Complete Ecuador Highlights
Scroll to content
-
Duration
12 Nights
-
Trip Comfort
Comfort
-
Trip Highlights
Volcanoes, Cities and the Galápagos Islands
-
Price From
$ 6,957 per person
Experience the highlights of Ecuador's diverse landscape with this complete 13-day adventure. From island-hopping and snorkeling, to volcanoes and indigenous markets, this all-encompassing food, nature, city and wildlife tour offers the very best of Ecuador.
Trip Highlights:
- Roam around the colonial capital Quito and uncover its past with an educational walking tour
- Dive into local culture with authentic cooking and art classes in Otavalo and Tigua
- Witness the magnificent Avenue of the Volcanoes with the great Cotopaxi and Antisana
- Get lost in the charming Cuenca, with colonial architecture and stunning nature
- Observe the incredible flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands in a state-of-the-art yacht
Example Itinerary
Day 1 | Transfer in Quito
You will be welcomed by an English-speaking assistant and a private transfer from Quito Mariscal Sucre airport to your hotel.
Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda
Day 2 | Quito Bites & Delights
You will explore Quito’s historic center, tasting vibrant Ecuadorian cuisine. Highlights include visiting Mercado de San Francisco for fresh fruit juices, sampling traditional Sierra dishes, tasting artisanal ice cream and enjoying chocolate and craft beers. This immersive culinary experience rooted in throw you in the deep end of Ecuadorian culture.
Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 3 | Otavalo & Community Cooking Class
You will arrive in Otavalo and explore the Indian market. Full of colorful indigenous crafts and artefacts, this stop is a must for all visitors to the northern Andes of Ecuador. In the afternoon, we will meet a Kichwa Otavalean family who will lead a cooking class, teaching you about traditional cooking methods and authentic flavors.
Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 4 | Avenue of the Volcanoes
Day 5 | Indigenous Markets and Quilotoa Lake
Day 6 | Devil's Nose and Ingapirca Ruins
Day 7 | Cuenca City Walking Tour
Day 8 | El Cajas National Park
Day 9 | Baltra & Santa Cruz Islands
On day 9, you will transfer from your hotel to Guayaquil airport, where you'll undergo mandatory luggage inspections to fly to the Galápagos Islands. Once in the archipelago, you will be taken to the Sea Star yacht and sail to Dragon Hill, a long beach trail on Santa Cruz island rich with flamingos, land iguanas, and offering lovely views of the neighboring islands.
Accommodation: Sea Star yacht
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10 | Black Turtle Cove and Chinese Hat
In the morning, you'll visit Black Turtle Cove, observing sea turtles, baby white-tip reef sharks, and other diverse marine life in its mangrove environment. In the afternoon, you'll visit Sombrero Chino -Chinese Hat Islet - enjoying its unique shape and scenic views. There will also be a chance to snorkel off the zodiac boat to look for sea lions, colorful fish and Galápagos penguins.
Accommodation: Sea Star yacht
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 | Genovesa Island
In the morning, you'll visit El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps) on Genovesa Island, observing diverse wildlife and passing through colonies of Nazca, red-footed boobies and many other endemic bird species. In the afternoon, you'll visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, enjoying its coral sand beach and observing swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions along a mangrove trail.
Accommodation: Sea Star yacht
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12 | Bartolome & Santiago Islands
In the morning, you'll visit Bartholomew Island, enjoying its iconic views of Pinnacle Rock and the volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, you'll visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, observing extensive lava flows of both "pa-hoe-hoe" and "aa" formations.
Accommodation: Sea Star yacht
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13 | Highlands Tortoise Reserve
In the morning, you'll explore the highlands and see the renowned giant tortoise along with diverse birdlife and the contrasting ecosystems of the Galápagos. Later on, you'll transfer directly to Baltra Airport for your flight to the mainland.
Meals: breakfast
Inclusions
Where You Will Stay
Casona de la Ronda
- This "Heritage Boutique Hotel" located in the heart of Quito's historic center has 22 tastefully remodeled rooms to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture. Enjoy all the modern amenities incorporated into the original facilities; colors and stone walls reflect the passage of time. The rooms have been designed to provide an authentic stay that reflects the true atmosphere of Quito's unique colonial center.
Chilcabamba Lodge
The mountain lodge that brings you closer to the majestic Andean highlands. From breakfast face-to-face with the Cotopaxi Volcano to a cozy bonfire beneath a magnificent star-studded sky at nightfall, Chilcabamba provides comfort with just the right touch of sophistication. The remote, simple, and charming setting seamlessly blends with nature and is only six kilometers from the Cotopaxi National Park.
Hostería Andaluza
In the province of Chimborazo, at an altitude of 3,320 meters, where the stars meet the land, Hostería Andaluza sits on the slopes of the most beautiful volcano of the inter-Andean alley. With stunning colonial architecture, attentive services and breathtaking landscapes, Hostería Andaluza transports visitors to a journey through memory and history.
Hotel Santa Lucía
Santa Lucía, a charming colonial house from 1859, is a historic gem in the heart of Cuenca. Just steps from the boutique hotel are the stunning churches and iconic landmarks of Cuenca, making it the perfect location for city exploration. With culinary delights served in the restaurant and complimentary breakfast, Hotel Santa Lucía provides an unforgettable experience.
Wyndham Guayaquil
Situated in the Puerto Santa Ana area, Wyndham Guayaquil offers an ideal location close to many tourist attractions. With spacious and comfortable guest rooms offer breathtaking views, a terrace swimming pool and international cuisine at the Río Grande Restaurant, this hotel has it all. Other amenities include a fitness center and a lobby bar, and bilingual staff that are always ready to assist you.
Sea Star Yacht
This magnificent yacht with a capacity for 16 guests offers extreme comfort, panoramic views and private bathrooms. With an emphasis on individual attention, excellent service and a high level of environmental and social responsibility, the Sea Star will cater to your every need. Other amenities include a large solarium with shaded areas, two Jacuzzis and a mini-library.
Ask a Galapagos specialist
to plan your adventure