The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area.

Your first day is an acclimation and information day. Transfer is included. 

Accommodation: 4* Sheraton Quito or similar

Today, get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species.

In the morning, board a flight from Quito to the island of Baltra and then head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here you'll take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago and where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. 

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Cally, Galapagos or similar
Meals included: Breakfast 

Discover the surreal lava formations along Isabela’s coastline, created by past volcanic eruptions. This magical labyrinth of crystal-clear water, known as "Los Tuneles," has been featured in BBC and National
Geographic documentaries. Snorkel among sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and even playful Galapagos penguins.

We also recommend visiting the nearby giant tortoise breeding centre.

Acommodation: 3* Hotel Cally, Galapagos or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch 

After breakfast, head to the highlands of Isabela for a hike around the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano. Standing at 1,500 metres with an outer diameter of about nine kilometres, it boasts the world’s second largest lava dome. Enjoy lunch in Puerto Villamil, then embark on a kayaking adventure in the bay, where you might spot penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, and eagle rays. Conclude with a snorkelling session at Concha & Perla, reached via a scenic mangrove boardwalk.

ACTIVITIES: Active walk, wildlife observation. 

WILDLIFE: Gavilan Galapagos, Darwin’s finches, flycatcher, mockingbird.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Cally, Galapagos or similar 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Depart from Puerto Villamil Pier for a short boat ride to Las Tintoreras, a cluster of biodiverse islets. Here, snorkel among white-tip sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins.

You’ll also find nesting sites for marine iguanas, offering close-up wildlife encounters

Activities: Walking, snorkeling (superficial diving) wildlife observation. 

Wildlife: Sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, zayapas, sea turtles, starfish, tropical fish, rays, sharks, pelicans, and Galapagos penguins. 

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Cally, Galapagos or similar 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch 

In the morning, travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales (July to October) during the crossing. Upon arrival, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about
endemic species and conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, explore ‘Rancho Primicias’ in the highlands, home to the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Enjoy hiking alongside these gentle giants and observing highland wildlife like pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel La Isla, Galapagos or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of Academy Bay.

Top tip: Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip. Optional snorkel equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it.

Snorkel with vibrant marine life, including curious sea lions and exotic fish. Spot blue-footed boobies perched along the rocky shores. Climb to a scenic viewpoint for panoramic views, where you might see
white-tipped reef sharks gliding below. The striking contrast of red rocks, giant cacti, and turquoise waters offers fantastic photo opportunities

Accommodation: 4* Hotel La Isla, Galapagos or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and you've taken the last photos of sea lions, transfer to Baltra’s airport to catch the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodation: 4* Sheraton Quito or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Today, explore Quito and its surroundings. Visit landmarks like the Colonial City, the Equator Line, and Otavalo Market Fair. Drive along the 12th of October Avenue to the Culture House and Legislative Palace, then continue to the Basilica Church and San Juan Mirador for breathtaking city views.

Afterwards, you will reach the small town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest. This area teems with a wide variety of plants and animal life, providing a perfect introduction to Ecuador's diversity. Mindo and its
surrounding cloud forest are a haven for birdwatchers, especially those interested in hummingbirds!

In the afternoon, you will visit a chocolate distributor, offering a tour of the cocoa processing, from harvesting the seed to the final product, such as a delicious brownie or a cup of genuine hot cocoa.

Accommodation: 3* Hosteria Septimo Paraiso, Mindo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast 

Immerse yourself in Mindo’s pristine cloud rainforest. Hike alongside waterfalls, cross cable cars, and spot vibrant birdlife, including toucans and hummingbirds.

One of today's highlights is the visit to the butterfly nursery, where enormous butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons. You can dip your fingers into a banana concoction and then be delighted as butterflies the size of birds alight on your hands for a snack. 

Accommodation: 3* Hosteria Septimo Paraiso, Mindo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel to Otavalo to experience its bustling handicraft market, filled with textiles, alpaca goods, jewelry, and more. Engage with the local Otavalo people, known for their vibrant traditions.

Next, visit Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve and hike around the breathtaking Cuicocha Crater Lake.

Enjoy a boat ride on the crater’s pristine waters before heading to Hacienda Las Palmeras for a night of
Andean hospitality.

Accommodation: 3* Las Palmeras Inn, Otavalo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast 

You will journey to Pijal, a small village nestled in the heart of the Andes, to visit a sustainable project - Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This initiative aims to support their families and enhance the role of women in the local society. You will actively participate in the preparation of "Aji," a local spicy salsa integral to their identity. Additionally, you will share valuable time with them and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch crafted from the fresh produce harvested that same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later, you'll gain insights into the weaving process of their textiles.

In the afternoon, travel to Papallacta to relax in the soothing volcanic hot springs, surrounded by Andean peaks.

Accommodation: Papallacta Spa & Resort or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, departure transfer to airport for your return overnight flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home.

UK passport holders can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period. Tourists can stay in the Galapagos Islands for up to 60 days. You must have travel health insurance (mandatory) and have completed an online Galapagos transit control card at least 24 hours before your flight, which you must also keep a copy of.
Please visit the FCDO website for more information

Ecuador uses the USD as its official currency. If you need to withdraw cash while you’re there, stick to ATMs inside banks or secure locations for added peace of mind. It’s handy to carry small bills, as larger notes can be difficult to break, especially in rural areas.

National Park fees and the Galapagos Card fee are necessary for anyone wanting to visit Galapagos. These fees are payable locally which have to be made to the Tour Provider so they can ensure your successful
entry.

Having the right travel insurance is a must for entering the Galapagos. It’s there to make sure you’re covered for any healthcare or medical treatment you might need. Make sure your policy includes any activities you’re planning to do, like rafting or other adventure sports.

We’d recommend bringing insect repellent, biodegradable sunscreen, a rain jacket (handy for boat rides and rafting), comfy walking or hiking shoes, and a hat for the sun. If you’re heading to higher altitudes, take
it easy as you adjust to avoid any ill effects

This tour includes activities like hiking and rafting, but nothing too strenuous. A reasonable level of fitness is helpful, but you’re not obliged to join in on everything—if rafting’s not your thing, you can choose not to
participate. No prior experience with water sports is needed. The minimum age for children on this tour is 8 years old.