Galapagos and Mainland Ecuador Tour
A 12-day tour that will take you through the Andes mountains, the Cloud forest and into the Galapagos Archipelago.
12 day
Starting at $3,300 per person
For nature lovers
Choose your own dates
Journey through mountains, forests, lakes and islands
Embark on a 12-day adventure that takes you from the Andean highlands to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, exploring Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems along the way. Begin your journey in Quito, where you’ll discover historic treasures and savor the flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine. Venture to Cotopaxi National Park, marvel at colorful birds and waterfalls in Mindo, and finally, journey to the Galápagos Islands. You’ll encounter unique wildlife, hike volcanic landscapes, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and settle in
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and indulge in chocolate
Day 3: Visit a traditional market and cook local dishes
Day 4: Discover the wonders of Cotopaxi National Park
Day 5: Immerse yourself in the cloud forest
Day 6: Chase waterfalls and butterflies in Mindo
Day 7: Discover a birdwatcher’s paradise
Day 8: Fly to the enchanted Galapagos Islands
Day 9: Hike to the Sierra Negra crater
Day 10: Spot sharks, penguins, and sea turtles in the wild
Day 11: Explore the uninhabited Seymour Island
Day 12: Head back home
Day 1: Arrive in Ecuador and settle in
Begin your adventure by arriving in Quito, at an elevation of 2,896 meters (9,500 feet). Our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant new town area where you can relax and settle in.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meals included: none
Overnight stay: Hotel Go Quito
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and indulge in chocolate
Explore the historic heart of Quito, the largest preserved historic center in South America and UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the city’s rich history through its stunning churches and monuments, and indulge in a hands-on chocolate workshop to learn about Ecuador’s world-renowned cacao.
Travel time: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Go Quito
Day 3: Visit a traditional market and cook local dishes
Travel to the scenic Imbabura region and visit the famous Otavalo market, where you’ll find an array of local crafts and fresh produce. Participate in a cooking class with a Kichwa family, learning to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Later, take in the beauty of Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake surrounded by the Andean mountains.
Travel time: 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Hotel Go Quito
Day 4: Discover the wonders of Cotopaxi National Park
Explore the stunning landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. You’ll explore the magnificent 34,000-hectare nature reserve by vehicle and on foot, stopping at the Limpiopungo Lake, to enjoy the calm and fresh air. If the weather conditions permit, you can make the short walk up to the refuge for a hot coca tea.
Travel time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Hotel Go Quito
Day 5: Immerse yourself in the cloud forest
Leave Quito early in the morning and journey to the western cloud forest to explore the Bellavista Reserve. Enjoy a guided walk through this biodiverse region, where an expert naturalist will introduce you to the unique flora and fauna of the cloud forest.
Travel time: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Las Terrazas de Dana
Day 6: Chase waterfalls and butterflies in Mindo
Hike through the misty mountains of Mindo, discovering hidden waterfalls and the vibrant ecosystem of the cloud forest. Experience the thrill of a cable car ride over the treetops and visit a butterfly farm to observe a dazzling variety of species.
Travel time: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Overnight stay: Las Terrazas de Dana
Day 7: Discover a birdwatcher’s paradise
Start your day early with a visit to the lek of the Cock-of-the-Rock, where you’ll witness the spectacular courtship display of this vibrant bird. Continue birdwatching to spot elusive species like the Antpittas. Later, on the way to your hotel near the Quito airport, you can visit the “Mitad del Mundo” and learn about the French Geodesic Mission to the Equator.
Travel time: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Holiday Inn
Day 8: Fly to the enchanted Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and begin your adventure on Isabela Island, known for its six volcanoes, five of which are active. The island was a penal colony until 1959, as evidenced by the Wall of Tears, built by the inmates for no real purpose other than to punish them. A pleasant 3 km (1,86 mile) bike ride from Puerto Villamil to the Wall allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings, spot various bird species, undoubtedly come across the Galapagos land tortoises, with views of the ocean and inland landscapes along the way.
Travel time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Cormorant Beach House
Day 9: Hike to the Sierra Negra crater
Early morning, you will start the expedition to Sierra Negra Volcano, home to the second- largest active crater in the world. Explore the volcanic landscape and superb panoramic views, where you’ll be accompanied by finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. At the halfway
point, depending on our mood, we can opt for an easy stroll along the Sierra Negra caldera or a more challenging hike to the domes of the Chico volcano.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Hike duration: 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Cormorant Beach House
Day 10: Spot sharks, penguins, and sea turtles in the wild
Spend the morning exploring the Tintoreras, where you’ll have the chance to observe white- tipped sharks, sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to discover even more marine life such as marine iguanas, manta rays, sea lions, starfish, and reef sharks. In the afternoon, cross over to Santa Cruz Island.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Acacia Galapagos
Day 11: Explore the uninhabited Seymour Island
Sail around the archipelago and reach Seymour Island where you will do a walking tour and enjoy a snorkeling session. This island doesn’t have volcanic origin, instead it’s the result of underground seismic activity. North Seymour Island is considered the best place to observe frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies due to the number of colonies of these birds.
Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch
Overnight stay: Hotel Acacia Galapagos
Day 12: Head back home
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland and connecting flight home. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
Travel time: 3 hours to Guayaquil
Meals included: Breakfast
2024 Pricing per person
| Number of passengers | Price per person (USD) |
| 1 Passenger | $ 5560 |
| 2 Passenger | $ 3300 |
| 3 Passenger | $ 2995 |
*Single room supplement USD 1050
Package details
Included in the price
- Transfer with Spanish-speaking driver: Day 1
- Private transport: Days 2 – 8
- English-speaking certified tour guide: Days 2 – 8
- Overnight stay in superior accommodation in double room as indicated or *similar
- Meals as per program
- Entrance fees to the national parks Cuicocha and Cotopaxi
- Entrance fees to Bellavista and Paz de las Avez
- Entrance fees in Quito and Mindo as described
- All Transfers in the Galápagos Islands with Spanish-speaking driver (Isabela and Santa Cruz)
- Flight from Baltra to Isabela and transport of the main baggage
- Public speedboat Isabela – Santa Cruz
- Galapagos activities: Biking Wall of tears and Hiking Sierra Negra with a private English-speaking Naturalist Guide
- Tours Tintoreras and Seymour navigable tour in a shared group with a private English-speaking Naturalist Guide and snorkeling equipment
- Contact person on site with 24-hour emergency number
Not included in the price
- International flights and National Galápagos flight
- Galápagos Entrance fee, USD 220 (as of August 2024)
- Isabela airport fee USD 20
- Water taxi USD 3-5
- Not mentioned meals and all drinks with the meals
- Services not mentioned in the program or described as optional
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel and Health insurance
What other adventurous travelers say about us
Over 33 years of experience and proven professionalism support our well-known reputation in the market.
★★★★★
“We had a great tour to the
Sierra Negra volcano today.
Very impressive and with
Javier a super guide.”
R.N. from Switzerland, 2024
★★★★★
“We had a great time in
Galapagos and are blessed with wonderful impressions and animal encounters.
Thank you for your help.”
G.+R.M. from Switzerland, 2024
★★★★★
“I was very satisfied with the proximity of our agents and their attentiveness to my needs. If I have to talk about
the people… Smiling, welcoming, caring. The country? Beyond my expectations. In short, an unforgettable trip.”
I.B. from France, 2023
