Ecuador’s Andes and Galapagos Islands hop
13 days from £4,940
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel in the colonial centre of Quito, the Andean capital of Ecuador. The active volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the east, glowers over the dynamic city which, at 2,850m, is one of highest capital cities in the world. Quito is divided into two contrasting districts. The modern zone is characterised by towering glass buildings and houses banks, international companies, hotels, shops and restaurants, while the central colonial area has well-conserved and recently spruced-up white-washed architecture, open air markets and graceful Spanish-style mansions and churches.
The Casa Gardenia is a little boutique-style bed and breakfast hotel, located uphill from the historic centre of Quito. It has spectacular views out over the city from the comfy sofa on the rooftop balcony – these are particularly magical at night when the city is ablaze with lights.
The property is imaginatively designed to combine traditional taste and style with contemporary flair, retaining the traditional balconies and original adobe walls of the old building. Service is particularly attentive, with all the staff really eager to please, and English is spoken.
Visit the colonial centre of the capital, the first city ever to be named a World Heritage site. High on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the Plaza de Independencia, where you will see the government palace, the cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the 16th and 17th centuries, including the monastery of San Francisco.
The Casa Gardenia is a little boutique-style bed and breakfast hotel, located uphill from the historic centre of Quito. It has spectacular views out over the city from the comfy sofa on the rooftop balcony – these are particularly magical at night when the city is ablaze with lights.
The property is imaginatively designed to combine traditional taste and style with contemporary flair, retaining the traditional balconies and original adobe walls of the old building. Service is particularly attentive, with all the staff really eager to please, and English is spoken.
Depart Quito early, driving south to Cotopaxi National Park down the aptly-named ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’, one of the most scenic routes in Latin America. As its name implies, the route passes an imperial guard of conical snow-draped volcanic cones, surrounded by lush pastures pitted with colonial market towns and tiny indigenous villages. Visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of its major eruptions as well as its tundra-like vegetation of altitude-resistant shrubs and flowers, over 90 species of bird and variety of hardy mammals.
Later, you will go to Limpiopungo lake (3,850m) and walk around it. If you feel like exploring further, drive to the lower slopes of Cotopaxi and hike to Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800m – a mountaineers hut located below the snow line) which takes around 2 hours and where you will have a nice view of the volcano and the Andes.
This rustic mountain lodge in the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes is situated at 3,500m but is dwarfed by the much higher peaks which surround it. There are epic views of Cotapaxi volcano, and everything about the location invites you to step outside and explore; plenty of activities are on offer, including walking and horse riding.
The lodge is mindfully eco-friendly, constructed from recycled materials but the shiny wooden furnishings and earthy colours give it a cosy feel, enhanced by the open fire in the living room. The lodge welcomes up to 24 guests in seven independent rooms equipped with private bathrooms with showers and three family cottages. They all have in-room stoves.
Wifi is sporadically available and there’s a laundry service. The lodge is managed by a couple who do not speak much English but are helpful and welcoming. Simple meals are served.
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge has received a LATA Responsible Tourism ‘One to Watch’ award. The lodge is built from natural materials, organic waste is composted, and wastewater cleaned by a biodigester. Much of the lodge food and souvenirs is sourced locally, supporting local businesses and artisans.
Continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes with a drive to Quilotoa. Along the way there will be an opportunity to visit one of the indigenous markets, where indians from different places in the locality come together to trade their agricultural goods and buy household necessities. Then visit the volcanic crater at Quilotoa, where you can appreciate a serene, green lake over 200m deep. The 3km-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of the now-dormant volcano following a massive eruption about 600 years ago.
You’ll have the option of a short walk (1.7 km) along the crater’s rim to take in views of the mountain scenery. On the way back, you will stop to visit the galleries of the Tigua community where you can observe the paintings which represent stories from the folklore of this area. You also have the option of attending a painting class given by a local artist.
The hacienda upon which Hosteria Andaluza is situated, in the shadow of the snow-mantled volcano Chimborazo, was founded in the sixteenth century, and the hosteria itself harks back to Spanish colonial times with low level, heavily tiled buildings featuring beams and rustic décor.
It’s a warm, cosy place, with golden ochre décor, woollen rugs, polished wood furnishings and wood burning stoves. Traditional colonial-inspired ornaments, paintings and antique-style furnishings are complemented with contemporary facilities such as modern central heating, flat screen TVs, Wifi and fluffy duvets.
Rustic it may be but it’s a full service property with conference facilities, a breakfast room and separate dining room serving Ecuadorian and international specialities. There’s an attractive bar, and other amenities include massages, a games room and children’s playground. Horse-riding can be arranged.
Depart Riobamba heading south to Alausi. This little highland town would escape under the radar were it not a famous stop along the railway track crossing the Andes from Quito to Guayaquil on the Pacific coast. The most ambitious and spectacular part – named the Devil’s Nose – was restored for visitors and begins right here. The train does not operate on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but on other days of the week it is possible to ride onboard as the train makes its way down the scenic mountainside to Simbambe. It is an enthralling journey and a highly impressive fete of engineering.
Afterwards, continue by road to Ecuador’s most important Inca ruins at Ingapirca. Many of the settlement’s imperial-style structures – residences, storage houses, fortress and tambo (inn) were partially removed by the Spanish invaders but the central structure, the impressive Temple of the Sun, remains intact. Please note Ingapirca is closed on Monday and Tuesday so instead you’ll visit Cojitambo, another important Inca settlement. Continue south to the graceful colonial city of Cuenca.
The friendly Hotel Victoria is set on a hillside, a stroll away from the main square of Cuenca and overlooking the river. The building is a restored Republican era mansion with authentic Ecuadorian features. Rooms are simply but stylishly decorated, with polished wood dominating, and some have wonderful views. Some even have a private terrace from which to enjoy them. There is a bar and a very well regarded restaurant. The staff enjoy a reputation for friendliness and helpfulness.
You will be introduced to Cuenca with a guided walking tour of the historic centre. Declared a World heritage site by UNESCO, Cuenca, with its flowery plazas, beautifully renovated churches, cobblestone lanes and museums is a delight to discover. Peruse San Francisco Market, San Sebastian Square, Abdon Calderon Park and two cathedrals. It has earned the nickname ‘Athens of Ecuador’ for its artistic heritage: writers, artists, poets and philosophers have all settled here, and nowadays the congenial ambiance has encouraged the establishment of a thriving expat community. In addition the city is famous for the manufacture of Panama hats – these straw confections originate in Ecuador, not Panama – drop in on a workshop and the Panama Hat Museum ‘El Barranco’.
Then drive to El Cajas National Park (3,600m) – a land of hundreds of lovely lakes and smaller pools. The area is ruggedly beautiful with páramo covering most of the hilly terrain and Quinua trees sheltering in pockets of primary forest. Return to the city to fly from Cuenca to Quito for an overnight stay.
The Holiday Inn is a convenient accommodation option located just 5-minutes’ drive from Quito Airport, in a tranquil setting with mountain views in almost every direction. Guests can reach the historic city centre in around 30 minutes (subject to traffic), or head to the centre of the world ‘Mitad del Mundo’, which lies around 45 minutes to the north.
The property itself is modern and stylish, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool (with terrace bar), a gym and a spa featuring hydromassage and Turkish baths. The on-site restaurant serves continental and American style breakfasts, with a la carte local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner.
The rooms are spacious with king or queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Many rooms also come with sweeping views over the highland scenery.
A free airport shuttle usually operates every hour in both directions.
The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean 6 million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique plant and animal species. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you to approach them and observe them up close. The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘On the Origin of Species’, published in 1859.
You spend the first few days of your visit on Santa Cruz, one of the larger islands, with small villages and cattle farms in the interior. Your hotel, Mainao, which started life as a family home, is in a quiet part of the nowadays busy town Puerto Ayora, where you’ll find shops, bars, cafés and small tour operators. It’s just a block or so from the waterfront.
This striking white, Moorish style property started life as a family home. The owners, enthusiastic to welcoming visitors to the Galápagos, have developed the property into a cheerful, family friendly property of 22 guest rooms – some with balcony access -and patios dotted with palms.
The décor is bright and modern, and rooms have shiny tiled floors, air-conditioning and a TV. There’s Wifi, but it is weak and patchy. Upper floors are reached by winding staircases and there is no lift, so if you have an issue with stairs please ask for a ground floor room.
If you are looking for a place in the lively town of Puerto Ayora the hotel is very well located, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, with its bars, shops and restaurants, and the waterfront. There’s a lovely beach in walkable distance too.
Today you cruise to one of the nearby islands, South Plaza. This tiny wedge-shape islet is low and mostly flat, rising to a cliff at one end from where there are good views down into the turquoise water below. The lava here is covered with scrubby vegetation which changes colour according to the time of year: bright green in the rainy season and orange and purple in the dry.
Wildlife is profuse here: iguanas, boobies, frigate birds, tropicbirds, shearwaters vie for space. The channel between this islet and another tiny neighbor is a favourite breeding ground for sea-lions – in fact one of the largest colonies of sea-lions is resident here.
(The island visited may change at short notice depending on local conditions).
This striking white, Moorish style property started life as a family home. The owners, enthusiastic to welcoming visitors to the Galápagos, have developed the property into a cheerful, family friendly property of 22 guest rooms – some with balcony access -and patios dotted with palms.
The décor is bright and modern, and rooms have shiny tiled floors, air-conditioning and a TV. There’s Wifi, but it is weak and patchy. Upper floors are reached by winding staircases and there is no lift, so if you have an issue with stairs please ask for a ground floor room.
If you are looking for a place in the lively town of Puerto Ayora the hotel is very well located, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, with its bars, shops and restaurants, and the waterfront. There’s a lovely beach in walkable distance too.
Today you are free to explore. You can relax at your hotel or book an excursion locally into the highlands, or to go snorkelling or kayaking. Tortuga Bay – just a stroll from town – has a superb beach, with iguanas and reef sharks waiting to be observed. Giant tortoises roam in the volcanic highlands. There’s plenty of choice of things to do; choose something which suits your personal interests.
This striking white, Moorish style property started life as a family home. The owners, enthusiastic to welcoming visitors to the Galápagos, have developed the property into a cheerful, family friendly property of 22 guest rooms – some with balcony access -and patios dotted with palms.
The décor is bright and modern, and rooms have shiny tiled floors, air-conditioning and a TV. There’s Wifi, but it is weak and patchy. Upper floors are reached by winding staircases and there is no lift, so if you have an issue with stairs please ask for a ground floor room.
If you are looking for a place in the lively town of Puerto Ayora the hotel is very well located, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, with its bars, shops and restaurants, and the waterfront. There’s a lovely beach in walkable distance too.
You’ll travel by speedboat across the water to San Cristóbal Island (2 hours), the most fertile in the archipelago, supporting coffee and sugar plantations. Your hotel, is close to the quay in the port, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos. It’s a fishing port, but now also has a good infrastructure for visitors, with a growing number of shops and restaurants close to the waterfront.
Casa Blanca lives up to its name: a gleaming white, Moorish-style guest house overlooking the harbour in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the ‘capital’ of the Galapagos Islands on San Cristobal. The hotel started life as a bed and breakfast, with just a couple of guest rooms but now it has expanded into an agreeable small hotel, still managed by the same family.
The white-washed guest rooms are small and simply furnished, but there are some nice little quirky artisan touches in primary colours with local paintings and towel art. There’s an independently-run café-restaurant on the property, which plays Ecuadorian and Caribbean music – sometimes quite loudly..
The location is handy for town and accessing the pretty boardwalks close to the waterfront, where iguanas and sea-lions are wont to doze.
Kicker Rock is one of the most impressive geological formations in the islands – there are in fact two rocks, jutting skywards in the form of vertical obelisks. Not only are they awe-inspiring enough to be visited just for the sight of them, but they also mark the site of one of the best snorkelling opportunities. Today is likely to be one of the highlights of your holiday.
After a practice run with your snorkelling equipment (supplied) you will be taken to Kicker Rock for some fun in the calm water. This is a superb opportunity to observe an abundance of tropical fish in their kaleidoscopic undersea theatre, and you may well catch sight of stingrays, reef and hammerhead sharks, rays and turtles.
Casa Blanca lives up to its name: a gleaming white, Moorish-style guest house overlooking the harbour in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the ‘capital’ of the Galapagos Islands on San Cristobal. The hotel started life as a bed and breakfast, with just a couple of guest rooms but now it has expanded into an agreeable small hotel, still managed by the same family.
The white-washed guest rooms are small and simply furnished, but there are some nice little quirky artisan touches in primary colours with local paintings and towel art. There’s an independently-run café-restaurant on the property, which plays Ecuadorian and Caribbean music – sometimes quite loudly..
The location is handy for town and accessing the pretty boardwalks close to the waterfront, where iguanas and sea-lions are wont to doze.
Once again you have a day to spend just as you like: your hotel can help you book excursions such as motor launch trips to other islands, diving, kayaking, hiking, bike rides or trips into the interior of the island. You might well be tempted just to relax on a beach (the town beach is reserved for sea-lions, which sometimes venture into town to lounge on a park bench. There are two public beaches to the north of the town.
Casa Blanca lives up to its name: a gleaming white, Moorish-style guest house overlooking the harbour in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the ‘capital’ of the Galapagos Islands on San Cristobal. The hotel started life as a bed and breakfast, with just a couple of guest rooms but now it has expanded into an agreeable small hotel, still managed by the same family.
The white-washed guest rooms are small and simply furnished, but there are some nice little quirky artisan touches in primary colours with local paintings and towel art. There’s an independently-run café-restaurant on the property, which plays Ecuadorian and Caribbean music – sometimes quite loudly..
The location is handy for town and accessing the pretty boardwalks close to the waterfront, where iguanas and sea-lions are wont to doze.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Quito
Quito, Ecuador built around colonial history and Andean drama, sharing the highland valley. At 2,850m and ringed by volcanoes, the historic centre mixes cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and colourful churches with a modern city beyond. Quito holidays combine both, and work just as a standalone city break or the start of a longer trip.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Avenue of the Volcanoes
The Avenue of the Volcanoes showcases Ecuador’s most dramatic Andean landscapes, where snow-capped volcanoes, fertile valleys and traditional highland communities create unforgettable opportunities for hiking, wildlife and cultural discovery.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil
Guayaquil holidays reveal a vibrant coastal city where a revitalised waterfront, lively plazas and the colourful streets of Las Peñas offer a different perspective on Ecuador. Often overlooked on the way to the Galápagos, Guayaquil rewards visitors who take time to explore.
- Baltra
The gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Baltra is a small, arid island, but plays a crucial role in every Galápagos adventure as home to the archipelago’s principal airport. Located close to Santa Cruz Island, Baltra provides convenient access to Puerto Ayora via ferry, bus and private transfers, making it the starting point for many itineraries.
- Santa Cruz Island (Indefatigable)
Over 12,000 residents live in Puerto Ayora with services for visitors who board cruise vessels or stay in hotels and in the highlands There are lava tunnels to explore and giant tortoises to spot roaming wild in the mountains.
- San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
Volcanic peaks, lush highlands and wildlife-rich shores make San Cristóbal Island a rewarding stop on any Galápagos holiday. San Cristóbal combines striking landscapes with excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters and snorkelling. Explore the beaches of Cerro Brujo or visit Isla Lobos, known for its resident sea lions.
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.
Hannah Waterhouse
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
2 flights (3.5hrs and 2hrs). 1 speedboat ride (2hrs). 4 road journeys.
- Accommodation
You’ll be staying at a mix of colonial style and modern mid-range hotels and countryside lodges.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch on days 3, 4 and 8; dinner on days 3 and 4.
- Summary Of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: Quito 2, Cotopaxi region 1, Riobamba 1, Cuenca 1, Guayaquil 1, Galápagos Islands 6 (Santa Cruz 3 and San Cristóbal Islands 3).
- Currency
The unit of currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
- Budget
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses, but for meals and drinks not included, you should need roughly an extra $50 per person.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil and in the towns of the Galapagos Islands, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can spend as the dollar is the local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling or euros, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Tipping
Tips are normally welcomed and expected. Local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $US5-10 per person per day for each of guides and drivers, depending on the size of the group.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able, fit visitors. If you have a disability, please consult us.
- Climate
Lying at over 2,500m on the Equator, the highlands have a permanent spring-like climate. The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and April when there are showers most afternoons, so this departure falls in the height of the dry season when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (maybe as low as freezing point.). Given the proximity to the equator, altitude is the determining factor with regard to temperature. In the mountains at any time of year you should expect a variation between 15°C and 25°C.
In the Galápagos, from January to April it’s hot and the sun is relentless, with some sudden showers. May to July, and October to December is cloudier; August and September it’s often cloudy and cool, and a stiff breeze makes the waters choppier.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Altitude
On the mainland you are staying at high altitude (2,800). A small minority of visitors may suffer temporarily from altitude sickness. Symptoms vary; most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes. Most people are unaffected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will minimise your chances of suffering any symptoms.
Please refer to our Briefing Dossier for further information.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
You should go prepared to encounter all seasons. A light fleece jacket and a waterproof waterproof/breathable shell makes a good combination for highland regions. You will need good walking boots, waterproof trousers, scarf, hat and gloves. In the Galápagos, you will encounter warm weather; summer clothing is appropriate but you may wish to protect your naked skin from the powerful sun.
Sun screen and sunglasses are also highly recommended.
Don’t forget your binoculars, camera, charger and cards.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America. - Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements such as malaria prophylactics. For admission to the Galápagos a yellow fever certificate is required for anyone over 1 year old coming from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission. You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
Cases of Zika virus have been reported in parts of Latin America. If you’re pregnant, or planning to be, you should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre
- When is the best time to visit Ecuador and Galapagos?
The country is an all-year-round destination. The highlands, at about 2,800m but astride the Equator, have a permanent spring-like climate. Most days have a sunny morning but there may be rain in the afternoon. The coast is very hot (30°C) and humid from Jan-Apr. It’s a bit cooler and drier from May-Dec. The jungle is hot and humid all year.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is Spanish.
- What is the official currency in Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card.
- What is the time difference between Ecuador and Galapagos and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is GMT-5 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Ecuador and the Galapagos?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Ecuador and Galapagos?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Ecuador and Galapagos?
The Galápagos Islands, (1.5 – 3 hours by air from Guayaquil of Quito); a tour in Colombia to the north, with daily flights from Bogotá to Quito taking just 1.5 hours; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Lima to Quito take 2 hours 20mins).
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Ecuador?
There are carnivals throughout the country, usually around February-March. Be warned that the boisterous festivities include water fights from which no visitor is safe.
Semana Santa (Easter) takes place throughout the country usually between March-April. There will be religious processions throughout this period.
Todos los Santos (all souls day, day of the dead) is also celebrated throughout the country on the 2nd November. Flower laying ceremonies in will take place in cemeteries. These are particularly striking in rural areas.
- How do I adapt to the altitude in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s high Andean spine is bookended by the Pacific coast and Amazon Rainforest, with Quito at 2,850m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking. We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the historic centre of the Ecuadorian capital in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Stroll with sea birds and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas on guided expeditions in the pristine natural wonderland of the Galápagos.
Explore the Galápagos Islands on an hotel- based holiday hopping from island to island by boat, with the opportunity to hike, bike, kayak and snorkel.
Enjoy twists and turns on this audacious railway line carving its way through the Andes.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
A convenient accommodation option located just 5-minutes’ drive from Quito Airport, in a tranquil setting with mountain views in almost every direction.
Mainao is a cheerful Moorish-style mid-range hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.
Casa Blanca is a cheerful, Moroccan-style family-run guest house in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island.
Papagaio
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