Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
I loved the trip and already want to go back. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and had excellent recommendations. He was thrown into a chaotic situation and really tried to make sure everyone on the trip had a great time.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, Isabela Island
Quito, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Isla Santa Cruz, San Cristobal Island
An excellent trip on a comfortable boat with a good crew and good food. We saw all of the expected wildlife, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles amongst the fish was a particular highlight.
The boat is not operated by Explore, so on my trip there were other nationalities who had booked through other operators, but it was a good mix. On the afternoon of the first day at the hotel I received a WhatsApp from the cruise operator providing details of the airport transfer (handled by the hotel in my case) and of their representative who met me at the airport to provide my printed boarding pass and Transit Control Card. They also helped with the additional baggage check required before bag drop. The message also includes the flight details if you want to complete the bio-security form at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/ before arriving at the airport.
After snorkelling the crew will rinse all your gear and then hang wetsuits to dry (I think it was 80 USD to rent a wetsuit on board for the six days, but masks, snorkels and fins were free). There are lines with clothes pegs on the top deck to dry your swimwear.
Remember to take USD cash for tipping the crew and guide at the end of the trip. Two envelopes were left in my cabin for this, but the amount suggested at 15 USD per day for the guide and 25 USD per day for the crew of 11 was about double that in the trip notes.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Rábida Island
Venture to the shores of Lake Titicaca on the "Lake Titicaca & Isla del Sol Explorer 3D/2N (La Paz to Cuzco)" adventure trip. Over three days, travel from La Paz to Cusco, passing through the mystical Isla del Sol and the cultural heartlands of Bolivia and Peru. Guided small-group activities include boat rides on the world’s highest navigable lake, explorations of ancient Inca ruins, and immersive visits with local communities—offering a blend of relaxation and hands-on discovery. Young adults and experienced travelers will appreciate the relaxed yet enriching pace, while the standout feature is the rare opportunity to experience two vibrant cultures on one seamless journey through the Andes.
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Recently completed hikes in Peru including the Classic 4day Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, Vinicunca and Lake Humantay.
All hikes were spectacular, our guides, cook and porters very professional and looked after us very well. We were very spoilt with great food and companionship. Thanks to Nep and his team, they truely made us feel part of their family.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inca Trail, Lima, Cusco, Sacred
Inca Trail, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chamana, Phuyupatamarca, Aguas Calientes
Peru wasn't love at first sight, but it became something unforgettable. Lima felt chaotic but I quickly fell into rhythm. Then the Amazon hit me like another world entirely. You don’t just see nature there. You hear it and feel it pressing in around you. The nights were humid and loud, filled with the chorus of life. It was wildly outside my comfort zone but I loved it.
Cusco had colonial charm and a sense of sacredness in every stone. Machu Picchu was, of course, the crown jewel. But what surprised me most? The way the guide told its story, not just facts, but legends, perspectives, reverence.
This trip didn’t feel curated to be “easy.” It was immersive. Real. A little demanding at times but that’s what made it stick. These guys handled everything greatly. I came home with stories I actually want to tell not just photos to post.
I would definitely recommend this trip for those who are seeking adventure! Each day we say different cities and sites (Huacachina Desert, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Puno/Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain), which are totally the experiences. The only downsides of the trip were the overnight bus due to its discomfort of trying to rest as well as the bumpy roads whenever I had to use the toilet on the bus. Also, make sure to bring enough medical supplements with you and buy enough coca supplements (mints, candies, leaves, tea) to adjust to the altitude or any higher elevations! I did get some headaches and dizziness, but that's kinda normal and to be expected.
The trip was amazing! We did not have any problelms, delays. No missing points or places. Our guides were great and made everything to make our trip unforgetable and fantastic. Galapagos islands were absolutely must to see and to be. Incredible place!
Cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla S
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Santa Cruz, Floreana Island, Espanola Island
I just returned from an incredible trip to Argentina and Brazil with Contiki, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Every activity was amazing, whether we were exploring the iconic landmarks or enjoying exhilarating adventures.
The food was a highlight, with delicious local dishes that truly showcased the culture. The blend of rich traditions and friendly locals made the experience even more special. I made some great friends along the way, and our tour guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready to ensure we had the best time possible.
Overall, this trip was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and great company. If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, I highly recommend traveling with Contiki!
My wife and I really enjoyed our trip. We never could have managed to see as much of Ecuador & Galapagos and as many sites on our own and the tour made it really easy and pleasurable.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Isla Santa Cruz, Isabela Island
