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

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Kathryn Rhodes

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Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • "This was our second trip with you and we have again been very pleased with the whole experience: if we are going to spend such a lot of money on…

    LK, Gerrards Cross
  • Very difficult to chose because every aspect was memorable. I think the Gaucho itinerary was well chosen providing a good exposure to a wide example of interesting places in Argentina…

    MB, Sevenoaks
  • Monte Alban when I felt on top Of the world.  A vast archaeological site, wonderfully interpreted by a local guide and not too many other tourists.

    PM, Lincoln
  • Trogon is an excellent holiday taking you from the bustle of Rio to the relative quietness of Paraty. Then on to the magnificent Iguasu Falls, before the thrill of the…

    JDC, Sheffield
  • This trip was an unqualified success. The hotels were charming , the itinerary sensible , the excursions interesting , and the guide was the best possible person to ensure an…

    PK, London
  • Most memorable?? - Too many to mention, just Aisen itself really.

    JH, Swindon
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Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • 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.

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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