Overview & Highlights
A good value, economical holiday with small-scale, friendly accommodation. Includes Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Cuenca and a land-based Galapagos Island adventure with activities and time to relax.
This is an economically priced, imaginative and exciting trip where you will visit both the Andean landscapes on the Ecuador mainland and jet off to the wildlife Mecca of the Galápagos for a stay in cheerful family-run hotels on two different islands.
Begin with a guided exploration of the exquisite colonial core of Quito then set off to explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where snow-draped mountains pepper a landscape dominated by the perfect cone of Cotopaxi (5,897m). Drive south, with a stop-off for a walk through pretty countryside and visits to local markets and communities, and a stay in the lively cultural hub of Cuenca. Fly to the Galápagos Islands to stay in welcoming hotels on two of the larger volcanic islands, linked by speedboat.
You’ll immediately be spellbound by the abundance of trusting wildlife, from sea-lions and iguanas to albatrosses and penguins. With a week there based at conveniently-located accommodation you have plenty of time to go out wildlife spotting, snorkelling and sign up locally for activities such as nature walks and kayaking.
- Walking city tour in Quito
- Hike in Cotopaxi National Park
- Local market visit
- Full day trip to South Plaza Island, Galápagos
- Snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock, Galápagos
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito; transfer to hotel in the historic centre.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of colonial Quito.
Day 3
Drive to Cotopaxi National Park; guided lake walk.
Day 4
Indigenous Markets and Quilotoa Lake
Day 5
Continue to Cuenca, via Ingapirca.
Day 6
Day 7
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands (2hrs) transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 8
Boat trip to neighbouring islands.
Day 9
Day at leisure on Santa Cruz island
Day 10
By speedboat to San Cristóbal Island.
Day 11
Snorkelling at Kicker Rock.
Day 12
Day at leisure on San Cristóbal Island.
Day 13
Fly to the mainland to connect with your international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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