Overview & Highlights
Top quality comprehensive holiday with the highlights of Ecuador and a cruise around the Galápagos Islands. Includes Quito, Otavalo market and the Avenue of Volcanoes; a spectacular train ride and a small first class small motor vessel..
An opportunity to combine a luxurious cruise in the Galápagos Islands with exploration of the Andean landscapes of their host country, Ecuador.
Travel to Quito: Ecuador’s capital surrounded by snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes. Explore Quito and go south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes via the Inca ruins of Ingapirca to the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca and the upland wilderness of Las Cajas National Park.
Fly from the port of Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands for a-6-day cruise.It was on a similar trip 200 years ago that Darwin returned to the archipelago to write the seminal book ‘On the Origin of Species’. Step into his shoes and explore the diversity of land and marine life which inhabit these enchanting islands. A holiday in the Galápagos is a totally unique experience, inevitably rewarding, richly educational, blissfully tranquil, and photogenic.
You’ll sail on a first class, compact motor cruiser offering an intimate and informal atmosphere favoured by those who prefer the laid-back approach of smaller craft. You will have ample opportunity to make new friends among people with shared interests. In addition to landings on the islands you will have the opportunity to snorkel or swim with sea-lions.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of colonial Quito.
Day 3
By road to Otavalo in the Andean highlands, visit Otavalo market overnight in hacienda.
Day 4
Guided excursions to Lake Cuicocha
Day 5
By road or rail down Avenue of the Volcanoes; visit Cotopaxi National Park, overnight at an hacienda.
Day 6
Visit local artisan markets, overnight in Riobamba.
Day 7
Take the train down the Devil’s Nose, continue via Ingapirca ruins to Cuenca.
Day 8
At leisure in colonial Cuenca, Ecuador’s second city.
Day 9
By road down to the tropical coast of Guayaquil via a stop at Las Cajas National Park.
Day 10
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, board Galápagos Odyssey
Days 11-14
Land excursions from the cruise around the Galápagos Islands.
Day 15
Fly to Guayaquil, connect with international flight home.
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.

Bird watching in the Galapagos

Cuicocha volcanic lake walk

Explore Cajas National Park

Snorkelling in the Galapagos

Take a cruise in the Galapagos

Visit a traditional Andean market

Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Visit Ingapirca Inca ruins

Walking tour of colonial Quito

Wildlife watching in the Galapagos
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
Casona de la Ronda

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Mindo and the cloud forest
El Monte Lodge

Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Finch Bay

Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Odyssey

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda Abraspungo

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda el Porvenir

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Otavalo and the northern highlands
Hacienda Pinsaqui

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Cuenca
Hotel Victoria

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil
Unipark
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.

Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Consultant
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.
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