12 Days from $10,090 USD / person
Ecuador: Galapagos Safari & Volcano Alley
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Transfer to Hotel
1 Night
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ is Ecuador’s largest city and an important trading center of this small Andean country. The combination of gorgeous colonial heritage and modern architecture provides the city with an eclectic air. A city fond of preserving history with its various museums, you can relish the remarkable collections of pre-Columbian art and curiosities at the MAAC. There is also a curious side to Guayaquil: in amidst the downtown crowds of the Plaza Simon Bolivar where the Cathedral stands you will find iguanas making ample appearances!
Hotel options
Oro Verde – Opt 1
Room
Leading Suites
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 2 – 5
Transfer to Airport
Flight from Guayaquil to Baltra (1 h, 50 min)
Airport shuttle to channel (5 min), shared boat to Santa Cruz island (3 min), private transfer to hotel (30/45 min)
3 Nights
Isla Santa Cruz
Located in the center of the archipelago, Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The island’s capital, Puerto Ayora, is the largest populated center in the Galapagos and home to the majority of hotels, tourist centers, and also the Charles Darwin Research Station. The island is a large dormant volcano with an amazingly varied climate and landscape from the coastal areas to the central highlands. From Santa Cruz you can witness the famous giant land tortoises, interesting volcanic formations, and even sail to nearby islands to experience up close the rare and famed fauna of the Galapagos such as land and marine iguanas, boobies, and frigate birds.
Hotel options
Galapagos Safari Camp – Opt 1
Room
Tented Camp
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Camp
Day 5 – 8
Private transfer to the channel (30/45 min), shared boat to Baltra island (3 min), shuttle to airport (5 min)
Flight from Baltra to Isabela (35 min, light aircraft, subject to weather conditions)
Transfer to Hotel
3 Nights
Isla Isabela
The largest of the Galapagos archipelago, this sea-horse shaped island features spectacular volcanic landscapes and is one of the youngest islands being near to the volcanic hot-spot. The islands only populated center is Puerto Villamil, located at the southeastern end and home to all hotels and tourist centers. From Puerto Villamil, visitors to Isabela can enjoy hiking through dense vegetation and over moon-like lava fields as well as a multitude of navigations and snorkeling activities off-shore in the many islets and volcanic formations found in its crystaline coastal waters. The island is home to the highest concentration of free roaming Galapagos giant land tortoises, white-tipped reef sharks, marine iguanas and a multitude of bird life including Darwin’s finches, boobies and penguins to name a few.
Hotel options
Iguana Crossing – Opt 1
Room
Ocean View
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 8 – 10
Transfer to Airport
Flight from Isabela to Baltra (35 min, light aircraft, subject to weather conditions)
Morning Flight from Baltra to Quito (3 h, 10 min)
Private transfer to Hotel (1.5 – 2h)
2 Nights
Quito
The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is one of the most visited countries in South America. Surrounded by volcanoes and the Andean highlands the city provides a cultural feast with its many churches and monasteries. The impressive Gothic basilica offers splendid vistas from its towering heights -it’s fitting that the colonial centre has UNESCO World Heritage status. You can experience the city’s bustling and charming markets too. Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world at 3,000 meters above sea level and so requires altitude acclimatization before you venture out.
Hotel options
Plaza Grande – Opt 1
Room
Royal Back Suites
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Heritage
Day 10 – 12
Private transfer from Quito to Cotopaxi (75 km, 1 hr)
2 Nights
Cotopaxi
The Cotopaxi province of Ecuador is home to what German explorer Alexander von Humboldt coined ‘The Avenue of Volcanoes’ and contains some of the most dramatic mountain scenery of the country. The province is named after the stunning Cotopaxi volcano, which was described by Humboldt ‘the most beautiful and regular of all the colossal peaks in the high Andes. It is a perfect cone covered by a thick blanket of snow which shines so brilliantly at sunset it seems detached from the azure of the sky.’ In addition to its scenery, this province features a series of small towns known for their indigenous heritage and colorful markets. The region is also known for its historical haciendas (estates) found in the surrounding hills, where we recommend staying for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
Hotel options
Hacienda San Agustín del Callo – Opt 1
Room
Standard
Meals
Full Board
Style
Farmhouse / Estancia
Day 12 – 12
Private transfer from Cotopaxi to Quito (75 km, 1 hr)
Quito
The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is one of the most visited countries in South America. Surrounded by volcanoes and the Andean highlands the city provides a cultural feast with its many churches and monasteries. The impressive Gothic basilica offers splendid vistas from its towering heights -it’s fitting that the colonial centre has UNESCO World Heritage status. You can experience the city’s bustling and charming markets too. Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world at 3,000 meters above sea level and so requires altitude acclimatization before you venture out.
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
