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Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping

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12 days

Explore the beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on this 12-day group tour adventure. Beginning and ending in Quito, visit the Incan ruins of Cochasqui, the picturesque Cuicocha Lagoon, vibrant Otavalo Market, and the Mindo Cloud Forest before flying to the Galapagos. Once there explore Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana Island, spotting diverse wildlife and marvelling at the natural beauty of these dreamlike islands.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Quito

Ends

Quito

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes

Group Size

Min 5 / Max 20

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Dec - Mar & Jun - Sep

Hotel Rating

3-4 Star

Countries

Ecuador, Galapagos

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4
Per person from
AUD$6,555.00
Total From
AUD$13,110.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$4,617.00
$10,801.50

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Tour Highlights

Quito - Take in the best of Ecuador's UNESCO listed capital on a guided tour.
Otavalo Traditional Market - Learn about the region's rich cultural heritage and barter to handicrafts at Ecuador's most famous market
Mindo Cloud Forest - Explore the lush green landscapes surrounding the lodge, with its rivers, waterfalls, and diverse birdlife
Cuicocha Lagoon - Take a scenic hike at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano and admire the beautiful landscape
La Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World) - stand with a foot in both hemispheres at the equatorial line
Enjoy a 7-days of island hopping around the Galapagos, travelling between the islands onboard a first class private yacht
Santa Cruz Island - Observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat at a farm in the highlands and visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and see the embalmed body Lonesome George
Santa Cruz Island - Follow the Tortuga Bay trail to reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, where you can swim and soak up the sun next to the marine Iguanas, boobies and marine birds
Floreana Island – See a colony of sea lions and perhaps some blue footed bobbies, marine iguanas and marine turtles
Floreana Island - Walk to historic Asilo de La Paz, where the legendary Witmer family first settled in 1932 and lived in caves
Isabela Island - Enjoy a scenic hike in the area known as “Las Tintoreras", spot colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions and white-tipped sharks
Isabela Island - Visit the highlands of Isabela and walk to the rim of the impressive crater of the Sierra Negra Volcano, where you'll enjoy spectacular views

Included

10 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night simple lodge on Floreana Island
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
7 days Galapagos island hopping
Quito airport transfer day 1 & 12
Private transfer between islands on board of First Class Element Wind Yacht
Economy flights: Quito to Baltra and Baltra to Quito
All relevant transfers and transportation
Guided excursions to Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lagoon, Otavalo and Mindo Cloud Forest
Half day Quito and Middle of the World tour
Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island and Isabela Island
Galapagos N.P. entrance fees and visitor control card (included in 2024, payable locally in 2025)
Professional English/Spanish speaking guides and Galapagos Naturalist Guide
Entrance fees

Not Included

International flights and visas
Personal Travel Insurance
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
From January 2025 onwards - Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp). Subject to change.

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel where a brief overview of the activities planned for the next day will be provided. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Ecuador's charming capital.

Overnight: Quito

Day 2 - Pre-Incan Ruins & Cuicocha Lagoon

Quito - Cotacachi - Otavalo. After breakfast we head north to Otavalo in the Imbabura province, stopping at historic Cochasqui Pre-Inca remains and a Roses Farm for insights into Ecuadorian rose production. We continue to Otavalo where we check into our hotel and have a brief rest before visiting the charming town of Cotacachi, where the local artisans produce beautiful high quality leather goods. Our final port of call today is Cuicocha Lagoon where we enjoy a scenic hike at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano and admire the beautiful landscape. We then return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Otavalo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Otavalo Indigenous Market

Otavalo - Mindo. Early morning takes us to the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market, which is one of South America's largest traditional markets. Every Saturday, local communities convene to exchange goods, showcasing exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and wood carvings. Explore the lively animal market and visit an Otavalo family's artisanal shop. We then drive to the Equator Line monument and stand on the middle of the world. Later, we head to the scenic Mindo, settling into a charming hotel nestled in the lush green cloud forest.

Overnight: Mindo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Mindo Cloud Forest

Mindo - Quito. After breakfast, there's an optional Zipline adventure or you can enjoy a leisurely birdwatching stroll in the enchanting Cloud Forest. We can immerse ourselves in lush green landscapes surrounding the lodge, with rivers, waterfalls, and diverse birdlife. The area also presents opportunities to spot local fauna like spectacled bears, armadillos, and woodpeckers. Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest before we embark on our journey back to Quito. Rest at the hotel, gearing up for the upcoming adventure in the Galapagos Islands.

Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - The Galapagos Adventure Begins

Quito - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we transfer to Quito airport for a 3-hour flight to Baltra Island (with a stop in Guayaquil). Upon arrival in Baltra, we meet our Galapagos National Park guide and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island via a local ferry across the iconic Itabaca Canal.

In the afternoon we drive to the highlands for a hike on a private farm where we can observe Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. The area also offers sightings of Galapagos birds, including the elusive Galapagos rail and possibly the rare Vegetarian Finch and endemic Vermilion Flycatcher finches. We finish the day with a transfer to our hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Discovering Santa Cruz Island

Following an early hotel breakfast, we embark on a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago. After a 40–60-minute walk, we reach this heavenly spot with soft coral sand and picturesque scenery. The initial beach section has strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, a 10-minute walk leads to a serene bay. Here, we marvel at a colony of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and marine birds amidst mangroves, cacti forest, and captivating coastal flora. We enjoy beach time before returning to town via a local ferry at which point we have lunch.

In the afternoon, we walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center for insights into the Galapagos National Park's work. We observe tortoises of various species and sizes, along with land iguanas. Inside the centre, a special air-conditioned chamber houses the embalmed body of the iconic Lonesome George. We explore the small museum at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and savour free time after this enriching experience.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Floreana Island

Santa Cruz Island - Floreana Island. Early this morning we embark on a 2.5-hour journey aboard the first-class Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to Floreana Island's historic Puerto Velasco Ibarra. A local water taxi transports us to the pier, where we hope to encounter sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. A brief walk leads to a secluded lodge by the ocean, our overnight stay.

Next, a local "Chiva" transport takes us on a 15-minute ride to Floreana's highlands, where we enjoy a pleasant walk amid the area's typical flora and have encounters with giant Galapagos Tortoises. Continuing our exploration, we reach "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historic site where the Wittmer family settled in 1932. After a rejuvenating rest, we proceed to a beautiful bay and potentially snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. The entire area boasts breathtaking beauty. We conclude the day with dinner and a peaceful rest while enjoying the sunset.

Overnight: Puerto Velazco Ibarra - Floreana Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Isabela Island & Las Tintoreras

Floreana Island - Isabela Island. After a leisurely breakfast we set sail towards Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour journey, anticipate sightings of marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine birds, dolphins, and possibly whales. Upon reaching the bay of Puerto Villamil, local transport takes us to our hotel and there's time to relax on the expansive beach.

In the afternoon, around 2 p.m., we join a captivating guided tour to "Las Tintoreras." This picturesque area features colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the highlight—White-tipped sharks, known as "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow-formed channels. The locale is ideal for snorkelling, offering encounters with sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. We return to the hotel and unwind during the late afternoon.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Exploring Isabela Island

Early this morning we take a 30-minute drive to the highlands of Isabela Island, reaching the National Park's visitor control area. Embark on an easy 1.5 hour walk to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest crater. This impressive caldera, measuring 5 miles by 7 miles, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.

In the afternoon we drive to Isabela's Tortoise Breeding Centre where we encounter Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. We continue on a well-maintained trail to the "Humedales" (Wetlands), showcasing lagoons surrounded by mangroves and local flora. Witness flamingos and migratory birds in the lagoons. Our walk ends at the main road and beach, providing us time to enjoy the surroundings with marine iguanas. We the return to the hotel for free some time before dinner.

Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Isabela to Santa Cruz Island

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we board our yacht and sail back to Santa Cruz, looking out for dolphins en route. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and venture to the highlands for a visit to a coffee plantation. We enjoy a delightful light lunch and visit ''El Trapiche'' for Liquor tasting made form sugar cane and savour some free time before our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Return to Quito

Santa Cruz - Baltra - Quito. After breakfast we drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, making a stop at the natural formation known as "The Twins" Craters. These are sinkholes, not volcanic craters, formed by the collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber due to tectonic shifts and erosion. The area boasts a unique climate, surrounded by scalesia forests and is home to various bird species.

Travelling on to the Itabaca Canal, we cross it and take an airline bus to the airport. We fly back to Quito, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel to spend the final night of our tour at leisure.

Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Quito

After breakfast our Quito tour begins at Independence Square, featuring landmarks like the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, and El Sagrario Church. We explore the Church of La Compania, a baroque masterpiece, and stroll to the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, Ecuador's oldest church with a remarkable baroque altar and a rich collection of art dating back to the 16th century.

Return to the hotel for free time to prepare for a late afternoon transfer to the International Mariscal Sucre Airport.

Please note: We can arrange post tour accommodation with transfers on request. Contact us for details.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre tour accommodation Quito

Double

$65per passenger

Twin

$65per passenger

Single

$105per passenger

Post tour accommodation Quito

Double

$65per passenger

Twin

$65per passenger

Single

$135per passenger

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Inspired by the rich history and culture of Ecuador, the Ikala Quito Hotel's 44 rooms are housed in three grand colonial houses which were once home to Ecuadorian aristocracy. Offering a choice of standard rooms or deluxe suites, there's tasteful decor in abundance and artwork painted on canvas or directly onto the walls. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. As well as the onsite restaurant and bar, there are plenty of outdoor areas, including patios, gardens, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hacienda Cusin Hotel
Otavalo

Hacienda Cusin Hotel, located in the enchanting Andean landscape of Otavalo, Ecuador, is a 17th-century colonial hacienda that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by lush gardens, ancient architecture, and picturesque views of the Imbabura Volcano, the hacienda features cosy rooms adorned with antique furnishings and original artwork. The hotel's warm, rustic ambiance is complemented by its traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, on-site horseback riding, and close proximity to the renowned Otavalo market. A haven of tranquillity, Hacienda Cusin provides an authentic cultural experience steeped in rich heritage and natural beauty.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Mindo

With 23 simple, quaint rooms, Septimo Paraiso is located a short distance from the town of Mindo in a protected cloudforest reserve. The rich and diverse ecosystem of the area lends itself to the wonderful open plan nature of the lodge. Each room is unique and all offer private bathrooms with the hot water sourced directly from their own on site hot spring. Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurants and outdoor patio, perfect for bird watching.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Ikala Galapagos Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

The new Ikala Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island is a luxurious and well-appointed hotel with featuring a swimming pool, stylish bar area and a beautiful terrace offering a fabulous view over Puerto Ayora harbour. After a long day exploring you can enjoy a delicious cocktail or locally sourced Galapagos inspired meal at the Ikala Terrace Bar & Restaurant. Make yourself at home in one of the elegantly decorated rooms featuring a private balcony, en suite bathroom and with all the modern amenities. The hotel is well located just one block away from the main pier and within easy reach of the main streets of Puerto Ayora where you will find plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Floreana Lava Lodge, Floreana Island
Galapagos Islands

The Lava Lodge is perched at the edge of a black lava beach in a sheltered bay, this quaint family run accommodation is made up of 10 Ocean facing wooden cabins in a wonderfully secluded location. Each Chalet has its own wooden decking with chairs providing fabulous views of the sea, sunsets and stars. Much of the food served at the lodge has been grown on the family’s organic farm, here you can expect delicious meals served in a relaxing environment and there’s often special BBQ evenings. The comfortable cabins feature either twin beds or bunk beds a private bathroom and are each equipped with the essentials, including air-conditioning. The Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the nearest village and only a couple of minutes walk from a sea lion colony.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Iguana Crossing, Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands

Iguana Crossing Hotel is a boutique accommodation located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, offering a unique blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Situated near pristine beaches and the iconic wetlands, enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush volcanic landscapes. Its design harmoniously integrates local materials and sustainable practices, ensuring an eco-friendly stay. Relax in well-appointed rooms, a refreshing infinity pool, and a cozy restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Group Tour

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

We can also offer this itinerary on a private basis, departing any day of the year subject to availability.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
8 Dec - 19 Dec
$6,555
$8,475
2025
Twin/Double
Single
15 Mar - 26 Mar
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807
12 Apr - 23 Apr
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807
6 Jun - 17 Jun
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807
14 Aug - 25 Aug
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807
17 Sep - 28 Sep
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807
8 Dec - 19 Dec
Save 10%
$7,695$6,926
$9,785$8,807

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