Guayaquil Tours &amp; Trips

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cuenca, Guayaquil, Quito

Highlights

In the old center of Guayaquil, visit Seminario Park, with its colonial atmosphere Enjoy a tour, demonstration and chocolate tasting at a cocoa plantation Learn about the cultivation of orchids in the small town of Gualaceo Discover the charm of Cuenca, a city located high in the Andean Mountains Marvel at the impressive stone foundations of Ingapirca Ruins, believed to have been used for religious purposes Spend two nights at an Amazon Lodge discovering the area's flora and fauna Visit a Quechua community interpretation center in the riverside village of Ahuano Visit Colonial Quito and walk through its cobblestone streets Excursion to the Middle of the World Monument †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

10 days From$2,379

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

13 Day Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon

none

3.7/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Quito

Highlights

In the lush tropical lowlands of Ecuador visit a working Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation Visit Guayaquil's Seminario Park, a favorite place of bird watchers and home to arboreal Iguanas Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands Explore stunning Tintoreras Islet with its sea lions, turtles, iguanas and whitetip reef sharks Stand before the historic ‘Wall of Tears,’ monument to prisoners who constructed the barrier Hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on the Galapagos Islands At the Los Humedales complex, see all four species of mangroves found in the archipelago Visit the Turtle Breeding Center - hear about programs to save the iconic Galapagos Tortoises Visit the "Middle of the World" monument at the Equator that marks latitude 0º Enjoy the wonders of nature and the hot steamy thermal springs at Papallacta in the Andes Journey deep into the Amazon, a living jewel with rare beauty and astonishing natural wonders From atop the canopy walkway pause to view amazing panoramas and vibrant colored birds Meet with women at an Interpretation Center to learn more about the Kichwa lifestyle A native guide shows you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed Piranha - a real challenge! Listen to the symphony of frogs and birds on a nocturnal jungle walk by flashlight Discover Quito's historic colonial quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour a rose plantation and learn about Ecuador's major rose cultivation industry †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

13 days From$4,829

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 Day Ecuador with 4 Day Western Galapagos Cruise

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Quito, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

Discover Quito's colonial quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site Stand at the Middle of the World monument, situated at latitude 0º Journey to the "beginning of time" as you travel to the astonishing Galapagos Archipelago Snorkel/Swim on magnificent white sand beaches with astounding marine life Observe areas with blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, Galapagos penguins and sea lions Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise breeding center Explore Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador and the nation's largest port Visit Parque Historico and learn about the history & culture of the region

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 days From$8,139

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

10 Day Kaleidoscope of Ecuador with Andes Mountains & Amazon

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cuenca, Guayaquil, Quito

Highlights

In the old center of Guayaquil, visit Seminario Park, with its colonial atmosphere Enjoy a tour, demonstration and chocolate tasting at a cocoa plantation Learn about the cultivation of orchids in the small town of Gualaceo Discover the charm of Cuenca, a city located high in the Andean Mountains Marvel at the impressive stone foundations of Ingapirca Ruins, believed to have been used for religious purposes Spend two nights at an Amazon Lodge discovering the area's flora and fauna Visit a Quechua community interpretation center in the riverside village of Ahuano Visit Colonial Quito and walk through its cobblestone streets Excursion to the Middle of the World Monument †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

10 days From$2,099

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 Day Ecuador with 4 Day Northern Galapagos Cruise

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Darwin, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Quito, Santa Cruz

Highlights

Discover Quito's colonial quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site Stand at the Middle of the World monument, situated at latitude 0º Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands Visit Buccaneer Cove, once an important site for 17th and 18th-century sailors Snorkel on magnificent beaches with friendly marine turtles and plentiful marine life Travel along the jagged shores to Rábida Island on a panga while naturalist-guides explain the area's dramatic geology The unique environment encourages sea lions, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, penguins and flightless cormorants Observe areas with Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions Explore Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador and the nation's largest port Visit Parque Historico and learn about the history & culture of the region

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

8 days From$8,089

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

10 Day Kaleidoscope of Ecuador with Andes Mountains & Amazon

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cuenca, Guayaquil, Quito

Highlights

In the old center of Guayaquil, visit Seminario Park, with its colonial atmosphere Enjoy a tour, demonstration and chocolate tasting at a cocoa plantation Learn about the cultivation of orchids in the small town of Gualaceo Discover the charm of Cuenca, a city located high in the Andean Mountains Marvel at the impressive stone foundations of Ingapirca Ruins, believed to have been used for religious purposes Spend two nights at an Amazon Lodge discovering the area's flora and fauna Visit a Quechua community interpretation center in the riverside village of Ahuano Visit Colonial Quito and walk through its cobblestone streets Excursion to the Middle of the World Monument †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

By MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

10 days From$1,769

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Explore Machu Picchu & Cruise The Galápagos

none

4.8/5 Excellent

64 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island, Urubamba

Highlights

Explore two of Latin America’s crown jewels on one amazing two-week adventure!
Discover rich Andean culture and deep history in the charming, UNESCO-listed city of Cusco and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu
Journey through the Galápagos on a private yacht and see incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, giant tortoises, sea lions and much, much more
Enjoy moments of magical discovery every step of the way and learn from expert naturalist guides

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

14 days From$7,995

More

Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Quito, Galapagos and Guayaquil Special Rate Tour

By Tangol Tours

none

4.6/5 Excellent

9 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Charles Darwin Research Station, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isla Bartolome, Isla Santa Fe, Quito

Highlights

Explore Ecuador and its natural wonders!!!
Visit the striking Mimddle of the World

Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Unknowledgeable and don’t communicate. Stay away unless you want letting down last minute."