12-Day Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tour from Quito: Tena, Baños, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island | 11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Learn how to Salsa dance
• Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions
• Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
12 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Start Quito
Welcome to Quito!
The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ibis Quito - 2
Day 2 — Quito to Tena
Quito
It's out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day.
Tena
This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a white water rafting dream! If that's not your scene, we'll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz by. Then we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Selina Tena - 3
Day 3 — Tena
Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional Guayuza, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. This afternoon, take the adrenaline up a notch and and hit the river for some fast and furious rafting. Nothing like a spot of rapid riding to induce group bonding. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM.
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Selina Tena - 4
Day 4 — Tena to Baños
Tena
Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Baños, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits...
Baños
Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Baños is a big deal on the natural beauty front. If "Thrill Seeker" is your middle name, you'll love to opt for today's Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. Afterwards, we'll feast on DELISH spread of perfectly seasoned barbecue meats, before we burn away all those calories with salsa - with our friendly local teacher, Edith. Now, that's night well spent!
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños - 5
Day 5 — Baños
The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn't just any regular old zipline – we're talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don't have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Baños – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños - 6
Day 6 — Baños to Quito
Baños
Today we head back to Quito for a quick stopover for the night.
Quito
You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! At night, we'll dine on a traditional Ecuadorian meal as our time in this wonderful country comes to an end.
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ibis Quito - 7
Day 7 — Quito to Isabela Island
Quito
Rise and shine! This morning we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we'll appease our rumbling stomachs with some local food.
Santa Cruz Island
Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we'll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we'll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park.
Isabela Island
The inspiration behind Charles Darwin's 'Origin of Species', Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won't find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it's home for the next little while.
Santa Cruz Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Isamar Hotel - 8
Day 8 — Isabela Island
Isabela Island
Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.
Isabela Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Isamar Hotel - 9
Day 9 — Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island
Isabela Island
We'll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that's what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon.
Santa Cruz Island
After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we'll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops.
Isabela Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Silberstein - 10
Day 10 — Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island
Santa Cruz Island
Back on our boat we'll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won't have to look too hard – they're literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we'll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach.Santa Cruz Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Galapagos Planet - 11
Day 11 — Santa Cruz Island
San Cristobal Island
It's our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we've got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we'll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we'll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we'll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY.Santa Cruz Island
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Galapagos Planet - 12
Day 12 — San Cristobal Island to Quito
San Cristobal Island
There's time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival.
Quito
Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip?
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- 9 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stay
- 11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
- Mini-Van, Planes, Local Ferry
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- Trip Highlights: Tour Quito with a local, Visit the Equator and Intiñan Museum, Browse the handicraft market, Visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall, Taste Authentic Ecuadorian BBQ,, Learn how to Salsa dance, Take a boat to Isabela Island, Meet the famous giant tortoises, Hike through the Lava tunnels, Snorkel around Galápagos, Kayak with local wildlife, Visit a Tortoise Breeding Center, Explore mythical Tortuga Bay, Visit Charles Darwin Research Station, Hang with the notorious sea lions, Explore Kicker Rock, Visit a private beach
- Fly into Baltra Island, Included flight to Quito
Not included
- Service fee for travel director and driver
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
- Optional tours and mandatory fees are not covered in the tour cost; kindly pay these directly to the guide during the tour. For details, please check the daily itinerary. (Costs listed are estimated; the tour guide will provide final confirmation.)
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 2 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 3–9 days before | 25% | Cancellation Made Within 3 days to 9 days prior to departure, Refund 25% of total purchase amount |
| 10–23 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 10 days to 23 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 24–61 days before | 75% | Cancellation Made Within 24 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 75% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 200% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, only $200 charge handling fee by person |
Read the full cancellation terms
• Extra hotel accommodation: non-refundable.
• Transfers: non-refundable.
• Special events and activities may incur additional penalty.
Important info
Special notes
- Important notes:
- GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: There is a compulsory entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park of approximately USD$200, a USD$20 INGALA fee, a USD$3 Santa Cruz fee, and a USD$10 Isabela Island tax to be paid upon arrival. Fees are per traveler and subject to change.
- INTERNAL FLIGHTS: Luggage allowance is limited to 1 suitcase per guest (maximum of 33lbs/15Kg) and 1 piece of hand luggage per guest. Refer to trip documents for any exceptions.
- Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
- Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.
- Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
- Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
- To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure. - Travel insurance:
- We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
- Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events. - Luggage:
- You can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”) and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
- Guests are allowed to bring one 11 lbs./5 kg piece of hand luggage per person on the train journey to/from Machu Picchu. Your primary luggage will be securely stored and returned to you on arrival in Cusco. - Border crossings and visa requirements: Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
- Transfers: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through the local operator. Guests should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.
- When booking your international flight from Lima, allow 3-4 hours of connecting time between the arrival of the national flight and the departure of the international flight.
- Yellow Fever: Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all tours visiting Peru. Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.
- Porterage: Porterage is not included. Guests will be required to handle their own luggage throughout their tour.
- On the last day of the itinerary guests are driven to the Juliaca airport for the included flight to Lima, where the tour comes to an end. Guests to depart from Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). It is not recommended to book flights departing before 18:00 on the last day of the trip.
- To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double Occupancy applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people including adult and child/infant.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 10327
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from
$3460
NPR 4,67,164