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Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

5.0Based on
15 days
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
16 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
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Highlights

Combine the best of mainland Ecuador with Galapagos wildlife-watching

Spend two nights in the Amazon Rainforest, exploring jungle trails with expert local guides

Hike Cotopaxi National Park to see the iconic volcano

Snorkel the wildlife-rich Galapagos waters, hopefully with sharks, sea lions and turtles

See pirate lava caves and giant tortoises in the highlands of Floreana

Enjoy downtime on the white sands of Tortuga Bay and Isla Lobos

Itinerary

Wildlife enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The 'Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos' is a 15-day small group wildlife tour that unveils the best of both mainland Ecuador and the legendary Galapagos Islands. Starting and ending in Quito, you’ll witness Cotopaxi volcano’s grandeur, delve into indigenous culture, and spend two nights immersed in the Amazon Rainforest.

Then, it’s off to the Galapagos, where you’ll snorkel with playful sea lions, walk among ancient giant tortoises, and relax on pristine beaches shared with sunbathing marine iguanas. The moderate activity rating ensures a rewarding yet comfortable pace, especially for senior travelers seeking a blend of natural and cultural wonders.

The standout feature of this trip is the rare opportunity to combine Amazonian adventure with extraordinary Galapagos wildlife, making this tour package a once-in-a-lifetime journey for those eager to witness nature’s marvels up close.

day 1Adventure starts in Quito

Begin the adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, high in the Andes. To make things easy, there are free transfers from the airport to the hotel for everyone today – check the Joining Instructions for further details.
Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Ecuadorian welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Quito? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals
Dinner

day 2Quito tour • Agave experience and Intiñan Equator Museum

day 3Cotopaxi National Park • To Baños

day 4Visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall and the Swing at the End of the World

day 5To the Amazon Rainforest

day 6Visit amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre • Rainforest exploration

day 7To Papallacta hot springs

day 8Fly to San Cristóbal • Visit La Lobería

day 9Tour Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa

day 10Boat to Floreana • Visit the highlands

day 11Morning visit to Las Tintoreras Islet • Afternoon exploration at the Wall of Tears

day 12To Santa Cruz • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay

day 13Morning bay tour • Afternoon visit to the Santa Cruz highlands

day 14Fly back to Quito

day 15Adventure ends in Quito

What's Included

Accommodation
All accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels, lodges and guesthouses)
Meals
All breakfasts, seven lunches and three dinners
Transport
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus, boat and internal flights) and listed activitiesArrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Guide
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Others
Transit Control Card for the Galapagos

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 5 reviews
4
1
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

A Magical Experience Which Supports Locals

This journey through Ecuador showcases its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm local culture. What makes it especially compelling is the opportunity to experience the country as locals do, staying in locally run accommodations rather than traditional cruises, particularly in the Galapagos, offers a more authentic and often overlooked perspective. The Galapagos feels incredibly safe and close‑knit, with a strong sense of community that stands out alongside the extraordinary wildlife.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

Hotels were as expected and in good locations. Tour guides were great and the overall tour well balanced. Always a great experience with knowledgeable tour guides.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good

Great to explore the Galapagos

This is a very varied trip from the beautiful buildings in Quito to the unique Galápagos Islands. Heights of Cotopaxi to Amazon jungle. It is challenging at times especially on the Amazon jungle walk, this was not an easy stroll through a path in the jungle it was at times very steep and very slippery. Well worth it though to then enjoy the visit to AmaZoonico. Boat journeys between the Galapagos islands are long especially between San Cristóbal and Floriana. I personally saw no enhancement to the trip in stopping at this island and would have preferred more time on Isabella. Due to boat times there was no real free time to explore this lovely village. Trip notes are pretty inaccurate and need an overhaul especially the first week.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

Amazing trip, excellent guides and very interesting itinerary with so many experiences and amazing wildlife.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

Ecuador was truly a holiday of two halves. Mainland Ecuador was beautiful to explore, but the Galápagos was an absolutely unforgettable experience. I could have easily spent two weeks there. The wildlife was incredible, with so much to see and experience. Swimming with large sea turtles was a real highlight, and I still can’t quite believe it happened. Watching the birds, playful sea lions, sharks, and iguanas up close felt completely surreal. It would have been nice to see Kicker Rock, but I understand that sightings of hammerhead sharks can be hit or miss. I did feel, however, that the physical rating for this trip wasn’t entirely accurate. It was listed as Easy to Moderate, but I think it should be highlighted more clearly as closer to a level 2 to 3. Our group included a mix of ages, four under 50 and the rest over 60, and many found the hiking, snorkelling, and walking over uneven volcanic rock quite challenging. Despite that, everyone was an absolute joy to travel with, such a great group. The guides were fantastic, but Richard, our Galápagos guide, truly stood out. From the moment we arrived, he made us feel welcome in his home country. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and great sense of humour made every day special, and by the end of the trip, we felt like one big family. Richard’s organisation was exceptional. His daily updates and schedules on WhatsApp kept everyone informed, and he shared wonderful group photos, wildlife pictures, and videos throughout the trip. We always felt safe with him, especially during snorkelling excursions. He was constantly smiling, approachable, and full of positive energy. He even ended the trip with a thoughtful gesture, gifting each of us a Galápagos Islands fridge magnet, which was such a lovely touch. Overall, an absolutely outstanding trip and experience truly unforgettable.

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