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10 Days Classic Ecuador: Andes & Galapagos
Itinerary DescriptionHotel Hotel
Day 1: Thu Arrive in Quito. Transfer to your Hotel Vieja Cuba Nü House
Day 2: Fri Quito - City Tour - Equatorial Monument - Otavalo Cabañas del Lago Puerto Lago
Day 3: Sat Otavalo - Papallacta Thermas Thermas
Day 4: Sun Papallacta - Horse Back Ride - Cotopaxi La Cienega La Cienega
Day 5: Mon Cotopaxi - Limpipungo - Quito Vieja Cuba Nú House
Day 6: Tue Quito - Galapagos: Baltra Island & Tortuga Bay Pelican Bay Mainao
Day 7: Wed Sail to Bartolome Island Pelican Bay Mainao
Day 8: Thu Sail to Seymour Island Pelican Bay Mainao
Day 9: Fri Galapagos - Flight to Quito Vieja Cuba Nü House
Day 10: Sat Quito - End of Tour / Flight Back Home    
    Price per person: $2,793 $2,888
   

Children under 12 eligible for 25% discount.

   

 

This year is special and our Classic Ecuador Trip gives you ten (10) full days of adventure and fun to experience, with touring dates every month! Choose from our multiple travel dates the one that best fits your agenda. From the Andes to the Galapagos, this trip has some of the most talked-about destinations in Ecuador. Best part is, Airfare to Galapagos Is Included!

Check our detailed Itinerary for a feel of what you'll experience on an adventure that you won't soon forget!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Upon arrival to Quito and all entrance formalities are taken care of, we meet with our tour director, head on to the transfer vehicle and proceed to our hotel.
Fun Fact: Ecuador, South America's second smallest country is a vibrant indigenous culture with many natural and cultural wonders.

Overnight Stay

 

Day 2: Quito - Equatorial Monument - Otavalo

Day 2: Quito City Tour, Equatorial Monument & Otavalo

Pick up: 09h00

After a good night rest and early breakfast, we begin to explore Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The city is surrounded by various snow-capped Andes Peaks, yet is only 14 miles (22.5km) south of the Equator. Quito is known for its magnificent Spanish-Colonial architecture and colorful street life. Quaint family owned shops as well as open-air markets are just steps away from sky scrapers and Spanish Baroque Cathedrals, blending in old and new architectures.

Our tour begins by visiting the Guapulo Church, privileged with a fantastic view of the valleys. The colonial area of "Old Quito" is a United Nations World Heritage Site worth visiting. Here we will stroll down Independence Square where we'll be able to appreciate the Presidential Palace and Arch Bishop's Palace.

Soon after, we will visit La Compania Church, with its ornate facade and breathtaking golden altars, you'll appreciate the history of the land. Our next stops will be to the Monastery followed by the San Francisco Church, filled with examples of Spanish art and sculpture all around. We also pay a visit to the Impressive Parliament Building were Ecuador's history is recorded.

Just a little further is the Panecillo hill, offering a spectacular view of the city as well as an up close look of the Virgin of Quito. Time permitting, we will visit the artisans market (Mercado de los Artesanos).

At around noon we continue on to the "Equatorial Monument". At an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, one can be in two hemispheres at the same time with one foot on the North and the other on the South and your heart on Latitude Cero!

We'll continue to a fun activity at the open air Inti-Nam Museum were we'll practice a few science experiments that can only be best appreciated at this location. Later in the afternoon we'll drive north on the Panamerican Highway onward to Cayambe, best known for its snow-capped volcano, their countryside dairy farms and plentiful flower plantations. We end our day by heading to the San Pablo Lake and to our hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing night at the Hotel and stay Overnight.

Day 3: Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha - Papallacta

Day 3: Otavalo Indian Market - Cotacachi Town & Cuicocha Lake - Papallacta

After breakfast we enter the city of Otavalo and visit their famous Indian Market. The Otavalo Indians are considered to be the most dedicated and prosperous craftsmen/merchants of Ecuador. This "Market" is one of South America's most important centers of ethno-tourism, featuring a dazzling array of textiles and crafts. Here you can find Ponchos, wooden good and indigenous jewelry; perfect for gifts or keepsakes from the city.

After the market we go to the Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve where we will see one of the most amazing sceneries of Ecuador at the Cuicocha Lake. Soon after, we enter the City of Cotacachi, famous for their leather market. You can enjoy an hour of shopping before heading to our next destination.

At the end of the day, we will head straight for Thermas of Papallacta, where we'll enjoy a great view along the way. Overnight stay.

Day 4: Papallacta - Horse Back Ride - Cotopaxi

Day 4: Papallacta  Thermal Baths - Horse Back Ride - Cotopaxi

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the natural SPA with one of the most spectacular views of all, all while relaxing inside a hot spring swimming pool. These Thermas are the most attractively developed set of hot springs in Ecuador, and among the most popular world wide.

The hot volcanic waters are channeled into three pools large enough for swimming, three smaller shallow pools and two tiny family-size pools, for everyone to enjoy.If you feel adventurous, there is also access to the river for a quick hike.

Then we drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Time and weather permiting, we'll gather our gear and enjoy a cowboy experience as we ride our horses and admire the highest active volcano in the world! After our fun day, we'll head back to our hotels.

Overnight stay

Day 5: Cotopaxi - Quito

Day 5: Cotopaxi Volcano - Quito

Our day will focus at the highest active volcano in the world, standing at 5.987 meters (19,437 ft) of altitude, it is no wonder it is one of the most visited snow topped volcanoes around the globe.

Upon our arrival, we'll visit the beautiful lake of Limpiopungo and admire the wold fauna and flora in the area. Our bus will be waiting for us at the Limpiopungo parking area. The Cotopaxi Volcano was established as an ecological sanctuary with unusual opportunities to love nature and know about the importance of the Paramo Ecosystem.

At the end of the day, we continue our drive following a scenic stretch of road, taking us out to the magestic "Andes Highlands". This is the most elevated spot on the road (4000 mts. asl) where you can take amazing photos to share with your friends and family.

We return to Quito and to our hotels..

Day 6: Quito - Galapagos Baltra Is.

Day 6: Quito - Galapagos - Baltra Island & Tortuga Bay

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning at the hotel. If you need to stop at an ATM, let us know before heading to the airport. Soon after checking out, we will head to the airport and fly to the Enchanted Galapagos Islands with plenty of time to handle all formalities* and baggage checking (Departure times vary. Check your flight ticket in advance and let us know if you have any questions). Remember not to bring any seeds, animals, plants or fruits with you, to help preserve the ecosystem.

Upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands and right after all migration formalities are completed, one of our representatives will be waiting for you with transportation to your hotel to get settled in. After lunch we will take an excursion to one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos: Tortuga Bay. This is a short 30 minute walk on a marked path west of Puerto Ayora. On this route we will have chance to connect to nature.

Tortuga Bay gets its name from the Sea Turtles that come here to lay their eggs. This island features white sand beaches, pelicans and marine iguanas, as well as plenty of other flying species making it ideal for birth-watching.

After the fun we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay (Breakfast and Lunch included).

Day 7: Galapagos Bartolome Is.

Day 7: Galapagos - Sail to Bartolome Island

Early in the morning at 6:00 we will be transferred to the Itabaca channel. Here we will take the yacht embarking us to the first leg of our journey. Breakfast will be served on the boat.

Bartolome Island has some of the most beautiful landscapes throughout the archipelago. It is very well known for its famous rock formation, the Pinnacle Rock, which resembles an obelisk raised to the edge of the ocean. Upon arrival to the island, we are presented with a wooden stairway of approximately 600 meters in length. Make sure you have comfortable shoes for this part of the day. Once we reach the summit (about 30 to 40 minutes), we are rewarded with a gorgeous view of the landscape with two beautiful bays. The fascinating formations of lava and volcanic cones give this area an out-of-this-world aura, giving you the feeling of walking on the moon.

The Bartolome Island is the perfect place to observe the Galapagos penguins swimming in the tropical waters. One the south part of the island you can also find marine turtles, stingrays and Galapagos sharks, among other unique marine species. We will take a relaxing afternoon with 45 minutes of snorkeling at Sullivan Bay. We'll return to Puerto Ayora for an overnight stay at our hotel (breakfast included).

Day 8: Galapagos Seymour Is.

Day 8: Galapagos - Sail to Seymour Island

Enjoy an early breakfast and sometime between 7:50 - 8:00 we will be transferred to the Itabaca Channel, where we will get on board a yacht to start the day with an hour long sail to Seymour Island.

North Seymour Island is a spectacular place to enjoy the scenery while hiking. On this island you can find unique plants such as incense trees, cacti, sesuvium, escalecias to name a few; and animals like the blue-footed boobies, gulls sitting on the edge of cliffs and frigate birds on their nests. Depending on the season, you'll also be able to see land iguanas. On the opposite side of the island we are greated with crashing waves against the rocks and mischievous sea lions playing and surfing in the sea.

A special circular trail that crosses the islands interior leads exploring travelers to the rocky coast. Along this path we'll witness some of the largest colonies of sea birds of the Galapagos Islands. We will also have the opportunity to see the nesting sites of the fascinating blue-footed boobies and colorful frigates.

After lunch you can snorkel, swim or take a sunbath on las Bachas Beach or Mosquera Islet (depending on the sail day). Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure (Breakfast included).

Day 9: Galapagos - Quito

Day 9: Galapagos - Flight to Quito

Rise and shine early in the morning at 05:45 to take the 6:00 speedboat from Puerto Velasco Ibarra to Puerto Ayora and enjoy a beautiful sunrise. After a 2 hour sail, we arrive at Santa Cruz Island. Our guide welcomes us take us to Il Giardino Restaurant for a delightful breakfast. Soon after, our driver will take us to Baltra Airport for our flight back to mainland. There may be a $5usd per person cash fee for the bus from Baltra Island pier to the airport. Flight details will be provided with your package, but feel free to ask your guide for any assistance (breakfast included).

Day 10: End of Tour / Extensions

Day 10: Quito - Flight back home / Continue Extended Tour

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport in order to take your flight back home. If you opted for an extended trip the moment of booking, arrangements will be presented to you by our agency at your hotel or upon first arrival.

We look forward to hearing about your experience during your trip. Don't forget to leave your feedback on our comments section, trip advisor or by email. Your feedback helps us to provide you with better service.

 

Itinerary Prices Include:

Rates Include:

  • All Transfers: Airport - Hotel - Airport
  • Overnight Stay in Choice of 3 or 4 Star Hotels
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Quito City Tour & Equatorial Monument. Entrances Included
  • Otavalo Indian Market Tour
  • Horse Back riding in Cotopaxi
  • Entrance for the Thermas of Papallacta
  • English Speaking Guide(s)
  • Private Transportation
  • Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito
  • 3 Nights accommodation in Puerto Ayora
  • 1 Lunch in Puerto Ayora
  • Tour of Tortuga Bay
  • Sail tours to Bartolome Island and Seymour Island
  • Snorkeling Equipment for sail tours (Only in the places assigned to do this activity)
  • English Naturalist Speaking Guides

Itinerary Prices do not Include:

Rates do not Include:

  • Entrance Fee to Galapagos National Park ($100 per person - Payable at Galapagos Airport - Cash Only)
  • Ingala Transit Card: $20usd per person (Payable at Quito Airport)
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Special Services not described above
  • Lunches and Dinners in Mainland
  • Dinners in Galapagos

Note: For all airport formalities, please make sure to have cash on hand for both the Transit Control Card and National Park fees ($100 and $20 usd per person) for every member in your travel party. There are no ATMs at the arriving Airport of Galapagos, so please make sure to ask your guide or at your hotel's lobby about an ATM machine if you need one. While this may change without prior notice, presently credit cards are not accepted for the migration fee at the Galapagos Airports.
You will be required to have your passport on hand in order to receive the transit control card to the islands. Keep relevant documentation handy just in case.
Remember: you may not take or bring back on the flight to and from the Galapagos any seeds, animals, plants or fruits with you. This is to help protect and preserve the Galapagos ecosystem.
If you have any questions not present here, we encourage you to contact us and we'll gladly assist you.

Travel Dates
Start End 
August 17   August 26   
September 14   September 23  
October 12   October 21  
November 16   November 25  
December 14   December 23