Ecuador

12-Day Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure: Culture, Wildlife, and Natural Wonders

duration: 12 days

difficulty: Easy

group size: 12

experience: Beginner

Overview

This 12-day adventure through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Begin your journey in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, where you’ll explore historic landmarks and indulge in cultural experiences. Then, fly to the Galapagos Islands for an island-hopping adventure, snorkeling with sea lions, hiking volcanoes, and learning about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Next, experience Ecuador’s mainland beauty with visits to Otavalo Market, Cotopaxi National Park, and Papallacta Hot Springs. This trip provides a balance of adventure and relaxation, immersing you in Ecuador’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

Highlights:

- Snorkel with sea lions, rays, and penguins in the Galapagos

- Explore the Sierra Negra Volcano and Charles Darwin Research Station

- Visit the vibrant Otavalo Indigenous Market

- Soak in the volcanic hot springs at Papallacta

- Trek through the highlands of Cotopaxi National Park

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Welcome to Quito! Explore Ecuador’s largest and best-preserved colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy exploring Quito's historical charm. Later, gather with your trip leader for a welcome briefing at your hotel in the evening.

Meals included: None

Day 2: San Cristobal Island & Snorkeling Adventure

Day 3: Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

Day 4: Explore Isabela Island by Bike

Day 5: Snorkeling at Lava Tunnels

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 7: Bay Tour Exploration

Day 8: Return Flight from Santa Cruz to Quito

Day 9: Otavalo Market & Sacha Warmi Kuna Project

Day 10: Cotopaxi National Park & Horseback Riding

Day 11: Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs

Day 12: Departure from Quito

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Accommodations

On day 1, for 1 day

You will stay in a standard room at the Sheraton hotel or similar, in Quito, on a double occupancy basis.

On day 2, for 2 days

On day 4, for 1 day

On day 5, for 1 day

On day 6, for 2 days

On day 8, for 1 day

On day 9, for 2 days

On day 11, for 1 day

Pricing

Included:

Transfers

Accommodation

Admission fees

Guide fees

Luggage transfers

Airport transfer

Local guide

Some meals

Excluded:

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Flights

Porter

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal gear

International flights

Domestic flights

Local guide

Some meals

Do not forget to arrange for the requisite passport, visa and travel insurance, if you are booking an international trip.

We try our best to ensure accurate and up-to-date guide information, but in some cases this may change due to emergencies or other unforeseen guide scheduling challenges. In any case, another highly-rated, certified guide with similar experience would lead your trip and you will be kept informed of any such case.