Active Ecuador and Galapagos from ashore

Duration
16 days
Price
£6,372 pp.
Location
Galapagos, South America
Tourist photographing marine iguana in the Galapagos Ecuador

Trip Highlights

  • Snorkel with marine wildlife
  • Hike volcanoes in the Galápagos
  • Explore Quito’s colonial charm

What's Included

  • Expert guides
  • Activities & excursions
  • 15 nights accommodation

An active wildlife adventure

Trek volcano craters, white water raft through the Amazon, snorkel with sealions and spot blue footed boobies and giant tortoises.

Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the most biodiversity and spectacular geography on the planet. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes, explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge and life-style.

Then, it is onto the Galapagos islands which offer endless opportunities to witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. This is one of the few places on earth that allows such close and intimate contact with the wildlife. Snorkel with sealions, multicoloured fish, hammerhead sharks and maybe even penguins. Bike along the coastline spotting giant tortoises, flamingos and marine iguanas. Spot a plethora of incredible birds from blue-footed boobies to frigate birds, and visit the Darwin centre to learn more about the endemic species found here and the conservation efforts in one of the most fiercely protected marine wilderness in the world!

*Shorter & less active versions available - speak to one of our experts to create a tailored trip to your needs.*


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Quito

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the cultural capital of South America and depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area.

In the evening, you will meet your trip leader who will talk you through your adventure and answer any questions.

Day 2 Trek in Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast, you leave Quito and be taken by private transfer southwards along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes, along the colourful Andean fields and climbing upwards to reach 12,000 feet. (3,657 meters).

After arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, your leader will take you hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon at the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, you have panoramic views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.

In the afternoon you continue driving onwards towards the Llanganates National Park, known as the sacred mountain until you reach the town of Baños, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here you will stay at Casa de Luis for two nights where you can enjoy the nightlife drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Biking in the cloud forest

Day 4 Canyoning in the rainforest

Day 5 Rafting at Jatunyacu River

Day 6 Otavalo Indigenous Market

Day 7 Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve

Day 8 Snorkelling on San Cristóbal Island

Day 9 Snorkelling at Kicker Rock

Day 10 Biking on Isabela Island

Day 11 Snorkel at lava tunnels

Day 12 Hike Sierra Negra and Kayak at Tintoreras

Day 13 Santa Cruz Island

Day 14 Free day on Santa Cruz

Day 15 Fly back to Quito

Day 16 Fly home

Speak to a South America expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or

Amanda

South America Expert

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