Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands
14 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 3819
Duration14 days

If you’re already exploring Ecuador on terra firma you’re this close to the eco-lover's paradise: the Galápagos, so we’ve brought both together in one 14-day tour. Start with all the on-land highlights like the Amazon, the stunning landscapes in the Ecuadorian highlands, and get an unforgettable experience staying right in the Amazon jungle. Experience the Galápagos aboard the Xavier III where comfy cabins, giant tortoises, and sea lions will have you wanting to jump ship — but only to go snorkelling, of course.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 14 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 12+
Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito

Start place: Quito

There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your CEO advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time. Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

End place: Quito

Day 2: Quito/Baños

Start place: Quito

Travel to Baños and be spoiled for choice with optional outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Or, take it easy and relax in local hot springs.
Meals: B
Day 3: Baños
Enjoy another free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town.
Day 4: Baños/Tena
Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.

Stay with a Quichua family and enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand.
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights in rustic jungle huts in a local Quichua community. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.

End place: Tena

Meals: L, D
Day 5: Tena

Start place: Tena

Enjoy a full day in the Amazon learning about local life in the jungle. Enjoy nature walks and visits with the local shaman. Spend the night in rustic jungle huts in a Quichua community.

End place: Tena

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Tena/Papallacta

Start place: Tena

Take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.

End place: Papallacta

Day 7: Papallacta/Quito

Start place: Papallacta

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before travelling back to Quito for free time to explore.

End place: Quito

Day 8: Quito

Start place: Quito

Enjoy a free day to get out and explore the many sights Quito has to offer.

End place: Quito

Day 9: Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Start place: Quito

In the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Isla Lobos, a small island home a friendly population of sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters watch as the curious pups blow bubbles, swim in circles and frolic in the waves.
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions. Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane).

Please note: The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the national park system are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: North Seymour/Mosquera Islet

Start place: Isla Seymour Norte

Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island

Start place: Isla San Salvador

Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

End place: Isla Bartolome

Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Puerto Ayora

Start place: Puerto Ayora

Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.

End place: Puerto Ayora

Meals: B
Day 13: Puerto Ayora/Quito

Start place: Puerto Ayora

Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.

End place: Quito

Meals: B
Day 14: Quito

Start place: Quito

Depart at any time.

End place: Quito

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Baños Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
  • Baños stay
  • Amazon Jungle homestay and cooking demonstrations (2 nts)
  • Papallacta Hot Springs stay
  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (3 nts)
  • All meals aboard the Xavier
  • Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
  • Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
  • Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, North Seymour, and Sullivan Bay
  • Visit to North Seymour to see nesting seabirds
  • Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation (Santa Cruz)
  • Academy Bay tour
  • Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Internal flights
  • Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits while aboard Xavier
  • Transport

    Private van, Public bus, Walking, Motorized yacht (Xavier), Plane, Panga
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (8 nts), Simple village cabañas/homestay (2 nts, multi-share), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (3 nts)

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