Volcanoes and Galapagos




Overview
Highlights
- Discover the wild paradise of the Galapagos as well as local life on mainland Ecuador
- Visit local communities living in the mountainous highlands around Otavalo
- Stay in hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands and search for iconic Galapagos wildlife
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Itinerary

Our tour starts today in Tumbaco, a quiet rural neighbourhood of Quito located around 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from the downtown city centre. Ecuador's mountain capital is the second highest in Latin America at 2,850 metres. It lies in a narrow vall...
We'll go straight to rural Ecuador today, driving north towards the small market town of Otavalo. Set within a fertile valley encircled by imposing sacred mountains, Otavalo is idyllically situated and is well-known for its thriving indigenous communities. This area i...
We'll drive out to the tranquil setting of Cuicocha this morning, a turquoise crater lake located at 3,100 metres, approached through a wonderful landscape of alpine vegetation. We'll walk on a segment of the trail that goes around the lake (an easy walk of approximat...
We have a spectacular drive ahead of us today, leaving the sparse mountain landscapes of Otavalo for the dense cloud forest on the slopes of the western Andes. En route, we might make a small stop at a local biscuit factory, to try fresh bizcochos made in a wood oven....
An early start this morning gives us the best chance of spotting Mindo's bird life at a time when it is most active. One of our first stops is at a hummingbird garden, catching some of the iridescent colours of the many hummingbird species that feed here. We'll then g...
Ecuador's capital is one of the best-preserved colonial cities of the Americas, and a UNESCO Heritage Site with a rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and busy markets. We'll visit some of the main sites, including La Compania church with its elabora...
Our journey today takes us through some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the entire country, into the landscapes aptly described by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt as the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'. Our destination is Cotopaxi National Park - just ...
The Galapagos are an isolated chain of volcanic islands supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the giant tortoi...
This morning, we leave Santa Cruz and journey west by speed boat for approximately two and a half hours. Our destination is nearby Isabela Island, where we'll spend the next two days. The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is formed from five volcanoes, of whi...
The beauty of staying on land during a trip to the Galapagos is having the opportunity to explore its volcanic side. The geological formation of the Galapagos lends itself to hiking, and the scenery is just as impressive as the wildlife. Today we start by taking a wal...
Formed from volcanic lava flow, the tiny islets of the Tintoreras Islets are fantastic for viewing wildlife, and accessible by a short boat trip from Puerto Villamil. On land, there is an array of birdlife and an abundance of the famous marine iguanas that are endemic...
Today, we'll discover one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos, and our plan is at the mercy of the yacht schedule departing from Santa Cruz. The island visited could be either Seymour, Bartolome, Santa Fe or Plazas Island - but no matter which island we will certa...
This morning, we take a walk to Tortuga Bay (a 5-kilometre/3-mile return walk) where we'll have the opportunity to swim at one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire chain, an important turtle nesting ground. After lunch, we'll visit the nearby Charles Darwin ...
Leaving the Galapagos behind today, we fly to Quito on the mainland (there may be a touchdown in Guayaquil en route). On arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel in the Tumbaco suburb of the city and enjoy a last evening together as a group.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tumbaco, Quito. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Quito at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an...
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Pam
Mar 2025
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Galapagos entirely lived up to expectations and more. Giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, turtles, amazingly colourful bird life, all breathtak...
Kim
Feb 2025
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Our island guides were great.Yanni in particular was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Galapagos islands that she really managed to convey just how very sp...
Janet
Feb 2025
Volcanoes and Galapagos
If you are reading this you have already seen the brochure description and want to know if it is all true. The trip does cover a huge variety of ground both in miles...
Jacqueline
Feb 2025
Volcanoes and Galapagos
Just a great trip
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