Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
EC10
Start
Quito (UIO)
End
Quito (UIO)
Tour type
Cultural
Max Group Size
16
When To Go
May, Nov
Activity Level
2 - Moderate
Overnight in
Quito, Cayambe, Puerto Ayora, San Cristobal, Isabela
- Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Discover Quito, the beautiful high Andes landscape and the diverse island of the Galapagos
- Eco-friendly boutique hotels, splendid meals and superb hospitality
- Soft adventure, comfort, local community and wildlife interaction
- Local certified naturalists and some of the best adventure guides in the world
- Support the local communities with our eco-friendly activities and green hotels that minimize your environmental impact on the destination
Description
This Ecuador & the Galapagos tour is an exciting addition to our itineraries that include the superlative Galapagos Islands.
The most attractive aspect of this trip is that it is not a cruise, but rather a land-based adventure that allows for more time and greater immersion in not only the natural splendour of this special place, but also in its unique and little-known island culture.
Unbeknownst to many is that the Galapagos actually supports a small human population, which it has since the early-to-mid 19th century. Subsisting on fishing turtles, lobster, and grouper, and small-plot farming and foraging, the earliest settlers - from Ireland, Norway, Germany, and mainland South America, among other places - established homesteads and small settlements, many of which still exist today.
Almost 60 years since 97% of the archipelago was declared a national park, four of the islands have permanent habitations and about 30,000 people live on the islands year-round.
Development is limited to the 3 percent of the islands that aren't part of the park and Galapagos's inhabitants live within specific urban and rural zones.
Organized tourism began in earnest in the 1970's, and around 170,000 people now visit the islands every year, most doing so as part of a cruise.
Though cruising will always be an extremely popular way of visiting the islands and do a fantastic job overall, we are delighted to offer our travellers an alternative that allows you to see and experience what it's like to live on the islands, either as a descendant of the early settlers, an adventurous entrepreneur, or as an iguana!
This is why we call this an "experiential" adventure; on this special journey you will experience all that this incredible place has to offer the inquisitive visitor, while doing so in a way that promotes sustainable tourism.
Islanders who used to eke out a living fishing turtles are now your expert guides; the delicious cuisine that you will experience is, as a much as possible, sourced locally; and stringent rules about waste and recycling ensure a minimal impact.
Add to this a continental component, which provides a sumptuous glimpse into pre- and post-colonial times in the Andes, and an optional 4-day Amazon extension (tour code EC11), you have a breathtakingly-varied Ecuadorian experience and one of the most intimate and immersive trips we offer anywhere.
The most attractive aspect of this trip is that it is not a cruise, but rather a land-based adventure that allows for more time and greater immersion in not only the natural splendour of this special place, but also in its unique and little-known island culture.
Unbeknownst to many is that the Galapagos actually supports a small human population, which it has since the early-to-mid 19th century. Subsisting on fishing turtles, lobster, and grouper, and small-plot farming and foraging, the earliest settlers - from Ireland, Norway, Germany, and mainland South America, among other places - established homesteads and small settlements, many of which still exist today.
Almost 60 years since 97% of the archipelago was declared a national park, four of the islands have permanent habitations and about 30,000 people live on the islands year-round.
Development is limited to the 3 percent of the islands that aren't part of the park and Galapagos's inhabitants live within specific urban and rural zones.
Organized tourism began in earnest in the 1970's, and around 170,000 people now visit the islands every year, most doing so as part of a cruise.
Though cruising will always be an extremely popular way of visiting the islands and do a fantastic job overall, we are delighted to offer our travellers an alternative that allows you to see and experience what it's like to live on the islands, either as a descendant of the early settlers, an adventurous entrepreneur, or as an iguana!
This is why we call this an "experiential" adventure; on this special journey you will experience all that this incredible place has to offer the inquisitive visitor, while doing so in a way that promotes sustainable tourism.
Islanders who used to eke out a living fishing turtles are now your expert guides; the delicious cuisine that you will experience is, as a much as possible, sourced locally; and stringent rules about waste and recycling ensure a minimal impact.
Add to this a continental component, which provides a sumptuous glimpse into pre- and post-colonial times in the Andes, and an optional 4-day Amazon extension (tour code EC11), you have a breathtakingly-varied Ecuadorian experience and one of the most intimate and immersive trips we offer anywhere.
Price includes
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants) and all but one lunch per full tour day. Bottled water where required. All accommodation, transport (including internal flights), sightseeing and entrance fees for sites and activities noted in the detailed itinerary (including Galapagos park entry fee, snorkel and biking equipment).
- We include gratuities for local drivers, restaurant staff, and porters (if available). The gratuities for your main Galapagos guide and your guide in the highlands are on your own account (we will provide guidance in your pre-trip package).
- Airport transfers are included for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour. Guide gratuities as noted above, one lunch, bottled/alcoholic drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international air taxes (if applicable). Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally-paid departure taxes.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
There’s no real summer and winter in Ecuador, and its weather generally varies by regional geography with temperatures determined more by altitude than by season or latitude. The warmest (by a few degrees) and driest months in the sierra (mountains) are June to September, though this is complicated by various microclimates found in some areas. Outside these months, typical sierra weather offers sunny, clear mornings and cloudy, often wet, afternoons. We avoid the busy (and expensive) Christmas and summer school holiday seasons.
GALAPAGOS: As stated above, we avoid July, August and September and late December to January, peak seasons across Ecuador due to European/North American school holidays.
December to May are the warmest months in the Galápagos, with the wind dropping for calmer seas. Although there is also a greater chance of rain, these are the best months to visit if you’re spending any time on a boat. June to November is drier and cooler. Wildlife is visible and active throughout the year in the Galápagos, although certain species and activities (such as turtles laying eggs and sea lions being born) are restricted to specific times. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
As opposed to our other programs in Ecuador and around the world, this one doesn't feature any long road journeys. On this tour we concentrate on smaller geographical areas, enhancing the depth of our experience rather than trying to cover as much ground and as many sites as possible. Local road transport is provided by van or minibus, and longer distances are covered by short-hop air connections and boat transfers. Because of the limitations presented by transport, boutique accommodation, and water-based excursions, we limit group size to a maximum of 16.
This trip also departs from most of our "cultural" tours in that it involves certain "soft adventure" elements that require a certain degree of physical fitness in order to fully enjoy our activities and excursions. While any mention of snorkeling is, of course, not mandatory, much of what the isles have to offer is underwater! If you've never snorkeled before, you mustn't be daunted. This isn't technical diving and all you need to do is paddle and breathe, often not very far from shore. That said, to full enjoy what this place and this tour have to offer, you need to be comfortable on/near water.
The walks/hikes as mentioned are on well-worn trails on undulating terrain. Our pace is leisurely and plenty of stops are made over the course of a couple hours. Our guides will be able to assess your limitations and advise as to your suitability as the tour unfolds; however, in order to get the most out of your experience, a certain degree of stamina is important.
On the mainland, our activities are not "active" per se, but you should be aware that Quito and our Estancia are located between 2700-2900m (9,000-9,600 ft). Though most people are not seriously affected, we require that all participants submit a “Self-Assessment” form confirming their suitability for this journey. We suggest that you preview this form, which includes more detail regarding what you can expect on tour, by clicking the “Resources” tab at the top of this page.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
Spectacular, special, unique, intimate, beautifully-located are only a few descriptors for our accommodation on this tour.
For our highlands experience on the mainland, we tend to alternate between two hacienda properties due to consideration related to ultimate group make-up and size and room availability at the time that our tour is confirmed. For full information on Hacienda Zuleta and Hacienda Mirage, please click on the 'Map & Hotels' tab elsewhere on this page.
On the islands our hotels are well-appointed, well-located, surprisingly plush and superbly-managed smaller properties with plenty of island charm. Please note that these are small properties and not all rooms are identical. Occasionally our group may also be divided into two hotels close to each other.
For full information on hotels and a route map, please click on "Map & Hotels" on the tab above (please note that the properties listed as samples on this site are rather small and can change depending on our ultimate rooming configurations and the timing of our confirmation of the tour). - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Our small group and specialist nature of our adventure dictates the employment of expert naturalist/cultural guides and support staff. On the islands, our program is managed by our Galapagos-based partners and guides. In the highlands, you are in the hands of our estancia hosts and guides.
Because of our small group size, the quality of local staff, and the enormous and unnecessary cost of placing a Tour leader from North America, this adventure will be fully-supported by our trusted partners already at destination. - Group Size:
Maximum 16 plus Tour Leader
Download Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in QuitoArrival in Quito - welcome to Ecuador!
Quito (2788 m/9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.
Overnight in Quito.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Quito City Tour - Transfer to HaciendaAfter breakfast, we walk through the landmarks of Quito's colonial, historical downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We meet local artisans and immerse ourselves in the city's vibe. The walk begins at the San Francisco market, where the chef of Restaurant La Purisima will be joining us. A very good story teller about local Andean products, unique Ecuadorian condiments, colonial time granny recipes, Chef enjoys sharing his passion. At the market, we'll also discover traditional Andean healing techniques.
We continue our exploration of the city's historical center as we walk towards La Ronda, full of art and ancestral trades, handcrafts, tin sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, Escuela Quiteña paintings and sweets shops. La Ronda is your opportunity to live and shop like a local.
The group will have lunch at Restaurant La Purisima, located at the entrance of one of the first theaters in Quito. Bolivar Theather has been an emblematic piece of art due to its architecture and recently reopened after refurbishing jobs. Lunch will be arranged in a private area where we will get an Andean cocktail demo and our chef will delight us with dishes that feature traditional cuisine with a fusion of contemporary techniques.
We continue our journey directly to the highlands for our hacienda stay.
Please note that we tend to alternate between two hacienda properties on this tour due to considerations related to ultimate group make-up and size and room availability at the time that our tour is confirmed. We may be accommodated at Hacienda Zuleta or Hacienda Mirage, both of which offer the same level of accommodation quality and a similar highlands experience.
Hacienda Zuleta is an impressive 4,000 acre (2000 hectare) colonial working farm belonging to the family of the late Galo Plaza Lasso, former president of Ecuador, for over 100 years.
Hacienda Mirage is perched on a hillside, where you will discover a hidden corner of Ecuador and a hotel imbued with the native flavour of the Andes. The property has stunning gardens and beautiful views of the mountains.
For full information on both options, please refer to our website.
Overnight at a Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 3:Andean HaciendaThis morning we tour our hotel property and learn about its history and about the flora and fauna of the region. After this informative orientation, the day is yours with an array of possibilities and optional activities -- or just relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.
Hikers/walkers may choose to explore a varierty of routes through idyllic pastures, aromatic woods, and winding mountain trails, where soaring condors and Andean bears make their home and volcanoes rise on every side.
Fully-outfitted horesback riding is also an option, as is a carriage ride, bird watching, cycling, or just simply exploring the grounds with their attractive gardens and observing the daily activities of a colonial-era working farm.
As you might expect, the hacienda also offers a unique gastronomical experience, with mouth-watering, authentic Ecuadorean cuisine, sourced from the farm and made from family recipes.
Specially prepared three-course meals, full of ingredients sourced mainly from the Hacienda itself: freshly caught rainbow trout, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and organic produce from the gardens (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and lactose intolerant menu options are also offered).
Overnight at Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 4:Hacienda - Otavalo Market - Quito (Airport Area)Today we check-out and proceed to visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, famous around the world for their quality weaving. In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years, fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas and established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics.
Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft.
Due to our early morning flight to the Galapagos tomorrow, we return to the Quito for dinner and overnight (airport area hotel).
Overnight in Quito.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 5:Quito Airport - Fly to San Cristobal, Galapagos IslandsEarly this morning we transfer to the Quito Airport; flight to the Galapagos Islands (possibly via Guayaquil).
After a morning flight to San Cristobal Island, we’ll be greeted at the airport and head to our hotel. After lunch and a quick introduction, we begin our journey at the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos.
After our visit, we hike to Tijeretas along naturally formed trails of lava rocks. The path is surrounded by native plants such as Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. Along the way yuor guide will help you spot and identify blue footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs. Our guides interpret this amazing flora and fauna in the context of the island's natural history. We also enjoy scenic views of the rugged coastline and the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
We cool off from our hike with a refreshing snorkeling session at postcard-worthy Carola Beach, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as we bask in the setting sun.
After dinner, we’ll explore the friendly, laid-back beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighboring colony of Galapagos sea lions.
Overnight on San Cristobal Island.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 6:San Cristobal: Northern CoastToday we explore the northern coast by boat. We visit either Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo (the visiting site depends on the week day and the Galapagos National Park regulations). On our exploration trip we make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground. If you choose to snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks.
Our hosts on board will prepare a delicious "Ceviche", a typical Ecuadorian lunch. After a full day spent exploring the seas, we head back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Overnight on San Cristobal.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 7:San Cristobal - IsabelaAfter breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristobal with a quick small plane ride to Isabela Island.*
Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos and is still being formed by six active shield volcanoes. Isabela remains one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. Upon arrival, we take short boat ride from town to Tintoreras, where we'll walk and have a chance to snorkel. These calm waters are the home of sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and penguins. Tintoreras offers a high concentration of wildlife that will amaze you.
After going around on the boat and walking on Tintoreras itself, we can snorkel for a chance to marine life abundant in this bay. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.
We then set out on one of the most scenic walks in the Galapagos. Our hike takes us along immaculate beaches, into an alluring poison apple forest and a lava tube cave, and through brooding mangroves and brackish lagoons.
* There is a strict 12kg / 25 lb per person checked luggage limit, plus carry-on. Excess luggage can be securely stored stored in Quito.
Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 8:Isabela: Concha Perla & Flamingo LagoonThis site is in Puerto Villamil, only a few meters from the El Embarcadero Port. A natural rock wall forms a circular concave bay-like structure that fills with ocean water according to the tides. It is a beautiful place in the bay of crystalline waters that is perfect for snorkeling. Dive in and explore these gorgeous waters while swimming with a variety of fish, sea turtles, penguins, and more. You can do snorkeling, diving or hiking in this area.
Our guide will take us to visit the Famingos' Lagoon. This is a approx. 2km trail where we will have explanation of the vegetation and geology of this young Island, Isabela Island. Arriving to the Flamingo lagoon we might be able to see flamingos feeding in this lake. This is an artificial lake, due to the excavation for construction the lake was made up by the rain.
Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 9:Isabela: The Tunnels & Tortoise Breeding CentreAfter breakfast, we will visit a unique place in the islands, “Los Tuneles”. Our path starts on board our speed boat on a 45 minutes trop. Our experienced captain will securely lead us across the waves that normally hide this treasure. The Tunnels were formed millions year ago when rivers of liquid lava ran across the island reaching the coast shore. The cold water froze their superficial layer isolating the interior while liquid lava kept flowing into the sea. When the eruption finished, a hollow structure was formed and its wall later broke allowing water to come inside and creating a tunnel.
Our guide will join us along hundreds of tunnels while we snorkel and discover the marine life such as sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies, marine turtles among other endemic species from Galapagos. A snack will be served on board our boat. If lucky enough, we will have the chance to witness giant mantarays feeding in open waters. Afternoon return to Isabella.
Along the way to the Tortoise Center, we pass through a manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos a delightful and unexpected sight for Galapagos. After a delicious lunch made with local and organic products, we head to one of the favourite local hangouts, Concha y Perla, for a fantastic swim and optional snorkel.
Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 10:Isabela - Boat to Santa CruzWake up with the sea breeze as we travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. After checking in at the hotel we head to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to find the famous giant tortoise in their natural habitat. It is truly an honour to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants, who can live to be more than 175 years old. We will also see pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vermillion flycatcher.
Our next stop is an organic farm dedicating their efforts to conservation and sustainable, organic permaculture. Their famed grown coffee has gained international attention and sold to exclusive buyers worldwide. We learn about growing coffee, organic farming, and why many farms in Galapagos are in need of restoration. We finish up on a beautiful platform overlooking the slopes of Santa Cruz while enjoying freshly-brewed coffee and fruit from the farm.
Overnight on Santa Cruz.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 11:Santa Cruz - Baltra - Quito - DepartureWe transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland and bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos and each other. Connect with homeward flights.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are booking your own flights, please ensure that your departure time from Quito is no earlier than 9:00pm to allow for our incoming flight from the islands (most northward flights depart around midnight; an extra night can be added if you cannot find a suitable onward option).
BUEN VIAJE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: South America
Countries Visited: Ecuador
Countries Visited: Ecuador
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.6
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This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
- A non-refundable $1000 USD deposit is payable at the time of booking
- Optional Single Supplement: $1660 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $830 USD if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you. - Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee. (Read our cancellation policy for more info.)
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. Get general information on flights to/from the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").
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DATES & PRICES