Getting to the Galápagos From Quito
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To reach the Galápagos Islands, you will travel through mainland Ecuador. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is the most accessible starting point, and is worth visiting in its own right. High in the Andes, Quito is a dramatic sight - a sea of modern apartment blocks squeezed between mountain peaks. With a colonial past, and the largest historic center in South America, there's no shortage of things to do in Quito. We offer trips from Quito Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands that will give you time to explore this charming capital.
Trips
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Day 1 | Transfer in Quito
Day 2 | Quito Hands on Experience
Day 3 | Napo Wildlife Center
Day 4 | Parrots' Lick
Day 5 | Canopy Observation Tower
Day 6 | Napo Wildlife Center to Quito
Day 7 | Quito to Galápagos Islands
Day 8 | Yacht Exploration
Day 9 | Land Exploration
Day 10 | Land Exploration
Day 11 | Baltra to Quito
Day 12 | Condor Project & Cheese Factory
Day 13 | Otavalo to Quito
12 Nights
Luxury Galápagos Cruise Family Program
Experience Ecuador's diverse nature and culture with a complete 13-day tour around the exotic archipelago, the charming capital and the indigenous Napo River -
Day 1 | Transfer in Quito
Day 2 | Excursion Otavalo Market
Day 3 | Condor Project & Cheese Factory
Day 4 | Quito Colonial City Tour
Day 5 | Arrival in the Galápagos Islands
Day 6 | San Cristóbal Island
Day 7 | Española Island
Day 8 | Santa Fe Island
Day 9 | South Plaza Island
8 Nights
Ecuador & the Galápagos by Cruise
Experience an unforgettable 9-day tour showcasing everything from Ecuador's rich culture to the Galápagos Islands' diverse wildlife. -
Day 1 | Transfer in Quito
Day 2 | Quito Bites & Delights
Day 3 | Otavalo & Community Cooking Class
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
Day 10 | Black Turtle Cove and Chinese Hat
Day 11 | Genovesa Island
Day 12 | Bartolomé & Santiago Islands
Day 13 | Highlands Tortoise Reserve
12 Nights
Complete Ecuador Highlights
Embark on a complete 13-day tour of Ecuador's highlights, from culinary experiences to volcanic exploration.
Reasons to Visit Quito
- Only 2.5 hours by plane, Quito easily accessible stopping point before or after your trip in the Galápagos Islands
- Quito's architecture is iconic, filled with churches, palaces and colorful colonial houses, wondering the streets is fascinating
- Ecuadorian cuisine is best served in Quito, from seafood specialties such as zesty ceviche, to highland flavors like the warming locro de papa, you can try it all here
- Experience Ecuador’s deep-rooted history with museums, ruins and even centuries-old Incan structure
Top places to visit
Old Town
The old town, South America's oldest historic center, is a gold mine for churches, grand plazas, elegant palaces and museums. Labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this beating heart of the city is a great introduction to Quito. While modern life has taken over - cafes, restaurants and shops fill the streets - it feels like being transported back 500 years ago, with many of the buildings serving as remnants from colonial times.
Plaza de la Independencia
At the heart of the old town lies Independence Square - or Plaza Grande. This main square is home to some of Quito's most significant buildings, including the presidential palace and the city hall. The square is also rich in history, with a statue in the center commemorating the country's victory in its war for independence from Spain. If you visit on a Monday, you can watch the 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony which features a military band and parade.
Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza de San Francisco is one of the old town’s most picturesque squares. Home to San Francisco church and monastery, it stands as one of the largest religious complexes in South America, and features baroque and colonial style architecture.
Local Markets
The Mercado Central (city market) is the perfect place to try an array of Ecuadorian cuisine. There are hundreds of different tropical fruits and several kinds of typical dishes such as encebollado (fish stew) and locro de papas (potato soup served with avocado and cheese). Exploring the market gives an insight into daily life for Quito's residents.