Volcanoes and Galapagos
Overview
Highlights
- Discover the wild paradise of the Galapagos as well as local life on mainland Ecuador
- Visit local communities living in the mountainous highlands around Otavalo
- Stay in hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands and search for iconic Galapagos wildlife
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Arrive in Tumbaco, a quiet rural neighbourhood of Quito located around 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from the downtown city centre. Ecuador's mountain capital is, at 2,850m, the second highest capital in Latin America, lying in a narrow valley at the f...
We'll go straight to rural Ecuador today, driving north towards the small market town of Otavalo. Set within a fertile valley encircled by imposing sacred mountains, Otavalo is idyllically situated and is well-known for its thriving indigenous communities. This area i...
We'll drive out to the tranquil setting of Cuicocha this morning, a turquoise crater-lake located at 3,100m, approached through a wonderful landscape of alpine vegetation. We will walk on a segment of the trail that goes around the lake (an easy walk of approximately ...
We take a spectacular drive today, leaving the sparse mountain landscapes of Otavalo for the dense cloud forest on the slopes of the western Andes. En route we may make a small stop at a local biscuit factory, to try fresh bizcochos made in a wood oven. We'll also cro...
An early start this morning gives us the best chance of spotting Mindo's bird life at a time when they are most active. One of our first stops is at a hummingbird garden, catching some of the iridescent colours of the many hummingbird species that feed here. We'll the...
Ecuador's capital is one of the best preserved colonial cities of the Americas, and a UNESCO Heritage Site with a rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and busy markets. We will visit some of the main sites, including La Compania church with its elabo...
Our journey today takes us through some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the entire country, into the landscapes so aptly described by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt as the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'. The spectacular Cotopaxi National Park is our ...
The Galapagos are an isolated chain of volcanic islands supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the giant tortoi...
This morning we leave Santa Cruz and journey west by speed boat for approximately 2.5 hours. Our destination is nearby Isabela Island, where we will spend the next two days. The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is formed from five volcanoes, of which two ...
The beauty of staying on land during a trip to the Galapagos is having the opportunity to explore its volcanic side. The geological formation of the Galapagos lends itself to hiking, and the scenery is just as impressive as the wildlife. Today we start by taking a wal...
Formed from volcanic lava flow, the tiny islets of the Tintoreras Islets are fantastic for viewing wildlife, and accessible by a short boat trip from Puerto Villamil. On land, there is an array of birdlife and an abundance of the famous marine iguanas that are endemic...
We will be discovering one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos today, and our plan is at the mercy of the yacht schedule departing from Santa Cruz. The island visited could be either Seymour, Bartolome, Santa Fe or Plazas Island - but no matter which island we wil...
This morning we take a walk to Tortuga Bay (5km return walk) where we have the opportunity to swim at one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire chain, an important turtle nesting ground. After lunch we will visit the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station ...
Leaving the Galapagos behind we fly to Quito on the mainland (there may be a touchdown in Guayaquil en route). On arrival we will once again transfer to our hotel in the Tumbaco suburb of the city and enjoy a last evening together as a group.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tumbaco, Quito. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Quito at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would l...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Michelle
Apr 2024
Volcanoes and Galapagos
fantastic time was had by all. We were lucky that we had a very small group, in next to no time we were all friends Diego our Tour Manager was brilliant. Very helpfu...
Michelle
Apr 2024
Volcanoes and Galapagos
This trip was truly once in a lifetime! The itinerary was well thought out, so that we saw the huge diversity that Ecuador had to offer- from stunning volcanic lands...
Andrew
Apr 2024
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Our guide Diego showed us his love of Ecuador, enthusing over the wildlife of the high Andes and Galapagos alike. I chose the diversity of this itinerary and was not...
Valerie
Apr 2024
Volcanoes and Galapagos
What a fabulous trip! Ecuador is an amazing, beautiful, wonderful country. I was a little concerned initially by the trouble out there, but I need not have worried. ...
Christine
Feb 2024
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Very varied activities. Suited me because I wanted to be land based on the Galapagos Islands to be able in the evening wandering along the beach watching the iguanas...
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We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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- Lunch : 3
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