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.
- 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
Travel Expert
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 river walk.
Day 4
Visit an indigenous local market and a llama museum.
Day 5
Continue to Guayaquil on the Pacific coast.
Day 6
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands (2hrs) transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 7
Boat trip to neighbouring islands.
Day 8
Day at leisure on Santa Cruz island
Day 9
By speedboat to San Cristóbal Island.
Day 10
Snorkelling at Kicker Rock.
Day 11
Day at leisure on San Cristóbal Island.
Day 12
Fly to the mainland to connect with your international flight.
Things to do
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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’ll relax in utter comfort.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Quito
Hotel Real Audiencia
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hosteria la Quinta
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil
Unipark
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Hotel Mainao
Galapagos Islands / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / San Cristobal Island (Chatham)
Casa Blanca
What our clients say
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.
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Papagaio
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