Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days
Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days
Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days
16 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2674/EHGI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the Ecuadorian Highlands and the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Begin your adventure in Quito, exploring its UNESCO-listed colonial treasures, before venturing to the breathtaking Cotopaxi and the charming city of Cuenca. Discover the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca and the picturesque landscapes of Las Cajas National Park. Experience the vibrant culture of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, before setting sail on a seven-night cruise through the Galapagos archipelago. Encounter unique wildlife, from giant tortoises to playful dolphins, as you explore Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, and more. Enjoy guided excursions, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and the comfort of a motor yacht with attentive service. This small group tour offers an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and adventure, perfect for those seeking a truly immersive experience in Ecuador.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
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.
Day 2: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Chilcabamba
Location: Cotopaxi
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Riobamba
Location: Riobamba
Accommodation Name: hacienda
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Cuenca
Location: Cuenca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6-7: Cuenca
Location: Cuenca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Galapagos Islands
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: MC Galapagos Seaman Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 10-15: Galapagos Islands
Location: Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: MC Galapagos Seaman Journey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On our 7 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.
Bartolome Island: A volcanic island is known for its striking landscape. With the altitude of 114 meters, the island offers an incredible opportunity to observe one of the most beautiful panoramic views across the Galapagos Islands, with volcanic cones, lunar like craters, lava fields, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Although there is very little vegetation, we can find a small colony of Galapagos penguins thriving in this unique environment.
Please note: All departures in 2024 and the first departure of 2025 will be based on a 7 night program. The remaining tours in 2025 will be a 6 night itinerary.
Day 16: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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15 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
Enjoy 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners during your tour.
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Accommodation
Stay 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 7 nights onboard the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey in a twin/double cabin with en suite, panoramic window, and A/C.
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Quito airport arrival transfer
Receive a transfer from Quito airport on day 1.
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Economy flights
Includes 2 economy flights: Guayaquil to Baltra Island and Baltra Island to Guayaquil.
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Tour leader
Be escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader on the mainland of Ecuador.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for included excursions are covered.
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Naturalist guides
Services of professional English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos.
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Guided tour of Quito
Enjoy a guided tour of Quito.
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Avenue of the volcanoes and Ingapirca Inca site
Visit the Avenue of the volcanoes - Cotopaxi & Limpiopungo and Ingapirca Inca site.
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Visit to Las Cajas National park
Explore Las Cajas National Park.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
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Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Migration Control Card
The Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp) are not included and are subject to change.
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Wetsuits
Wetsuits are available for rent at $10 a day and are not included.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour. Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles, with two economy flights between Guayaquil and Baltra Island, and a 7-night cruise through the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels and a 7-night cruise onboard the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey, featuring twin/double cabins with en suite, panoramic windows, and air conditioning.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Galapagos Islands cruise?
During the Galapagos Islands cruise, you can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, finches, warblers, mockingbirds, herons, oyster catchers, Galapagos fur seals, and flamingos. The islands are also home to unique ecosystems and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
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What activities are available during the stay at Chilcabamba?
While staying at Chilcabamba, you can enjoy activities such as hiking and cycling on the trails surrounding the lodge. The location offers breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano and provides a perfect setting for atmospheric stargazing with two fire pits available outside.
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What is included in the Galapagos cruise experience?
The Galapagos cruise includes a 7-night stay on a motor yacht with en suite facilities, guided land excursions, and opportunities for snorkeling. The cruise visits various islands where you can explore unique wildlife and landscapes. Basic snorkeling equipment is provided, and the service on board is of a high standard with attentive crew and good food.
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Are there any additional fees I should be aware of for the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, there are additional fees for the Galapagos Islands, including the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of $200 per person and a Migration Control Card fee of $20 per person. These fees are subject to change.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. There is no maximum age, but those aged 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form. If booking for a family, it is advised to contact the tour operator to request or check for triple rooms or rooms next to each other before confirming the booking.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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