Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

BM-47580

5.0Based on

15 days

“

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.

Anonymous | Traveled in October

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

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.

Starts

Ends

Quito, Ecuador

Select Date

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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

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 5 reviews

Availability

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Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

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3 weeks ago

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AnonymousVerified Traveler

5.0 | Excellent

Oct 13, 2025