive red-sand beach, formed from oxidized volcanic material, and its rich coastal lagoon. Rabida hosts a small but important population of flamingos, which can often be seen feeding in the shallow waters of the lagoon. The surrounding waters are also among the best snorkeling sites in the central islands, offering the chance to encounter a wide variety of marine life, from reef fish to sea lions. You will spend the afternoon exploring both above and below the water, taking full advantage of this diverse and dynamic setting.

As the day winds down, you will return to the yacht and begin navigation toward Puerto Ayora, arriving in the evening.

Galapagos tortoise. Photo taken at the Charles Darwin Research Station

By E bailey - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=188868396

This morning, you will disembark from the Infinity Yacht after breakfast, transitioning from life at sea to the highlands and conservation areas of Santa Cruz Island. Your first stop will be the Charles Darwin Research Station, a cornerstone of scientific research and conservation in the archipelago. Here, you will gain insight into ongoing efforts to protect the Galapagos’ unique biodiversity, including breeding and restoration programs for the iconic giant tortoises. Walking through the station, you will learn about the challenges these species have faced and the work being carried out to support their long-term survival.

From here, you will travel into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where the landscape shifts from arid coastal zones to humid, green forest. Your destination is El Chato Reserve, one of the best places to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Moving through open pastures and shaded forest, you will encounter these animals as they graze or rest in muddy pools, slowly moving through the vegetation.

The highlands also provide opportunities to explore lava tunnels, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, and to observe a different assemblage of birdlife adapted to these cooler, more humid conditions. Lodging will be at the Ninfa Hotel.

By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42525985

Puerto Ayora

By A Flores López - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7585981

This day you will choose your activity. Further exploration of Santa Cruz Island, hikes, or snorkeling are different options. Our staff will be happy to make suggestions, advise, and facilitate.

Camino de las Grietas

By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42475119

After breakfast, you will take a bus to the airport for your return flight to Quito, bringing the Galápagos program to a close. There will be several changes in transportation in your route to the airport, going from a bus to a ferry, and then on to another bus. In Quito you will lodge at Hotel Casa Foch.

On this day you will head south into Cotopaxi National Park, entering a stark, high-Andean landscape. Along the way, you will make several stops to explore the flora of the páramo, searching in particular for Aa, terrestrial orchids that thrive in these harsh, near moon-like environments at elevations above 12,000 ft.

As you approach the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, you will take a gentle walk along the shores of Limpiopungo Lake on an easy, flat trail.

After your time in the park, you continue with a scenic drive of approximately two hours (not counting botanical stops!) toward the village of Río Verde (5,000 ft.), located within the Llanganates–Sangay Connectivity Corridor, a region known for its high biodiversity and ecological connectivity between Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. This will serve as your base for the next four nights lodging will be at Hotel Miramelindo.

En route, you will make several strategic stops to look for orchids that grow along roadside habitats. Some species are adapted to the drier inter-Andean valleys. You will also explore a particularly dynamic area shaped by the eruptions of Tungurahua Volcano, where pioneer orchid species belonging to genera such as Epidendrum, Stelis, Elleanthus, and Sobralia have recently colonized the recovering landscape.

Early in the morning, you will head toward the Upper CELS (Llanganates–Sangay Ecological Corridor), exploring a zone between 2,200 and 3,000 meters above sea level. This section of the corridor encompasses cool, humid montane forests, and high-elevation habitats, providing excellent opportunities to observe the remarkable diversity of orchids and birds found along the eastern slopes of the Andes.

The botanical exploration will focus on orchids growing naturally within the forest. Depending on the conditions and the season, you may encounter genera such as Epidendrum, Elleanthus, Lepanthes, Cyrtochilum, Cranichis, Restrepia, Pleurothallis, Stelis, Platystele, and Fernandezia. Many of these orchids are small and inconspicuous, making careful observation and field knowledge essential to finding them in their natural habitat.

During the morning, you will be accompanied by EcoMinga Foundation rangers and local field experts, who have extensive knowledge of the forests within the CELS, and particular expertise in locating and identifying orchids in situ. Their help will provide valuable insights into the ecology, conservation, and botanical diversity of the area.

In the afternoon, the exploration will continue in a drier habitat within the CELS, offering a contrasting environment and the opportunity to observe how orchids adapt to different ecological conditions. Here, genera such as Maxillaria, Elleanthus, Sobralia, and Epidendrum may be encountered. Of particular interest is Phragmipedium lindenii, an unusual orchid associated with volcanic soil accumulated after volcanic activity. 

After a full day of botanical field exploration, you will return to Hotel Miramelindo to rest and prepare for the following day.

Saddle-backed Tamarin

By D. Gordon E. Robertson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17567633

This day your journey will take you to the very edge of the Tropical Andes, where the mountains begin their final descent into the Amazon Basin. At an elevation of approximately 3,670 ft, you will enter the Río Anzu Reserve, a sanctuary owned and managed by EcoMinga Foundation. Unlike the surrounding Amazonian forests, this area is defined by its unique limestone soil composition, a geological anomaly that has driven the evolution of a highly specialized and rare orchid flora. The day’s exploration involves a moderate hike with an elevation change of about 420 ft. Your primary objectives are two of the region’s most important botanical records: the elegant Phragmipedium pearcei and orchids belonging to the recently described genus Quechua. These species persist in the alkaline conditions of the limestone karst, making this reserve a key site for in-situ conservation.

The biodiversity of Río Anzu extends beyond its flora. As you scan the canopy for orchids, you may encounter the Saddle-back Tamarin, a small primate that moves through the forest in active foraging groups. The reserve also serves as an important stronghold for the Military Macaw, a species with a highly restricted distribution along the Andean foothills.

The day is split in two. In the morning, you will focus on a productive population of Phragmipedium pearcei, spending extended time here to allow for detailed observation and photography of these lady-slipper orchids in situ. Afterward, you will head to the reserve facilities at Casa Anzu. This site features an observation platform and active bird feeders, which frequently also attract monkeys, allowing close-range wildlife observation. In addition, a rescue collection of orchids from the reserve provides a closer view of species being maintained within these protected areas.

After lunch at a nearby local restaurant and a full day of fieldwork, you will return to your base in Río Verde before your next stage of the itinerary begins. Lodging will be at Hotel Miramelindo.

The day will begin with a visit to Pailón del Diablo, hiking down a short, well-maintained trail (0.62 miles, 124 ft elevation gain) which leads to a powerful waterfall set within a narrow canyon.

After this, you will take transportation to a higher elevation, exploring a private sanctuary at 4,600 ft within the buffer zone of Sangay National Park. This family-owned reserve has become a focal point for EcoMinga Foundation research; early expeditions into its upper reaches (up to 9,000 ft) have brought down orchids that later inspired the creation of a dedicated on-site botanical garden. Your morning will be divided between the study of these orchid species and a visit to a cock-of-the-rock lek (Rupicola peruvianus). Here, you may observe the dense, active display of males gathered in competitive courtship, one of the most characteristic avian behaviors of the Andes. Guided by EcoMinga rangers and local experts, you will also have the option to join an additional hike if you wish to experience the flora and fauna directly in their natural setting. Lodging will be at Hotel Miramelindo.

Rupicola peruvianus

Photo by Mary Gerritsen

After an extensive journey through the diverse ecosystems of the Andes and the Amazon, your focus shifts toward rest and recovery. You will depart from Hotel Miramelindo in the morning, and arrive at the Papallacta Hot Springs for lunch, situated at 10,830 ft. These naturally heated geothermal waters provide a setting for recovery, surrounded by curated gardens that host a final selection of highland flora. Lodging will be at Termas de Papallacta.

Volcán Antisana, as seen from the hot springs

By Don Henise - Volcán Antisana 2015-06-11 (2), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66650806

Polylepis forest

By Sabrina Setaro - Polylepis forest, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43373158

On the morning of the 20th, you will begin your final descent from Papallacta toward Quito, though botanical observation continues en route. This trip generally takes about an hour and a half. You will ascend briefly to 12,000 ft to enter an ancient Polylepis forest. These “paper-tree” ecosystems function as high-altitude biodiversity islands; here you will have the opportunity to observe orchid populations adapted to thin-air conditions.

The end-of-trip lunch will be at La Briciola, an excellent restaurant serving Italian food. Your tour ends with your return to Casa Foch after lunch.

Departures The Quito airport is about one hour away from the hotel, we recommend that you not make reservations for a flight that leaves before 21:00hrs, or 9PM. You are welcome to hang around the common area of the Hotel Casa Foch for flights that are either very late on the 20th or very early on the 21st; however, an overnight room is not included in the package.

A whimsical illustration of orchid explorers heading home with memories of a wonderful adventure.