Grand Explorer: Ecuador & Galapagos
From Highlands to the Enchanted Islands

11 Days | Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, Otavalo, Papallacta Hot Springs

Experience Ecuador through an unforgettable journey that perfectly combines the country's rich cultural heritage with the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Explore the colonial streets of Quito, encounter giant tortoises and remarkable wildlife in the Enchanted Islands, discover volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, visit the colorful indigenous market of Otavalo, and conclude your adventure relaxing in the natural hot springs of Papallacta.

Carefully designed for travelers seeking a balanced combination of culture, wildlife, nature, and authentic local experiences, this itinerary offers one of the most complete introductions to 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
✔ Full-Day Yacht Excursion to South Plazas Island
✔ Isabela Island
✔ Tintoreras Islet
✔ Flamingo Lagoon
✔ Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa)
✔ Sierra Negra Volcano
✔ Charles Darwin Research Station
✔ Otavalo Indigenous Market
✔ Cotacachi Leather Town
✔ Peguche Waterfall or Cuicocha Crater Lake
✔ San Pablo Lake
✔ Papallacta Hot Springs

Tour Information

Duration: 11 Days
Tour Style: Culture • Nature • Wildlife • Adventure
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Service: Private Departures

Perfect For:

First-Time Visitors to Ecuador
Nature Lovers
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Couples
Families
Small 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 and prepare for 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 learning about Ecuador's fascinating history, architecture, and traditions.

Today's experience combines Quito's cultural heritage with the unique opportunity to stand on the Equator Line, where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3 | Journey to the Galápagos Islands: Begin your Galápagos adventure as you travel to Santa Cruz Island, where extraordinary volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife provide the perfect introduction to this remarkable archipelago.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 4 | Yacht Excursion: Spend the day exploring South Plazas Island, one of the Galápagos National Park's most spectacular visitor sites. Discover dramatic coastal cliffs, endemic vegetation, sea lions, land iguanas, and an extraordinary diversity of seabirds while enjoying one of the archipelago's most iconic yacht excursions.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

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

Enjoy spectacular volcanic scenery, coastal ecosystems, and unforgettable encounters with the island's remarkable wildlife.

Overnight in Isabela Island.

Day 6 | Los Túneles & Coastal Exploration: Continue exploring Isabela through one of its most iconic marine environments.

Today's adventure combines crystal-clear waters, lava formations, abundant marine life, and beautiful coastal scenery, creating one of the most memorable experiences in the Galápagos Islands.

Overnight in Isabela Island.

Day 7 | Sierra Negra Volcano & Return to Santa Cruz: Explore one of the largest volcanic craters in the world before returning to Santa Cruz Island in the afternoon.

This day perfectly combines volcanic landscapes, endemic flora, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Galápagos Islands.

Overnight in Santa Cruz Island.

Day 8 | Return to Mainland Ecuador: Enjoy your final morning in the Galápagos before returning to Quito.

Take time to reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and extraordinary landscapes experienced throughout your island adventure.

Overnight in Quito.

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

Discover local traditions, colorful textiles, artisan workshops, and breathtaking Andean scenery before returning to Quito.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 10 | Papallacta Hot Springs: Escape into the Ecuadorian Andes and relax in the natural thermal pools of Papallacta.

Surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes, enjoy a peaceful day reconnecting with nature 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
✔ 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
✔ Otavalo Excursion
✔ Papallacta Hot Springs entrance
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
✔ Shared yacht excursion according to itinerary
✔ Excursions according to the itinerary
✔ 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
✔ Carefully selected accommodation categories
✔ Comfortable private transportation
✔ Handpicked Galápagos experiences
✔ Personalized assistance before and during your journey
✔ Operated by a local Ecuadorian Destination Management Company (DMC)

Ready to Discover Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands?

Experience the perfect balance between Ecuador's cultural heritage and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands on a journey filled with volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife, indigenous traditions, and unforgettable natural wonders.

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.