Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper
Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper
$4076
Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper
12 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Tena, Baños, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EGIH19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper" tour, exploring the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Begin your journey in Quito, where you'll wander through the historic old town and visit the Equatorial line. Venture into the lush jungles of Tena, meet local indigenous communities, and experience the thrill of white-water rafting. In Baños, enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and canyoneering, followed by a salsa lesson. Fly to the Galapagos Islands, where you'll encounter unique wildlife on Isabela, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal Islands. Snorkel with sea turtles, kayak alongside penguins, and explore lava tunnels. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, adventure, and natural wonders, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Quito (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.
Day 2: Quito To Tena
Location: Tena
Accommodation Name: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a white water rafting dream! If that's not your scene, we'll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz by. Then we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.
Day 3: Tena
Location: Tena
Accommodation Name: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional Guayuza, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. This afternoon, take the adrenaline up a notch and and hit the river for some fast and furious rafting. Nothing like a spot of rapid riding to induce group bonding. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM.
Day 4: Tena To Baños
Location: Baños
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Baños, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Baños is a big deal on the natural beauty front. If "Thrill Seeker" is your middle name, you'll love to opt for today's Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. Afterwards, we'll feast on DELISH spread of perfectly seasoned barbecue meats, before we burn away all those calories with salsa - with our friendly local teacher, Edith. Now, that's night well spent!
Day 5: Baños
Location: Baños
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don’t have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.
Day 6: Baños To Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Quito (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! At night, we'll dine on a traditional Ecuadorian meal as our time in this wonderful country comes to an end.
Day 7: Quito To Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isamar Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine! This morning we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we’ll appease our rumbling stomachs with some local food. Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we’ll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we’ll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’, Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it’s home for the next little while.
Day 8: Isabela Island
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isamar Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.
Day 9: Isabela Island To Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Silberstein (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that’s what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we’ll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops.
Day 10: Santa Cruz Island To San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Back on our boat we’ll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won’t have to look too hard – they’re literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we’ll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach.
Day 11: San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galapagos Planet (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we’ve got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we’ll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we’ll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we’ll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY.
Day 12: San Cristobal Island To Quito
Location: San Cristobal Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip?
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.
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City Tour of Quito
A team tour of Quito, including a visit to the Equatorial line and the Inti-Ñan Museum.
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Hummingbird Sanctuary Visit
A visit to a hummingbird sanctuary in Tena.
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Local Indigenous Community Visit
An opportunity to visit a local indigenous community in Tena, including meeting a shaman and playing soccer with local kids.
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Salsa Lesson
An included salsa lesson in Banos with a local teacher.
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Wildlife Kayaking Adventure
A wildlife kayaking adventure on Isabela Island.
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Bird-Watching and Kicker Rock Cruise
Bird-watching and a cruise to Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island, including snorkeling and exploring the marine life.
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights to the Galapagos Islands, boat transfers between islands, and overland travel through Ecuador's lush jungles and vibrant cities.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Hostal de La Mancha Quito, Selina Tena, Hotel Napolitano Apart Banos, Hotel La Gran Tortuga, Hotel Red Booby, and Casa de Nelly or similar.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as white water rafting, zip lining, canyoneering, horseback riding, and biking are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers are not included.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
Active
- Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!
- Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava.
- Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions.
Culture
- Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator.
- Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.
- Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #explore
- Santa Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).
- Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.
- Quito:
Included Experience
- Quito: Stroll around the colourful streets of the old town. See Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional and all the other highlights.
- Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator.
- Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.
- Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall.
- Baños: Hungry after all that travelling? Fill up on some mouth-watering BBQ seasoned with the freshest Ecuadorian spices.
- Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!
- Quito: Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #explore
- Isabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos.
- Santa Cruz Island: You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.
- Santa Cruz Island: Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava.
- Isabela Island: Your chance to get up close with turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and more at one of the world’s best snorkeling spots.
- Isabela Island: Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions.
- Isabela Island: A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with endangered Galápagos Giant Tortoises – and see the work that’s being done to save them.
- Santa Cruz Island: Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).
- Santa Cruz Island: Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.
- San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.
- San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life.
- San Cristobal Island: Stretch out on the pristine sands with your Contiki crew and take in the peace and tranquility.
- Quito:
Nature
- Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall.
- Isabela Island: Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos.
- Santa Cruz Island: You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.
- San Cristobal Island: Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.
- San Cristobal Island: On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes flights to the Galapagos Islands, boat transfers between islands, and overland travel through Ecuador's lush jungles and vibrant cities.
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What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various locations including Hostal de La Mancha Quito, Selina Tena, Hotel Napolitano Apart Banos, Hotel La Gran Tortuga, Hotel Red Booby, and Casa de Nelly or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a city tour of Quito, a visit to a hummingbird sanctuary, a local indigenous community visit, a salsa lesson in Banos, a wildlife kayaking adventure on Isabela Island, and bird-watching and a cruise to Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as white water rafting, zip lining, canyoneering, horseback riding, and biking are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
International flights to and from Ecuador are not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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