Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days

Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days

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16 Days From

$10985

Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands - 16 days

16 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2674/EHGI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Activities:

Snorkeling, Walking

From: $10985

NB: Prices correct on 15-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the Ecuadorian Highlands and the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Begin your adventure in Quito, exploring its UNESCO-listed colonial treasures, before venturing to the breathtaking Cotopaxi and the charming city of Cuenca. Discover the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca and the picturesque landscapes of Las Cajas National Park. Experience the vibrant culture of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, before setting sail on a seven-night cruise through the Galapagos archipelago. Encounter unique wildlife, from giant tortoises to playful dolphins, as you explore Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, and more. Enjoy guided excursions, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and the comfort of a motor yacht with attentive service. This small group tour offers an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and adventure, perfect for those seeking a truly immersive experience in Ecuador.

Highlights

  • Quito - Explore Ecuador's UNESCO-listed capital on a guided tour.

  • Galapagos Islands - Experience incredible wildlife on a seven-night cruise, visiting Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, and Rabida Island.

  • Cuenca - Discover the beauty of this 16th-century colonial jewel in the south.

  • Las Cajas National Park - Spot grazing llamas, wild horses, and condors in this picturesque park.

  • Guayaquil - Wander around Ecuador's largest city and visit the charming historic district of Las Peñas.

  • Alausí and the Devil’s Nose - Ride the historic train along its dramatic zig-zag mountain route.

  • Ingapirca - Explore Ecuador's largest archaeological Inca site.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Ecuador. You will be met at Quito airport and transferred to our hotel in the Andean capital of Ecuador. At 2,850m, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. This unique city is divided into two contrasting districts, with the active volcano Guagua Pichincha to the east.

Day 2: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take a short walking tour through colonial core of the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings, nestled beneath an extravagant array of steeples and cupolas. Being the first city ever to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a treasure trove of architectural and historical gems. Our tour of Quito's historic centre takes in all of the main sights including the San Francisco monastery, the main plaza, with its cathedral and governmental palace, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, with its quirky gargoyles. This afternoon is free to explore Quito at leisure or just relax at the hotel.







Day 3: Chilcabamba

Location: Cotopaxi

Accommodation Name: lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Quito - Chilcabamba. This morning, we travel south to Cotopaxi, where we’ll spend the night at a lodge in Chilcabamba, nestled on an elevated plateau at 3,600 meters, yet surrounded by towering peaks. The location offers breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano and beckons you to step outside and explore. Available activities include hiking and cycling trails. Outside, two fire pits provide the perfect setting for atmospheric stargazing as the day transitions into night.











Day 4: Riobamba

Location: Riobamba

Accommodation Name: hacienda

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chilcabamba - Riobamba. After breakfast we make our way to the 'Sultan of the Andes' - Riobamba. We take a captivating journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes where making it one of the world's highest active volcanoes. We take a short walk around the lagoon at Limpiopungo before travelling on to Riobamba where we spend the night in a traditional hacienda.

Day 5: Cuenca

Location: Cuenca

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Riobamba – Cuenca. This morning we make our way to Cuenca, the colonial jewel of the south. Our journey takes us via Ingapirca, Ecuador's main Inca Ruins. Dating back to the 15th century, the settlement has Inca architectural traits, with mortar-less stonework and characteristic trapezoidal niches. Archaeologists believe that the main structure, known as The Temple of the Sun was once used for ceremonial and religious purposes.





We travel on to the beautiful 16th-century town Cuenca which was built on the site of an ancient Inca settlement and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Here, we spend the next two nights.

Day 6-7: Cuenca

Location: Cuenca

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The next two days are free to spend exploring charming Cuenca. Stroll around the city's narrow cobblestone streets, taking in the beautiful architecture buildings and whitewashed houses, with grand wooden doors and vibrant flowers cascading from ironwork balconies. You can also opt to visit the nearby market towns like Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and colonial Sigsig in the foothills of the western cordillera. En route you can stop to barter for silver and gold filigree jewellery and observing skilled artisans making guitars and the famous Panama hats.



Day 8: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cuenca - Guayaquil. Today's journey takes us from the mountains to the tropical lowlands towards Guayaquil. This incredibly scenic journey takes in contrasting landscapes, as we pass through Andean villages and banana plantations. We stop at Las Cajas National Park, with its picturesque trails which pass through the rugged, high-altitude wilderness, home to herds of llamas and diverse wildlife, including bears, pumas, and tigrillos.





Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. Located on the banks of the River Guayas, Guayaquil has gone through an incredible transformation in recent years. If time permits, we may have opportunity to walk from the bustling open market at La Bahia, past the colonial naval shipyard to the Malecon, the city's stunning waterfront promenade. We stroll past tropical gardens, bustling markets, and charming street cafés before heading to Santa Ana Hill and Las Peñas, a delightful district of brightly-coloured wooden houses and quaint streets dating back to the 16th century.

Day 9: Galapagos Islands

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: MC Galapagos Seaman Journey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bidding farewell to our mainland tour leader, we take an early morning flight to Baltra Island, part of the Galapagos archipelago. After paying the entrance fee, our naturalist guides lead us to Puerto Ayora, here we board a motor yacht which will be our home for the next 7 nights.





The Galapagos Island, formed six million years ago through volcanic activity, boast a diverse array of unique animals and plants. The inspiration for Charles Darwin's ground breaking theory of evolution rose from these islands. Although these island are constantly on the move, they home a thriving population of giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins and bird species. Find a spot on deck as we make our way through the ocean, trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.





The boats are relatively small, creating an informal atmosphere, and the service is of a high standard; the crew is attentive and the food very good. Cabins with en suite facilities are compact but comfortable for your seven nights on board. There are common bar / lounge areas as well as a sun decks. Beach towels are provided, and basic snorkelling equipment can be borrowed.



Day 10-15: Galapagos Islands

Location: Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: MC Galapagos Seaman Journey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On our 7 night Galapagos cruise there are normally two landings a day, visiting different islands, with opportunities to snorkel. Accompanied by our guide, we go in search of the different wildlife that inhabits the islands we have guided tours of each island to spot different wildlife that inhabit the islands.





Below is a summary of the islands that we visit on the cruise, and the animals and birds that can be found on each of them. The order of touring is subject to change.





Santa Cruz Island: A captivating island which boasts a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, including giant tortoises. It has the largest human population of the five inhabited islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station here is staffed by international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects.





Fernandina Island: The island is one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes, having erupted at least 10 times in the last 150 years. The island has an untamed beauty, with breathtaking volcanic landscapes. It is home to a huge colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and some penguins.





Isabela Island: The largest and one of the most captivating islands in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela has five volcanoes running down its spine. Famous for its diverse wildlife and unique geological features, Isabela has one of the impressive and spectacular inlets of Vincente Roca, with its high cliffs, lava formations and wonderful marine life. Urbina Bay has an incredible array of birdlife including finches, warblers and mockingbirds, whilst Elizabeth Bay is home to turtles and rays.





James Island: An island of black rocks and little shade, especially along its western coast, where lava pools and caves harbour a rich variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for herons, oyster catchers, and playful Galapagos fur seals in the deep, refreshing water pools. and lookout for marine iguanas feasting on algae beds.





Rabida Island: A breath-takingly beautiful gem in the archipelago, with its striking red-sand beaches formed by volcanic oxidation. A short walk along a trail to the lagoon leads to a coastal lagoon where spotting finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds can be seen. There's also a large colony of flamingos.





Bartolome Island: A volcanic island is known for its striking landscape. With the altitude of 114 meters, the island offers an incredible opportunity to observe one of the most beautiful panoramic views across the Galapagos Islands, with volcanic cones, lunar like craters, lava fields, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Although there is very little vegetation, we can find a small colony of Galapagos penguins thriving in this unique environment.





Please note: All departures in 2024 and the first departure of 2025 will be based on a 7 night program. The remaining tours in 2025 will be a 6 night itinerary.

Day 16: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil. Today marks the end of our cruise and incredible journey the highlands of Ecuador & Galapagos Islands. We disembark and fly back to Guayaquil where arrangements end.

What's Included

  • 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

    Enjoy 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners during your tour.

  • Accommodation

    Stay 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 7 nights onboard the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey in a twin/double cabin with en suite, panoramic window, and A/C.

  • Quito airport arrival transfer

    Receive a transfer from Quito airport on day 1.

  • Economy flights

    Includes 2 economy flights: Guayaquil to Baltra Island and Baltra Island to Guayaquil.

  • Tour leader

    Be escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader on the mainland of Ecuador.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees for included excursions are covered.

  • Naturalist guides

    Services of professional English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos.

  • Guided tour of Quito

    Enjoy a guided tour of Quito.

  • Avenue of the volcanoes and Ingapirca Inca site

    Visit the Avenue of the volcanoes - Cotopaxi & Limpiopungo and Ingapirca Inca site.

  • Visit to Las Cajas National park

    Explore Las Cajas National Park.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.

  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Migration Control Card

    The Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp) are not included and are subject to change.

  • Wetsuits

    Wetsuits are available for rent at $10 a day and are not included.

Age Policy

Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.  

Mode of Transport

Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles, with two economy flights between Guayaquil and Baltra Island, and a 7-night cruise through the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels and a 7-night cruise onboard the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey, featuring twin/double cabins with en suite, panoramic windows, and air conditioning.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Galapagos Islands cruise?

    During the Galapagos Islands cruise, you can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, finches, warblers, mockingbirds, herons, oyster catchers, Galapagos fur seals, and flamingos. The islands are also home to unique ecosystems and breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

  • What activities are available during the stay at Chilcabamba?

    While staying at Chilcabamba, you can enjoy activities such as hiking and cycling on the trails surrounding the lodge. The location offers breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano and provides a perfect setting for atmospheric stargazing with two fire pits available outside.

  • What is included in the Galapagos cruise experience?

    The Galapagos cruise includes a 7-night stay on a motor yacht with en suite facilities, guided land excursions, and opportunities for snorkeling. The cruise visits various islands where you can explore unique wildlife and landscapes. Basic snorkeling equipment is provided, and the service on board is of a high standard with attentive crew and good food.

  • Are there any additional fees I should be aware of for the Galapagos Islands?

    Yes, there are additional fees for the Galapagos Islands, including the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of $200 per person and a Migration Control Card fee of $20 per person. These fees are subject to change.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. There is no maximum age, but those aged 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form. If booking for a family, it is advised to contact the tour operator to request or check for triple rooms or rooms next to each other before confirming the booking.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

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

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
$10985

Thursday - Friday

Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$10985

Thursday - Friday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$10985

Thursday - Friday

Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$10985

Thursday - Friday

Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$10985

Thursday - Friday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$10985
Prices last published on 14-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 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 on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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