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
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Hannah Donaldson
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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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 / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hosteria Tambopaxi
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Otavalo and the northern highlands
Las Palmeras Inn
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda La Alegria
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Quito
Casa Gardenia
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Hotel Mainao
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Isamar Hotel
What our clients say
Our Expert's Opinion
The highlands and islands of Ecuador are begging to be explored on foot. Not only is it the ideal way to enjoy 360-degree views of the country's magnificent landscapes, but it also offers a privileged "behind-the-scenes" glimpse of local life, which more than rewards the effort involved.
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Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
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