Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
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.
Why Book with Bookmundi
Earn USD 164+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.
Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Totally Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise - 12 days
Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
E-ticket/Mobile-voucher
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 813 customer reviews from
Anonymous
Had a very good experience booking my tour on Bookmundi.
9 hours ago
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Loading availability...
Highlights
Quito – Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, from Independence Square to the ornate La Compania de Jesus and panoramic Virgen del Panecillo
Middle of the World – Visit the equatorial line monument and learn about its scientific significance at the Inti Nan Museum
Otavalo – Discover the celebrated Indigenous Market renowned for its colourful textiles and traditional handicrafts
Papallacta – Unwind in high-Andean hot springs surrounded by dramatic paramo scenery
Amazon – Experience guided rainforest walks to observe diverse wildlife and learn about medicinal plants
Banos – View the impressive waterfalls along the Pastaza River, including Agoyan and the powerful Pailón del Diablo
Cotopaxi National Park – Admire striking views of Cotopaxi Volcano and the glacial Limpiopungo Lake
Santa Cruz Highlands – Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore extensive underground lava tunnels
Dragon Hill – Encounter flamingos and other birdlife around a hypersaline lagoon before walking through a rare Scalesia forest
Chinese Hat – Snorkel in clear waters with sea lions, tropical fish and occasional penguins beside distinctive volcanic formations
Banos – View the impressive waterfalls along the Pastaza River, including Agoyan and the powerful Pailón del Diablo
Cotopaxi National Park – Admire striking views of Cotopaxi Volcano and the glacial Limpiopungo Lake
Santa Cruz Highlands – Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore extensive underground lava tunnels
Dragon Hill – Encounter flamingos and other birdlife around a hypersaline lagoon before walking through a rare Scalesia forest
Chinese Hat – Snorkel in clear waters with sea lions, tropical fish and occasional penguins beside distinctive volcanic formations
1 other person is considering this tour right now.
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.
What's Included
Accommodation
11 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
Transport
All land transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Guide
Services of English-speaking guide during the tours
Others
All sightseeing as per the detailed itineraryEconomy flight Quito - Galapagos Islands - Quito
Entrance
Entrance fees
What's Excluded
Itinerary
Set off on a 12-day adventure from Quito and back again, blending Andean culture, Amazonian wilderness and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos. Explore Quito’s colonial heart, browse Otavalo’s vibrant market and unwind in the soothing hot springs of Papallacta. Journey deep into the Amazon for rainforest walks, river rafting and close encounters with colourful birdlife. In Baños, expect dramatic waterfalls and sweeping volcanic scenery before flying to the Galápagos for unforgettable moments with giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins and red-footed boobies. This trip offers an exciting mix of landscapes, culture and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences.
day 1 - Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito and make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
OverNight:Quito
day 2 - Quito City Tour and Equator Visit
After breakfast, we enjoy a fully guided tour of Quito. We begin in the well-preserved colonial centre, visiting Independence Square, followed by La Compañia de Jesus, a 17th-century baroque church renowned for its ornate interior. We also visit the San Francisco Church and Monastery, one of the oldest religious complexes in South America, before continuing to the Virgen de El Panecillo, a towering statue with panoramic views across the city.
We then travel north to the Middle of the World, where the equator divides the hemispheres. We visit the monument honouring the French scientific expedition of the 18th century, and the Inti Ñan Museum, located on the true equatorial line. We return to Quito in the afternoon.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Quito
day 3 - Otavalo Market
Quito - Otavalo - Papallacta. Today you depart Quito and drive north towards the province of Imbabura, often called the Lake Province. En route, you taste local fruits in the Guayllabamba Valley and cross the Equatorial Line near Cayambe, an area known for its clear views of the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano. This is a good place to try the region’s traditional salt biscuits with leaf cheese.
At the base of Imbabura Volcano you enjoy views of Lake San Pablo before arriving in Otavalo. Here you visit the famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America, where vendors display colourful textiles, ponchos and artisan crafts. We continue to the small town of Cotacachi, well known for its long tradition of leather craftsmanship, before driving to Papallacta in the afternoon.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Papallacta
day 4 - Papallacta Hot Springs
This morning you travel along the historic route taken by Francisco de Orellana as he journeyed towards the Amazon in search of the legendary El Dorado. As altitude changes, the scenery shifts dramatically. At 3,300 metres above sea level, you arrive at the Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Papallacta
day 5 - Transfer to the Amazon
Papallacta - Amazon. After lunch, we continue towards Misahualli in the Napo Province, an area known for its rich Amazonian culture, wildlife and cuisine. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a small port on the Napo River, where canoes await to take you on a short downstream journey to your lodge. On arrival, enjoy a welcome cocktail and settle into the tropical surroundings before dinner, accompanied by the sounds of the jungle.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Amazon Jungle - Ecuador
day 6 - Amazon Walks and River Activities
We begin the day with an early breakfast before setting out along forest trails through primary and secondary jungle. As we walk, we look for birds, insects, medicinal plants and towering trees used in traditional construction and daily life. Along the way, there are chances to cross hanging bridges or swing from vines.
We then experience a true explorer’s tradition by building a simple raft from balsa logs and, for those who wish, floating down the Napo River back towards La Casa del Suizo. After lunch, we take a one-hour walk on a flat river island known for its plants and insects, followed by a visit to the butterfly house, where we observe the full life cycle of local species.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Amazon Jungle - Ecuador
day 7 - Transfer to Banos and Waterfall Route
Amazon - Banos. After breakfast, we drive up into the Andes and continue to the town of Baños, set in a valley of waterfalls and thermal springs. The area lies at the base of Tungurahua, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, and is known for outdoor adventure.
We follow the well-known waterfall route along the Pastaza River, where we see more than eleven waterfalls. Highlights include the Agoyan Waterfall, reached by cable car, the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, and the powerful Pailon del Diablo, which plunges nearly 80 metres and drenches everything in its path.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Banos
day 8 - Cotopaxi National Park
Banos - Quito. After breakfast, we travel to Cotopaxi National Park. Weather permitting, we enjoy views of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 5,897 metres. Entering the park along the Pan-American Highway, we follow a dirt road through pine forest to Limpiopungo Lake, a glacial lake at 3,800 metres, with excellent views of the surrounding paramo landscape. We then continue to Quito.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Quito
day 9 - Flight to Galapagos and Highlands Visit
Quito - Santa Cruz. You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. As you approach, the volcanic scenery gives a first glimpse of this extraordinary archipelago. On arrival, our cruise staff welcome you and escort you to your vessel.
In the afternoon, we explore the highlands of Santa Cruz, visiting a tortoise ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We also discover underground lava tunnels, some more than one kilometre long, and look out for barn owls that sometimes roost inside.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Overnight Cruise
day 10 - Dragon Hill and Chinese Hat
Santa Cruz - Dragon Hill - Chinese Hat. This morning we travel to the west coast of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Dragon. After landing, we walk to a hypersaline lagoon frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and stilts before passing through a rare Scalesia forest.
In the afternoon, we visit the small island known as Chinese Hat. Here you may see Galapagos penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas, and the waters are ideal for snorkelling among tropical fish. A short hike leads to viewpoints over the island’s volcanic terrain, and there is time to enjoy the white-coral beach before returning to the vessel.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Overnight Cruise
day 11 - Genovesa Island
Chinese Hat - El Barranco - Darwin Bay. Today we explore remote Genovesa Island, celebrated for its large red-footed booby colony. We begin at El Barranco, also called Prince Philip’s Steps, a steep staircase leading to a plateau with superb views. Along the palo santo trail we encounter Nazca and red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, finches and, with luck, short-eared owls hunting among the storm petrels.
We then sail to Darwin Bay, formed by the flooded caldera of an ancient volcano. After landing on a small coral beach, we follow a flat trail where we may see swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crowned night herons, lava herons, Galapagos doves and yellow warblers, as well as red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. A tidal lagoon provides opportunities to see playful sea lions before we reach a cliffside viewpoint overlooking this remote island.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Overnight Cruise
day 12 - Mangrove Excursion and Departure
Darwin Bay - Baltra - Quito. This morning we explore coastal mangroves by panga, looking for manta rays, sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks gliding through the calm waters. In the afternoon, you are transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito and your onward connection home.
Meals:1 Breakfast
Monthly Price Comparison
Good to Know
Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
Similar Tours You Might Like
Discover our top tours similar to Totally Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise - 12 days that you might like.
Sail into the heart of the Galápagos Islands with the Galápagos — Central, South & East Islands aboard the Yolita, a ten-day journey starting and ending in Quito. This small group tour offers experienced travelers an extraordinary mix of wildlife encounters and island exploration, with moderate activity levels that include hikes, snorkeling, and guided walks. Drift between North Seymour, Española, and other unique islands, sharing pristine white-sand beaches with sea lions and sunbathing iguanas. One of the tour’s standout moments is the snorkeling adventure at Devil’s Crown, renowned for its vibrant marine life—truly a snorkeler’s paradise. With comprehensive arrangements for accommodation, transport, and meals, you’ll enjoy the rare chance to visit remote spots like Post Office Bay and search for all three species of booby. This tour package promises a deep dive into the Galápagos’ natural wonders, all from the comfort of the Yolita yacht.
For wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers, the Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita trip is a ten-day exploration that unveils the archipelago’s hidden gems. Beginning and ending in Quito, this tour takes you to lesser-visited islands such as Genovesa and Isabela, where massive bird rookeries and volcanic landscapes await. With a moderate physical activity rating, it’s suited to travelers who relish the chance to hike to the Sierra Negra volcano’s summit, snorkel with playful sea lions, or unwind on secluded beaches. The trip’s unique selling point is its access to the Galápagos’ most prolific birdlife, including the largest nesting colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. All logistics—accommodation, meals, and transfers—are expertly managed, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the wonders of these extraordinary islands.
Ecuador’s dazzling diversity unfolds on this 14-day Andes to Amazon adventure, ideal for travelers who crave culture, nature, and a touch of the unexpected. Beginning and ending in Quito, the journey weaves through Cotopaxi’s volcanic peaks, the vibrant markets of Otavalo, and the lush depths of the Amazon rainforest.
An easy activity rating ensures that days are filled with accessible hikes, village visits, and wildlife-spotting, all guided by local experts. Delve into indigenous customs, traverse the Avenue of Volcanoes, and gain insight into Ecuador’s rich traditions—often overshadowed by its larger neighbors.
What makes this tour truly special is its breadth: few packages offer such a comprehensive exploration of mountain, jungle, and culture. For those seeking a genuine immersion into Ecuador’s heart, this journey is unmatched.
If seeing the Galápagos Islands’ spectacular wildlife is on your bucket list, the Galápagos Multisport tour is an ideal choice. Over ten days beginning and ending in Quito, this trekking and hiking trip offers a dynamic blend of guided excursions and free time, perfect for young adults and experienced travelers. Explore lesser-visited Isabela Island, swim alongside sea lions, and marvel at giant tortoises—all while sleeping on shore for a different perspective than the traditional cruise. The USP of this trip lies in its multisport approach, including snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, ensuring every day brings a new adventure. Accommodations, transport, and meals are included, making this tour package both active and accessible.
Curious about the best of Ecuador and Peru? The "Quito, Galapagos & Peru (Superior) - 11 days" tour offers a thoughtfully paced adventure for experienced travelers seeking a touch of luxury. Begin with three nights on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll snorkel with turtles, spot giant tortoises, and hike scenic trails. Continue to Peru, discovering Lima’s vibrant culture and journeying to the Sacred Valley to meet indigenous communities. End with an unforgettable train ride to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s true wonders. This tour’s unique feature is its blend of world-class wildlife encounters and immersive cultural experiences—all with superior amenities and seamless logistics.
Set off on a twelve-day journey from Quito to Santa Cruz, taking in Ecuador’s dramatic landscapes and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. You’ll explore Quito’s colonial heart, browse Otavalo’s famous market and unwind in the soothing Papallacta hot springs before heading deep into the Amazon for jungle walks, river rafting and encounters with vibrant rainforest life. Continue to Baños for thundering waterfalls and views of Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak. Finish with unforgettable days in the Galápagos, spotting giant tortoises, marine iguanas and playful sea lions across Santa Cruz and Isabela. A wonderfully varied adventure from start to finish.
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Quito to Cusco with the "Quito, Galapagos & Peru - 11 days" tour package. Designed for seasoned explorers and seniors, this trip combines the wild wonders of the Galapagos—where you’ll snorkel, hike, and spot giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island—with the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. Marvel at Lima’s vibrant sights, meet indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley, and ride the train to the legendary Machu Picchu. The highlight? The rare opportunity to swim with sea lions in the Galapagos, followed by a cultural deep dive into the heart of the Andes—all in one seamless itinerary.
