12-day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos
$ 4,142 .85 USD
Total price per person
Reserve with $4,142.85
Whats included?
Itinerary
10x Breakfast
10x Breakfast
1x Dinner
1x Dinner
5x Lunch
5x Lunch
Accommodation included: 11 nights
Accommodation included: 11 nights
3 HOURS HIKING IN COTOPAXI...
3 HOURS HIKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, 3 HOURS BIKING IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK, 4 HOURS WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON JATUNYACU RIVER IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, 3 HOURS CANYONING AT PIMPILALA WATERFALLS, BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING EXPLORATION IN THE CLOUD FOREST, SOAKING IN PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS, 5 HOURS TREKKING THE LOOP OF CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE, SHARE TIME WITH LOCAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE AMAZON, MAKING CHOCOLATE, SALSA LESSON, SNORKELING IN THE LAVA TUNNELS, HIKING TO THE TOP OF SIERRA NEGRA ACTIVE VOLCANO, SNORKELING AND KAYAKING IN TINTORERAS, VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, HIKING IN SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS.
FIRST CLASS HOTEL IN QUITO,...
FIRST CLASS HOTEL IN QUITO, 4-STAR HOTEL IN BAรOS, HOME STAY IN THE AMAZON, 5-STAR SPA RESORT IN PAPALLACTA, 4-STAR HOTELS IN GALAPAGOS
AIRFARE QUITO โ GALAPAGOS ROUND...
AIRFARE QUITO โ GALAPAGOS ROUND TRIP, COMFORTABLE LAND AND SEA TRANSPORTATION.
TREKKING OR HIKING: BLACK DIAMOND...
TREKKING OR HIKING: BLACK DIAMOND TREKKING STICKS BIKING: TREK X CALIPER MTB (HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, FRONT ROCK SHOCK SUSPENSION), BONTRAGER HELMETS, FULL FINGER GLOVES CANYONING: RUBBER BOOTS, ROPES, HARNESSES RAFTING: AIRE AND NRS 7-PEOPLE- RAFTS, NRS LIFE JACKETS, NRS PADDLES, SPLASH JACKETS SNORKELING: MASK AND FINS
CERTIFIED EPL EXPERT ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVENTURE...
CERTIFIED EPL EXPERT ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVENTURE TRIP LEADER AND LOCAL GUIDES
Entry/Admission - Isabela Island
Entry/Admission - Isabela Island
Entry/Admission - Cotopaxi National Park
Entry/Admission - Cotopaxi National Park
Not included:
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
MY OWN ROOM SUPPLEMENT
MY OWN ROOM SUPPLEMENT
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
TRAVEL INSURANCE (MANDATORY)
TRAVEL INSURANCE (MANDATORY)
MEALS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE...
MEALS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE ITINERARY
TIPS FOR GUIDES, DRIVERS AND...
TIPS FOR GUIDES, DRIVERS AND HOTELS
GALAPAGOS INGALA CARD FEE
GALAPAGOS INGALA CARD FEE
GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK FEE
GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK FEE
ISABELA PIER FEE
ISABELA PIER FEE
Start planning your experience
ยAbout experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day to Quito City
Stop At: Quito Old Town, Quito Ecuador
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 your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotelโs lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or similar
Day 2: Arrive in Galapagos - Isabela Island
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will 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.
The Galapagos Islands is located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar.
Day 3: Snorkel at Lava Tunnels
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.
Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar.
Day 4: Hike and Kayak
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018.
Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Day 5: Charles Darwin Research Station
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Once we arrive, we will check-in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Silberstein Hotel or similar
Day 6: Flight back to Quito
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or similar
Day 7: Free day in Quito
Stop At: Quito, Quito, Pichincha Province
Today is a day on your own to explore the beautiful surroundings of Quito, ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip.
COLONIAL CITY TOUR & THE EQUATOR LINE
MINDO CLOUD FOREST
OTAVALO MARKET FAIR
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or Similar
Day 8: Hike in Cotopaxi
Stop At: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador
After breakfast, we leave Quito driving southwards along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes, getting the chance to see the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon of the foothills of the Rumiรฑahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.
In the afternoon we continue our drive towards the Llanganates National Park, known as the sacred mountain until we reach the town of Baรฑos, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here we can enjoy the best nightlife by drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Casa de Luis or similar
Day 9: Biking in The Cloud Forest
Stop At: Banos, Banos, Tungurahua Province
This morning we cross country mountain bike from the Llanganates National Park down to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the special cloud rain forest climate. The road brings us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls.
While descending into the jungle, we will have a breath-taking view of Baรฑos, a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. The volcano is the main attraction of this region. In the afternoon we will have some time to explore the town and also go to The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Casa de Luis or similar
Day 10: Canyoning in the Amazon
Pass By: Llanganates, Tena, Ecuador
This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Brideยดs Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then we will hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second-highest in Ecuador.
Later, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name โLlanganatesโ comes from โbeautiful mountainโ in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle.
During a hike through the tropical rain forest, we will climb through several waterfall canyons. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat.
We will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a kichwa indigenous family.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Amazon Homestay
Day 11: Rafting in The Amazon
Pass By: Termas de Papallacta, Km. 65 vรญa Quito - Baeza, Papallacta 150753 Ecuador
We greet the day by preparing our gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located just a 5-minute drive from the homestead. The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon rain forest. After a very important safety briefing from our rafting guides, we will start our class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clear waters and awesome rapids. We will have a lot of fun playing some games and also exploring one of the canyons. The end of the journey offers us a stop for a picnic, prepared by our guides.
We conclude our day with a drive back up to the Andes, stopping to visit the paradise of hummingbirds at the Guango Reserve. Finally, we will continue up to Papallacta, where we will stay the night and recharge in the volcanic hot springs high in the midst of the cool Andes.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Papallacta Spa Resort
Day 12: End of services
Stop At: Quito, Quito, Pichincha Province
International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a โBuen Viajeโ!
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Arrival day to Quito City
Stop At: Quito Old Town, Quito Ecuador
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 your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotelโs lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or similar
Day 2: Arrive in Galapagos - Isabela Island
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species. We will board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will 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.
The Galapagos Islands is located 600 miles (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador, it is really important to understand that you will have to take air, road and sea transportation to get there.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar.
Day 3: Snorkel at Lava Tunnels
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.
Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar.
Day 4: Hike and Kayak
Stop At: Isabela Island, Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we will prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018.
Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Day 5: Charles Darwin Research Station
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Once we arrive, we will check-in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Silberstein Hotel or similar
Day 6: Flight back to Quito
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or similar
Day 7: Free day in Quito
Stop At: Quito, Quito, Pichincha Province
Today is a day on your own to explore the beautiful surroundings of Quito, ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip.
COLONIAL CITY TOUR & THE EQUATOR LINE
MINDO CLOUD FOREST
OTAVALO MARKET FAIR
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Swissรดtel Quito or Similar
Day 8: Hike in Cotopaxi
Stop At: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador
After breakfast, we leave Quito driving southwards along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes, getting the chance to see the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon of the foothills of the Rumiรฑahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.
In the afternoon we continue our drive towards the Llanganates National Park, known as the sacred mountain until we reach the town of Baรฑos, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here we can enjoy the best nightlife by drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Casa de Luis or similar
Day 9: Biking in The Cloud Forest
Stop At: Banos, Banos, Tungurahua Province
This morning we cross country mountain bike from the Llanganates National Park down to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the special cloud rain forest climate. The road brings us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls.
While descending into the jungle, we will have a breath-taking view of Baรฑos, a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. The volcano is the main attraction of this region. In the afternoon we will have some time to explore the town and also go to The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
Accommodation included: Casa de Luis or similar
Day 10: Canyoning in the Amazon
Pass By: Llanganates, Tena, Ecuador
This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Brideยดs Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then we will hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second-highest in Ecuador.
Later, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name โLlanganatesโ comes from โbeautiful mountainโ in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle.
During a hike through the tropical rain forest, we will climb through several waterfall canyons. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat.
We will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a kichwa indigenous family.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
โข Dinner
Accommodation included: Amazon Homestay
Day 11: Rafting in The Amazon
Pass By: Termas de Papallacta, Km. 65 vรญa Quito - Baeza, Papallacta 150753 Ecuador
We greet the day by preparing our gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located just a 5-minute drive from the homestead. The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon rain forest. After a very important safety briefing from our rafting guides, we will start our class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clear waters and awesome rapids. We will have a lot of fun playing some games and also exploring one of the canyons. The end of the journey offers us a stop for a picnic, prepared by our guides.
We conclude our day with a drive back up to the Andes, stopping to visit the paradise of hummingbirds at the Guango Reserve. Finally, we will continue up to Papallacta, where we will stay the night and recharge in the volcanic hot springs high in the midst of the cool Andes.
Meals included:
โข Breakfast
โข Lunch
Accommodation included: Papallacta Spa Resort
Day 12: End of services
Stop At: Quito, Quito, Pichincha Province
International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a โBuen Viajeโ!
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
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