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Operated by G Adventures
Ecuador and Galápagos Explorer
From
Price on request
Duration
15 days
Countries
Ecuador
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
If you're short on time but still want to experience the awe-inspiring majesty of hot springs and volcanos and the natural wonders of the Galapagos, then this is the adventure for you. Jaunt through the Amazon jungle, soak in soothing hot springs, and observe unparalleled wildlife in the Galapagos. Throw in unique accommodations at a historic hacienda and luxury catamaran, and you'll have made a month's worth of memories in two glorious weeks.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Drive to the highlands with a stop at the community of San Clemente for a local lunch. Continue to Otavalo and visit the famous handicraft market. Stay the night at a historic highlands hacienda.
Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for onsite hot springs, optional spa treatments, and hiking excursions. There is plenty of time to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views.
Take one last dip in the hot springs before continuing along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to Baños where there are numerous optional activities such as hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, and mountain biking.
Free day to explore Baños.
Early start in the morning. Drive to Coca, the gateway to the Amazon. Continue by motorized canoe to the luxurious La Selva Lodge. Explore the Amazon jungle with a local guide. Activities can include jungle walks, a canopy tower visit, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and photography. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a drink by candlelight, listening to the sounds of the jungle, before retiring to stylish cabanas.
Choose from plenty of activities that include birding, botany, hiking, canoeing, and photography. Spot monkeys, birds, sloths, caimans, and butterflies, just a short walk or canoe ride away. Overlooking the lake, the recently remodelled lodge is a perfect base for exploration. Relax in the lounge with a cocktail and dine by candlelight. Enjoy exceptional cuisine prepared by a gourmet chef. Sleep well in stylish cabanas. Let the sounds of the rainforest sing you to sleep, and the call of birds wake you in the morning.
Travel by boat back to Coca and catch a flight to Quito.
Enjoy free time and spend the day exploring the city of Quito.
Early morning, fly to San Cristóbal. Meet the CEO and transfer to the hotel for a first night's stay in the Galápagos Islands. Following lunch, begin exploring San Cristóbal visiting Laguna El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the islands. After, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, explore the paths near the centre for beautiful views.
Before transferring to the boat, visit Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado to see giant tortoises.
Morning landing at South Plaza, home to the largest population of land iguanas, for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies.
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to the beach on Las Bachas. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or swim in the crystal waters.
Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation to see the giant Galápagos tortoises before the flight back to Quito.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
15 days
Route
Quito → Quito
Countries
Ecuador
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Ecuador
Showing Days 1-7
15-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2Drive to the highlands with a stop…Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
Day 3Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort…
Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for onsite hot springs, optional spa treatments, and hiking excursions. There is plenty of time to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views.
Day 4Take one last dip in the hot springs…Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means 'baths' and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means 'baths' and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Day 5Free day to explore BañosThe town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting on the River Patate.
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting on the River Patate.
Day 6Early start in the morningAmazon
AmazonEarly start in the morning. Drive to Coca, the gateway to the Amazon. Continue by motorized canoe to the luxurious La Selva Lodge. Explore the Amazon jungle with a local guide. Activities can include jungle walks, a canopy tower visit, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and photography. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a drink by candlelight, listening to the sounds of the jungle, before retiring to stylish cabanas.
Day 7Choose from plenty of activities that include birdingSee the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from the naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless.
See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from the naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless.
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