Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping - 12 days
Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping - 12 days
Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopping - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Otavalo, Mindo, Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, Isabela Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2803/EGIH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day adventure through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, starting in the vibrant city of Quito. Discover the rich cultural heritage at Otavalo's traditional market and explore the lush Mindo Cloud Forest. Stand on the equatorial line at La Mitad del Mundo and hike around the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon. The journey continues with a 7-day island-hopping experience in the Galapagos, traveling aboard a first-class private yacht. Witness the majestic Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, relax on the pristine beaches of Tortuga Bay, and explore the historic Asilo de La Paz on Floreana Island. Conclude your trip with breathtaking views from the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island. Enjoy guided excursions, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals throughout this unforgettable tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel where a brief overview of the activities planned for the next day will be provided. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Ecuador's charming capital.
Day 2: Quito
Location: Otavalo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Quito - Cotacachi - Otavalo. After breakfast we head north to Otavalo in the Imbabura province, stopping at historic Cochasqui Pre-Inca remains and a Roses Farm for insights into Ecuadorian rose production. We continue to Otavalo where we check into our hotel and have a brief rest before visiting the charming town of Cotacachi, where the local artisans produce beautiful high quality leather goods. Our final port of call today is Cuicocha Lagoon where we enjoy a scenic hike at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano and admire the beautiful landscape. We then return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 3: Otavalo
Location: Otavalo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Otavalo - Mindo. Early morning takes us to the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market, which is one of South America's largest traditional markets. Every Saturday, local communities convene to exchange goods, showcasing exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and wood carvings. Explore the lively animal market and visit an Otavalo family's artisanal shop. We then drive to the Equator Line monument and stand on the middle of the world. Later, we head to the scenic Mindo, settling into a charming hotel nestled in the lush green cloud forest.
Day 4: Mindo
Location: Mindo
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mindo - Quito. After breakfast, there's an optional Zipline adventure or you can enjoy a leisurely birdwatching stroll in the enchanting Cloud Forest. We can immerse ourselves in lush green landscapes surrounding the lodge, with rivers, waterfalls, and diverse birdlife. The area also presents opportunities to spot local fauna like spectacled bears, armadillos, and woodpeckers. Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest before we embark on our journey back to Quito. Rest at the hotel, gearing up for the upcoming adventure in the Galapagos Islands.
Day 5: Quito
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Quito - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we transfer to Quito airport for a 3-hour flight to Baltra Island (with a stop in Guayaquil). Upon arrival in Baltra, we meet our Galapagos National Park guide and transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island via a local ferry across the iconic Itabaca Canal.
In the afternoon we drive to the highlands for a hike on a private farm where we can observe Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat. The area also offers sightings of Galapagos birds, including the elusive Galapagos rail and possibly the rare Vegetarian Finch and endemic Vermilion Flycatcher finches. We finish the day with a transfer to our hotel in Puerto Ayora.
Day 6: Galapagos Islands
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following an early hotel breakfast, we embark on a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago. After a 40–60-minute walk, we reach this heavenly spot with soft coral sand and picturesque scenery. The initial beach section has strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, a 10-minute walk leads to a serene bay. Here, we marvel at a colony of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and marine birds amidst mangroves, cacti forest, and captivating coastal flora. We enjoy beach time before returning to town via a local ferry at which point we have lunch.
In the afternoon, we walk to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center for insights into the Galapagos National Park's work. We observe tortoises of various species and sizes, along with land iguanas. Inside the centre, a special air-conditioned chamber houses the embalmed body of the iconic Lonesome George. We explore the small museum at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and savour free time after this enriching experience.
Day 7: Galapagos Islands
Location: Floreana Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Velazco Ibarra - Floreana Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Cruz Island - Floreana Island. Early this morning we embark on a 2.5-hour journey aboard the first-class Galapagos Element Wind Yacht to Floreana Island's historic Puerto Velasco Ibarra. A local water taxi transports us to the pier, where we hope to encounter sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the morning sun. A brief walk leads to a secluded lodge by the ocean, our overnight stay.
Next, a local "Chiva" transport takes us on a 15-minute ride to Floreana's highlands, where we enjoy a pleasant walk amid the area's typical flora and have encounters with giant Galapagos Tortoises. Continuing our exploration, we reach "Asilo de la Paz" (Peace Asylum), a historic site where the Wittmer family settled in 1932. After a rejuvenating rest, we proceed to a beautiful bay and potentially snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles. The entire area boasts breathtaking beauty. We conclude the day with dinner and a peaceful rest while enjoying the sunset.
Day 8: Galapagos Islands
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals Included: Breakfast
Floreana Island - Isabela Island. After a leisurely breakfast we set sail towards Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isabela Island. During the 2.5-hour journey, anticipate sightings of marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine birds, dolphins, and possibly whales. Upon reaching the bay of Puerto Villamil, local transport takes us to our hotel and there's time to relax on the expansive beach.
In the afternoon, around 2 p.m., we join a captivating guided tour to "Las Tintoreras." This picturesque area features colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and the highlight—White-tipped sharks, known as "Tintoreras," resting in lava flow-formed channels. The locale is ideal for snorkelling, offering encounters with sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. We return to the hotel and unwind during the late afternoon.
Day 9: Galapagos Islands
Location: Isabela Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Villamil – Isabela Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early this morning we take a 30-minute drive to the highlands of Isabela Island, reaching the National Park's visitor control area. Embark on an easy 1.5 hour walk to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second-largest crater. This impressive caldera, measuring 5 miles by 7 miles, offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.
In the afternoon we drive to Isabela's Tortoise Breeding Centre where we encounter Giant Galapagos Tortoises of various species and sizes. We continue on a well-maintained trail to the "Humedales" (Wetlands), showcasing lagoons surrounded by mangroves and local flora. Witness flamingos and migratory birds in the lagoons. Our walk ends at the main road and beach, providing us time to enjoy the surroundings with marine iguanas. We the return to the hotel for free some time before dinner.
Day 10: Galapagos Islands
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Puerto Ayora – Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island. This morning we board our yacht and sail back to Santa Cruz, looking out for dolphins en route. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and venture to the highlands for a visit to a coffee plantation. We enjoy a delightful light lunch and visit ''El Trapiche'' for Liquor tasting made form sugar cane and savour some free time before our farewell dinner.
Day 11: Galapagos Islands
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santa Cruz - Baltra - Quito. After breakfast we drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, making a stop at the natural formation known as "The Twins" Craters. These are sinkholes, not volcanic craters, formed by the collapse of the volcanic roof of an empty magma chamber due to tectonic shifts and erosion. The area boasts a unique climate, surrounded by scalesia forests and is home to various bird species.
Travelling on to the Itabaca Canal, we cross it and take an airline bus to the airport. We fly back to Quito, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel to spend the final night of our tour at leisure.
Day 12: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast our Quito tour begins at Independence Square, featuring landmarks like the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, and El Sagrario Church. We explore the Church of La Compania, a baroque masterpiece, and stroll to the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, Ecuador's oldest church with a remarkable baroque altar and a rich collection of art dating back to the 16th century.
Return to the hotel for free time to prepare for a late afternoon transfer to the International Mariscal Sucre Airport.
Please note: We can arrange post tour accommodation with transfers on request. Contact us for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 Star -
10 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night simple lodge on Floreana Island
Accommodation includes 10 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a simple lodge on Floreana Island.
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11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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7 days Galapagos island hopping
Enjoy 7 days of island hopping around the Galapagos.
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Quito airport transfer day 1 & 12
Transfers from and to Quito airport on days 1 and 12 are included.
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Private transfer between islands on board of First Class Element Wind Yacht
Travel between islands on a first-class private yacht.
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Economy flights: Quito to Baltra and Baltra to Quito
Economy flights from Quito to Baltra and back to Quito are included.
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All relevant transfers and transportation
All necessary transfers and transportation during the tour are included.
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Guided excursions to Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lagoon, Otavalo and Mindo Cloud Forest
Guided excursions to Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lagoon, Otavalo, and Mindo Cloud Forest are included.
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Half day Quito and Middle of the World tour
A half-day tour of Quito and the Middle of the World is included.
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Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island and Isabela Island
Guided excursions and walks on Santa Cruz Island, Floreana Island, and Isabela Island are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Personal Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is at your discretion.
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From January 2025 onwards - Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp). Subject to change.
From January 2025, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Migration Control Card will be payable locally.
Age Policy
Minimum age 6.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private transfers between islands aboard the First Class Element Wind Yacht, complemented by economy flights from Quito to Baltra and back, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights in 4-star hotels and a unique experience with 1 night at a simple lodge on Floreana Island, offering comfort and charm amidst the stunning landscapes of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Galapagos Island hopping?
During the Galapagos Island hopping, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Giant Galapagos Tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine turtles, and possibly white-tipped sharks. You may also encounter diverse marine birds, dolphins, and even whales during the journey between islands.
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What activities are available on Floreana Island?
On Floreana Island, you can enjoy a walk amid the highlands' typical flora, encounter giant Galapagos Tortoises, and visit the historic site 'Asilo de la Paz' where the Wittmer family settled. There is also an opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and marine turtles in a beautiful bay.
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What is the significance of the 'Asilo de la Paz' on Floreana Island?
The 'Asilo de la Paz' on Floreana Island is a historic site where the legendary Wittmer family first settled in 1932. It is part of the island's rich history and offers a glimpse into the early human settlement in the Galapagos.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island?
During the visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island, you will embark on an easy 1.5-hour walk to the rim of the world's second-largest crater. The caldera measures 5 miles by 7 miles and offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos.
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Are there any unique experiences included in the Quito part of the tour?
Yes, in Quito, you will have the opportunity to visit the historic Cochasqui Pre-Inca remains, a Roses Farm, and the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market. You will also stand on the equatorial line at the Equator Line monument and explore the lush Mindo Cloud Forest.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes 10 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a simple lodge on Floreana Island. The accommodations are comfortable and provide a good base for exploring the surrounding areas.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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