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Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GGSIC
Overview
Destination:
Ecuador,
Start:Quito, Ecuador
Finish:Quito, Ecuador
Finish:Quito, Ecuador
Duration:18 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
March 2025 - December 2026
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle to the amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot and boat on this active adventure. You’ll also walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. You’ll also get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family where you’ll connect with them, lending a hand with chores, doing seasonal activities and maybe brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.
4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from US$100 to US$200.
5. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/
2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.
4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from US$100 to US$200.
5. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Intrepid supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Intrepid losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
For more information: http://www.galapagos.org/travel/travel/park-rules/
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Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 3 dinners.
- Transport: Plane, Speed Boat, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Public bus.
- Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night).
- Amazon- Night walk.
- Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre.
- Banos - Walking tour.
- Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall hike.
- Cotopaxi - National Park walk.
- Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit.
- Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda.
- Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience.
- Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint.
- Otavalo - Market Visit.
- Quito - Historic District Walking Tour.
- Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours).
- San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands.
- Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes).
- Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour).
- Floreana - Snorkeling.
- Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours).
- Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes).
- Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour).
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking.
- Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours).
- Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours).
- Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour.
- Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class.
- Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk.
- Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy visit.
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your South American adventure begins in the country’s capital of Quito, high in the Andes. You’ll notice a mix of modern and traditional houses dotted halfway up the surrounding mountain peaks that frame the city and an Old Town with architectural jewels just waiting to be explored. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps take a day trip to the Papallacta Hot Springs and relax in the thermal pools or check out the turquoise water of Quilotoa Lagoon.
Day 2: Tena - Amazon
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the country’s capital and switch up the pace as you make your way to the Amazon on a local bus bound for Tena. Your lodge-style accommodation in Tena, on the banks of the Arajuno River, is only accessible by canoe so you can expect a little bit of adventure for the last leg of today’s trip! You'll have a free afternoon to explore the eco-lodge – built with all-natural materials, this lodge belongs to the Selvaviva Foundation that works with the Indigenous community in the area. Tonight, have dinner at the eco-lodge, listening to the singing sounds of jungle insects and the flicker of the fireplace. Then, wander the area under the twinkling night sky on a night walk with your leader guiding the way.
Day 3: Tena - Amazon
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. You’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in. After lunch, visit an animal rescue centre to learn more about the local wildlife (and how we can help to protect them).
Day 4: Banos
Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals and maybe brush up on your Spanish on a public bus headed for Banos. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways that lead to waterfalls, this is a perfect next step after the rainforest! When you arrive, stretch your legs on a leader-led walking tour of the city and get the inside scoop on the best places to grab a bite to eat. This afternoon, visit Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. The 80-m-high falls have a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path (so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket). There are a lot of stairs, but they will be worth it when you reach the view of Pailon del Diablo.
Day 5: Banos
Today, you have a free day to explore Banos and take on all the optional activities you like! Your leader will always be on hand to help arrange anything you’d like to do – maybe head for the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ and get your heart racing or hike to the Bellavista Viewpoint. You could also opt to soak away your worries in the hot springs or visit the local waterfalls.
Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park - Quito
Rise bright and early this morning and drive along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ to the Cotopaxi National Park, which sits at 3800 m above sea level. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a gorgeous view of the Cotopaxi volcano – Ecuador’s second-highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world! Keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, including condors, deer and spectacled bears. Have lunch at La Cienega – sitting at the bottom of the volcano, this is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador and famously housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission. After lunch, explore the on-site architecture, gardens and chapel. On the way back to Quito, you’ll also visit a flower farm for a guided tour where you’ll learn about all stages of production here. Connect with the plants by cutting and touching the flowers around you, becoming a part of the final phase of production, and learn about their green initiatives and environment mission.
Day 7: Cotacachi Community Stay
Make your way north to Cotacachi to visit the La Calera Community today, where Indigenous families will be waiting for you for tonight’s homestay. When you arrive, you’ll participate in the ‘Pachamanca’ food ceremony, where the pot is heated with volcanic stones to cook the local, Andean vegetables. Pachamanca has been a part of South American culture for centuries, dating back to pre-historic times. The name comes from the Quechua language ‘Pacha’ (meaning earth) and ‘Manca’ (meaning cooking pot or earth oven). Widely used in times of the Incas, this ritual is a celebration of fertility and life. While lunch is cooking, visit some of the women's entrepreneurship programs and learn more about the community here. After, spend some more time getting to know the local families and depending on the season, maybe feed the animals, take milk from the cows or harvest some vegetables.
Day 8: Otavalo - Quito
After a home-cooked breakfast this morning, say goodbye to your hosts and board the bus to the Cuicocha Lagoon. This lagoon sits in a collapsed volcanic crater and features two mounded islands resembling the backs of two guinea pigs (Cuicocha means ‘guinea pig lake!’). When you arrive, take one of the paths to the several viewpoints and appreciate the vast scenery. Then, head to the local Indigenous market of Otavalo – one of the best places to haggle for souvenirs. Browse the many stalls that sell hats, tapestries, ceramics, textiles and more. Later, head back to Quito and maybe rally your travel companions for a group dinner – your leader will be ready to recommend all the best bars and street eats!
Day 9: Quito
The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your new group travelling to the Galapagos Islands. As no activities are planned until this important meeting, why not take a day tour to the Papallacta Hot Springs to relax in the thermal pools or check out the turquoise water of Quilotoa Lagoon? After the welcome meeting, you'll join your local leader on a tour of the historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its facade representing Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You'll also visit La Compania de Jesus, considered by many to be the most beautiful church in the Americas. The tour will finish at San Francisco Square, then you'll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito's Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!
Day 10: Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
Bienvenidos! Welcome to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. After joining up with your fellow travellers and your local naturalist guide, you’ll head to La Loberia and put on your snorkelling gear for the first time. Go for a swim among the sea lions and maybe even spot sea turtles, too! After, you’ll return to town, where you have a free evening to head out with the group and get to know each other better. Maybe find some fresh seafood to enjoy or wander the shores at your own pace.
Day 11: Isla San Cristobal
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'Enchanted Islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) – it's quite a climb to the top, but well worth the amazing views of the bay. Then, return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.
Day 12: Isla Floreana / Isla Isabela
Take an early morning boat ride to Isla Floreana and look for dolphins and whales along the way. Snorkel in the clear blue waters and then break for lunch. After, venture to a black-sand beach belonging to the Witmers – descendants of some of the first settlers on the Galapagos. The town here – Puerto Velasco Ibarra – has about 150 residents and an intriguing history involving deaths, disappearances and murders. Later in the afternoon, wave goodbye to Floreana and continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 13: Isla Isabela
This morning, you’ll hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and winding underground lava tubes. This area is also frequented by green sea turtles that like to rest on the calm, sandy bottom. Return to Isla Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. After learning about the thousand turtles that are preparing for life here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, take a kayak around the island and spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in your first Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!
Day 14: Isla Isabela
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. After, make your way back to town for some free time to curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
Day 15: Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz
Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a local farm, where giant tortoises roam the grounds freely. Here, you’ll meet with an expert chef for a cooking class to make the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and a savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Enjoy the soups of your labour for lunch, then wander the grounds with the slow-paced residents. After lunch, you’ll visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). See how the family harvests and processes sugar cane and cacao and how they work with the local community.
Day 16: Isla Santa Cruz
Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Later, you’ll head to the local fish market for a dose of local life on the way to The Galapagos Conservancy, who help protect the Galapagos' unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the Galapagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which provides critical capital for sustainability initiatives and builds the entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. After, head to the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity.
Day 17: Quito
Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader before taking a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where a representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhapshead out for a final dinner with your group.
Day 18: Quito
This morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there are no activities planned for today, you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent to organize additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Departure dates
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Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
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For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos
17 nights
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