Ecuador & Galápagos Highlights blends the drama of the Andes with the wildlife-rich shores of the Galápagos. Begin in historic Quito, then trace the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park, circling Limpiopungo Lagoon beneath snow-dusted peaks and, weather permitting, ascending to the José Rivas Refuge.
Dive into highland culture en route to the turquoise caldera of Quilotoa, with a hands-on Tigua painting workshop before continuing to Baños for the Casa del Árbol swing, the lush Waterfall Route, a tarabita canyon crossing and the thundering Pailón del Diablo.
Fly on to the Galápagos and settle on Santa Cruz Island: stroll among wild giant tortoises in the highlands, wander lava tunnels, and enjoy a creative turtle-painting workshop with a local artist in Puerto Ayora.
Choose a relaxed beach day or optional tours to Tortuga Bay and the Charles Darwin Research Station, then board a yacht to one of the uninhabited islands—Santa Fe, South Plazas, Bartolomé or North Seymour—for guided walks among iguanas, boobies and frigatebirds, plus unforgettable snorkelling with sea lions and reef fish.
Throughout, travel with expert bilingual guides, private transfers and thoughtfully included lunches in scenic settings, balancing soft adventure with cultural encounters and plenty of free time.
Included: Return economy flights from NEW YORK, curated accommodations, key entrances and experiences as outlined and 24/7 in-country support. Financial protection: UK bookings are ATOL-protected; non-UK bookings benefit from ABTOT protection.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK ✈ ARRIVE QUITO
Day 2 : QUITO (METRO, HISTORIC CENTRE, CHOCOLATE & INTINAN)
Day 3 : QUITO → COTOPAXI (100 KM • ~2 HRS)
Day 4 : COTOPAXI → BANOS (140 KM • ~2.5 HRS)
Day 5 : BANOS → QUITO (190 KM • ~3.5 HRS)
Day 6 : QUITO ✈ GALAPAGOS (BALTRA) → SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Day 7 : SANTA CRUZ ISLAND • LEISURE & OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Day 8 : SANTA CRUZ ISLAND • FULL-DAY TOUR OF UNINHABITED ISLANDS
Day 9 : SANTA CRUZ ISLAND ✈ DEPART GALAPAGOS (BALTRA)
We’ve handpicked comfortable, well-located stays that make sightseeing and transfers easy. Final properties will be confirmed on your travel documents; if a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar alternative of the same standard will be provided.
City |
Hotel |
Description |
Quito |
Finlandia Hotel |
Modern, well-located hotel near parks and cafés. Comfortable rooms with Wi-Fi and breakfast; convenient base for city touring and airport transfers. |
Puerto Ayora, Galápagos |
Barranco Hotel |
Cosy boutique stay close to the waterfront and local eateries. Air-conditioned rooms, reliable Wi-Fi and breakfast; easy access to harbour and day tours. |
Notes: Hotels may change to similar standard alternatives based on availability at the time of booking.