OctoberSuper Sales
Up to60%off

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12-day tour

5.0Based on
12 days
Image 1 of 22
Image 2 of 22
Image 3 of 22
Image 4 of 22
Image 5 of 22
Image 6 of 22
Image 7 of 22
Image 8 of 22
Image 9 of 22
Image 10 of 22
Image 11 of 22
Image 12 of 22
Image 13 of 22
Image 14 of 22
Image 15 of 22
Image 16 of 22
Image 17 of 22
Image 18 of 22
Image 19 of 22
Image 20 of 22
Image 21 of 22
Image 22 of 22
12 daysDuration
Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining
20 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 80 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.
2 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Multiday cruise around the Galapagos Islands

Going to centuries-old indigenous markets

Donkey-riding around a caldera

Itinerary

Discover an unforgettable adventure through Ecuador’s breathtaking highlands and the world-famous Galápagos Islands. Begin your journey in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with history, charm, and vibrant culture. Travel north to Lake San Pablo, surrounded by the towering Imbabura Volcano, and wander through the colorful markets of Otavalo where local traditions come alive in every handmade piece.

Be captivated by the serene beauty of Cuicocha’s Crater Lake and the impressive Cotopaxi Stratovolcano, then continue to the shimmering turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lake and the dramatic Toachi River Canyon. Finally, sail to the western Galápagos Islands to uncover the striking Las Grietas Crevices, the soft white sands of Tortuga Bay, and the remarkable wildlife of Bartolomé and Floreana Islands for an experience of pure natural wonder.

day 1Arrival in Quito: Adjusting to the Altitude

Most visitors arrive in Quito during the evening or late at night. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself breathing a little heavier, this is due to the city’s high altitude. Most travelers acclimate quickly, and your touring adventure begins tomorrow.

Meals
Dinner

day 2Exploring Quito: History and Authentic Culture

day 3Day trip to Otavalo and Cuicocha

day 4Donkey-Riding Around a Caldera, Kayaking in a Lake

day 5Arrival in the Galápagos: Cruise and Snorkeling

day 6Galápagos Cruise: Tagus Cove and Urbina Bay

day 7Galápagos Cruise: Arrival and Snorkeling at Las Bachas

day 8Galápagos Cruise: Puerto Egas and Buccaneer Cove

day 9Galápagos: North Seymour Island and Puerto Ayora

day 10Galápagos Daytrip: Bartolomé Island Adventure

day 11Galápagos Daytrip: Floreana Island Exploration

day 12End of tour

What's Included

Lodging
English-speaking tour guides
All ground and water transportation
All activities mentioned in the Itinerary
Select entry fees
Your own on-call concierge
Breakfasts
Dinners x 5
Lunches x5

Customer Reviews

5.0

based on 23 reviews
23
K
Kathy HigginbothamVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

We were very happy overall with the entire trip.

We were very happy overall with the entire trip. Itinerary was wonderful. We enjoyed touring Quito and the surrounding areas with our guide Edison. The Monserrat cruise, the crew and our guide Manny exceeded our expectations. We spotted almost every land and marine animal or bird native to the islands. Puerto Ayora is a lovely Our guide Ruben was so sweet. We loved swimming at Las Grietas. The boat ride to Bartolome Island was long, but we are glad we got to see its volcanic landscape. We did opt out of some afternoon snorkeling sessions on the Monserrat as well as the scheduled trip to Isabela Island today. Being in our 70s, we chose to pace ourselves and keep well rested.

J
Jacqueline ArpinoVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Our trip was amazing. We left feeling like we saw everything.

Our trip was amazing. Our guide in Quito was so informative and such a nice person. The cruise was great. We did so much snorkeling and the hikes were perfect. The naturalists on board were incredible, as was the staff. The Galapagos Suites hotel is incredibly charming and we really enjoyed staying there. We left feeling like we saw everything.

L
Luz RenteriaVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Our trip was fabulous!

Hello! Our trip was fabulous! Edi was such a great guide. We had a wonderful time.

B
Bethany DawsonVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Both the relaxing and the active daytrips amazed me!

Traveling to another country is usually very difficult as there is so much to plan for. However, I booked a trip to the Galapagos Islands with CharlieTheTraveler and they made the entire process so easy! For the entire 11 days, I had no worries and was able to enjoy each and every activity that was planned for us. Both the relaxing and the active daytrips amazed me!

N
Natalie R.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Each day felt like a new adventure with each daytrip.

I knew the Galapagos Islands were beautiful, but I had no idea the mainland Ecuador was just as beautiful and also had so much to do! CharlieTheTraveler managed to plan the perfect balance of daytrips that included natural excursions and adrenaline-spiking activities. The trip was long but each day felt like a new adventure with each daytrip.

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance
Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

Why Book with Bookmundi

No credit card or booking fees.

Best price guaranteed.

Carbon neutral tours.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5
Excellent based on 850 customer reviews fromReviews.io

Karen

Problem-free booking and service right through the process
2 weeks ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands 12-day tour that you might like.

Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping - 12 days trip - alternative tour available

Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping - 12 days

Explore the beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on this 12-day group tour adventure. Beginning and ending in Quito, visit the Incan ruins of Cochasqui, the picturesque Cuicocha Lagoon, vibrant Otavalo Market, and the Mindo Cloud Forest before flying to the Galapagos. Once there explore Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana Island, spotting diverse wildlife and marvelling at the natural beauty of these dreamlike islands.
12 days
12 Days Andean Adventure: Traversing Ecuador's Icons trip - alternative tour available

12 Days Andean Adventure: Traversing Ecuador's Icons

Experience the best of Ecuador on an exclusive women's journey, blending cultural immersion with natural wonders. From the vibrant markets of Otavalo to the tranquil Polylepis Lodge, enjoy spa treatments, Amazon adventures, and cultural engagements, immerse yourself in the heart of Ecuador's culture, history and natural beauty. Explore Baños, Quilotoa, and Cotopaxi, and participate in hands-on experiences like cooking classes and rose plantation visits. Connect with like-minded women travelers, savor local flavors, and delve into indigenous traditions. Enjoy nature walks, wildlife encounters, photography sessions at stunning sites and relaxing spa services during this epic all-women Ecuador vacation. See the itinerary section for more details.
12 days
13 days: Exploring Ecuador highlands and Rainforest trip - alternative tour available

13 days: Exploring Ecuador highlands and Rainforest

Experience the diverse beauty of Ecuador with this unforgettable tour. Start in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city, exploring its colonial charm, lively plazas, and scenic viewpoints. Visit the famous Otavalo Market for vibrant textiles and crafts, followed by a walk around the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake. Trek through Cotopaxi National Park, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and wildlife near the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. Conclude with an immersive experience in the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll explore lush jungles, encounter unique wildlife, and learn about the vibrant ecosystems and indigenous cultures.
13 days
Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 15 days trip - alternative tour available

Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 15 days

From the cobbled streets of Quito to the wildlife-rich waters of the Galapagos, this 15-day sightseeing tour is a celebration of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Ideal for travelers seeking an easy-paced journey, this tour begins in the UNESCO-listed capital and follows the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes to the historic city of Cuenca and the lush expanses of Las Cajas National Park. The adventure peaks with a 6-night Galapagos cruise—each day revealing new islands, snorkeling opportunities, and close-up encounters with the archipelago’s renowned wildlife. Seamlessly blending cultural highlights with natural wonders, and featuring included accommodations, meals, and transport, this tour package’s standout feature is its comprehensive exploration of both mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, promising a journey as enriching as it is effortless.
15 days
Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days trip - alternative tour available

Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days

Begin your adventure in the heart of the Andes with the Ecuador & Peru Classic 10 Days tour, tailored for experienced travelers eager to blend history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Quito’s colonial gems, wander through Cotopaxi National Park, and marvel at Ingapirca’s ancient ruins. In Peru, uncover the mysteries of the Inca Empire in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, before culminating your journey at Machu Picchu and Lima’s historic center. The tour’s unique selling point is its expertly curated mix of guided exploration and awe-inspiring scenery, offering a seamless and enriching introduction to two of South America’s most fascinating countries.
10 days
8 Days: Cotopaxi: A Thrilling Climbing Expedition trip - alternative tour available

8 Days: Cotopaxi: A Thrilling Climbing Expedition

Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Ecuador with this exciting tour. Begin in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where you’ll explore its colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and breathtaking viewpoints. Next, visit the renowned Otavalo Market, a hub for colorful textiles and traditional crafts, followed by a scenic walk along the stunning volcanic Cuicocha Lagoon. End your journey in Cotopaxi National Park, trekking through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, spotting wildlife, and marveling at the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. A perfect mix of nature, adventure, and culture awaits.
8 days
7 Days Enchanting Galapagos trip - alternative tour available

7 Days Enchanting Galapagos

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural wonder of the Galapagos Islands, where pristine beauty reigns supreme. This is an extraordinary journey, where you'll encounter endemic wildlife species found nowhere else on Earth, from the iconic giant tortoises to the playful blue-footed boobies. As you explore this remote archipelago, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes that stretch from rugged volcanic terrain to crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. It's an unforgettable experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul, a testament to the marvels of our planet's unique ecosystems.
7 days
Highlights Of Ecuador And Peru trip - alternative tour available

Highlights Of Ecuador And Peru

Experience the best of two South American legends with the "Highlights of Ecuador and Peru" tour, a 13-day group journey that blends colonial charm, natural wonders, and ancient mysteries. Designed for experienced travelers with a moderate activity level, this tour package spans Ecuador’s captivating landscapes and Peru’s iconic ruins. Begin in Quito, exploring landmarks like the Middle of the World and Plaza Grande, and fly to the Galapagos for intimate encounters with local wildlife at Isabella Island and Tintoreras Islet. Admire flamingos and tortoises at the Flamingo Lagoon before returning to Quito. The adventure continues in Lima, where colonial architecture and world-class cuisine await. Fly to Cusco, journey through the Sacred Valley, and board a train to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Discover the living history of Cusco before returning to Lima to wrap up your journey. With hotels, group transport, and meals all included, this tour’s unique selling point is its seamless blend of Ecuadorian and Peruvian highlights—offering a comprehensive South American experience for the culturally curious explorer.
13 days

Keep Exploring Ecuador