Tropical Discovery & Galapagos Dreams
Ecuador in 14 Days • 12 Nights in Destination
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The ideal trip for lovers of history and nature, including Inca ruins and the chance to discover two different islands in the Galapagos.
Trip Highlights
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until December 2024
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $660
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
charm included
superior from + $1,600
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From $2,399
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Accommodation: 12 Nights
Itinerary
Travel to Ecuador and discover Quito, the oldest capital in South America, the waterfalls of Banos, the volcanos of Riobamba and the charm of Cuenca. Explore the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO and enjoy its spectacular flora and fauna on the islands of Santa Cruz & San Cristobal. Relax on the paradise beaches and look out for the giant Galapagos tortoise.
Arrive at your departure airport to board a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its rich Inca heritage. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito.
If you want to have the hotel room available before 2:00 p.m., you can add early check-in at an additional cost. In case you are interested, you will be able to see the price and do the upsell in the next step of the purchase process.
Accommodation
1002 Reviews
After breakfast, meet with a local guide and embark on a fascinating guided tour of Quito to discover its most emblematic sights. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site and filled with charming colonial-era architecture. Get a taste of local life at the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.
Accommodation
1002 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Banos, a subtropical area close to the Amazon basin, known for its beautiful hot springs. On route, pass through the Cotopaxi National Park on a panoramic tour, where you can see a wonderful panoramic view of the active Cotopaxi volcano. Next, make a stop at the impressive volcanic lake of Quilotoa. The water in the crater lake is an amazing green colour due to the high mineral content of the volcanic terrain. After Quilotoa, head to the small artisan town of Tigua to visit an artists workshop where you can discover an array of intricate and colourful artworks, typical to this region. Continue to Baños, arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax at your leisure. Overnight stay in Baños.
Accommodation
340 Reviews
Activities
Challenging
Head into the spectacular landscapes of Baños today as you set off on a waterfall excursion onboard a traditional Chiva! A Chiva is a traditional form of transport in Ecuador, an open-sided vehicle from which you can enjoy captivating views of your surroundings and feel more connected to nature! Explore the region's abundant landscapes as your journey along the waterfall route, culminating at the thundering Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, with a height of around 265 feet!* Return to Baños and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, perhaps indulging in some downtime at the city's hot springs! Overnight stay in Baños.
*Please note: Entrance is not included and must be paid at the destination.
Accommodation
340 Reviews
Activities
Light
Active
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Baños this morning as you journey through the province of Chimborazo on route to El Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador standing at 6,310 meters. It was estimated that the last eruption was around 550 A.D. and therefore it is a dormant volcano. Enjoy the beautiful views of the volcano, the surrounding landscape and lush vegetation. Stop at the interesting "Palacio Real" community, a complex at the foot of the volcano, before arriving at the city of Riobamba, famed for its authentic indigenous culture. Stop for lunch before getting settled at the hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not get out and explore the city's excellent museums or go shopping for authentic handmade souvenirs? Overnight stay in Riobamba.
Accommodation
255 Reviews
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a visit to the charming towns of Guamote and Alausi, before heading for the fascinating ruins of Ingapirca, the largest and most well preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador.* Discover this ancient city and wonder at the history behind the ruins. Afterwards, continue to Cuenca, considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, discovering the beautiful waterfront and old colonial-era plazas. Overnight stay in Cuenca.
*Please note: The ruins of Ingapirca are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If your visit to Ingapirca falls on either of these days, the visit will be replaced with an excursion to a traditional hat factory* in Cuenca tomorrow (day 7).
Accommodation
256 Reviews
Activities
Light
Light
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning exploring Cuenca at your leisure. In the afternoon depart to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, located on the Pacific coast. On the way, stop in the impressive Cajas National Park, known for its glistening lakes and home to the mighty Andean Condor. Pay a visit to a local cocoa-growing community to discover how chocolate is made from the humble cacao tree. Witness the process of chocolate-making, from the cacao tree to the finished product and enjoy a chocolate tasting session. Depart towards Guayaquil, transfer to the hotel and get settled. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Accommodation
71 Reviews
Activities
Light
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the incredible Galapagos Islands! From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on board a local ferry. On arrival, pay a visit to the beautiful Santa Cruz highlands, a lush, green natural habitat, home of the famous Galapagos giant tortoises. Visit a private ranch to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, take a tour of the area and walk among the trees to look for giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an incredible introduction to the Galapagos Islands! Transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Accommodation
48 Reviews
Activities
Light
Breakfast at the hotel. Take the day at your leisure to discover the delights of the Galapagos. Head to the beach, take a snorkelling trip or get to know the local way of life in Puerto Ayora, the island's capital. We recommend an optional excursion to an uninhabited island to discover more of the incredible Galapagos wildlife! Overnight in Santa Cruz.
Accommodation
48 Reviews
Activities
Active
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning by exploring the beautiful island of Santa Cruz at your leisure. In the afternoon take the public speedboat to the island of San Cristobal, passing the island of Santa Fe on the way. The journey time is approximately 2-3 hours. Arrive on the island of San Cristobal and transfer to your hotel. San Cristobal is the most easterly of the Galapagos Islands and is famed for its beautiful white beaches and abundant wildlife. Spend the remainder of the day exploring its dramatic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere at your own pace. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Accommodation
95 Reviews
Breakfast at the hotel. There's nothing planned for today, so enjoy a day to explore at your leisure. Why not visit some of San Cristobal's most important natural sights, such as its Giant Tortoise Sanctuary or the incredible highland lagoon of El Junco. Alternatively, for a great overview of the island and its biodiversity, pay a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Accommodation
95 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to head back to the mainland. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Quito. Arrive in Quito, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure, shopping for souvenirs, soaking up the city's atmosphere or indulging in the flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine. Overnight stay in Quito.
Accommodation
1002 Reviews
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US. Night on board.*
*Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
Included activity for day 2
Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Quito City Tour
A guided city tour to get to know Quito's most emblematic sights. Visit a local market, a number of picturesque squares and the narrow streets of the city centre.
Included activity for day 3
Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Quilotoa Excursion
Stop at a local market for a taste of the local culture before visiting the amazing Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging color, depending on the position of the sun and the clouds.
Included activity for day 4 in Baños
Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 10:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Chiva ride and visit to the Pailon del Diablo waterfalls.
Set off on an exciting Chiva excursion! A Chiva is an open-sided vehicle from which you can enjoy captivating views of your surroundings. Follow the waterfall route, culminating at the thundering 265-foot-high Pailon del Diablo Waterfall!
Included activity for day 6
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Ruins of Ingapirca
The name Ingapirca is derived from two Quechua words - Inca and Pirca - together they mean Inca Wall. It is a historical city located 2 hours outside the Cañar in Ecuador. The Ingapirca archaeological complex is the largest in Ecuador.
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Suggested activity for day 4 in Baños
Duration 00:30h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Cajon Bath Treatment in Baños
Experience an authentic Cajon Bath treatment, a traditional remedy to eliminate toxins and increase wellbeing. The treatment involves sitting in a relaxing individual steam bath for up to 30 minutes before enjoying the other facilities of the spa.
Suggested activity for day 9
Physical rating:
Uninhabited Island Premium Cruise from Santa Cruz
Depending on the availability, visit one of several uninhabited islands, such as Bartholomew, Seymour, Plaza or Santa Fe on board a yacht to discover their incredible wildlife and scenery. Hot lunch on board, snacks and some drinks are included.
Suggested activity for day 11 in Galapagos Islands
Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Half-Day Tijeretas Nature Trail & Cooking Experience
Visit the Interpretation Center before taking a guided walk along the Cerro Tijerates trail. Enjoy spectacular views from atop of the viewpoint and look out for frigatebirds before enjoying a beach cooking class at Playa Mann.
Departures from main U.S. airports.
International flights U.S. - Quito - U.S.
Domestic flights Guayaquil - Galapagos - Quito. *
12 nights accommodation in classic category hotels.
12 Breakfasts and 2 lunches.
Transfers.
Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with English speaking guide.
All air taxes & fuel surcharge.
Excursion on a Traditional Ecuadorian Chiva.
Transit control card (TCC)* (20 USD) and entrance to the Galapagos National Park * (100 USD).
* More information can be found in Offer Conditions.
Entrances, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
See important notes
* Documentation of the internal flights will be delivered at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
If you would like to travel with children, please contact Customer Services to find out the conditions.
Please note: Depending on the weather, the public ferry service in the Galapagos Islands can become quite choppy at times. If you suffer from seasickness, we recommend taking precautions to alleviate your symptoms in case of rough seas.
Please note: The ruins of Ingapirca are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If your visit to Ingapirca falls on either of these days, the visit will be replaced with an excursion to a traditional hat factory* in Cuenca tomorrow (day 7).
The itinerary is subject to changes and alterations due to weather conditions or force majeure.
For the flight to Galapagos we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours in advance in order to complete the required formalities.
Useful information Ecuador
Entry requirements
Minimum of 6 months validity with one passport page. Mandatory travel insurance.
Visa
No visa required for stays of up to 90 days
Currency
US Dollar
Language
Spanish
Electricity
Types A and B, 110 V North American type plug
Health
Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.
Time zone
UTC -5
Other useful information
It is mandatory for tourists to carry a valid health insurance policy.
Tourist Office website
https://ecuador.travel/en/
Offer conditions
Galapagos transit control card (TCC) is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost 20 USD per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment. At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost:100 USD per person.
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
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Pay in installments
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At time of booking
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60 days before departure