Ecuador is a country of surprising diversity. In such a compact area, it packs in the heights of the Andes to the flats of the Pacific coasts, and everything in between.
During this 9-day guided tour, go along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park and Cuicocha Lake. Stop in the indigenous markets to understand the Andean life.
Also, discover Quito, Ecuador's capital city, and its beautiful colonial architecture. Travel the Northern Sierra with its numerous lakes and artisan villages. The Central Sierra, also known as the Volcanoes Avenue, and its beautiful treasures, Inca ruins and natural landmarks, and last but not the least, the Guayaquil, named the Pearl of the Pacific.
Experience a complete change of scenery before reaching the coast where you can decide to extend your journey to the Galapagos, relax further on the white sand beaches, or even go to the rainforest.
Excellent tour with great leader (Miriam). It was good to see Ecuador (mainland) for a week before going to the Galápagos Islands. The mainland is very pretty and also has some great wildlife.
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, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra
Quito, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Tortuga Bay, Otavalo, Laguna Cuicocha, Mindo, Cotopaxi National Park, Galapagos Islands, Puerto Villamil
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It was the adventure of a life time, expert guides and the best tour manager anyone could ask for Esteban! From unbelievable nature sites to fantastic cultural experiences, it was an unforgettable trip entirely!
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.
This was one of the best "Discovery" tours I have been on with Explore. It felt like a real adventure, with the excursions to the volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo and the boat trips on the Napo river, a tributary of the Amazon. Our tour leader, Fabian, and driver, William, were both excellent. The accommodation was generally very good, with the exception being the Riobamba hotel. I find the comments by a previous reviewer about the current power outages in Ecuador to be absurd. The outages were a mild inconvenience (to us - although I pity the Ecuadorian people) but there were absolutely no security or food safety issues as a result. When I travel in (e.g.) South America I don't expect everything to be just like it is in my cosy Western European home! My one criticism of this trip is that there were far too many shopping stops that were thinly disguised as "cultural visits" - I counted at least ten of these. The number should be at least halved. I mean, what on earth do painted balsa wood parrots have to do with the culture of Ecuador? Or carved nut kernels, for that matter?
Take in the highlights of the unique flora- and fauna-rich islands of the Galapagos on this eight-day adventure. From rubbing shoulders with giant tortoises to gazing up in wonder at the spectacular blue-footed boobies’ synchronised fishing technique, the Galapagos offers the chance to see an abundance of rare creatures at close range. We’ll show you the best islands, coves and natural wonders, and give you plenty of time to explore (with local advice!) so you can spend your time the way you want. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with sea turtles and relax in paradise.
This trip combines our most comprehensive adventure through Peru with an immersive experience on the Galapagos Islands to become a breathtaking 30-day tour through ancient cities and beautiful landscapes. Cruise deep into the Amazon and spend two nights in jungle lodges, stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands, explore Colca Canyon and reach the famed Inca city of Machu Picchu by trek or train. Just when you think it can’t get any more amazing, prepare to have your mind blown all over on the Galapagos Islands. Encounter colourful, bizarre and beautiful wildlife and traverse volcanic landscapes. Walk among giant tortoises, hike to the top of a volcano on Isla Isabela and fall in love with sea lions.
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through Ecuador that promises a perfect blend of nature, culture and adventure.
From Quito to Otavalo to Cotopaxi and Banos, this trip will take you through all popular destinations and hidden gems of Ecuador. Explore the historic sites, culture and natural wonders.
Take an immersive tour of the remarkably preserved Quito historical sites, a testament to Latin America's vibrant past. Immerse yourself in the enchanting province of lagoons, savoring its gastronomic delights. Venture into the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding an active volcano, culminating in the exploration of a magical turquoise lagoon. Ascend to the closest elevation to the sun at Chimborazo, revealing panoramic vistas.
We have curated just the right itinerary that promises fun, adventure and discovery in equal measures.
On this 14-day guided tour trip, you will visit the highlights of both Ecuador and Peru. Experience the highlights of the City of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, the Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, El Chato, Charles Darwin Station, Pinzon Island / Isabela Island, Tintoreras, and Cabo Rosa Tunnels.
In Peru, you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of the ancient Inca civilization. Explore the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the mountain of colors, and Machu Picchu. Visit Inca structures, and learn about the historic Inca settlements and their history.
You will be accompanied by a guide, who will assist you with anything you need. We will also provide you with transportation, accommodation and some meals.
Visit Peru's incredible natural and historical highlights on this awesome adventure. Retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, admire bustling cities, explore vibrant markets and meet the locals in this South American country with a difference. Return home with incredible memories of the panoramas and people of Peru. Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot, boat and bike on this active adventure. Trace Darwin's theory of evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world as you discover the incredible Galapagos Islands.
Set off on an extraordinary journey across three of South America’s most captivating countries — Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia — with this carefully curated small-group tour that blends exotic wildlife, ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s colonial capital nestled in the Andes, before heading to the legendary Galápagos Islands, a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Cruise between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, home to Giant Tortoises, Blue-Footed Boobies, marine iguanas, and the surreal Tintoreras Islets. Snorkel with sea lions, visit volcanic landscapes, and relax by the pink-hued Flamingo Lagoon. Enjoy seamless logistics and expert guides as you explore one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. Next, fly to Lima, Peru’s capital, before soaring over the Andes to the ancient heart of the Inca Empire — Cusco. Discover Incan marvels, including the imposing Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and board a panoramic train through the Sacred Valley to reach the mystical Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Colombia, where you’ll be enchanted by the blend of history, nature, and coffee culture. Explore Bogotá, take in panoramic views from Monserrate Hill, and dive deep into the Coffee Triangle, where lush plantations and rich aromas await. End your tour in Cartagena, a UNESCO-listed Caribbean gem, with its cobblestone streets, colonial fortresses, and vibrant culture — a magical finale by the sea.
Visit South America and travel to the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover unique creatures, as well as the island's outstanding natural beauty, by foot, boat and bike. Back on the mainland, enjoy the delights of Peru – from the tough but rewarding Inca Trail to the joy of interacting with friendly locals and experiencing cities full of colour, energy and passion.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Eco Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, La Paz, Lima, Puerto Mald
Quito, La Paz, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Amazon Lodge Tambopata, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, San Cristobal Island, Puno, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz
Our leader in Peru, Nilton, was excellent , as was Roberto, our leader in Ecuador
My only regret, was an aspect of our visit to Machu Piccu, it was somewhat rigid, in that it was restricted to the lower levels of the monument. I, and several other members of the group would very much like to have climbed to the top level , in order to gain more of an overview of the site
Marion PassierTravel Expert in Ecuador
Alejandro JacomeTravel Expert in Colombia & Ecuador
Maria SzlafszteinTravel Expert in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay
Clara GonzalezTravel Expert in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay
