Galapagos & Ecuador - A Culture & Nature Lover’s Dream
Visit four different regions in one country: the majestic Andes mountain range, the Amazonian rain forest, the Galapagos Islands, and the warm and sunny Pacific coast. With this itinerary you will experience the historical, cultural, and geographical legacy that Ecuador has to offer. Get to know the different indigenous and ethnic groups in the country that continues to preserve its languages and traditions.
Ecuador’s unique and delicious cuisine is filled with flavors from the highlands and the coast. The Amazon rainforest flora and fauna abundance is a truly nature lover’s dream.
Last, but not least, Archipelago of Galapagos, home to stunning volcano landscape, turquoise waters and hundreds of species not found anywhere else in the world. Visit ECUADOR, one of seventeen “mega-diverse” countries of the world by UNESCO.
Details
Flexible. This tour can be customized to your exact needs and dates.
Ecuador – Quito, Otavalo, Magdalena, Coca (Amazon), Galápagos Islands & Guayaquil.
From $ 3,859.00 USD
Prices are per person and for reference based on DBL standard room. Final price will change depending on hotel choices, travel dates, and other customer preferences. International/domestic flights and gratuities are not included in price. All prices are subject to availability and may change without notice. Please read Terms & Conditions; insurance is highly recommended.
Detailed Description
14 nights accommodation in double room.
Full Day private guided visit to Otavalo market, Ibarra & train ride through northern Andes to Magdalena.
½ Day private horseback ride through Andes landscape.
½ Day private guided visit to leather good manufacturing town of Cotacachi.
½ Day private guided tour of Colonial Quito and visit to “Mitad del Mundo”.
Full Day private guided visit to Cotopaxi National Park.
Full Day private guided Amazonian jungle tour, Coca.
½ Day private guided hike along Lagartococha trail.
5 Day/4 Nights Galapagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend or Galapagos Coral.
½ Day private guided visit to Guayaquil “The Pearl of the Pacific”.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in specified destinations.
All private transportation from/to airports and hotels.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arriving at Quito’s international airport, private guided transfer from airport to your selected deluxe accommodation. Rest of the day at leisure.
After breakfast, morning departure through the northern highlands of Ecuador towards the city of Otavalo and Ibarra. Afternoon train ride through early 20th century railroad system to Salinas an Afro- Ecuadorian village, truly untouched by the urgencies of modern life; taste the most authentic Andean home cooking. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
After breakfast, private morning horseback ride with a native guide through the magnificent Andean landscapes of Magdalena. Afternoon visit to Cotacachi, a town known for the detailed manufacture of leather goods, and later visit the Cuicocha crater lake which will provide an excellent opportunity to see such an unusual formation of a lake, flanked by peaks and native flora.
After breakfast, private guided Colonial city tour of San Francisco de Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, recognized as the largest and best preserved colonial city in the Americas. While touring you will have the opportunity to recognize the different architectural styles the city has to offer. After a short drive, visit the “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude and the Intiñan Solar Museum.
After breakfast, depart south from Quito to visit the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is the highest active snow covered volcano. Enjoy the spectacular views from the surrounding scenery such as the Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua volcanoes. Despite the altitude, the park is also home to numerous birds and a variety of plant life, which can be seen on a light hike.
After breakfast, short flight from Quito to the town of Coca in the Amazon rain forest. Private ground transfer and canoe ride to a deluxe jungle lodge. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim in the lagoon, or bird and butterfly watching. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
In the morning, partake in a bird watching walk inside terra-firme forest where you will also observe huge kapok trees and strangler figs. In the afternoon, join a relaxed walk along the Napo River or a more vigorous hiking group to observe squirrel monkeys and other jungle species. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
In the morning hike along the Lagartococha trail or navigate down a river in search for anacondas and caiman, perhaps capuchin monkeys. In the afternoon, schedule a piranha fishing outing or a canoe ride on the Igapó River to observe sloths and otters. Upon returning to the inn you may observe caiman, bats or nocturnal birds. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).
After breakfast, early departure and a final opportunity to spot other monkey species. Return to Quito.
Breakfast. Private morning transfer from hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Island. Board the all-inclusive M/V Galapagos Legend or M/Y Galapagos Coral I or II cruise.
Visit the Enchanted Islands for the best natural history show on Earth. See prehistoric looking iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and recent volcanic flows. Swim and snorkel any time of the year in the warm clear waters and colorful beaches among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
Board the all-inclusive M/V Galapagos Legend or M/Y Galapagos Coral I or II cruise.
Board the all-inclusive M/V Galapagos Legend or M/Y Galapagos Coral I or II cruise.
Board the all-inclusive M/V Galapagos Legend or M/Y Galapagos Coral I or II cruise.
Morning arrival from Galapagos Island at Guayaquil and private transfer to deluxe hotel. Afternoon, private guided city tour of Guayaquil, also known as the Pearl of the Pacific where you will get to know the history of the port city. Visit the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank, the Centenario park (also known as “iguana park”), and the Historical Park which showcases the ways of life, flora & fauna, colonial architecture of the post pirate life of the port city of Guayaquil.
After breakfast, private transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight back home.
