This voyage of discovery begins in the genesis of creation that is the archipelago of the Galapagos Islands. Cast some six hundred miles into the Pacific Ocean no place on this planet comes close to their evolutionary luminescence. Our understanding of this planet has irrevocably changed since Charles Darwin first came ashore here in 1835. You are assured to be captivated and enthralled by this insight into mother nature. In addition, your mainland Ecuadorian adventure will see you undertake a cultural and scenic voyage into the heartland of Ecuador along the Valley of the Volcanoes. Hiking through spectacular volcanic landscapes, high Andean villages and as you pass the heartening experience of meeting, engaging and learning with local people. This luxury Galapagos and Ecuador vacation will create a special life space for you and redefine your being in this- our ever-changing planet.
Discover the fragility of the wonderful world of nature and mankind for which we are so blessed to experience on this planet. Experience the Galapagos Islands and emerge yourself in Ecuador’s Andean culture…
INTRODUCTION
QUICK OVERVIEW BY DAY:
- Day 01 – Arrive Quito
- Day 02 – Morning City Tour of Colonial Quito
- Day 03 – Luxury Galapagos Cruise
- Day 04 – Luxury Galapagos Cruise
- Day 05 – Luxury Galapagos Cruise
- Day 06 – Luxury Galapagos Cruise & Flight to Quito
- Day 07 – Quito to Cotopaxi National Park
- Day 08 – Cotopaxi to Riobamba
- Day 09 – Riobamba – Alausi
- Day 10 – Alausi – Ingapirca – Cuenca
- Day 11 – Cuenca to Quito
- Day 12 – Quito and depart
TOUR INFORMATION
Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Contact a luxury Ecuador Vacation expert for a comprehensive itinerary and pricing:
- US$ 750+ per person per day (based on 5-star hotels)**
- US$ 700 – 750 per person per day (based on 4-star hotels)**
- US$ 600 – 700 per person per day (based on 3-star hotels)**
**NOTE: The price of the trip varies greatly depending on the level of cruise and hotels that are included in your trip. Talk to a travel expert about the level of cruise and hotels that best meets your budget expectations.
Included in the Price:
- Guided excursions as described in itinerary.
- Hotel nights + breakfasts.
- Airport collections and drop-offs with check-in and baggage assistance.
- 24 Hour emergency contact number and assistance (in-country).
Not Included in the Price:
- International flights.
- Domestic flight package. Flights needed Quito – Galapagos – Quito / Cuenca – Quito. Approximate cost US$ 600 – 650. We can purchase these flights on your behalf.
- INGALA Transit Control Card – US$ 20 pp (subject to change at any time).
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: US$ 100 pp (adult) / US$ 50 pp (child) (subject to change at any time).
- Tips or gratuities.
- Other meals not stated in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
Summary
You can travel to the Galapagos anytime of the year. There isn’t really a good or bad time to travel, simply different times. When you travel could depend on the wildlife that you want to see, breading patterns or when the water is warmer for snorkeling. There are many considerations! December – February offers a warmer climate, and sea temperatures also start to increase meaning that you’ll probably not need a wet suit for snorkeling come February. Over Christmas and New Year cruise prices are usually higher and cruises are usually difficult to find (often booked up 12-16 months in advance). March – April: These are the warmest months of the year and an increasingly popular time to travel. During these months you’ll want air-conditioning in your hotel / cruise to offset the scorching sun. May – July: Temperatures in the Galapagos start to cool off, so a great time for exploring the islands. This is a popular period to travel, so booking with lots of anticipation is important during this period. Towards the end of these months, nighttime temperatures can get a little nippy, so you’ll need to be prepared with a light jacket or jumper. August – November: These are the coolest months in the Galapagos. This period is known as the “garua” period as the islands and seas are encapsulated in a light mist. If hiking in the highlands you may require a light water-proof jacket. August and September are known for having choppier seas. These months are good for snorkeling as the water is clearer, but due to the lower sea temperatures a wetsuit is usually required. This would be considered low season in the Galapagos.
For Quito and the Valley of the Volcanoes April – October is considered the dry season, with November – March the wet season. It is of course possible to travel any time of the year. want to be prepared with a rain-coat during the wet season.
Booking With Anticipation
We highly recommend that you plan your Galapagos vacation with as much anticipation as possible. It is not uncommon over holiday periods and during high-season (April – July) that cruises are booked up 12- 16 months in advance.
Departure Dates:
Dates are flexible and customized to meet your needs. Let us know which dates work best for you and we will tailor the itinerary accordingly.
Suitability:
This Galapagos and Ecuador vacation package is suitable for people looking for an active trip that includes medium level adventure. Due to the active nature of this trip we recommend a minimum age of 10 years for children. Cotopaxi National Park includes treks at high altitude (4,800 m / 15,750 ft), which is considered very high altitude. Consult with your doctor should you suffer from any medical issues that may affect your suitability for this trip.
Difficulty:
Moderate: This Galapagos and Ecuador travel package is suitable for most people. It is recommended to have a good level of fitness and mobility as island / land excursions can include moderately-challenging hikes of 2-3 (often in warm conditions). Some island excursions require wet landings, meaning that you’ll be taken close to the shore in a zodiac boat, and you’ll disembark in shallow water.
- Quito
- Galapagos Islands
- Cotapaxi
- Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Cuenca
Vacation Package Type:
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Light-adventure
- Cruise
- Wildlife
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Tell us about your travel plans, and let us hand-craft the perfect trip for you
SIMILAR TOURS
Luxury Galapagos Tour: Essential (6 Days)
Cruise the Galapagos Archipelago, and discover a distant land where endemic animals dominate the landscapes. Reignite your inner-spirit and connect deeply with nature…
VIEW TRIP >>Galapagos Luxury Tour: Land Based (7 Days)
This evolutionary journey will leave you forever changed and enriched by the understanding of life’s ever changing, ever evolving beauty…
VIEW TRIP >>Natural Wonders of Ecuador: Galapagos & Mashpi Lodge (11 Days)
Explore the natural wonders of Ecuador, and gain a deeper understanding of the beautiful, but fragile natural diversity of our planet…
VIEW TRIP >>Volcanic Wonders – Helicopter & Luxury Galapagos Cruise (11 Days)
Journey by helicopter across the infamous Avenue of the Volcanoes and embark upon your very own explorations at the epic Galapagos Isles; on the origin of the species….
VIEW TRIP >>Luxury Galapagos & Ecuador Jungle Vacation (11 Days)
Expand your connection with mother nature, and discover the natural beauty of one of the most bio-diverse countries on our planet…
VIEW TRIP >>Galapagos & Valley of the Volcanoes (12 Days)
Discover the fragility of the wonderful world of nature and mankind. Experience the Galapagos Islands and emerge yourself in Ecuador’s Andean culture…
VIEW TRIP >>Luxury Galapagos & Peru Vacation (14 Days)
A luxurious and memorable journey of a lifetime into the cradle of evolution and onward to the cultural riches of the land of the Incas...
VIEW TRIP >>Peru & Hotel Based Galapagos Package (12 Days)
Walk in the footsteps of the Incas and enrich your life by the understanding of life’s ever changing, ever evolving beauty…
VIEW TRIP >>Grand Tour of South America (29 Days)
A rapturous twenty-nine-day adventure of a lifetime. Journey from the turquoise tropical isles of the Galapagos, to the beauteous desolation nonpareil at the ends of the earth in Patagonia....
VIEW TRIP >>