Mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Cruise

Explore the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands on an adventure through Ecuador

From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest and the iconic Galapagos Islands, this 14-day adventure will take you through the unique landscapes of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while getting close to the animals that call this diverse country home. Tick the Galapagos off your list with a sailing voyage to the best of the Southern islands for close encounters with local wildlife like iguanas, giant tortoises and exotic birds. Go snorkelling near mighty manty rays and experience the rugged landscapes of this incredible part of the world.

No reviews yetTrip code: GMQEC

Start: Quito, Ecuador

End: Quito, Ecuador


Duration
14 days
Group size
1 to 16
Minimum age
15 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Comfort
Theme

Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.

Cruises, Explorer, Wildlife
Physical rating

Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings


From
GBP £5,335

Boats

Grand Queen Beatriz
Grand Queen Beatriz
BOAT TYPE: YachtPASSENGERS: 16
Experience the ‘Enchanted Islands’ in our new custom-built yacht, the Grand Queen Beatriz. Our new boutique expedition boat came into service on the 30th June 2018. With a stylish modern design, ensuite bathrooms, outward-facing windows in all cabins (and private balconies in some), and a jacuzzi on the sundeck, the 'Grand Queen Bea’ is one of the newest boats operating in the Galapagos. If you don't find the itinerary you're after, our beloved M/Y Grand Daphne offers a fantastic choice of itineraries including visits to Genovesa and Fernandina.
Explore features

Why you'll love this trip

  • See nature at its finest as you follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, spotting some of the strangest and most beautiful creatures on Earth in their natural habitats.
  • Encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and perhaps dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
  • Hike, snorkel, sail and enjoy plenty of free time to unwind on the deck of your motor yacht, with a beer or wine in hand as you birdwatch.
  • Spend time in the Amazon rainforest wildlife spotting, hiking, learning about medicinal plants, visiting a coffee plantation and sleeping on the edge of the rainforest in a jungle lodge with a pool.
  • Visit one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park while you cross off bucket-list scenery along the way in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Itinerary

Map of Mainland Ecuador And Galapagos Cruise including Ecuador

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Ecuador
Meals

13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights), Overnight boat (3 nights)

Included activities
  • Quito - Welcome dinner
  • Quito - Colonial City Tour
  • Quito - Agave Museum and Tasting
  • Quito - Middle of the World Monument
  • Quito - Inti Nan Equator Museum
  • Cotopaxi - Lagoon Hike
  • Latacunga - Machica Workshop
  • Banos - Orientation walk
  • San Bartolomé de Pinllo - Gallina de Pinllo Lunch
  • Banos - Walking tour
  • Banos - El Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
  • Amazon Rainforest - Night Walk
  • Amazon Rainforest - Medicinal Plant Hike
  • Amazon Rainforest - Coffee Plantation Visit and Tasting
  • Amazon Rainforest - Indigenous Community Visit
  • Papallacta - Hummingbird Spotting
  • Papallacta - Hot Springs
  • Quito - Farewell Dinner
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Punta Carrion - Snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Isabela - Las Tintoreras visit (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Isabela - Arnolda Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center including Flamingo Lagoon (2 hours) - Dry Landing
  • Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Floreana - Punta Cormorant walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
  • Isla Floreana - Devil's Crown snorkelling (1 hour)
  • Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay snorkelling (45 mins)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1 hour) - Dry Landing

Optional activities
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people - USD150
  • Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
  • Otavalo - Otavalo Market -minimum 2 people - USD100
  • Cotopaxi - Flower Plantation - Free
  • Banos - Staircase to the Virgin - Free
  • Banos - El Refugio Spa Garden - Free
  • Banos - Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water - Free
  • Banos - Route of waterfall - Free
  • Banos - La Casa del Arbol viewpoint - Free

We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
  • A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.
  • The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
  • Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothes.
  • This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
  • A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.
  • The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
  • Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothes.

Dates and prices

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. Due to the high altitude of the places we visit, some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender, or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
3. This trip involves lots of active adventure, and we ask that you read through the itinerary carefully to ensure that it is right for you. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the included activities and with moving about the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over three decks, and the steps between the decks are steep.
4. A Zodiac boat (panga) is sometimes necessary to reach small islets, coves, and prime snorkelling spots. You must be comfortable climbing in and out of one during wet and dry landings.
5. The waters of the Galapagos are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
6. This is a combination trip made up of "Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands" onboard the Grand Queen Beatriz boat which is a comfort style trip and the "Premium Ecuador" trip that is a Premium style trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Cruise
From
GBP £5,335