Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper

Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper

85 Views
12 Days From

$4076

$3494

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:

Contiki

Tour code:

EGIH19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4076 $3494 Operator discount: -$582 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour 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

  • Quito: Explore the colorful streets of the old town and visit Independence Square and La Basilica de Volo Nacional.

  • Banos: Experience rainforest hiking and climb past a monumental waterfall.

  • Isabela Island: Discover sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions while exploring the largest island in the Galapagos.

  • Santa Cruz Island: Walk through incredible tunnels made from solidified lava.

  • Isabela Island: Snorkel at one of the world’s best spots, getting close to turtles, angelfish, and parrotfish.

  • San Cristobal Island: Enjoy bird-watching and a cruise to Kicker Rock, a natural phenomenon with diverse marine life.

  • San Cristobal Island: Capture photos with the charming local wildlife and explore a giant red rock with vibrant marine life beneath.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Meals

    Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days.

  • City Tour of Quito

    A team tour of Quito, including a visit to the Equatorial line and the Inti-Ñan Museum.

  • Hummingbird Sanctuary Visit

    A visit to a hummingbird sanctuary in Tena.

  • Local Indigenous Community Visit

    An opportunity to visit a local indigenous community in Tena, including meeting a shaman and playing soccer with local kids.

  • Salsa Lesson

    An included salsa lesson in Banos with a local teacher.

  • Wildlife Kayaking Adventure

    A wildlife kayaking adventure on Isabela Island.

  • 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.

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes flights to the Galapagos Islands, boat transfers between islands, and overland travel through Ecuador's lush jungles and vibrant cities.

  • 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

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as white water rafting, zip lining, canyoneering, horseback riding, and biking are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    International flights to and from Ecuador are not included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Operator discount: -$582

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Operator discount: -$352

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Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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