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Value Ecuador and Galapagos: At a glance
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Value Ecuador and Galapagos: At a glance

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Value Ecuador and Galapagos: At a glance

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You might have thought that a holiday to the remote Pacific Galápagos islands would be prohibitively expensive. While cruising on a yacht can still be pricey, you now have the option of a land-based visit, where you can get to know one or two islands on shared guided day trips by boat. This holiday bases you at the popular Mainao hotel on the principal island, Santa Cruz, with a couple of motor yacht cruises included and a day at leisure to explore the sparking beaches, Puerto Ayora town, visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre or even venture inland to spot giant tortoises.  You don't have to decide in advance: book up and pay locally. 

Spend a few days on the mainland too, well worth exploring in its own right. Based at historic Quito, visit the famous Andean mountain town Otavalo with its indigenous market and travel down the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes, dominated by the towering snow-draped mountain Cotopaxi.

Holiday itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Quito high in the Andes. Transfer to first class hotel.

Day 2

Full day guided tour of the Andean highlands and market towns.

Day 3

Guided city tour of Quito.

Day 4

Full day excursion to the Avenue of the Volcanoes,Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

Day 5

Fly to the Galápagos Islands, transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island.

Day 6

A motor yacht day trip to neighbouring islands.

Day 7

Days 8

At leisure in the Galápagos, optional excursions.

Day 9

Fly to Guayaquil; connect with international flight.

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What our experts say

A great introduction to Ecuador and the Galápagos, this trip has been created for first-timers to the country. Ideal for families and individuals alike, one of the best things about this trip is the flexibility afforded: choosing and paying for your activities locally means you don’t have to commit to anything until you’re out there. There’s also a wide range of excursions on offer at Hotel Mainao so there is something for everyone.

Hannah

Hannah Waterhouse

Travel Consultants

Places visited on this holiday

Value Ecuador and Galapagos - at a glance

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Quito
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Overview Fact file
Quito

Quito has long been a city of two halves. Occupying a highland valley at 2,850m and flanked by volcanoes, the setting of its historic centre and adjoining modern quarters is breathtaking. The formerly dark and run-down colonial heart has been magnificently restored. Cobbled lanes and whitewashed façades, scrubbed up churches and renovated theatres now gleam and echo with the sounds of the everyday life of its traditional inhabitants. Beyond are the skyscrapers and broad avenues of the contemporary commercial city, La Mariscal, with flashy shops, offices and restaurants, where busy young workers flock to the many bars and nightclubs.

When to go

The capital is an all-year destination. Lying at 2,850m on the Equator, Quito has a year round spring-like climate.  Most days have a sunny morning but there may be rain in the afternoon. Feb-Mar are the wettest months, Jul the driest.

Language

Spanish

Getting local currency
Ecuador uses the US dollar. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. 
Time difference

GMT -5 hrs.

Combines with

A visit to Otavalo market in the northern highlands, 58km (1-2hrs by road); the bird-filled cloud forest in the Mindo region, 100km (1hr 40mins by road); the Avenue of the Volcanoes, 77km (2hrs by road); the Galápagos Islands, (2-3hrs by air).

Getting there

Average flight time is 15 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador, popular routes to Quito involve a change of plane in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid.

Key events

Dia de Quito: Quito, 6 Dec. The city’s own festival is actually celebrated from 1st Dec, with parades, street music and bullfights, right up until the fiesta’s climax on 6th. It can be quite boisterous.

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Otavalo and the northern highlands
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Overview Fact file
Otavalo and the Northern Highlands

The upland town of Otavalo, 2,573m, is world-famous for its huge livestock, vegetable and textile market, organised by the prosperous Otavaleño Indians who attend dressed in their distinctive costumes. Surrounding the town there are snow-tipped volcanoes, lake-filled craters, rolling hills, cobbled lanes lined with silvery eucalyptus, and tiny, whitewashed adobe villages each specialising in a cottage industry such as weaving, dough-ball figurines and wood carvings. Busy Ibarra, 2,225m, is populated by indigenous mountain people and others of African origin. There are leather goods to inspect in Cotacachi, 2,440m, and for walkers, a delightful stone-flagged track to the rim of Cuicocha volcanic crater lake, 3,246m..

When to go

The northern highlands have an all year round spring-like climate with temperatures averaging 21°C.  It can rain at any time in the year but most precipitation falls all year with Feb-Apr and Oct-Nov the wettest months. The main market day at Otavalo is Saturday when there are four different markets, including artisan and livestock. The towns and haciendas in the region can be busy at weekends and from Christmas to New Year.

Language

Spanish

Getting local currency

Ecuador uses the US dollar. There are banks in Otavalo but it’s best to take out money in advance in Quito where there are many ATMs.

Time difference

GMT -5 hours.

Combines with

The bird-filled cloud forest in the Mindo region, 37km; the Avenue of the Volcanoes, 136km.     

Getting there

It’s a drive of a couple of hours on a winding upland road (58km) from Quito to Otavalo.

Key events
Fiesta del Yamor: Otavalo and other towns, first two weeks of September.  Music, dancing, fireworks, cockfights, bullfights, processions and boat races on Lago San Pablo. 
Inti Raymi and San Juan:  Around Otavalo, 24-29 Jun. Bullfights, regattas on the lake, costume parties.

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Avenue of the Volcanoes
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Overview Fact file
Avenue of the Volcanoes
The aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes is flanked by eight dizzyingly-high snow-mantled mountains striding south of Quito down the Andean spine. It passes through a valley rich with a landscape of dense forest and tiny fields plastering impossibly steep slopes. Dotted around is a mix of deeply traditional indigenous and colonial settlements with horticultural and artisan markets and cottage industries. There’s also a clutch of old estates gifted to conquistadores where the grandiose buildings are now countryside hotels. This is supreme hiking country, with trails leading to craters harbouring turquoise volcanic lakes, usually with views of the biggest peaks, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
When to go

The central highlands have an all year round spring-like climate with temperatures averaging 21°C.  The best time for a visit is Dec-Jan, while a lot of rain can be expected Mar-May. Jul-Aug are the driest months.  Visit Saquisili on a Thursday to see the market. Other towns have different market days.

Language

Spanish

Time difference

GMT -5 hrs

Combines with

Ecuador’s colonial southern city, graceful Cuenca, 250 km from Riobamba by road (3.5hrs) or rail and road.

Getting there

It’s a drive of 190 km from Quito to Riobamba, taking 2 hrs 40mins if you drive direct.

Key events
Fiesta de la Mama Negra, Latacunga, 23-25 Sep, a multi-cultural event with a historical narrative and costumed dancing and parades.  
Corpus Christi:  Pujili, Quilotoa Loop:  May-Jun. Masked parades, fireworks and competitions. 
Riobamba: There are several fiestas and parades, including one in celebration of Jesus in January; Holy Week, and the Fiesta de Abril on the town’s independence day, 21 Apr.

Getting local money

Ecuador uses the US dollar. There are banks in Riobamba but it’s best to take out money in advance in Quito where there are many ATMs.

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Galapagos Islands
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Overview Fact file
Sunset on the islands

The Galápagos Islands.  There’s something magical about the name - they are, of course, known as the Enchanted Isles  - and they sit adrift of mainland Ecuador in isolation in the Pacific Ocean, for centuries far removed from the influences of mankind. Up to the middle of the 20th century only a colourful array of pirates, whalers, convicts, eccentrics and fishermen dropped anchor on their shores.

Born from volcanoes thrusting their way through the surface of the waters, the clutch of alternately sun-baked and misty islands of twisted lava, jagged cliffs and scrubby forest seem an unlikely habitat for wildlife. But a phenomenal array of trusting bird and reptile species, not to mention undersea marine animals, have settled and evolved here, to the delight of visitors from Darwin onwards.

Watch the lumbering giant tortoises, nesting albatrosses, flirting frigate birds, comic boobies, wrinkly iguanas and frolicking sea-lions from a cruise or land-based adventure. Climb a volcano, kayak to a white sand beach or swim with hammerhead sharks:  so many unique experiences to get involved in are at your feet.   

When's the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

At any time of year some of the fauna species will be breeding, nesting or in some other way particularly active. The climate is not extreme and even in the wetter months the rain usually only comes in afternoon showers. Dec - May the weather is hot with warm, calm seas and more chance of showers. Jun - Nov it is cooler with morning mist and choppier, colder seas.

What's the official language of the Galapagos islands?

Spanish

What is the official currency in the Galapagos Islands?

Ecuador uses the US dollar. The bank in Puerto Ayora may offer advances on a UK credit or debit card but you are well advised to bring US dollars cash sufficient for your needs on the islands with you.

What is the time difference between GMT and the Galapagos Islands?

GMT -6 hours.

Which other countries combine well with the Galapagos islands?
A land tour on the Ecuadorian mainland; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Quito to Lima 2hrs 20mins).      
How long is the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands?

Flight time from Quito is 2-3 hours, 1.5hrs from Guayaquil. Quito flights normally touch down in Guayaquil.

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Santa Fe (Barrington)
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Overview Fact file
Santa Fé

This is one of the most exquisite islands, with a lovely turquoise lagoon. Some of the giant cacti here grow up to 10m high. It is one of the oldest, with volcanic rocks about 4 million years old. The vegetation includes brush, palo santo trees and stands of prickly pear cactus.  The visitor site is at Barrington Bay where a couple of trails lead inland but your walk might be frustrated by the presence of vast numbers of sea-lions on the beach.

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Guayaquil
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Overview Fact file
Guayaquil
Until quite recently a scruffy Pacific port with a dubious reputation, Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city is a newly emergent commercial and cultural centre, showing off freshened up plazas and boulevards, a charming waterside malécon (promenade), good hotels and trendy restaurants. Always a flamboyant place in comparison with the upland cities, it has a vivacious atmosphere. The river Guayas is chock-a-bloc with boats jostling for space, some laden down with tropical fruits and sugar cane, others offering transport to distant villages. The historic quarter of Las Peñas nearby is an arty district with a tumble of toybox multicoloured houses, galleries and bars.
When to go

Guayaquil is a hot, humid place where the temperature seldom dips below 28°C all year round. Heavy rainfall can be expected from Jan-Apr but hardly any outside this period.

Language

Spanish

Getting local currency

Ecuador uses the US dollar. There are a number of banks in Guayaquil. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card, but the permitted withdrawal may be a lower amount than at home.

Time difference

GMT -5 hrs.

Combines with

The Galápagos Islands, 1.5hrs by air; the southern upland city of Cuenca, 175km (2hrs 40mins by road).

Getting there

Average flight time is 12 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Ecuador, popular routes to Guayaquil involve a change of plane in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid. The city is a 50min flight from Quito.

Key events

Fiestas Julianas:  Guayaquil, 24-5 Jul.  Parades, fireworks, beauty pageants and other events to celebrate the city’s foundation and Simon Bolivar’s birthday.
Dia de Independencia & Dia de Raza: Guayaquil 9-12 Oct.  Various cultural events.

Things to do on this holiday

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Visit Otavalo market

Otavalo Indians
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At Ecuador's largest indigenous market, the enterprising and prosperous Otavalan Indians sell local produce and handmade goods including the high-quality textiles for which the region is known. It’s a wonderful place to see traditional highland costume and culture, as well as pick up souvenirs and gifts from stalls piled high with colourful handicrafts.

Surrounding the town are clusters of rustic hamlets each specialising in a different cottage industry, from leather to woodwork. On some itineraries, you could choose to visit one or two of these en route for a first-hand insight into the age-old crafting traditions and supply chains which fuel Otavalo market.

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Bird watching in the Galapagos

Blue footed bird
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The Galápagos archipelago is an accommodating habitat for a broad range of bird species, from penguins to albatrosses and blue-footed boobies to flamingos.

While the number of individual species is not as high as many other top birding destinations, it's the high proportion of endemic varieties and the opportunity to get up close to birds with no fear of man that makes this such a special place for bird watchers.

Sea birds include the waved albatross, with a wingspan of over 2m, the flightless cormorant, pelicans, petrels, frigate birds and the blue-footed booby, with its endearing and rather comical mating dance. On land, there are Darwin's famous finches, which helped to unlock the mysteries of evolution, the Galápagos dove, Galápagos hawk and Galápagos rail among others.

If you are keen to see a particular species, you may need to plan your trip around certain islands and visit within the appropriate season – we can help you devise an itinerary.
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Wildlife watching in the Galapagos

Seal
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Imagine a natural sanctuary where giant tortoises plod beside marine iguanas, while penguins and sea lions dart through an ocean brimming with tropical marine life... Welcome to the Galápagos Islands, where wildlife enjoys a fearless existence free from predators and unthreatened by man.

No matter which islands you visit, you'll see wildlife in huge numbers and from very close range – these exotic creatures are completely unfazed by your presence. You can walk among languid colonies of iguanas and sea birds, snorkel with playful sea lions and watch blue-footed boobies perform their delightful mating dance right before your eyes. Between June and October there’s even a chance of sighting humpback whales breaching beside your boat.

Each island is surprisingly different to the next, both geographically and ecologically, and we can help you choose an itinerary that visits particular habitats if you are keen to see a specific species. However the truth is that there isn't a corner of the archipelago that won't enchant wildlife lovers, and the simple privilege of sharing this unique environment with the creatures who call it home is enough to make any visit a richly rewarding experience.


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Snorkelling in the Galapagos

Snorkeling
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Exotic marine life teems within the clear waters of the Galápagos, an evolutionary melting pot where penguins swim in the same seas as tropical fish and turtles, and marine iguanas cohabit with boisterous crowds of sea lions.

You don't need to dive to experience the wonderland beneath the ocean surface. Having evolved without fear of predators, the islands' abundant fauna is undisturbed by your presence so you can get right up close to the underwater action with nothing more than a snorkel.

The Galápagos Islands owe their biodiversity to the meeting of currents from Antarctica and the tropics, creating microclimates that support a huge variety of life. Snorkelling is the easiest way to experience the unique marine environment, and is included on every Galápagos cruise.

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Relaxing Galapagos

Galapagos Sealions
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You’ve heard that the Galápagos Islands are a wonderful relaxing destination for a holiday for lovers of wildlife, where you can view trusting birds and reptiles in an unspoilt volcanic environment.

Most visits are to be by cruise, where you stop at a series of different islands for short exploratory visits, returning to your vessel for meals and to sleep. Snorkelling and swimming are also offered from cruise yachts. However nowadays you have the option of spending more time on the islands themselves, based at any of the hotels and spas springing up on the larger islands, most of which are very eco-friendly and low key. There you have time to relax on white sand beaches,   and dine on high quality fresh meals served in the hotel restaurants.  If you are staying close to one of the towns, especially Puerto Ayora, you can browse the shops and bars in a laid-back atmosphere, where iguanas cross the road and sea-lions bask on the pavements.

It’s a warm and sunny tropical environment, with lovely views from many spots.  In fact, a perfect wind-down at the end of a busy holiday itinerary, as well as a great restful destination in its own right.

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Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

Visit Charles Darwin Research Centre
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The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island is a centre for research, conservation and education that aims to study and protect the 'living laboratory' that is the Galápagos.

Visitors can find out about the many endemic species of the Galápagos, their natural history, and the challenges facing conservationists in safeguarding these unique habitats. There is also a tortoise rearing house and adult giant tortoise enclosure where you can see these famous creatures in the flesh.


Accommodation on this holiday

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Hilton Colon

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Overview

Unashamedly contemporary, the high-rise Hilton Colon Hotel is situated overlooking Ejido Park in the modern part of Quito, with all its shops and entertainment, but it’s just a short drive to the UNESCO-listed historic quarter. As is the case with most first class accommodation in the Hilton brand, the guestrooms are well-sized, smart and business-like with laminate or carpeted floor and feature up-to-the-minute bathroom design.

It’s quite a large place, with 225 rooms, and caters for all sorts of guest from holiday makers to families and businessmen and women, which means there are plenty of facilities, including three restaurants (one of which is the inevitable sushi), a cosy piano bar, a small gym, steam room and Jacuzzi. There’s an attractive outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers.

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Hotel Mainao

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Overview

This striking white, Moorish style property started life as a family home.  The owners, enthusiastic to welcoming visitors to the Galápagos, have developed the property into a cheerful, family friendly property of 22 guest rooms – some with balcony access -and patios dotted with palms.

The décor is bright and modern, and rooms have shiny tiled floors, air-conditioning and a TV. There’s Wifi, but it is weak and patchy. Upper floors are reached by winding staircases and there is no lift, so if you have an issue with stairs please ask for a ground floor room.

 If you are looking for a place in the lively town of Puerto Ayora the hotel is very well located, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, with its bars, shops and restaurants, and the waterfront.  There’s a lovely beach in walkable distance too. 

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Tailor-made holiday

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

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Value Ecuador and Galapagos: At a glance

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