14-Days Highlights of Ecuador

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes of Ecuador, exploring its vibrant cities and natural wonders. Begin your adventure in Quito, the country's cultural capital, where you'll wander through its charming colonial streets and marvel at its ornate churches. From there, venture to Otavalo, renowned for its bustling indigenous mark...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Culture and handcragts in the andes
    • Wildlife encounters in Galapagos Islands
    • Snorkel in one of the best sites for underwater wildlife in Los Tuneles
    • Discover an Uninhabited Islands

What's this trip about?

    Embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating landscapes of Ecuador, exploring its vibrant cities and natural wonders. Begin your adventure in Quito, the country's cultural capital, where you'll wander through its charming colonial streets and marvel at its ornate churches. From there, venture to Otavalo, renowned for its bustling indigenous market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and traditional crafts of Ecuador's local artisans. Next, discover the breathtaking beauty of Quilotoa, a stunning volcanic crater lake that mesmerizes with its turquoise waters. Feel the adrenaline rush as you hike the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Continue your journey to Baños, a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering thrilling activities such as canyoning, ziplining, and relaxing hot springs. Finally, set sail to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, where you'll encounter unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, making for an unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders. Ecuador's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage ensure that this journey will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityBaltra Island

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Sailing
  • Photography
  • Scuba Diving

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Baños de Agua Santa
  • Cotopaxi National Park
  • Otavalo
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Puerto Villamil
  • Quilotoa
  • Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Quito
  • San Cristobal

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding & Equestrian
  • Kid-friendly activities
  • Land expedition
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Rock Climbing
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Sailing
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • 13 Nights of Accommodation
    • Spanish speaking airport transfers
    • Small Group tours in Horseback in Cotopaxi, Kicker Rock, Unninhabited Island, Tuneles, Sierra Negra and Bay Tour
    • Private Tours to Quit City Tour, Cooking Class, Otavalo, Quilotoa, Baños, Loberia, Santa Cruz Highlands, Charles Darwin Research Center

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1 : TRANSFER IN QUITO

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you to transfer to your accommodation in the city center, a one-hour trip.

The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ...

DAY 2 : TRADITIONAL COOKING CLASS - MITAD DEL MUNDO - QUITO

Start in Independence Square to see La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, or La Compañía—a 17th-century volcanic-rock-, cedar-, and gilt-decorated-church.

Your English-speaking guide will be waiting at the hotel lobby for a walking city tour in Old Town Quito.

DAY 3 : OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET & A VISIT TO TAHUANTINSUYO WEAVING WORKSHOP

You will leave Quito early in the morning and head to visit the market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicra...

DAY 4 : ALPACA ENCOUNTER AT QUILOTOA LAGOON

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, accompanied by an expert guide, visit Quilotoa Lagoon—a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. Make stops at a quiet village and local...

DAY 5 : HORSEBACK RIDE IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

After a very early breakfast, you will leave Baños and head back north to Cotopaxi National Park. Upon arrival at your Hacienda, you will check in and prepare for a mesmerizing horseback ride experience. You will enjoy your afternoon exploring parts of the National Pa...

DAY 6 : RECONNECTING WITH NATURE AT BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA

Early in the morning, you will head towards the "Devil’s Cauldron" (In Spanish, Pailón del Diablo) which is located specifically 17 kilometers from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, on the road from Baños to Puyo. After a hike down towards the waterfall, you will be am...

DAY 7 : WELCOME TO SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND! VISIT TO TIJERETAS HILL & LA  LOBERÍA

Welcome to the beautiful Galapagos Islands! After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you will head to visit Las Tijeretas Hill, located within walking distance of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It takes its name from the large number of frigates or "tijer...

DAY 8 : SNORKELING AT KICKER ROCK

A day trip snorkeling to Kicker Rock is an excellent way to explore the beautiful and vibrant underwater life of the Galapagos Islands.

The tour includes breakfast and lunch, as well as all necessary snorkeling equipment and a guide.

You will start your ...

DAY : SPEEDBOAT FROM SAN CRISTOBAL TO SANTA CRUZ: HIGHLANDS & CHARLES DARWING RESEARCH STATION

Get an early start this morning to take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, roughly 2-2.5 hours away. Meet your guide at the dock, then head to the highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. Enjoy lunch at a local farm, then continue to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel. For this afternoon we will visit the Charles Darwin Station.

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island

DAY 10 : EXPERIENCE THE PRISTINE BEAUTY OF GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS: DISCOVERING AN UNINHABITED ISLAND

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the stunning beauty of the Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world's most unique and diverse wildlife. During your tour, you'll have a chance to visit Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, depending on...

DAY 11 : SPEEDBOAT TO ISABELA ISLAND - LOS TUNELES

Early in the morning you take the public speedboat from Santa Cruz to Isabela (approx. 2-2,5 hours). Afterwards, you will go on an excursion to Los Tuneles, a perfect snorkeling spot. A series of lava flow have produced unique geological formations, like arcs and tunn...

DAY 12 : HIKING THE SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO

The majestic Sierra Negra Volcano will occupy today's agenda. Our adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, we will prepare our backpacks and start our walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from con...

DAY 13 : SPEEDBOAT TO SANTA CRUZ & BAY TOUR

Get an early start this morning to take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz. You'll arrive at a small islet called La Lobería, named for its grea...

DAY 14 : TRANSFER OUT: CONNECT WITH YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

Upon arrival from the Galapagos Islands to Ecuador's mainland airport, you will connect on the same day with your international flight so you can return home with some everlasting memories.

See you next time!

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: -

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,900
Price per day$350
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Responsible Travel.

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.

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Responsible Travel Reviews & Ratings

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Other Responsible Travel Reviews

J

Jamie R.

Dec 2023

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise.

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent...

J

Jessica S.

Sep 2023

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing!

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the are...

M

Mathew S.

Jul 2023

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to o...

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Tour Operator

Responsible Travel

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We are a team full of travel enthusiasts with 13+ years of experience, ready to support and help you find the best out of your Trip.

We understand that travel is becoming an important part of people's desires and we are happy to help all travelers who want memories.

Alexander Humboldt admired and studied the diversity of nature along the equator during his American journey from 1799 to 1804. Subsequently, the world-famous Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and was inspired to write his theory of evolution by their unique nature, flora, and fauna.

By traveling to Ecuador with Ecuador Galapagos Travels, you will be inspired by the country’s unique landscapes and diverse civilizations. Discover the wonders of the animal and plant worlds evolving on the Galapagos archipelago; immerse yourself in extraordinary and ancient cultures that have survived the ages while traveling through the Amazon basin and the Andean highlands; enjoy trekking through pristine national parks and horseback riding in the shadow of glaciated mountain peaks; or make new friends during a Spanish language course in Quito.

To guarantee that your expectations of Ecuador are fulfilled, Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Team specialize in tailor-made travel services to fit your every need, whether in the Amazon, the Andes, the coast, or the Galapagos Islands. From hotels to jungle excursions, Andean peaks to Galapagos cruises, and palm-fringed beaches to paramo hikes, we will help you realize your goals, escape the mundane, and get great care for your tailored vacation on the equator.

We warmly welcome you to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights
    • Domestic Flights to Galapagos Islands (Quito – San Cristobal/Baltra – Quito/Guayaquil)
    • Services not mentioned in the program
    • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person in cash only)
    • Galapagos Migration Card [TCT] ($20 per person in cash only)
    • Isabela docking fee ($10 per person in cash only)
    • Wetsuits
    • Alcoholic Beverages
    • International Airport Fees *if apply*
    • Optional Excursions
    • Tips and Personal expenses

Accommodation

,Quito : Standard 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Cotopaxi National Park : Comfort 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Baños de Agua Santa : Standard 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) San Cristobal Island : Standard 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Santa Cruz Island : Standard 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Isabela Island : Standard 1 Double Room (One or Two Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities)

Transportation & Flights

All airport transfer from/to the Airport with a private Spanish speaking Driver Private English Speaking diver Guide for Quito City Tour Transportation to Activities in Galapagos Islands Inter Island Speedboats,

Transportation & flights

All airport transfer from/to the Airport with a private Spanish speaking Driver Private English Speaking diver Guide for Quito City Tour Transportation to Activities in Galapagos Islands Inter Island Speedboats
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 13 Breakfast
  • 4 Lunch
  • 3 Box Lunch
  • 1 Dinner
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
respon-respon-HiOfEc

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