Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 15 days

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15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Ends

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Highlights

Quito - Take in the best of Ecuador's UNESCO listed capital on a guided tour.

Galapagos Islands - Encounter incredible wildlife on a six night cruise through the archipelago, visiting Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, Rabida Island.

Cuenca – Take in the beauty of this 16th century colonial jewel of the south

Relax onboard the boat, admiring the spectacular views and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters

Las Cajas National Park - Look out for grazing llamas, wild horses and many species of birds including condors in this picturesque park

Guayaquil - Stroll around Ecuador's largest city on the banks of the Rio Guayas, and visit Las Penas, the city's most charming historic district

Alausí and the Devil’s Nose – Ride the 100-year old train along its dramatic zig-zag mountain route.

Ingapirca - Roam around the Ingapirca ruins, Ecuador's largest archaeological Inca site

Guayaquil - Stroll around Ecuador's largest city on the banks of the Rio Guayas, and visit Las Penas, the city's most charming historic district

Alausí and the Devil’s Nose – Ride the 100-year old train along its dramatic zig-zag mountain route.

Ingapirca - Roam around the Ingapirca ruins, Ecuador's largest archaeological Inca site

Itinerary

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.

day 1 - Quito

Welcome to Ecuador. You will be met at Quito airport and transferred to our hotel in the Andean capital of Ecuador. At 2,850m, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. This unique city is divided into two contrasting districts, with the active volcano Guagua Pichincha to the east.

OverNight:Quito

day 2 - City walking tour

This morning we take a short walking tour through colonial core of the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings, nestled beneath an extravagant array of steeples and cupolas. Being the first city ever to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a treasure trove of architectural and historical gems. Our tour of Quito's historic centre takes in all of the main sights including the San Francisco monastery, the main plaza, with its cathedral and governmental palace, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, with its quirky gargoyles. This afternoon is free to explore Quito at leisure or just relax at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Quito

day 3 - Quito to Chilcabamba

Quito - Chilcabamba. This morning, we travel south to Cotopaxi, where we’ll spend the night at a lodge in Chilcabamba, nestled on an elevated plateau at 3,600 meters, yet surrounded by towering peaks. The location offers breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano and beckons you to step outside and explore. Available activities include hiking and cycling trails. Outside, two fire pits provide the perfect setting for atmospheric stargazing as the day transitions into night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Chilcabamba

day 4 - Avenue of Volcanoes & Riobamba

Chilcabamba - Riobamba. After breakfast we make our way to the 'Sultan of the Andes' - Riobamba. We take a captivating journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes where making it one of the world's highest active volcanoes. We take a short walk around the lagoon at Limpiopungo before travelling on to Riobamba where we spend the night in a traditional hacienda.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Riobamba

day 5 - Ingapirca Inca Ruins & Cuenca

Riobamba – Cuenca. This morning we make our way to Cuenca, the colonial jewel of the south. Our journey takes us via Ingapirca, Ecuador's main Inca Ruins. Dating back to the 15th century, the settlement has Inca architectural traits, with mortar-less stonework and characteristic trapezoidal niches. Archaeologists believe that the main structure, known as The Temple of the Sun was once used for ceremonial and religious purposes.

We travel on to the beautiful 16th-century town Cuenca which was built on the site of an ancient Inca settlement and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Here, we spend the next two nights.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Cuenca

days 6-7 - Explore Cuenca

The next two days are free to spend exploring charming Cuenca. Stroll around the city's narrow cobblestone streets, taking in the beautiful architecture buildings and whitewashed houses, with grand wooden doors and vibrant flowers cascading from ironwork balconies. You can also opt to visit the nearby market towns like Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and colonial Sigsig in the foothills of the western cordillera. En route you can stop to barter for silver and gold filigree jewellery and observing skilled artisans making guitars and the famous Panama hats.

Meals:2 Breakfast

OverNight:Cuenca

day 8 - Las Cajas NP & Guayaquil

Cuenca - Guayaquil. Today's journey takes us from the mountains to the tropical lowlands towards Guayaquil. This incredibly scenic journey takes in contrasting landscapes, as we pass through Andean villages and banana plantations. We stop at Las Cajas National Park, with its picturesque trails which pass through the rugged, high-altitude wilderness, home to herds of llamas and diverse wildlife, including bears, pumas, and tigrillos.

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. Located on the banks of the River Guayas, Guayaquil has gone through an incredible transformation in recent years. If time permits, we may have opportunity to walk from the bustling open market at La Bahia, past the colonial naval shipyard to the Malecon, the city's stunning waterfront promenade. We stroll past tropical gardens, bustling markets, and charming street cafés before heading to Santa Ana Hill and Las Peñas, a delightful district of brightly-coloured wooden houses and quaint streets dating back to the 16th century.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Guayaquil

day 9 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands

Bidding farewell to our mainland tour leader, we take an early morning flight to Baltra Island, part of the Galapagos archipelago. After paying the entrance fee, our naturalist guides lead us to Puerto Ayora, here we board a motor yacht which will be our home for the next 7 nights.

The Galapagos Island, formed six million years ago through volcanic activity, boast a diverse array of unique animals and plants. The inspiration for Charles Darwin's ground breaking theory of evolution rose from these islands. Although these island are constantly on the move, they home a thriving population of giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins and bird species. Find a spot on deck as we make our way through the ocean, trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.

The boats are relatively small, creating an informal atmosphere, and the service is of a high standard; the crew is attentive and the food very good. Cabins with en suite facilities are compact but comfortable for your seven nights on board. There are common bar / lounge areas as well as a sun decks. Beach towels are provided, and basic snorkelling equipment can be borrowed.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Galapagos Islands

days 10-14 - Galapagos Island Cruising

On our 6 night Galapagos cruise there are normally two landings a day, visiting different islands, with opportunities to snorkel. Accompanied by our guide, we go in search of the different wildlife that inhabits the islands we have guided tours of each island to spot different wildlife that inhabit the islands.

Below is a summary of the islands that we visit on the cruise, and the animals and birds that can be found on each of them. The order of touring is subject to change.

Santa Cruz Island: A captivating island which boasts a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, including giant tortoises. It has the largest human population of the five inhabited islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station here is staffed by international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects.

Fernandina Island: The island is one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes, having erupted at least 10 times in the last 150 years. The island has an untamed beauty, with breathtaking volcanic landscapes. It is home to a huge colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and some penguins.

Isabela Island: The largest and one of the most captivating islands in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela has five volcanoes running down its spine. Famous for its diverse wildlife and unique geological features, Isabela has one of the impressive and spectacular inlets of Vincente Roca, with its high cliffs, lava formations and wonderful marine life. Urbina Bay has an incredible array of birdlife including finches, warblers and mockingbirds, whilst Elizabeth Bay is home to turtles and rays.

James Island: An island of black rocks and little shade, especially along its western coast, where lava pools and caves harbour a rich variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for herons, oyster catchers, and playful Galapagos fur seals in the deep, refreshing water pools. and lookout for marine iguanas feasting on algae beds.

Rabida Island: A breath-takingly beautiful gem in the archipelago, with its striking red-sand beaches formed by volcanic oxidation. A short walk along a trail to the lagoon leads to a coastal lagoon where spotting finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds can be seen. There's also a large colony of flamingos.

Meals:5 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 5 Dinner

OverNight:Galapagos Islands (6)

day 15 - Guayaquil

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil. Today marks the end of our cruise and incredible journey the highlands of Ecuador & Galapagos Islands. We disembark and fly back to Guayaquil where arrangements end.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 15 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights 3-4 star hotels, 6 night/7 day onboard the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey in a twin/double cabin, with en suite, panoramic window and A/C

Meals

14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners

Transport

Quito airport arrival transfer on day 12 economy flights: Guayaquil to Baltra Island and Baltra Island to GuayaquilTransfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles.

Guide

Escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader on the mainland of Ecuador

Others

Services of professional English-speaking naturalist guides in the GalapagosGuided tour of QuitoAvenue of the volcanoes - Cotopaxi & Limpiopungo and Ingapirca Inca siteVisit to Las Cajas National parkGalapagos 7 day cruise with guided land excursions and optional snorkeling everyday. With use of snorkel and flippers.

Entrance

Entrance fees for included excursions

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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