We had no idea what Ecuador had in store for us, it honestly wasn’t even at the top of our travel list but glad we booked it. From the moment we landed in Quito, we were hooked. The city is lively and colorful, and even though the altitude made us slow down a bit at first, the views from the top of El Panecillo made up for it.
The Otavalo Market was pure chaos in the best way. I kept telling myself not to buy anything… ended up with a bag full of woven scarves. Zero regrets.
Papallacta was a whole other vibe. The hot springs were exactly what we didn’t know we needed. If the trip had stopped there, I think we’d still be raving about it.
Banos was this hidden gem with waterfalls and fresh air.
The small group made everything more relaxed. No rushing, but no wasting time either. We felt like we got to really be in the places we visited. Everything was organized, we barely had to think. Just showed up, enjoyed, and soaked it all in. Would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
It's been an incredible experience. There was nothing missing from this trip: great company, incredible places, the challenge of hiking at high altitude, loads of food. Thanks to Rolo for being such an amazing guide.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was an excellent trip in every way. The leader Alejandro was outstanding- very caring, helpful , informative and well-organised. Peru is a varied and interesting country and although Machu Picchu was spectacular there were many other highlights to our tour. The itinerary covered a lot of ground but it was not too rushed with a good mix of organised activities and some free time. The transport by bus and train was comfortable and the hotels were good and well-situated.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable budget-friendly Galapagos Island diving adventure! Explore breathtaking underwater ecosystems teeming with diverse marine life, including sea lions, turtles, and colorful fish. Enjoy immersive island hopping experiences, snorkeling excursions, and guided tours led by expert naturalists. Discover the pristine beauty of famous islands like Santa Cruz and Isabela while reveling in their unique flora and fauna. Perfect for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers, this trip promises an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Galapagos archipelago.
AdventureWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover awe-inspiring Ecuadorian wonders with this immersive travel experience. Unveil diverse landscapes, from the lush Amazon Rainforest to the breathtaking Andes Mountains. Marvel at vibrant indigenous markets, explore the enchanting Cloud Forests, and relax on pristine Pacific beaches. This unforgettable journey includes thrilling adventures like Amazon canoe rides, vibrant wildlife encounters, and cultural delights in historic Quito. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this Ecuador tour promises unforgettable memories amidst the planet's most captivating ecosystems. Book now to explore Ecuador's unparalleled beauty!
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Welcome to Peru, where colourful cities rub shoulders with wild rainforests and ancient monuments. On this nine-day Premium adventure, join a local leader to discover Peru's Inca, Indigenous and modern sides of Peru on an immersive journey that hits the Amazon and Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From the historical charm of Lima to the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, you'll take walking tours of thriving cities with an expert local leader, spend a night in a thatched cabana lodge surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, take a 360 train with incredible views of Inca ruins and spend time with the local Willoq community for a chance to witness the Peruvian culture firsthand.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, O
Cusco, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
This was a fantastic trip that lived up fully to its billing, as we saw many spectacular and varied landscapes and we sampled many gorgeous wines. The guide Lucia was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. My only observation is that it was a hard trip in terms of several very long days travelling of 8 or more hours - over 12 hours on one day - which meant we rarely had the chance to relax and/or enjoy the hotel facilities (e.g. pools in most hotels).
The Trip Notes highlighted this but even so, after more than a dozen Explore trips previously which we thought prepared us for a lot of time on the road , we were still surprised. Essentially the trip was 12 full days and we thought it could have been stretched to 14 to cover the same itinerary - maybe an extra day in Cafayate and in Cachi?
Why for example, did we travel from Mendoza to Aconcagua (a brilliant trip) but then back to Mendoza (3 hours each way) on one day, only to retrace our steps almost all the way back to Aconcagua on the next day, on the way to the next stop? This retracing of the same route wasted 6 hours, or almost a full day? Why did we not go from Aconcagua directly to the next stop, instead of back to Mendoza?
In summary, this is a great tour, but we recommend you review the itinerary and through better planning and some extra time make it a more relaxing tour spread over over one or two more days.
Active and outdoorFood tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza
Buenos Aires, Cafayate, Mendoza, Salta, Humahuaca, Barreal, Villa Union, Belen, Cachi
Discover the best of Colombia with this small-group tour! Begin your journey in Bogota, the breathtaking capital of Colombia. Situated approximately 8,660 feet above sea level, this bustling cosmopolitan is one of the highest capitals in the world. The city is truly one of a kind and offers something for every type of traveler. Discover major highlights with a visit to Plaza de Bolívar, La Candelaria, and Monserrate Hill. From there you will travel to the Coffee Triangle to learn about the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. This is the perfect way to get acquainted with Colombia’s best-known secret — its delicious coffee. End your tour in Cartagena, a breathtaking coastal city in the Caribbean lowlands bordered by magnificent mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Discover the extraordinary lava beaches loved by locals and tourists!
This small-group tour of Quito and the Galapagos is the perfect trip for first-time visitors to Ecuador! Begin your journey in Quito, the famous capital surrounded by the breathtaking mountains of the Andes. From there, you will travel to Santa Cruz, one of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. Search for local wildlife as you learn about the rich diversity and lifestyle of the islands. See the Giant Tortoises, which this island is particularly famous for, and discover open waters with many species of exotic birds. You will truly capture the beauty and essence of the Galapagos with one of our best Ecuador vacation packages.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
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 Baltra, Isla Santa Cruz