Tour Ecuador And Galapagos Island Hopper (Start Quito, End Quito,

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Flights

Internal flight included. *** All other flights are not included.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

Mini-Van, Planes, Local Ferry

Meals

4 Dinner (D) 11 Breakfast (B)

Accommodation

7 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Hostel, 2 nights in Special Stay

Others

Quito: Stroll around the colorful streets of the old town. See Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional and all the other highlights. Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator. Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly colored ponchos for everyone back home. Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson! Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall. Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #explore Isabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos. Santa Cruz Island: You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents. Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava. Isabela Island: Your chance to get up close with turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and more at one of the world’s best snorkeling spots. Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions. Isabela Island: A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with endangered Galápagos Giant Tortoises – and see the work that’s being done to save them. Santa Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs). Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists. San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals. San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life. San Cristobal Island: Stretch out on the pristine sands with your Contiki crew and take in the peace and tranquility. Quito:

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included/

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Quito

Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador’s capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the ’light of America’) is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We’ll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.
Day 2 Day 2: Quito To Tena
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Quito To Tena

It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a white water rafting dream! If that’s not your scene, we’ll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz by. Then we’ll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.
Day 3 Day 3: Tena
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Tena

Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional canelazo brew, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You’ll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. Tonight, we’ll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM
Day 4 Day 4: Tena To Banos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Tena To Banos

Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we’re off to the adrenaline capital of Banos, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Banos is a big deal on the natural beauty front. No matter how adventurous you’re feeling, there is something for everyone on offer over the next two days. If “Thrill Seeker” is your middle name, then opt for today’s Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. If you want a gentler experience then fear not, we have the perfect Zip Line (aimed at beginners) up for grabs tomorrow. Tonight is all about learning the art of sultry salsa with an included lesson to get our snake hips a-shaking. Our friendly local teacher, Edith, knows what’s up on the dance floor, and by the time we leave those salsa pro’s won’t know what’s hit them. Dance floor goals complete, we’ll hop around some watering holes for a taste of the local nightlife.
Day 5 Day 5: Banos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Banos

The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don’t have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.
Day 6 Day 6: Banos To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Banos To Quito

Today we head back to Quito for a quick stopover for the night. You’ve got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you!
Day 7 Day 7: Quito To Isabela Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Quito To Isabela Island

Rise and shine! This morning we’re taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we’ll appease our rumbling stomachs with some local food. Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we’ll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we’ll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’, Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it’s home for the next little while.
Day 8 Day 8: Isabela Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Isabela Island

Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.
Day 9 Day 9: Isabela Island To Santa Cruz Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Isabela Island To Santa Cruz Island

We’ll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that’s what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we’ll stroll down to the beach and the cozy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops.
Day 10 Day 10: Santa Cruz Island To San Cristobal Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Santa Cruz Island To San Cristobal Island

Back on our boat we’ll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won’t have to look too hard – they’re literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you’ll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of color to our journey, and we’ll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach.
Day 11 Day 11: San Cristóbal Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: San Cristóbal Island

It’s our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we’ve got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-meter Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we’ll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we’ll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we’ll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY.
Day 12 Day 12: San Cristobal Island To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: San Cristobal Island To Quito

There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip?

12 days tour

Ecuador And Galapagos Island Hopper (Start Quito, End Quito,

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ecuador And Galapagos Island Hopper (Start Quito, End Quito,

Day 1: Start Quito

Day 2: Quito To Tena

Day 3: Tena

Day 4: Tena To Banos

Day 5: Banos

Day 6: Banos To Quito

Day 7: Quito To Isabela Island

Day 8: Isabela Island

Day 9: Isabela Island To Santa Cruz Island

Day 10: Santa Cruz Island To San Cristobal Island

Day 11: San Cristóbal Island

Day 12: San Cristobal Island To Quito

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