Ecuador and the Galapagos

Ecuador and the Galapagos

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16 Days From

$6472

Ecuador and the Galapagos

16 Days Starting in United Kingdom and ending in United Kingdom

Visiting: Quito, Mindo Valley, Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, Pululagua, Cotopaxi National Park, Riobamba, Cuenca, Parque Nacional Cajas, Guayaquil, San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla Lobos, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

EQ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 50

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

9-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$6472 (USD) including Flights from the UK

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Tour Overview

With magnificent wildlife, awe-inspiring architecture and striking scenery, Ecuador is an incredible adventure for lovers of natural beauty, history and culture. A place that often goes unsung, Ecuador is an under-appreciated destination with wonders around every corner. Although the Galapagos islands feature high up on most people's bucket list, the mainland is a surprising and fascinating place to visit in its own right. On this inspiring tour, you'll be able to see some of the world's highest volcanoes, buzzy colonial cities, wonder at the beauty of hummingbirds in tropical cloud forests, travel on spectacular trains and stay in historic haciendas - all this before you've even stepped ashore in the Galapagos! 





We take a drive along the Pan-American highway, probably the longest road in world, connecting Alaska with Patagonia. We trail the impressive seven peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, before arriving at Cotopaxi National Park. Here we'll wonder at the striking, snowy Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on the planet. As if this wasn't enough natural beauty to behold, we take in the beautiful roses of the region and hop on the Devil's Nose Train through steep, craggy gorges.





When we reach the Galapagos, you will be truly spoilt by the sheer sights of natural beauty, well-preserved terrain and exotic wildlife. For years, the only way most people could visit the Galapagos was to sail from island to island on small motor-yachts - a great way to travel, but also very expensive. Our tour avoids this by offering an island-hopping itinerary which means you actually get to stay on two of the most interesting islands. To get the most out of your visit to this extraordinary wildlife destination, it's important to be fully mobile and be able to snorkel so you can discover the amazing marine life, something that even Charles Darwin was never aware of! You will also have the opportunity to explore Santa Cruz at your own leisure, an island famed for sea turtles, giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as the calm, white sand beaches of Tortuga Bay.





These incredible volcanic islands are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, most of which are endemic species. A dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, we will tour both land and sea to witness the sights of this magical archipelago. 

Highlights

  • Guided walk around the astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites of Quito and colonial Cuenca

  • Discover the wonderful birdlife of the Mindo Cloud Forest, with over 500 species recorded

  • Enjoy the amazing views of snow-capped Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano

  • Experience the wonderful architecture and laid-back atmosphere of Cuenca

  • Search for bargains in authentic local markets and visit a rose farm in Riobamba

  • Explore Ingapirca, the most intriguing Inca ruins in Ecuador

  • See how authentic Panama hats are made

  • Ride the Pan-American highway along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

  • Stay five nights on the Galapagos islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz

  • See the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz in the stunning El Chato highland reserve

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Departure

Location: Quito

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Quito, via Bogota.

Day 2 : Arrival In Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Considered the Cultural Capital of South America, it’s located just south of the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Our tour of the city includes the leafy Independence square, overlooked by the Presidential Palace, cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace. Just a short walk away is the baroque Jesuit church of Compania de Jesus, with its incredible gilded interior. Another of Quito’s gems is the church and convent of San Francisco, the largest religious complex on the continent.

Day 3 : Cross Equator Line

Location: Mindo Valley

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Septimo Paraiso Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embrace the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing on both the north and southern hemisphere. Here you’ll learn about the interesting history of the Equator line and physics of the location. We then continue to the little town of Mindo, set amidst lush forested hills. We stay for two nights in a lodge, surrounded by the exotic cloud forest and incredible birds. 

Day 4 : Mindo Cloud Forest

Location: Mindo Cloudforest Foundation

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Septimo Paraiso Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore the pristine cloud forests and hike along waterfalls of the area. At an altitude of 1,300m, Mindo lies between Ecuador’s lowlands and highlands and has a year-round mild climate. This, and the plentiful rainfall, mostly between January and April, has created lush forests, perfect for a wide variety of birdlife – with an incredible 140 species of hummingbirds recorded. Our hotel is surrounded by the forest and has several marked trails around the property, ideal for birdwatching. You may also try out the optional zip-line tour or learn about how the famous Ecuadorian chocolate is made. 

Day 5 : Pululahua Crater

Location: Pululagua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cotopaxi Pungo Finca Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Heading south on the Pan-American highway we drive along the Avenue of the volcanoes, towards the Cotopaxi National Park. En route we stop at Pululahua, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. From the rim of the extinct volcano enjoy the panoramic views over the green farmland in the base of the crater. Lunch is included today. 

Day 6 : Cotopaxi And Riobamba

Location: Cotopaxi National Park, Riobamba

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hacienda La Andaluza

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we reach Cotopaxi National Park for some stunning views, and at 5,900m the highest active volcano in the world. Snowcapped year-round, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone is one of the greatest sights in South America. Lunch is included today. Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of roses and this afternoon we’ll visit one of the many rose farms in the area. 

Day 7 : Riobamba And Cuenca

Location: Riobamba, Cuenca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Colonial Carvallo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning is free for you to relax in the surroundings of your historic Hacienda hotel. Alternatively, you’re welcome to join a visit of the local area to appreciate the fascinating life and culture of this agricultural community. This afternoon, we continue along the Pan American highway, arriving in the amazing colonial city of Cuenca. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 8 : El Cajas National Park

Location: Cuenca, Parque Nacional Cajas

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Colonial Carvallo

Meals Included: Breakfast

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cuenca is a treasure-trove of charming colonial churches, mansions and squares, which are all easily walkable. The main square is overlooked by the town’s vast cathedral, said to be modelled on St Peter’s in Rome. The city is also known for its Panama hats, which are in fact hand-made in Ecuador, not Panama! Our included city tour takes in all these sights as well as a visit to a Panama hat factory, and finishes at one of the fascinating local markets, where you can admire the colours of the fresh produce as well as the traditional arts and crafts of the Andes.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Day 9 : Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Unipark Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Cuenca, we cross the spectacular El Cajas National Park and descend to the warm coastal plains and the port city of Guayaquil. El Cajas National Park has 786 lagoons interconnected by small streams within the vast park valley area.

Day 10 : Fly To San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Location: San Cristóbal Island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Blue Marlin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we catch the 1hr.50 flight to San Cristobal island in the Galapagos. As the most easterly island in the archipelago, this was the first to be visited by Charles Darwin in 1835.



After we are settled into our hotel, we explore the wildlife along nearby La Loberia’s white sand beach, with a chance to swim or snorkel. You are bound to spot marine iguanas, sea lions and plentiful birdlife.



We stay two nights close to the centre of the island’s small main town of Puerto Moreno. Dinner at a local restaurant is included tonight. 

 

Day 11 : San Cristobal & Isla Lobos

Location: Isla Lobos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Blue Marlin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we board a small boat for the short trip to Isla Lobos, where we explore families of frigate birds and blue footed boobies. Although the path on the island is uneven and rocky in parts, the effort is worth it to see these iconic birds up close. We have lunch on board, and then we have an opportunity to swim or snorkel off the boat in the lagoon, where inquisitive seals may come and swim with us!



In the afternoon we learn about conservation work on the islands during our visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre. 

Day 12 : Santa Cruz Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we catch the speedboat ferry service to nearby Santa Cruz island, which should take between 1hr30 to 2hrs. On arrival, we’ll visit the famous giant tortoises in the beautiful El Chato highland reserve – an unforgettable experience! Within the grounds, you may also explore one of several underground lava tubes, left over from when the island’s volcano was active. 

 

Day 13 : Santa Cruz

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we have a boat tour of nearby Academy Bay, with an opportunity to snorkel with the Galapagos’ exotic marine life. You may see the likes of sea lions, rays and even sharks. After an included lunch, we continue for a tour of the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will be able to see the remains of ‘Lonesome George’, stuffed and on display. There are also pens where baby giant tortoises are looked after before being released into the wild. 

Day 14 : Optional Trips: Bartolome Or North Seymour Islands

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you’re free to enjoy Santa Cruz at your own pace, where you can meander around Puerto Ayora or relax at the unspoilt Tortuga Bay. You can also personalise your trip with a pre-bookable boat trip (£235pp) to nearby North Seymour Island or Bartolomé island, subject to weather and availability.

Day 15 : Return Home

Location: Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil

Accommodation: Overnight Flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

We say our goodbyes to the wonderful Galapagos Islands and fly home via Guayaquil and Bogota, arriving the next day. 

Day 16 : Arrive Home

Location: United Kingdom

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive in the UK with wonderful memories of a fascinating trip.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    13 nights in 3 to 5-star

  • Meals

    20 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Fully Guided

    The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

  • International Travel

    Return scheduled flights

  • Transport

    Touring and coach travel as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Hotel porterage of one luggage item per person

  • Local accommodation taxes

  • Overseas transfers

  • Internal flights as mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return scheduled flights

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Friday - Saturday

May 10, 2024 - May 25, 2024
$6472 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$6597 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024
$6472 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$6597 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
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Friday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$6721 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
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Friday - Saturday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
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Friday - Saturday

May 09, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$6846 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$6846 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$6846 (USD)

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Friday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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