Overview & Highlights
This is a great value, short but variety-packed holiday suitable for families and individuals alike. Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Andean Ecuador and explore Santa Cruz Island and further afield in the Galápagos from the well regarded, guesthouse-style Hotel Mainao.
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.
Outline 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
Full day tour with a local resident
Days 7-8
At leisure in the Galápagos, optional excursions.
Day 9
Fly to Guayaquil; connect with international flight.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
The Iguazu Falls were awesome. We enjoyed all the places we visited. I was recommended JLA from someone who had used them before. We were not disappointed. We have had a really good time, seen so much and had the best tour leader. I am certainly going to use them again, and really hope we have Max again. Thank you JLA.
CG, Stevenage
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.
Jamie Swan - Travel Consultant
Jamie backpacked across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil before joining us; he has a degree in politics and is also a keen sportsman..
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