Ecuador & the Galapagos
Experience more with so much included
- Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel
- Covid Cancellation protection included as standard
- Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
- Guided walk around the astonishing UNESCO World Heritage sites of Quito and colonial Cuenca
- Discover the wonderful birdlife of the Mindo Cloud Forest, with over 500 species recorded
- Enjoy the amazing views of snow-capped Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano
- Travel on the engineering marvel of the Devil’s Nose Train
- Experience the wonderful architecture and laid-back atmosphere of Cuenca
- Search for bargains in authentic local markets and visit a rose farm in Riobamba
- Explore Ingapirca, the most intriguing Inca ruins in Ecuador
- See how authentic Panama hats are made
- Ride the Pan-American highway along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Stay five nights on the Galapagos islands of San Cristobal and Santa Cruz
- See the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz in the stunning El Chato highland reserve
- Learn about the wildlife conservation work at the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre
- Swim or snorkel with the amazing marine life of the islands, in Isla Lobos lagoon and Academy Bay
- See ‘Lonesome George’ at the famous Charles Darwin Research Station
- The chance to add on an optional zip-line tour in the Mindo Forest
- Personalise your holiday with optional boat trips to the islands of Bartolomé or North Seymour
- Stay in hand-picked three-star and four-star accommodation with daily breakfast and eight meals
At a Glance
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13 nights in 3 to 5-star accommodation
21 meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
Return flights & transfers
Daily visits & tours
Expert tour manager
Checked Luggage
Overview
With magnificent wildlife, awe-inspiring architecture and striking scenery, Ecuador is an incredible adventure for lovers of natural beauty, history and culture. A place that often goes unsung, Ecuador is an under-appreciated destination with wonders around every corner. Although the Galapagos islands feature high up on most people’s bucket list, the mainland is a surprising and fascinating place to visit in its own right. On this inspiring tour, you’ll be able to see some of the world’s highest volcanoes, buzzy colonial cities, wonder at the beauty of hummingbirds in tropical cloud forests, travel on spectacular trains and stay in historic haciendas – all this before you’ve even stepped ashore in the Galapagos!
We take a drive along the Pan-American highway, probably the longest road in world, connecting Alaska with Patagonia. We trail the impressive seven peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, before arriving at Cotopaxi National Park. Here we'll wonder at the striking, snowy Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on the planet. As if this wasn’t enough natural beauty to behold, we take in the beautiful roses of the region and hop on the Devil’s Nose Train through steep, craggy gorges.
When we reach the Galapagos, you will be truly spoilt by the sheer sights of natural beauty, well-preserved terrain and exotic wildlife. For years, the only way most people could visit the Galapagos was to sail from island to island on small motor-yachts – a great way to travel, but also very expensive. Our tour avoids this by offering an island-hopping itinerary which means you actually get to stay on two of the most interesting islands. To get the most out of your visit to this extraordinary wildlife destination, it’s important to be fully mobile and be able to snorkel so you can discover the amazing marine life, something that even Charles Darwin was never aware of! You will also have the opportunity to explore Santa Cruz at your own leisure, an island famed for sea turtles, giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as the calm, white sand beaches of Tortuga Bay.
These incredible volcanic islands are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, most of which are endemic species. A dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, we will tour both land and sea to witness the sights of this magical archipelago.
The cuisine of the region takes natural inspiration from the sea and abundant organic produce of the area. Unsurprisingly, much of the dishes are made up of locally caught seafood, such as tilapia and halibut, and put into viche (soup) and arroz marinero (seafood rice). Be sure to try the famous cerviche, a dish made from fresh, raw fish and served with a refreshing salad of onions and tomatoes. The fruits of the land are strikingly unusual too; with speckled banana passionfruit, tropical cherimoya, tomato-like naranjilla and peanut butter fruit, which is said to taste just like the popular spread.
Whether you are looking forward to the wondrous wildlife, breath-taking landscapes, the colonial charm – or all three and more – this unique destination and its welcoming locals are awaiting your adventure.
Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a room. Single rooms are subject to availability, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Return scheduled flights
- Internal flights as mentioned in the itinerary
- Overseas transfers
- 13 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Eight meals
- Local accommodation taxes
- Hotel porterage of one luggage item per person
- Touring and coach travel as mentioned in the itinerary
- The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
Not included: Galapagos National park entrance fee of $100 USD per person, payable locally.
Personalise Your Holiday
Make it Your Own
Boat trip to North Seymour Island - from £225 per person
North Seymour island, just off the north coast of Santa Cruz, is known for its swallow-tailed gulls, large numbers of frigate birds and colourful land iguanas.
Boast trip to Bartolomé Island - from £225 per person
Bartolomé Island offers iconic views over Pinnacle Rock and stunning volcanic landscape which provides the most scenic views in the Galapagos.
Please note that these trips are subject to weather conditions.
Please contact us to pre-book either of the above experiences.
Useful Information
Fact File
- Currency: US Dollars
- Deposit: £200 per person
- Flight time: Approx. 15 hrs 45 mins
- Language: Spanish
- Time zone: GMT-5
- Country: Ecuador
Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Connecting Flights
Flights with Avianca from London Heathrow will connect in Bogota on the outbound journey and Guayaquil and Bogota on the inbound journey.
Health
Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that in visiting a number of historical sites, paths may be uneven and uphill and we often enjoy walking tours of the main sights. Therefore, this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. In the tropics temperatures and humidity levels will also be quite high for most of the year. Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for India at least a month before departure.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Private Tours
A holiday to mark a special occasion or the trip of a lifetime with family and friends, our tours by private car will take you on a voyage of discovery to the world’s most exciting destinations.
A unique travel experience - the same carefully crafted itinerary as our main tours and the same hand-picked hotels, the difference is in the depth of personalisation - this is what makes our private tours so special.
Travel by private car with your own personal driver as well as specialist local guides during sightseeing tours - inspiring local insights will bring your holiday to life.
More space at your own pace – wake early for sunrise or enjoy a leisurely start to your day, linger to take in an amazing view or indulge in a relaxing afternoon by the pool - the choice really is yours.
Affordable exclusivity – prices for our private tours are based on just two people travelling, and best of all your holiday of a lifetime could cost less than you think.
*Deposit for Private Tours is £500 per person.
Our Blog
A Guide to Visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
If you’re a nature lover looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, look no further. Our 16-day Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands tour takes you on an extraordinary journey to a unique and captivating country. With an expert tour manager and local guides on hand, and no need for a visa, so much awaits.
Transfer Times
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
| Arrival airport | First hotel location | Transfer time | Final hotel location | Departure airport | Transfer time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quito International Airport | Quito | 40 mins | Santa Cruz | Quito International Airport | 1 hr |
Accommodation
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