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, the gracious colonial city of Cuenca 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 5-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.
- Walking tour of colonial Quito
- Visit Otavalo market
- Cuicocha volcanic lake walk
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park
- See traditional Andean markets
- Visit Ingapirca Inca ruins
- Explore Cajas National Park
- 4 night cruise in the Galapagos Islands
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Carrie Gallagher
Travel Expert
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 along the Avenue of the Volcanoes; visit Cotopaxi National Park, overnight at a hacienda.
Day 6
Visit local artisan markets, overnight in Riobamba.
Day 7
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
Days 11-13
Land excursions from the cruise around the Galápagos Islands.
Day 14
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.
Walking tour of colonial Quito
Snorkelling in the Galapagos
Take a cruise in the Galapagos
Bird watching in the Galapagos
Wildlife watching in the Galapagos
Visit Cotopaxi National Park
Visit a traditional Andean market
Visit Ingapirca Inca ruins
Explore Cajas National Park
Cuicocha volcanic lake walk
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 / Otavalo and the northern highlands
Las Palmeras Inn
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda el Porvenir
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda Abraspungo
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Cuenca
Santa Lucia
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil
Unipark
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Treasure of Galapagos
What our clients say
Our Expert's Opinion
With this holiday, we wanted to showcase the diversity that a trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands can offer. It's a classic highlights holiday that provides a fantastic introduction to Ecuador and its famous islands. We've added a touch of luxury by including a first-class boat for the Galápagos cruise, enhancing your experience in the archipelago.
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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