10-Nights Ecuador & the Galapagos for Explorers

Take a deep dive on one of South America’s most vibrant countries on this 11-day adventurer’s trip through Ecuador. Explore the cultural highlights and national parks of the mainland before flying to the Galapagos Islands, evolution’s ultimate laboratory.

Arrive in Quito for three days exploring the capital and its surrounds. A city tour gets you acquainted with the well-preserved colonial centre of the city, including the Government Palace, La Compania, and San Francisco Monastery. Stop in at Pancello for outstanding views before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure. A day trip to Cotapaxi National Park takes you to some of Central Ecuador’s most impressive landscapes, A hike amid these volcanic summits completes a spectacular day in the Andes.

Transfer to your ecolodge in Mindo, stopping in at an integrative butterfly garden, and a garden of orchids. Settle in before exploring the beauty of Nambillo Cloud Forest. A 2-hour guided exploration takes you to see some of its unique native birds, medicinal plants, and more. The following day, visit the “Cock of the Rock” where the birds of Mindo gather to feed. Then explore the Lorenzo Mountain Range, where more colourful native species await. One last birdwatching stop takes you to “Tony’s House” where over 24 species of hummingbird gather to feed.

Transfer back to Quito for one more night before flying to Ecuador’s most famous natural treasure, the Galapagos Islands. Make a dry landing on Santa Cruz to learn about the giant tortoise breeding program, and the conservation work being done in the Galapagos. Then embark on a journey to Dragon Hill, Batrolome, Rabida, the Santiago Islands, and more, each with its own unique wildlife offerings. Walk amid iguanas, seals, a wide variety of Galapagos birds including photogenic flamingos and boobies, and a vibrant volcanic landscape supporting a wide range of plant life. You’ll also have opportunities for snorkelling close to sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks among other marine life. Your adventure concludes at the sanctuary of Black Turtle Cove.

Return to Quito for one more night before your onward flight.

• Stroll through Quito’s colonial old town, rich with baroque churches and cobbled lanes.
• Explore Cotopaxi National Park, walking beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks and vast Andean skies.
• Immerse yourself in Mindo’s cloud forest at El Monte Ecolodge, surrounded by orchids and rare birds.
• Cruise the Galapagos aboard M/V Corals, meeting sea lions, red-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
• Snorkel beside penguins at Bartolomé and walk among giant tortoises in Santa Cruz’s highlands.

• Private arrival and departure airport transfers
• 5 nights premium accommodation in Quito
• 2 nights moderate eco-lodge accommodation in Mindo
• 3 nights premium cruise accommodation aboard the M/Y Coral I or II
• Private-guided Quito city tour
• Private-guided tour to Cotopaxi
• Small group excursions at El Monte Ecolodge
• Small group excursions during Galapagos cruise
• Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 4 lunches, 3 dinners

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
• Gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature
• Passport & Visa fees, if applicable