10 Days • 9 Nights
Ecuador Highlights: Quito, the Andes & Galapagos
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Colonial Quito and the equator
- The Avenue of the Volcanoes
- The indigenous market of Otavalo
- A Galapagos wildlife cruise
- Giant tortoises, sea lions and blue-footed boobies
- Snorkelling with sea lions, penguins and turtles
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Welcome to Ecuador. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Quito, the colonial capital high in the Andes. Take it easy to acclimatise, with a welcome dinner of Ecuadorian cuisine.
A guided tour of Quito's beautifully preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO site of grand plazas and gilded churches, and a visit to the equator monument at the Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand in two hemispheres at once.
You travel north through the dramatic Andean scenery to Otavalo, home to one of South America's most colourful indigenous markets, with crafts, textiles and Andean life, staying at a highland hacienda.
You return to Quito and fly to the Galapagos Islands, boarding your cruise ship. Your first island visit introduces you to the archipelago's astonishing, fearless wildlife.
A full day of island exploration by cruise, guided walks among giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies, and snorkelling in crystal-clear water with sea lions, turtles and tropical fish.
Another day cruising the enchanted isles, each with its own unique wildlife and landscapes, from lava fields to white beaches, with more guided walks and snorkelling.
A final full day of Galapagos wonders, walking among the wildlife that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution and snorkelling in the rich waters, a truly unforgettable experience.
You disembark and fly back to Quito for your final night in the highlands, with time to relax and reflect on the extraordinary wildlife.
A free day to enjoy Quito, its museums, markets and cafes, or an optional excursion, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of Ecuador's wildlife and colour.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board on the Galapagos cruise
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking naturalist guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and Galapagos fees as per itinerary
- a Quito tour, an Otavalo and Andes excursion, a 4-night Galapagos cruise with naturalist guides and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card (payable locally)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, which makes budgeting easy; carry small notes for markets, tips and rural areas, as change for large bills can be scarce
- Altitude: Quito and the Andean highlands sit high (Quito is around 2,850 metres), so allow time to acclimatise, ascend gradually, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival at altitude
- Galapagos rules & fees: The Galapagos are a strictly protected national park; a park entrance fee and a transit control card are payable (currently in cash on arrival), you must follow your naturalist guide's rules at all times, and single-use plastics are restricted
- Best time to visit: Ecuador is a year-round destination; the highlands are mild all year, while the Galapagos have a warm, sunny season (December to May) with calmer seas and a cool, dry 'garua' season (June to November) with more active wildlife
- Getting around: Ecuador is compact for South America, but itineraries use domestic flights to the Galapagos and sometimes the Amazon; these are arranged and included where specified, and the highlands are toured by road
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon lowlands; bring sun protection (the equatorial sun is intense, especially at altitude and at sea), insect repellent for the jungle, and any seasickness remedies for Galapagos cruises
- Culture & power: Ecuador has a rich indigenous culture, vibrant in its markets and villages; a little Spanish helps, and tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Galapagos cruise better than staying on the islands?
A cruise reaches more remote, pristine islands and maximises wildlife and snorkelling, waking up somewhere new each day. Land-based trips are gentler on the budget and better for those prone to seasickness. This itinerary uses a cruise; we can arrange a land-based alternative if you prefer.
Are there extra Galapagos fees?
Yes — the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and a transit control card are required, currently payable in cash on arrival. We advise you of the current amounts, which support the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary and full board on Galapagos cruises and at jungle lodges. Ecuadorian food is varied and fresh, so most other meals in the highlands are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights specified in your itinerary, such as to the Galapagos or the Amazon, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Ecuador?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
Should I do a Galapagos cruise or a land-based trip?
Both are wonderful. A cruise reaches more remote islands and maximises wildlife, while a land-based trip (staying on the inhabited islands with day trips) is gentler on the budget and better for those prone to seasickness. We help you choose and tailor either.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos are excellent year-round. The warm season (December to May) brings sunny skies and calmer seas ideal for snorkelling, while the cool 'garua' season (June to November) has more active wildlife and richer waters. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Galapagos, Andes and Amazon, choose a cruise or land-based Galapagos programme, add Quito, Otavalo or the cloud forest, and tailor everything to your interests and budget.
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