Really enjoyed the variety of things to see and do.
Galapagos Islands were amazing and pleased to see that they are trying hard to protect the local environment and native animals and educate the next generation.
Loved the giant tortoises and the way local rangers are protecting them from extinction from hand rearing eggs to releasing them when they are older.
Blue footed Boobies were a highlight of mine to see, only wish I had seen the red footed boobies as well.
The visit to the rose farm was an eye opener as I hadn't realised that Ecuador was such a productive place for roses and exportation, the employees all looked happy and relaxed.
Interesting visit to Condor sanctuary and the way they are rehabilitating injured birds and introducing them into the countryside.
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
14% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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?
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
Explore Peru and the Galapagos on this epic adventure from Lima to Quito. In the ancient land of the Incas, you’ll uncover historic architecture, vast Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, busy markets and welcoming locals. Visit the famed Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and maybe opt to take the One Day Inca Trail trek to see the citadel from two angles. Share two pachamanca meals with locals– one in the middle of the desert near the Nazca Lines and one in the Andean community of Huilloq. Then, fly to Quito for your week-long sailing voyage through the incredibly scenic southern isles of the Galapagos. Watch as sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds go about their daily business. Go snorkelling near mighty manta rays, turtles and tropical fish and soak up the natural, rugged landscapes of the area, seeing what Charles Darwin saw more than 180 years ago.
From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest and the iconic Galapagos Islands, this 14-day adventure will take you through the unique landscapes of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while getting close to the animals that call this diverse country home. Tick the Galapagos off your list with a sailing voyage to the best of the Southern islands for close encounters with local wildlife like iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds. Go snorkelling near mighty manty rays and experience the rugged landscapes of this incredible part of the world.
Dreaming of an adventure through Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes and the heart of the Amazon but don’t want to go it alone? Good news: Ecuador’s irresistible charm is calling, and this Solo-ish adventure is your perfect ticket in. Stand right on the Equator at the Intiñan Museum, take in the towering beauty of Cotopaxi — one of the world’s highest active volcanoes — and soak in the magic of Baños with its cloud forests, waterfalls, and hot springs. Then, dive into the dense Amazon jungle, where warm hospitality and wild beauty await. Over seven unforgettable days, you’ll experience it all alongside fellow solo travellers who are just as ready for the adventure as you are.
Ecuador is an outdoor lover’s dream, and this 15-day Solo-ish adventure takes you from the mainland’s breathtaking landscapes to the wild beauty of the Galápagos — all with new travel pals by your side and time to explore solo. Stand on the equator at the Intiñan Museum, take in snow-capped Cotopaxi, wander through the cloud forest, soak in Baños’ hot springs, and relax at a jungle lodge in the Amazon. Then, jet off to the Galápagos for unforgettable encounters — snorkel with marine wildlife, enjoy a farm-to-table meal supporting the locals on Floreana, and visit Las Tintoreras, where Whitetip sharks glide through clear waters and iguanas bask in the sun. This is solo group travel, reimagined — with adventure, connection, and community at its heart.
The Galápagos Islands are calling, and this eight-day Solo-ish adventure is your chance to answer. Exploring somewhere new alone can feel daunting, but with three days designed for connection, you’ll be easing into island life in no time. Get up close with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, swim alongside sea turtles and vibrant schools of fish, and visit an organic farm to see coffee cultivation in action. Sit down for a delicious locally sourced lunch on Floreana, supporting a G Adventures initiative that gives back to the community. From giant tortoises to lava-strewn landscapes, the Galápagos are a front-row seat to nature’s wildest creations — the ultimate escape for those ready to embrace adventure and the magic of solo travel.
If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, this 24-day journey from the waters of the Galapagos to Peru might just be it! On this adventure, spend ten days drifting across the Pacific Ocean and uncover the natural beauty and unique wildlife of the Ecuadorian Isles. Retrace the voyage of Charles Darwin by sea, admiring the sandy beaches of Espumilla and the volcanic craters of Isla Santiago. Look out for blue-footed boobies, Galapagos sea turtles and sea lions in their natural habitat, then fly to Peru for lush valleys, rich rainforests and the Inca heartlands. Travel south from Lima to Arequipa, see condors in Colca Canyon and get to the wild heart of the Amazon Jungle. Consider trekking along the acclaimed Inca Trail or relax on a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With a local leader each step of the way, you’ll get all the best insights, too!
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Can
Quito, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, San Cristobal Island, Amazon Jungle, Bartolome Island, Puerto Egas, Isla Santa Cruz, North Seymour Island, Cerro Dragón, Rábida Island
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Take on an epic 3-week adventure from the deck of the Grand Daphne in the Galapagos to the sarced land of the Incas in Peru. See pink flamingos in the lagoons of Isla Floreana, sunbathe with sea lions along Gardner Beach, hike along the green shoreline of Punta Cormorant and snorkel with turtles, rays and sharks. Then, uncover the secrets of Peru and Bolivia as you walk beneath the Amazon Jungle's canopy, trek the llama-filled plains of the Sacred Valley and stroll the cobblestone streets of Cusco. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the jungle, experience a homestay in a traditional community on the shore of Lake Titicaca and tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Machu Picchu! With the option to see the sacred site by trek or by train, this trip will suit any active, curious traveller!
This unique adventure focuses on South America’s heaviest hitters – the Galapagos Islands, the Inca Trail and the Amazon Jungle. Take 25 days to explore these wildly different parts of the region. Snorkel the turtle-filled waters of Leon Dormido, then walk the cobblestone streets of Cusco. Sit on black-sand beaches watching sea lions lounge and later conquer the 4200-metre-high Dead Woman’s Pass. Witness breathtaking natural beauty among the surreal landscapes of the Ecuador Highlands and Galapagos, then wonder at the man-made elegance of Machu Picchu. This tour offers immersive and active adventure led by locals in two bucket-list favourite destinations.
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle to the amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot and boat on this active adventure. You’ll also walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. You’ll also get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family where you’ll connect with them, lending a hand with chores, doing seasonal activities and maybe brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise.
From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest, this nine-day Premium adventure will take you through the well-travelled and lesser-known icons of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. Then, head to the highest active volcano in the world for a hike through Cotopaxi National Park before relaxing in the lush gardens of your Feature Stay. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while also getting close to the animals that call this diverse part of Ecuador their home.