Overview & Highlights
Two contrasting regions in one trip: Andean Ecuador, dotted with snow-capped volcanoes, colonial cities and traditional cultures. And a land based stay in the Galápagos: different islands, adventures and wildlife by day and hotels at night.
- Quito: guided tour
- Cotopaxi: National Park and Limpiopungo lake
- Cotopaxi: Saquisili Market
- Cotopaxi: Quilotoa Crater
- Otavalo: market and weaving
- Galápagos Islands: Kayak the Itabaca Channel
- Galápagos Islands: Giant tortoises of Santa Cruz
- Galápagos Islands: Tinoteras Islands tour
- Galápagos Islands: Hike to the Wall of Tears
- Galápagos Islands: Day of guided walks on Isabela Island
We start our journey in mainland Ecuador in colonial Quito before we set off down the Avenue of the Volcanoes travelling through glorious mountain scenery, with two nights spent in a lodge in the shadow of Cotopaxi mountain.
Having spent time exploring Otavalo, we fly to the Galápagos Islands to spend a few gently active days discovering a selection of the contrasting islands. With time split between Santa Cruz and Isabela island, the famous trusting wildlife is everywhere to be seen, both from afar and way up close.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
UK clients depart, arriving Quito, Ecuador, the same day.
Day 2
Tour of the historic centre of Quito.
Day 3
Visit the Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 4
Explore indigenos Andean communities and mysterious craters.
Day 5
Visit the famous Otavalo market.
Day 6
Return to Quito.
Day 7
Fly to the Galápagos.
Day 8
Speedboat to Isabela Island - wildlife spotting and snorkelling.
Day 9
Explore the volcanic landscapes of the island.
Day 10
Fly to Guayaquil, connect with your extension or your international flight home.
UK clients arrive home the following day.
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.
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
Casa Gardenia
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Magic Camp
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Isamar Hotel
Holiday Extensions
If there's somewhere you particularly want to go that isn't included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Ben Line - Travel Consultant
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 Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
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
Holidays Paloma: Andean Ecuador and land based Galapagos
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Active Ecuador: Andean hikes and Cotopaxi volcano
9 days from £3,110pp
Classic holidays
Group - Classic
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Galapagos Islands
Albatross: Ecuador’s highlands and Galapagos
16 days from £6,024pp
Private Journeys
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Ecuador by train and Galapagos cruise
14 days from £6,650pp
Private Journeys
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Ecuador’s Andes and Galapagos Islands hop
12 days from £3,040pp
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Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Consultant
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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Carrie Gallagher - Travel Consultant
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Escorted Groups team.
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Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
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Ben Line - Travel Consultant
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 Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
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Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
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 an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
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Lina Fuller - Travel Consultant
Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
