Compare Ecuador & Galapagos Islands by Rothschild Safaris vs Best of Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise by Indus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 15,000 | $ 3,999 |
| Price Per Day | $ 1,154 | $ 333 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
Daily Breakfast, Local & Onboard Lunches & Dinners |
| Description |
From history-rich Quito to the vibrant cloud forests of Mashpi Reserve to the remarkable and utterly unique Galápagos Islands, explore the best of what Ecuador has to offer. Visit Otavalo and its world-renowned indigenous markets full of color and life, while staying at one of Ecuador’s top haciendas; stand along the equator when you visit the “Middle of the World;” and relax in hot springs with views of the Andes and rolling hills. This is a trip you will never forget. |
Visit Ecuador and the world-famous Galapagos Islands, home to a variety of unique landscapes and friendly wildlife on each island. Ecuador is a must-see destination. |
Days 1-2: Quito/ Hotel Casa Gangotena
Welcome to Ecuador! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend your first two nights in Ecuador in luxury at Hotel Casa Gangotena, situated in the heart of Quito’s Old Town.
Spend your time here getting to know magnificent Quito, visiting the city’s historic district, enjoying this urban jewel and its artistic and architectural treasures. Drive to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the principal religious monuments of the New World, then visit the exact middle of the planet where the equator crosses the earth at latitude 0° 0’ 0”. Here you will be able to stand with one foot in each hemisphere!
Days 3- 7: Galapagos Islands/ M/V Eclipse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your adventure continues as we fly you to the Galápagos Islands to begin your 5-night cruise aboard the M/V Eclipse.
During your cruise your days will be filled with morning and afternoon excursions on different islands where you will can enjoy hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing all the while! Explore Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach, home to many sea lions and the place where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on the Archipelago; spot land iguanas, flocks of Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and different types of finches; or visit the inside of a lava tunnel!
Overnight: M/V Eclipse
Day 8: Pappallacta/ Termas Papallacta Spa & Resort
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta Spa & Resort
This morning you will fly back into Quito for your drive to Termas de Papallacta. Here you can relax and refresh yourself, taking in the stunning mountain views while having a soak in the lodge’s hot springs, or enjoy a spa treatment.
Days 9, 10: Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve/ Mashpi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge
Continue your journey northwest into the Mashpi Forest Reserve, a 3,200-acre haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Here, you will stay at National Geographic’s Unique Lodge of the World – Mashpi Lodge – a modern architectural marvel of glass where nature takes center stage.
Afternoon activities in the reserve will be organized depending on your group’s size and physical conditions and weather conditions. Activities include visiting the observation tower to experience life in the forest from a height of 90 feet, taking a 200-yard aerial cable ride on the “Sky Bike” through the forest canopy and visiting the San Vicente waterfalls to discover the lush secrets this forest holds. Follow the Howler Monkey Trail, which passes through primary forest, on to the Life Center and Butterfly Pavilion.
Days 11, 12: Otavalo/ Hacienda Zuleta
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta
It’s time to leave the forest behind as you journey to Ecuador’s Otavalo region. Your first stop is Otavalo Indigenous Market, one of the largest and best-known in South America. After some time perusing the local wares, you will continue on to enjoy lunch at Hacienda Zuleta – an amazing jewel tucked away amid several volcanoes.
A host of optional activities await you here, including easy mountain biking along the hacienda grounds, or a short hike around beautiful “Guinea Pig Lake.” Visit Cotacachi´s Leather Market and a family of weavers who not only have amazing wares but will demonstrate for you how they weave on their traditional back-strap looms and make striking colors from local plants. Around the corner lives a family of musicians, where you will get a feel for authentic Andean music and watch as they craft perfectly-tuned Andean flutes.
Day 13: Your Journey Ends
Today you will be transferred to Quito International Airport for your international flight home.
Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival in Quito you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, where you will see eclectic architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to colonial churches.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2: QUITO (B)After breakfast you will enjoy a fully guided city tour of Quito. You will visit La Ronda, a beautiful street in the heart of the old city, and Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square. Here you can see the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and several historic churches. You can then enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings from the viewpoint at Penecillo hill, before driving north of Quito to ‘the Middle of the World’, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. After spending time at the equator, you will return to Quito, where you are free to relax and enjoy the city at your leisure.
Overnight in Quito
Day 3: QUITO - OTAVALO (B)Today you will depart Quito and drive north to the mainly indigenous town of Otavalo. You can taste exotic fruits in the Guayabamba Valley before crossing the Equator at Cayambe where, on a clear day, you can see the majestic snow-capped mountains and try some famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. At the foot of Imbabura Mountain enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake: San Pablo. Afterwards, visit the famous and colourful Otavalo Indian Market where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of textiles, including ponchos, rugs, mittens and scarves as well as jewellery and other artisanal work. If time permits you will also visit Cotacachi Village, known for its leather products and home to Cuicocha Crater Lake.
Overnight in Otavalo
Day 4: OTAVALO - PAPALLACTA (B)This morning you will travel the same route taken by Francisco de Orellana on his way to explore the legendary “El Dorado”, in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, towards the moors of the Eastern mountain range. During this trip, you will see a radical change in scenery due to the changing altitude. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 m above sea level you will discover Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot waters.
Overnight in Papallacta
Day 5: PAPALLACTA - AMAZON (B/L/D)Today you will leave the majestic Andes highlands and travel down into the “Oriente”, or Amazon region. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs of the lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes await you for a short ride downstream to your lodge. Have a refreshing welcome cocktail and relax in the beautiful gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers before enjoying a delicious dinner, accompanied by the nightly sounds of the Amazon jungle.
Overnight in the Amazon
Day 6: AMAZON (B/L/D)After breakfast this morning you will travel upstream by canoe and embark on a short walk to see some of the jungle's diverse secondary forest and visit the breathtaking "Cascada de Latas" waterfall, and if you wish you can take a refreshing dip in its clear crystal waters. After lunch, back at the lodge you will put on your "wet gear" (rubber boots and rain poncho) and enjoy an exciting walk in the rainforest with your expert native guide. You will see a great variety of plants and insects, and may be lucky enough to see exotic birds and monkeys weaving around the giant trees. Later this afternoon you will return to the lodge in time for another delectable evening meal served among the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Overnight in the Amazon
Day 7: AMAZON - BAOS (B)Today you will depart the Amazon and travel east to Baños, a small city located in a valley of scenic waterfalls, tempting hot springs and the impressive Tungurahua volcano. Visit the famous waterfalls “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo”, before enjoying incredible views of the active Tungurahua volcano from a lookout point.
Overnight in Baños
Day 8: BAOS - GUAYAQUIL (B)Your destination today is the bustling city of Guayaquil. On arrival, you will enjoy a city tour visiting the picturesque Las Peñas area and the Malecon, the lively square overlooking the Guayas River. At the Malecon you will visit some important historical sites, including La Rotonda, a monument that immortalizes the meeting between generals Simon Bolivar and San Martin. Afterwards you will walk through the old town and visit Seminario Park, which is home to many iguanas! This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Guayaquil
Day 9: QUITO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE (SANTA CRUZ) (BY FLIGHT) (B/L/D)Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the world famous Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be met by our experienced cruise staff and escorted to your boat. This afternoon you will sail to the island of Santa Cruz where you can enjoy a tour of the highlands, a lush, deep green area populated with Scalesia trees. Here you will have the opportunity to observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment and see underground lava tubes that are over half a mile long – exploring them is a surreal experience!
Overnight on board
Day 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE (FLOREANA) (B/L/D)This morning you will sail to Floreana Island and visit Post Office Bay. You will see the unofficial mailbox created from a wooden barrel by whalers who visited the island in the 18th century – the tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards and sort through left mail to deliver at home. This afternoon you will visit Cormorant Point, home to a large flamingo lagoon where you can also see other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. You will also have the chance to see some of the island’s distinct beaches, including “Green Beach”, which has a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and “Four Sand Beach”, which is composed of white coral.
Overnight on board
Day 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE (ESPANOLA) (B/L/D)Today you will sail to Española Island and visit Suarez Point, where you can enjoy a hike out to see blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. There is also a famous blowhole here, where water spurts high into the air. This afternoon you will visit Gardner Bay on the eastern side of the island, the breeding site of nearly all of the world´s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. It has a beautiful white sandy beach where sea lions bask in the sunshine; this is a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Overnight on board
Day 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE (SAN CRISTOBAL) QUITO (BY FLIGHT) USA/CANADA (B)This morning you will visit Kicker Rock on the island of San Cristobal, where the rocks stand hundreds of feet above the ocean, jutting out of the water. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks and occasionally even manta rays. This afternoon you will be transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight back home via Quito.
