Description
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural wonders.
Begin in the captivating capital city of Quito, where colonial charm meets vibrant culture in the heart of the Andes. Wander through its UNESCO-listed historic center, marvel at centuries-old architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views from the “Middle of the World.”
Next, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Otavalo, home to one of South America’s most famous markets. Discover colorful textiles, handcrafted treasures, and the vibrant spirit of the Indigenous Otavalenos, set against the backdrop of the stunning Andean highlands.
Head to the legendary Galapagos Islands, where you’ll uncover the magic of Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island.
Encounter iconic wildlife, including giant tortoises and playful sea lions, and explore pristine beaches, lush mangroves, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
From snorkeling in turquoise waters teeming with marine life to witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of lava fields, the Galapagos offers an unforgettable adventure at every turn.
This thoughtfully curated travel experience combines Ecuador’s cultural richness and natural splendor, delivering a journey of discovery and wonder.
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador.
Upon your arrival in Quito’s airport, a local bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your selected hotel.
Your guide will brief you on the following days’ activities and answer any questions you may have.
The tour begins by visiting Quito`s downtown, one of the biggest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America.
Our first visit will be to Independence Square or “Plaza Grande”, surrounded by important historical buildings, followed by a visit to the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America.
Among these attractions, other must-see highlights are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, and the Virgen of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built atop the Panecillo hill overlooking all of Quito, a truly unique view.
We will also visit an artisanal chocolate shop, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate-making process and get to taste a bit of delicacy.
After our visit to Quito’s historic district, our journey continues toward the Middle of the World and a drive of about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
First, we will visit the main monument built in honor of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, and we will also visit the correct location of the equator line at the Inti Ñan Museum.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala (Standard Room)
Today, we will drive north towards Imbabura, also known as the Lake Province, while enjoying an exciting trip by tasting exotic fruit in the Guayllabamba Valley.
Cross the Equatorial Line in Cayambe, where on a clear day, it is possible to admire its majestic snow-capped volcano (5,790 m. / 18,996 ft), the world´s highest point crossed by the equator.
This is an ideal spot to try Cayambe’s famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese, this region’s traditional snack.
At the base of the Imbabura volcano, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador’s largest lake – San Pablo.
Afterwards, we will visit the local Indigenous community.
During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters.
Here, you will enjoy a natural healing ritual called Andean “Chakana” which merges traditional indigenous and religious beliefs.
You will also create cherished memories with the community by making traditional beverages and feeling the peace of being surrounded by the awe-inspiring Imbabura Volcano and the stunning San Pablo Lake.
This visit will undoubtedly immerse you in Ecuador’s Indigenous culture.
When we arrive in the town of Otavalo, it will be time to visit its world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America.
Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves.
This market is like a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited.
Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and other artisanal craftwork.
Accommodation:Isla Sol Hotel (Standard Room)
Transfer from the hotel to Quito airport.
Your journey begins upon arriving at Baltra airport, where you will be met by a member of our staff.
From the airport, you’ll be transported by shuttle to the Itabaca Channel, and, after a short ferry ride, you will arrive on Santa Cruz Island.
Once on Santa Cruz, we journey across the island into the highlands, experiencing the island’s variety of wildlife and landscapes along the way.
In the highland area, we’ll make a stop at one of the ranches where we will have the chance to have lunch surrounded by the archipelago’s iconic giant tortoise species, which are easily observable in the area.
After this visit, we will head to Puerto Ayora to check in the hotel.
Day free for leisure. Today, you will have the chance to explore the island of Santa Cruz on your own or select one of the optional activities described below.
Optional Activities:
Tortuga Bay (£125)
A 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora along a lovely p ath tak es you to the beach at Tortuga Bay, with its fine white sand where you can swim and snorkel
Charles Darwin Research Station (£130)
This visit is an excellent introduction to the Islands, their origin and their formation.
You can see how Galapagos turtles are bred. The Research Station has its own beach, which is very crowded on weekends.
After breakfast, you will have a transfer service to Puerto Ayora’s public pier.
When you get there, you will be transferred to the dock to take the speedboat to get to your next destination: Isabela Island, the archipelago’s largest and youngest island.
This trip takes approx. 2h30m.
After having arrived you will be transferred to the hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free.
Day free for leisure. Today, you will have the chance to explore the island of Isabela on your own or select one of the optional activities described below.
Optional Activities:
Visit the Tunnels (£200)
We will visit a unique place on the islands, “Los Tuneles”. Our adventure starts onboard our speed boat with a 45-minute trip.
Our experienced captain will safely lead us across the waves that normally hide this treasure.
The Tunnels were formed millions of years ago when rivers of liquid magma ran across the island reaching its coastal shore.
The cold water froze their superficial layer isolating the interior while liquid magma kept flowing into the sea.
When the eruption ended, a hollow structure was formed and its wall later broke allowing water to seep inside, creating a tunnel.
Our guide will join us along hundreds of tunnels while we snorkel and encounter marine life such as sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies, and sea turtles among other endemic species of the Galapagos.
If lucky enough, we will have the chance to see giant manta rays feeding in open water.
A snack lunch will be served onboard our boat.
Zulfur Mines of Sierra Negra (£95)
In the morning, we will drive to the highlands of Isabela and the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the island’s active volcanoes, which also happens to possess one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
The volcano is host to many sulfur mines along its western slopes.
During our visit, we’ll drive to the edge of the volcano’s crater and hike along a mile-long trail where we will encounter an alien landscape surrounded by the sights and sounds of the area’s sulfur mines.
Day free for leisure. Today, you will have the chance to explore the island of Isabela on your own or select one of the optional activities described below.
Optional Activities:
Tintoreras Tour (£80)
The Tintoreras Islets, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, are home to a great variety of wildlife.
Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
Additionally, most of the Islets are formed by AA lava flows that give the area a rocky landscape, truly unique to this part of Isabela Island.
After breakfast, early in the morning, you will be transferred to the port in Puerto Villamil to take a speedboat trip back to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.
Upon arrival, a tour guide will drive you to the Baltra airport and help you with the check-in process to take your flight back to the mainland Time to say goodbye to Ecuador.
If you want to stay longer in Ecuador, which we strongly advise, we have options for extending your stay by adding
another Ecuador location at the end of this journey, like the Amazon, as an example.
Ask us for this option on the Booking form.
Available Packages
Explore Ecuador from Highlands to the Enchanting Galapagos
Package Include:
- Private Bilingual Guide (English or Spanish)
- Private transportation
- 8 Nights Accommodation at our selected hotel with breakfast.
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary above.
- All excursions in Quito area mentioned in the itinerary above.
- Contribution to the local community.
- Entrance Fees (As described in itineraries).
- Local Experiences.
- Canoe transportation from Coca to the Lodge.
- Guided Excursions in the Napo Wildlife area.
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide + Native Assistant Guide in Napo Wildlife area.
- Rain poncho and rubber boots will be provided during your stay at the Napo Wildlife area Lodge.
Explore Ecuador from Highlands to the Enchanting Galapagos |
|
01 Jun 25 – 20 Dec 25 |
8 Nights |
Twin / Double Standard Room (2 pax min) | £1500 Per Person |
£300 extra charge per person for a return Domestic Flight from Quito-Coca, if you opt to book it with us. Please inform request it on the Booking form.
* Minimum 2 people to operate this package.
** Discount for groups from 4 people, contact us for more details.
*** Single-room supplements are available on a 2 minimum-person trip
Solo Traveller
**** A single personal trip can be arranged; it is subject to availability and will be a tailor-made quotation just for you.
All Prices are Per Person and Does NOT include and required Flights to and from Quito (airport code: UIO) and from Baltra (airport code: GPS).
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