Expedition: Mainland & Galapagos Islands

Adventure Beyond the Ordinary

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

Experience Ecuador through an extraordinary journey that combines the country's rich cultural heritage with the remarkable biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Explore the colonial streets of Quito, encounter giant tortoises and breathtaking volcanic landscapes, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, discover two of the archipelago's most iconic islands, and complete your adventure among the majestic Andes with visits to Cotopaxi National Park and the colorful indigenous traditions of Otavalo.

Designed for active travelers seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, and authentic local experiences, 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

• ✔ Tintoreras Islet

• ✔ Flamingo Lagoon

• ✔ Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa)

• ✔ North Seymour Island

• ✔ 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: 11 Days

• Tour Style: Wildlife • Nature • Adventure • Culture

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Service: Private Departures

Perfect For:

• Adventure Travelers

• Wildlife Enthusiasts

• Nature Lovers

• Active 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 preparing for your Galápagos adventure.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3 | Journey to the Galápagos Islands: Begin your expedition through the legendary Galápagos Islands.

Explore spectacular volcanic landscapes and encounter the unique wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

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

Enjoy crystal-clear waters, remarkable marine wildlife, and the pristine surroundings of Hidden Beach while experiencing one of the most unforgettable coastal excursions in the Galápagos Islands.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 5 | Isabela Island: Travel to Isabela Island and discover one of the largest and most pristine islands of the Galápagos Archipelago.

Enjoy spectacular volcanic landscapes while exploring one of the archipelago's richest wildlife habitats.

Overnight in Isabela Island.

Day 6 | Los Túneles & Return to Santa Cruz: Continue exploring Isabela's extraordinary marine environments before returning to Santa Cruz Island.

Today's adventure combines crystal-clear waters, lava formations, abundant marine life, and breathtaking coastal scenery, creating another unforgettable day in the Galápagos.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 7 | North Seymour Island Yacht Excursion: Enjoy a full-day yacht excursion to North Seymour Island, one of the Galápagos National Park's premier wildlife destinations.

Famous for its blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, sea lions, and marine iguanas, North Seymour offers one of the finest wildlife experiences in the Galápagos Archipelago.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 8 | Return to Mainland Ecuador: After one final morning in the Galápagos, return to Quito and prepare for the Andean portion of your journey.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 9 | Cotopaxi National Park: Travel along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to discover one of the world's highest active volcanoes.

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

Overnight in Quito.

Day 10 | Otavalo & Cotacachi: Journey through the northern Andes to experience one of South America's most famous indigenous markets.

Discover colorful handicrafts, local traditions, artisan workshops, and spectacular mountain scenery before returning to Quito.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 11 | 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

• ✔ Accommodation according to the selected hotel category

• ✔ 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.

• ✔ 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 (Airport – Hotel – Airport)

• ✔ Shared speedboat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz

• ✔ Water taxis and barges

• ✔ Certified bilingual Galápagos Naturalist Guide

• ✔ Full-day excursion to Santa Fe Island & Hidden Beach

• ✔ Full-day yacht excursion to North Seymour Island

• ✔ Los Túneles excursion

• ✔ Tintoreras excursion

• ✔ Snorkeling equipment

• ✔ Towels

• ✔ Wetsuits

• ✔ 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

Traveling as a Group?

Special conditions are available for private groups, universities, schools, incentive travel, and customized departures.

Please contact us for tailored arrangements.

Why Choose This Tour?

• ✔ Private departures only

• ✔ Flexible travel dates

• ✔ Professional bilingual local guides

• ✔ Certified Galápagos Naturalist Guide

• ✔ Comfortable private transportation

• ✔ Carefully selected accommodation categories

• ✔ Two exclusive full-day island excursions

• ✔ Snorkeling and wildlife encounters

• ✔ Personalized assistance before and during your journey

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

Ready for the Ultimate Galápagos Expedition?

Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands through unforgettable wildlife encounters, crystal-clear waters, volcanic landscapes, and authentic Ecuadorian culture on an adventure designed for travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary.

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.

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