Inspiration
Ecuador: Galapagos Island Hopping & Andean Volcanos
This itinerary takes you from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, off the beaten path to the unforgettable Galapagos islands, where you can snorkel with sea lions and hike impressive volcanoes in the highlands.
GET TO KNOW ECUADOR
Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is – by South American standards – a relatively small country. Small though it may be, its arsenal of attractions is far from meagre. Broadly speaking, the country can be split up into three distinct regions: the Costa (coast), Sierra (Andes) and Oriente (Amazon). Because of its compact size, traveling around Ecuador is a breeze and you can hop between wildlife-filled jungle, culture-packed colonial cities, mountain valleys and sublime beaches in just a few short hours. For the wildlife-watching experience of a lifetime, travelers can combine a journey of the mainland with a side trip to the world-famous Galápagos Islands. On this volcanic archipelago, slow-moving giant tortoises, eye-catching blue-footed boobies and leathery marine iguanas – as well as all manner of other unusual creatures that exist here and only here – can be seen going about their daily business, seemingly unbothered by the curious humans who come to observe them.
Best time to travel
Highlands: Year round, but May – November is drier and warmer. Galapagos: December- May is the warmest weather in the Galapagos and the water is pleasantly warm. Great for diving and snorkeling as the waters are calmer. June- Novemebr is drier but chillier due to Humboldt currents.
Highlights
Kayak, SUP and snorkel as you spot iconic wildlife.
Take in the inspiring scenery of the Pasochoa crater, the Antisana, Sincholagua, Quilindaña, Cotopaxi & Rumiñahui volcano peaks.
Ecuador: Galapagos Island Hopping & Andean Volcanos
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DAY 1
Arrival in Quito
Your private guide and driver will take you to your hotel for check in as you prepare for the incredible journey ahead.
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DAY 2
Visit colonial Quito with your guide
Enjoy lunch at a local spot and taste Ecuador’s essential dishes in the colonial part of Ecuador’s capital. In the afternoon you’ll wander on your own and explore more of the colonial town. Then, enjoy a gourmet restaurant that gives each dish a unique flavor by using produce from every region in the country.
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DAY 3
Heading to Galapagos
After arriving at Baltra Island, you’ll go straight to the Itabaca Channel to kayak, snorkel, and SUP. Here you’ll see some of the iconic Galapagos creatures, such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, herons, and white-tipped reef sharks. There is no better way to encounter this magical place than by diving into the water just as you arrive! Next, you’re off to Santa Cruz highlands, where you’ll see 150-year-old tortoises. Get settled in your tented camp, where the sounds of nature will lull you to sleep.
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DAY 4
Spotting white-tipped reef sharks
Head by speedboat to the nearby cluster of small islands called Tintoreras, a microcosm of the entire Galapagos. As you snorkel through the bay, don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! In the afternoon, you’ll bike the Wetlands Trail where you'll see marine iguana colonies and a variety of types of mangrove trees. Your bike tour culminates in a visit to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940s by World War II prisoners held at the U.S. base on the islands.
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DAY 5
Biking on Isabela Island
Head by speedboat to the nearby cluster of small islands called Tintoreras, a microcosm of the entire Galapagos. As you snorkel through the bay, don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! In the afternoon, you’ll bike the Wetlands Trail where you'll see marine iguana colonies and a variety of types of mangrove trees. Your bike tour culminates in a visit to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940s by World War II prisoners held at the U.S. base on the islands.
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DAY 6
Exploring volcanoes
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DAY 7
From the islands to the highlands
On day 7, you'll fly back into Quito as your next adventure awaits! Upon your arrival in Quito, you'll head south towards Cotopaxi and stop at a beautiful horse-back riding hacienda in the small town of Aloag. Relax here before tomorrow’s adventure.
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DAY 8
Hiking the Pasochoa Peak
At 4,200 meters, hiking the Pasochoa Peak will challenge you and get your motor running. Your hike to the peak will take about 3 hours over grassland trails. From here you'll get a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding Quito, the inspiring scenery of the Pasochoa crater, and the impressive surrounding mountain crests: Antisana, Sincholagua, Quilindaña, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, Corazón and the twin Iliniza peaks. The descent is a downhill walk of about 3 hours through grasslands and low chaparro forests, ending at the Lodge, set 3,200 meters above sea level.
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DAY 9
Cotopaxi, the Pedregal Trail
On day 9 you'll head to Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most beautiful protected areas of Ecuador. On a clear day, you might see Cotopaxi’s peak from parts of Quito, but its majestic quality is only clearly visible from within the borders of the park. When the weather cooperates, views of its snow-capped, nearly symmetrical summit cone inspire awe. The rushing waters of the Pita River will guide you throughout much of your adventure. You’ll enter the Cotopaxi National Park and head towards an archeological site called Pucara de Salitre. You'll spend time at the edge of the Pita River and the park’s natural springs. Admire the view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, or perhaps the reflection of Rumiñahui Mount in its waters. In the afternoon you'll start your descent and hike to your next lodge.
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DAY 10
Cotopaxi Glaciers
From the lodge you'll head out with your guide to the parking area of the Cotopaxi mountain refuge. You’ll walk for an hour to the mountaineers’ lodge from which you’ll hike for two hours to the edge of the glacier. The northern side of the mountain offers a spectacular panorama. From here you can see all the ground you’ve covered since the first day of your adventure: Quito, its valleys, the distant mountains in the north, and the road from Pasochoa through the Pita canyon, to el Pedregal, Sincholagua, Rumiñahui and the magnificent Limpiopungo valley. After your descent, you’ll head back to Quito to stay at the beautiful Casa Aliso, in the bohemian neighborhood of La Floresta.
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DAY 11
¡Adiós, Ecuador!
Today you will fly back home from Quito.
