Ecuador Mainland & Galapagos Land-based option: From the Highlands to the Enchanted Islands

Ecuador Mainland & Galapagos Land-based option: From the Highlands to the Enchanted Islands

10 days /
9 nights

Price: $7,470 / person

Based on 2 people All Pricing Info
Best Value
Destinations
QUITO, SAN CLEMENTE, GALAPAGOS

Experience the best of Ecuador and the enchanting Galapagos Islands with our Mainland & Galapagos Land-based option itinerary. Discover the historical charm of Quito, explore the picturesque Northern Highlands and Lake district, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Witness iconic wildlife, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and embark on a thrilling 6-day island-hopping adventure to Santa Cruz and Isabela Island. From majestic Andean condors to playful sea lions, this captivating journey promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

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Itinerary

DAY;

1

Arrival in Quito - Welcome to the Heart of Ecuador

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! On arrival at Quito airport, be welcomed by your English Speaking Driver and privately transferred to your hotel.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Mama Cuchara

Meals

DAY;

2

Quito Colonial Tour - Exploring UNESCO Heritage Sites

This morning, you will be picked up for your private guided city tour of Quito. Enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s UNESCO World Heritage Site historical center. This tour will include visits to Plaza San Francisco and Church, Plaza Grande, Calle La Ronda, and Iglesia de la Compania, among other sites of interest. You will also visit the El Alabado Pre-Columbian art museum. Lunch is included.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Mama Cuchara

Meals B,L

DAY;

3

Northern Highlands & Lake District - Crafts and Volcanic Wonders

Depart from Quito towards northern Ecuador, passing through Cordillera de Los Andes. Spot the snow-capped Cayambe volcano en route to the town known for fresh cheese and "dulce de leche." Explore Otavalo Market, renowned worldwide for its crafts. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda. Visit Cotacachi town, famous for leather goods, and Cuicocha Lake, formed by Cotacachi volcano's eruption.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Otavalo

Meals B

DAY;

4

Condor Park & San Clemente Community - Andean Adventure

Embark on an Ecuadorian Andes adventure after breakfast. Visit the local Condor Park, observing majestic Andean condors and other birds of prey. Enjoy a thrilling flight demonstration. Next, head to San Clemente Community for a delicious lunch with an indigenous family. Take a guided walk to learn about Andean cultivation and plants, with the option to join an embroidery class (additional fee applies).

Optional Activities:

Overnight

Meals B

DAY;

5

Galapagos Island-Hopping Begins - Discovering Santa Cruz and Isabela

Early Transfer out to Quito for flight to Galapagos. Arrival in Galapagos and start of your land based program. 6Day/5 night island hopping program discovering Santa Cruz and Isabela Island. Embark on a captivating 6-day island-hopping adventure in the Galapagos Islands. Explore the pristine beauty of Santa Cruz, witnessing iconic wildlife and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, venture to Isabela Island, immersing yourself in its volcanic landscapes, marine iguanas, and captivating snorkeling experiences. An unforgettable Galapagos journey awaits. Visit Santa Cruz Highlands including a visit to giant tortoise reseve: Today we arrive at Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. From the Itabaca Channel we head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where we can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. Then, transfer to your hotel Ikala (or similar)

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Ikala (or similar)

Meals B,L,D

DAY;

6

Santa Cruz Highlands & Giant Tortoise Reserve

Shared basis: Excursion by motor yacht and enjoy a daily tour with welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guides as you experience the remote islands in comfort and style. We can visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island or Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay. Along the way, we might see leaping rays or other sea life while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Included: Transfers, Boat excursions with snorkeling on a sharing basis, English-speaking assistance, and lunch on board.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Ikala (or similar)

Meals B,L,D

DAY;

7

Navigable Tour to Neighboring Islands - Pristine Galapagos Adventure

Today we have multiple choices of activities available (organized at additional cost or self-guided) or if you feel like unplugging from the world and relaxing completely at our Giant Tortoise Sanctuary, enjoying the views, walking to the Lava Tunnels, or simply enjoy of the peacefulness.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Hotel Ikala (or similar)

Meals B

DAY;

8

Leisure Day in Galapagos - Explore or Relax at Giant Tortoise Sanctuary

Embark on an early morning speedboat ride to Isabela Island. Explore the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near Puerto Villamil, known for their abundant wildlife including reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. Enjoy a walk on the island and snorkel in the bay, where playful penguins and sea lions may join you in the water. Included: Breakfast, excursion, transportation, entrance fees, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Boutique hotel Iguana Crossing

Meals B,L

DAY;

9

Speedboat to Isabela Island - Wildlife and Volcanos

Experience a thrilling full-day hiking adventure in Isabela, one of the youngest and most active Galapagos Islands. Trek to Sierra Negra volcano's crater and Volcan Chico's rim, encountering unique wildlife and surreal landscapes. Enjoy breathtaking views, a box lunch under a jaboncillo tree, and leisure time on Puerto Villamil's beaches. An unforgettable 16-kilometer volcanic exploration awaits! Included: Breakfast, excursion, transportation, entrance fees, English-speaking guide, lunch, accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Overnight Boutique hotel Iguana Crossing

Meals B,L

DAY;

10

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike - A Day of Thrilling Exploration

Today we take an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for our onward journey or flight back to the mainland.

Optional Activities:

Overnight

Meals B

DAY 

2

Quito

This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.

Optional Activities:

Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection

Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito

2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora

Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar

Meals B

IMPORTANT: We reserve the right to omit any part of this itinerary, to change the order of the places visited, or to alter reservations without prior notice due to weather conditions or road closures, safety concerns, national park policies, or other outside forces that may necessitate revisions to the itinerary. These decisions are based on the traveler’s welfare or are made in the interest of conservation. Please travel with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the spontaneity of your adventure.
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  • this is per person per day and includes private tours and transfers