Overview & Highlights
This scenic outdoor holiday offers an in depth experience of Ecuador’s traditional Andean culture and a land-based exploration of a select few of the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands.
With gentle hillwalking and a couple of a bit more challenging climbs, this holiday offers a unique perspective on the deeply traditional rural lifestyle of the indigenous Andean communities in Ecuador while at the same time you appreciate glorious mountain scenery.
Having explored the markets, craft villages and fertile valleys studded with snow-clad volcanoes, you will fly to the Galápagos Islands – rather than join as more conventional cruise you’ll spend for a few days discovering a select few of the contrasting islands with walks, water-based activities and short trips by motor launch. The famous trusting wildlife is everywhere to be seen, both from afar and way up close.
- Mojanda to Otavalo Market walk, with community visits
- Zuleta Valley hike with Andean cookery lesson
- Climb Pasachoa peak
- Hike Pedregal trail in Cotopaxi National Park
- Climb to the snowline of Cotopaxi volcano
- Walking city tour in Quito
- Full programme of daily activities in the Galápagos
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Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Quito, continue by road to Otavalo.
Day 2
Visit Andean craft villages and Otavalo market.
Day 3
Trek from Zuleta to Cotopaxi.
Day 4
Climb Pasochoa peak 4,200m.
Day 5
Hike the Pedregal Trail in Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 6
Climb to the snowline on Cotopaxi volcano, 5,100m.
Day 7
Quito: walking city tour.
Day 8
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands.
Day 9
Explore the Galápagos seas - snorkelling and kayaking
Day 10
Discover Isabela's giant tortoise breeding centre and Tintoreras Island.
Day 11
Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano.
Day 12
Return to the mainland via Baltra for your international flight.
Things to do
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