Classic Adventure: Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Discover Ecuador's Natural Wonders

10 Days | Quito • Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island • Cotopaxi National Park • Otavalo

Experience an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's most extraordinary destinations, combining the breathtaking biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands with the spectacular landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Explore Quito's colonial heritage, encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, snorkel in crystal-clear waters around Santa Fe Island, discover the volcanic beauty of Isabela, and conclude your adventure among the majestic scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and the colorful traditions of Otavalo.

Carefully designed for travelers seeking the perfect balance between wildlife, adventure, and culture, this itinerary showcases the very best of mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Archipelago.

Tour Highlights

• ✔ Historic Center of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• ✔ Middle of the World Monument

• ✔ Intiñán Museum

• ✔ Santa Cruz Island

• ✔ Giant Tortoises in their Natural Habitat

• ✔ Lava Tunnels

• ✔ Santa Fe Island

• ✔ Hidden Beach

• ✔ Snorkeling Experience

• ✔ Isabela Island

• ✔ Flamingo Lagoon

• ✔ Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa)

• ✔ Sierra Negra Volcano

• ✔ Charles Darwin Research Station

• ✔ Cotopaxi National Park

• ✔ José Rivas Refuge

• ✔ Limpiopungo Lagoon

• ✔ Otavalo Indigenous Market

• ✔ Cotacachi Leather Town

• ✔ Peguche Waterfall or Cuicocha Crater Lake

• ✔ San Pablo Lake

Tour Information

• Duration: 10 Days

• Tour Style: Wildlife • Nature • Adventure • Culture

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Service: Private Departures

Perfect For:

• Nature Lovers

• Adventure Travelers

• Couples

• Families

• Groups

Itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Quito: Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your selected hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax before beginning your Ecuadorian adventure.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 | Quito City Tour & Middle of the World: Discover one of South America's best-preserved colonial cities while exploring Ecuador's fascinating history, architecture, and traditions.

Today's experience combines Quito's cultural heritage with the opportunity to stand on the Equator Line before beginning your Galápagos adventure.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3 | Journey to the Galápagos Islands: Begin your adventure on Santa Cruz Island while exploring the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat and discovering the impressive volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos Highlands.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 4 | Santa Fe Island Adventure: Embark on a full-day excursion to Santa Fe Island, one of the Galápagos Archipelago's most beautiful snorkeling destinations.

Discover crystal-clear waters, secluded white-sand beaches, and extraordinary marine wildlife while exploring Hidden Beach and the spectacular coastline of one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. Throughout the day, enjoy excellent opportunities to snorkel alongside sea lions, marine turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish in an unforgettable natural setting.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 5 | Isabela Island Adventure: Travel to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos Archipelago, and discover one of its richest wildlife habitats.

Explore spectacular volcanic landscapes, unique coastal ecosystems, and remarkable marine environments while enjoying unforgettable encounters with the extraordinary biodiversity that makes the Galápagos world-famous.

Overnight in Isabela Island.

Day 6 | Sierra Negra Volcano & Return to Santa Cruz: Explore one of the world's largest volcanic calderas while admiring breathtaking panoramic views across Isabela Island before returning to Santa Cruz in the afternoon.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 7 | Return to Mainland Ecuador: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before transferring to Baltra Airport for your journey back to mainland Ecuador.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 8 | Cotopaxi National Park: Travel along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to discover one of the world's highest active volcanoes.

Experience spectacular Andean landscapes while exploring one of Ecuador's most iconic national parks.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 9 | Otavalo & Cotacachi: Journey through the northern Andes to experience one of South America's most famous indigenous markets.

Discover colorful handicrafts, artisan workshops, traditional culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery before returning to Quito.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 10 | Departure: Enjoy a relaxed morning before your scheduled transfer to Quito International Airport.

End of services.

Accommodation Categories

• Tourist Class: Comfortable hotels offering excellent value, private bathroom, breakfast included, and convenient locations.

• Superior Tourist Class: Carefully selected boutique hotels providing enhanced comfort, excellent service, and premium locations.

• First Class: Premium hotels featuring superior comfort, exclusive facilities, and outstanding personalized service.

The final hotel selection will be confirmed according to the selected category and availability. Similar hotels of the same category may be used.

Included Services

• Mainland Ecuador

• ✔ Airport transfers (IN / OUT)

• ✔ Private transportation throughout the itinerary

• ✔ Professional bilingual guide

• ✔ Personalized assistance throughout your journey

• ✔ Round-trip domestic flights from Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) to Baltra, Galápagos (GPS), including 1 personal item, 1 carry-on bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb), and 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lb), according to the airline's applicable fare conditions.

• ✔ Accommodation according to the selected hotel category

• ✔ Daily breakfast

• ✔ Lunches during excursions

• ✔ Dinners according to the itinerary

• ✔ Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned

• ✔ Quito City Tour

• ✔ Middle of the World Monument & Intiñán Museum

• ✔ Cotopaxi National Park excursion

• ✔ Otavalo excursion

  Galápagos Islands

• ✔ Baltra Airport transfers (IN / OUT)

• ✔ Lobitos transportation (Airport – Itabaca Channel – Airport)

• ✔ Hotel transfers

• ✔ Shared speedboat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz

• ✔ Water taxis and barges

• ✔ Certified bilingual Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide

• ✔ Full-day Santa Fe Island Excursion

• ✔ Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa) excursion

• ✔ Sierra Negra Volcano excursion

• ✔ Charles Darwin Research Station

• ✔ Snorkeling equipment

• ✔ Wetsuits

• ✔ Towels

• ✔ Lunches during excursions

• ✔ Accommodation according to the selected hotel category

Not Included

• ✘ International flights

• ✘ Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee

• ✘ INGALA Transit Control Card

• ✘ Travel insurance

• ✘ Alcoholic beverages

• ✘ Personal expenses

• ✘ Meals not specified in the itinerary

• ✘ Optional activities

• ✘ Tips

• ✘ Any services not specifically mentioned

Why Choose This Tour?

• ✔ Private departures only

• ✔ Flexible travel dates

• ✔ Professional bilingual local guides

• ✔ Certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide

• ✔ Full-day Santa Fe Island excursion

• ✔ Carefully selected accommodation categories

• ✔ Comfortable private transportation

• ✔ Personalized assistance before and during your journey

• ✔ Ideal balance between Galápagos and mainland Ecuador

• ✔ Operated by a local Ecuadorian Destination Management Company (DMC)

Ready for Your Galápagos Adventure?

Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, explore Ecuador's majestic volcanic landscapes, and experience authentic Andean culture on a carefully crafted journey that combines wildlife, adventure, and unforgettable natural beauty.

Have questions or ready to plan your trip? Contact our team on WhatsApp to check availability, receive a personalized quote, and start planning your Ecuador and Galápagos adventure.

Ecuador