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Latin America
Ecuador & the...

Ecuador & the Galápagos

11 days, 5 cities77
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From $3199 without flightsPayments as low as $89

Underwater photo of a sea turtle
Underwater photo of a sea turtle
Grassy lands with a volcano in the distance
A suspension bridge leading towards a waterfall surrounded by thick greenery
A person snorkeling in blue water between two walls of rock
Trip Type:
Activity Level:

Why go?

Discover a place unlike anywhere else. Spend 11 days swinging over the hills of Baños, getting to know giant tortoises, climbing volcanoes, and snorkeling with fish straight out of National Geographic. That Galápagos sunshine is calling for you.

Picture yourself

  • Hiking around a snow-capped volcano in the Andes Mountains

  • Snorkeling alongside sea turtles and sea lions

  • Straddling hemispheres at the equator near Quito

  • Meeting one of the chillest animals known to man, the giant tortoise

  • Shopping for handcrafted goods in Ecuador’s largest market

What you'll get

  • Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

  • 9 nights in handpicked accommodations

  • 9 breakfasts

  • 4 lunches

  • 3 dinners

  • Expert Tour Director

  • 24/7 support

  • 2 insider tours/hikes with local guides

  • Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park

  • Entrance to Galápagos National Park

  • 2 half-day Galápagos snorkeling excursions

Map for the Ecuador & the Galápagos tour
Full trip itinerary

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly to Quito

    Welcome to Ecuador! You’re landing in Quito, the capital city and home to the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready to feel like you’re on top of the world—because you kinda are; Quito is 2,500 meters above sea level. Deep breaths everyone, you’re in for an adventure (and because the air is thinner).

    Today's highlights:

    • Meet a trip representative at the airport.
    • Transfer to your accommodation in Quito via private coach.
    • Receive the latest schedule and trip updates from your Tour Director.
    • Greet your fellow travelers as they arrive.
  • Day 2: Explore Quito + Welcome Dinner

    Quito’s a bit of modern-day meets traditional. As you get to know the area under the guidance of your Tour Director, be sure to keep a look out for people wearing traditional Ecuadorian clothes, including ponchos, long dresses, and lots of jewelry. When you’re not enjoying the rather distinctive dress code, be sure to look up at one of the eight volcanoes that surround the city.

    In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

    Today's highlights:

    • Join your Tour Director on a brief tour of the city and its historic center.
    • Walk through the Old Town and Plaza de la Independencia, the central public square of Quito.
    • Stop outside the Catedral Metropolitana, San Francisco & La Compania Church, and the Loma El Panecillo (Virgin of El Panecillo), all significant monuments and sites representing Quito’s religions.
    • Fulfill your dream of standing in two places at once at Mitad del mundo, the line that divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (AKA the equator).

    Free time suggestions

    Plaza Foch: This is one of the busiest areas in Quito for party, fun, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a more chill-type bar or a dance club to get your groove on, in Plaza Foch, the choices are endless.

    La Ronda: This cobblestone street, located in Quito’s Old Town, is home to dozens of stores, art galleries, and restaurants.

  • Day 3: Travel to Baños via Cotopaxi National Park

    Today, you’ll descend from the Highlands of Quito to the town of Baños, known as the “gateway to the Amazon.” Nestled in a valley with waterfalls, hot springs, and green forests all around you, Baños is sure to hold your attention. Before Baños, though, enjoy an afternoon hike through Cotopaxi National Park and enjoy views of the mountain, park, and Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes!

    Today's highlights:

    • Continue your Ecuador journey south, to Baños
    • Stop at Cotopaxi National Park, known for its snow-capped volcano, vast wildlife, and forested area
    • Join your Tour Director for an orientation walk of Baños in the evening
  • Day 4: Pailon del Diablo Waterfall + Hike Sendero de los Sauces

    Don’t go chasing waterfalls, because we’ll bring you to them! This morning, embark on an adventure to the Pailon del Diablo - or “Devil’s Cauldron” - a waterfall on the Rio Pastaza which flows into the upper basin of the Amazon. After ooh-ing and aah-ing at the waterfall on your guided walk, continue the active day with an afternoon walk on the Sendero de los Sauces.

    Today's highlights:

    • Hike to the Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall and have your mind blown by the sheer power of water
    • Opt to pay extra to access an out-of-this-world staircase carved into the cliffs of the waterfall
    • Walk the Sendero de los Sauces, a trail with pristine views of Baños and the volcano Tungurahua
  • Day 5: Travel to Quito

    This morning, enjoy some free time in Baños. You couldpamper yourself by getting a massage at a spa and soaking in thermal baths, or you could peruse the many candy shops and try some homemade taffy.

    Later in the day, you’ll return to Quito.

  • Day 6: Travel to Santa Cruz Island

    As you head to Santa Cruz, the most populous of the islands, get ready for some of the best views of the Galápagos. When you think of the Galápagos Islands, you probably think of giant tortoises. But get ready for all kinds of animals in addition to giant tortoises, including tons of birds. Be sure to look up and spot the different kinds that you can’t find in the U.S.—but probably best to keep your mouth shut.

    For more information on Ultimate Break’s commitment to responsible tourism, please visit this page.

    Today's highlights:

    • Take a flight and then water taxi to Santa Cruz for your island adventure.
    • Enjoy a guided tour of the highlands and its lush forest compared to the lowlands and beaches that are to come.
    • Head underground into lava tunnels and explore the various passageways.
    • Get ready to meet the self-proclaimed chillest animals ever—giant wild tortoises.
    • Go on a quick hike to Las Grietas, where the earth has literally cracked open, and lucky people like you get to snorkel in between the two cliffs.
  • Day 7: Travel to San Cristobal Island

    Follow in Darwin’s footsteps (although he most likely didn’t travel by speedboat like you’ll be doing) to San Cristobal, the first island he explored back in 1835. With only 7,000 people living on this island, it’s one of the quieter ones, so feel like you’re on your own private paradise for two days.

    Today's highlights:

    • Take a speedboat ride to San Cristobal, the oldest island in the Galápagos.
    • Join a local guide and head to Junco Lagoon, a freshwater lake where you’ll see birds on birds on birds.
  • Day 8: Snorkeling + Free Time

    Get ready for more animals, snorkeling, and hiking during another epic day on San Cristobal Island.

    Today's highlights:

    • Go on a quick hike in the morning for more breathtaking views of the island.
    • Gaze at the fish swimming below you during your snorkeling adventure.
    • Spend the afternoon exploring the island on your own.

    Free time suggestions

    Interpretation Center: Want to learn about the history and significance of the Galápagos? Enter the Interpretation Center. Near the center, there are also a number of nature trails that give you epic views of the surrounding area and coast.
    Beach it: Head to one of our favorite beaches, Playa Mann, for fine white sand and calm turquoise waters. It’s a great beach, you know, if you’re into great beaches and relaxing without a care in the world.

  • Day 9: Return to Quito + Farewell Dinner

    You’re headed back to the mainland. Spend today exploring more of Quito. You still have so much to see, do, eat, drink, and every other type of verb imaginable. At night, enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of your fellow travelers.

    Farewell Dinner
    Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

    Free time suggestions

    La Foresta: Explore this up-and-coming neighborhood with awesome street art and plenty of places for you to up your Instagram game.

  • Day 10: Otovalo Market + Peguche Waterfall + Overnight Flight Home

    Your time is almost over, but that doesn’t mean the fun needs to stop. Make today count and head to the famous Otovalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in all of South America - be sure to pick up some last-minute souvenirs while you’re there! After an included lunch, visit the nearby Peguche Waterfall (weather permitting) for one last “ooh” and “aah” at Ecuador’s natural beauty before your overnight flight home.

    Today's highlights:

    • Shop in Otavalo, the handicraft capital of Ecuador, and a beautiful city of the Imbabura Province
    • Pick up last-minute gifts and trinkets at the Otavalo Market, surrounded by the Imbabura, Cotocachi, and Mojanda Volcanoes
    • Chase your last waterfall at Peguche Waterfall before your trip ends
    • Head to the airport and board your overnight flight home.
  • Day 11: Arrive home

    Arrive home
    Your next destination awaits—home. Arrive in the late morning or afternoon from your overnight flight.

    –OR–

    EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

    1. Double the fun
    A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

    2. Go ahead or stay behind
    Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

    Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Reviews


Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5
Based on 77 authentic traveler reviews
  • Amazing

      Anonymous, traveled Aug. 2021

    Wonderful trip, great tour guide and amazing experiences. Perfect amount of free time verses activities. I love you go go go environment. I recommend taking this trip to get the full experience of Ecuador

  • High altitude = High expectations

      Taylor, traveled Aug. 2021

    I’ve traveled with EF before but this was absolutely the best trip I’ve been on! So much to see and do and such diversity in the places you get to explore. The Ecuador and Galápagos Islands trip covers it all from urban terrain to mountains, rainforests and beaches. We got to see a lot of native wildlife and learned so much about the country’s culture. It is... See more

  • New Year’s Eve in Ecuador!

      Anonymous, traveled Dec. 2023

    The Galapagos and Baños are so incredible. I agree with other reviews that this itinerary should spend less time in Quito. Highly recommend zip lining & visiting ‘the swing at the end of the world’ in Baños. I would also recommend packing hiking boots.

  • Book it!!

      Anonymous, traveled Sep. 2023

    Loved this trip!!! ☺️ saw so many cool, unique things!!!

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Dates
  • Dec 30Jan 9$4,089Plus tour
  • Dec 30Jan 9$4,089Plus tour
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