Private Journeys

Ecuador’s Andes and Galapagos Islands hop

12 days from £4,080pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Galapagos Islands

  • Marine Iguana

Overview & Highlights

A good value, economical holiday with small-scale, friendly accommodation. Includes Ecuador’s Cotopaxi volcano, the scenic railway to the Pacific coast and a land-based Galápagos 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, to board the train which makes the spectacular zig-zag descent of a near vertical cliff - the Devil’s Nose - and continues through tropical plantations to the effervescent port Guayaquil on the Pacific coast. Fly to the Galápagos Islands to stay in welcoming oceanfront 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. 

Read More
  • Walking city tour in Quito
  • Hike the Pita river canyon
  • Latacunga market
  • Visit to llama museum in Palacio Real
  • Full day trip to South Plaza Island, Galápagos
  • Snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock, Galápagos

THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

Paul Winrow Giffin

Paul Winrow-Giffin

Travel Expert

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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.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • I loved the beauty of the Solentiname Islands and Corn Islands.  But my favourite part of the trip was definitely Leon as there is so much fascinating recent history.

    FW, Leamington Spa
  • This tour was perfect for first time travellers to the area. It was extremely well organised and the itinerary was well planned with a nice flow of events and very…

    KP, USA
  • "This was a very important holiday for us and we were a little apprehensive but it was a wonderful experience."

    HB, Perth
  • Overall a very enjoyable trip - some long days and early starts but was easily do-able for a group mainly consisting of people in their 50s and 60s. Saw many…

    LB, New Malden
  • Amazing enjoyed every minute i don't usually do group tours and rather travel independently but journey Latin America has changed my mind.

    SJ, Jersey
  • This was a great trip - wonderful scenery and amazing sites. It was well organised and allowed for some opportunity to do things on one's own away from the group.

    DS, London
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Our Expert's Opinion

This was a fun trip to plan because it combines the traditional highlights of mainland Ecuador with an innovative island-hopping itinerary in the Galápagos. It's perfect for people who prefer to stay on land in the Galápagos instead of going on a cruise. You'll get to see and experience famous attractions like the Devil's Nose rail journey and Cotopaxi volcano.

Paul Winrow Giffin
Paul Winrow-Giffin Travel Expert After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

Inspired by this trip

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Antigua
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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