12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos

Set out on a remarkable 12-day journey that showcases the best of Ecuador and the captivating Galapagos Islands. This immersive tour packs a punch, offering thrilling activities, comfortable accommodations, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Guests will hike the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, explore unique lava tubes, and snorkel in pristine waters, all while learning about the region’s rich ecology and conservation efforts. With a focus on responsible ecotourism, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 12-day tour showcasing Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, including hiking volcanoes, exploring lava tubes, and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands.
• Comfortable accommodations ranging from first-class hotels to 5-star resorts and home stays, with meals focusing on local cuisine.
• Convenient transportation options, including pickup and drop-off, and accommodations for wheelchairs and infant seats.
• Moderate physical fitness required for activities like trekking and white-water rafting, with certified guides ensuring safety.
• Emphasis on responsible ecotourism and conservation, with education on the ecology of the regions visited.

Tour Highlights

This 12-day tour takes travelers on an exhilarating journey through the diverse landscapes of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Explore the lava tubes and hike the volcanoes of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. Snorkel with an abundance of marine life.

Discover the volcanic landscapes of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, and snorkel with an abundance of marine life.

On the mainland, bike and hike through cloud forests, raft the Jatunyacu River, and soak in hot springs.

The tour includes 3 hours of hiking in Cotopaxi and 4 hours of white-water rafting.

With first-class hotels, 4-star resorts, and home stays, travelers will enjoy a mix of comfort and immersive local experiences.

Accommodation and Meals

Travelers can look forward to a mix of comfortable and immersive accommodations throughout their 12-day journey.

In Quito, they’ll stay at a first-class hotel. In Baños, they’ll enjoy a 4-star hotel. The Amazon will offer a home stay experience. In Papallacta, a 5-star spa resort awaits. The Galapagos Islands feature 4-star hotels.

Meals are a highlight, with 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and some dinners included. Travelers can sample local cuisine with guide assistance. The itinerary provides flexibility for additional meal experiences.

Transportation and Accessibility

How does the tour handle transportation and accessibility?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the Sheraton Quito Hotel. Transportation between activities and locations is provided, with accommodations for wheelchairs and infant seats.

Travel times on the mainland range from 2-3 hours daily, while the journey between Isabela and Santa Cruz islands takes around 2 hours each way.

The varied transportation methods, such as airport transfers and coach rides, ensure participants can comfortably explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

The accessibility features make the tour inclusive, allowing travelers of diverse needs to fully participate in the adventure.

Physical Requirements and Safety

Although the tour offers a range of activities, a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The itinerary includes:

• Moderate to challenging trekking through cloud forests and volcanoes

• Class III white-water rafting on the Jatunyacu River

• Easy snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

• Hiking several hours daily on uneven terrain

• Navigating stair-heavy environments like lava tubes and hot springs

Guides are certified in wilderness first aid, ensuring client safety.

Travelers should assess their abilities before booking, as participation in strenuous activities is required.

Conservation and Eco-Tourism

Why does this tour emphasize responsible ecotourism and conservation?

The tour prioritizes preserving the local environment and culture. Clients receive education on the ecology of the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos regions, fostering a deeper appreciation.

Prioritizing preservation, the tour educates clients on the Andean, Amazonian, and Galapagos ecologies, cultivating deeper appreciation.

All non-organic waste is transported out and recycled, promoting sustainable tourism practices. This minimizes the tour’s impact on the delicate ecosystems.

The guides are knowledgeable about conservation efforts and share this information with travelers.

Exploring the Galapagos Islands

What better way to begin this tour than with the iconic Galapagos Islands?

Visitors will explore the lava tubes, hike volcanoes, and snorkel with wildlife on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. This natural wonderland offers an unparalleled experience:

• Observe iconic Galapagos species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s finches in their native habitats.

• Snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful schools of fish.

• Hike to stunning vantage points for panoramic views of volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches.

• Discover the unique geology of the islands, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

• Gain insights into the islands’ fragile ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts.

Discovering Mainland Ecuador

After exploring the Galapagos Islands, the tour ventures to mainland Ecuador, where travelers can discover a diverse array of natural and cultural wonders.

Cycling and hiking through lush cloud forests, rafting the rushing Jatunyacu River, and soaking in natural hot springs are just a few highlights.

Visitors can also visit national parks, learn about local culture, and savor Ecuadorian cuisine.

The flexible itinerary allows for personalized experiences tailored to each traveler’s interests.

Throughout the mainland journey, the tour emphasizes sustainable practices and environmental conservation, ensuring a truly immersive and responsible exploration of Ecuador’s mainland treasures.

Itinerary Overview

The 12-day Best of Ecuador & Galapagos tour kicks off on the enchanting Galapagos Islands, where travelers will enjoy the archipelago’s unique natural wonders.

During this leg, they’ll:

• Explore lava tubes and hike volcanoes on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands

• Snorkel with an abundance of marine life

• Spot iconic species like the Galápagos tortoise and marine iguana

• Witness the breathtaking landscapes of the islands

• Gain insights into the region’s ecology from expert local guides

Afterwards, the tour ventures to mainland Ecuador, where activities like cloud forest hikes, Amazon rafting, and hot spring soaks await.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified. However, the tour emphasizes personalized experiences and small-group exploration, suggesting an intimate group size that allows for flexible and immersive travel throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Are Tips for Guides and Drivers Included in the Tour Price?

Tips for guides and drivers aren’t included in the tour price. Travelers can plan to budget an additional amount to tip the guides and drivers who provide excellent service throughout the 12-day Ecuador and Galapagos experience.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to Suit Personal Interests?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit personal interests. The tour operator is flexible and willing to adapt the activities and destinations based on the traveler’s preferences and needs.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel up to 60 days prior to departure and receive a full refund, minus a small administrative fee. Within 60 days, refunds are possible but subject to availability.

Can Travelers Extend Their Stay in Ecuador or Galapagos After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands after the tour. The tour operator can assist with booking additional accommodations and activities to extend the trip according to travelers’ preferences.