Best of Ecuador
Discover Ecuador's gems: 3 nights in the Amazon basin, followed by the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands, then colonial Quito & the Indigenous market at Otavalo
| Style | Small Group Tour Tour escorts & guides for some segments | ||
| Departures | July 2025 – December 2026 | Group Size | 12 travelers max |
| Themes | Active, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, fully escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes. The tour includes motorized canoe transfers, dry dock landings, speed boat transfers, and a yacht sailing tour to North Seymour. To fully enjoy the trip requires a high level of physical fitness.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Exploring Ecuador is an adventure like no other, offering a rich tapestry of experiences across its diverse landscapes. Begin your journey in the heart of the Amazon basin, where dense rainforests and winding rivers create a lush, green paradise teeming with wildlife. Guided by local experts, navigate this biodiverse ecosystem, encountering exotic creatures and learning about the unique flora and fauna. The discovery continues in the enchanting Galápagos Islands, a living museum of evolutionary science. As you island-hop, come face to face with giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and vibrant marine life, all while exploring the pristine beaches and volcanic landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin. End your journey in the lively capital city of Quito, nestled high in the Andes, and Otavalo, home to the country's most prosperous Indigenous community. Admire the colonial architecture and bustling markets blending seamlessly with modern amenities, providing a cultural feast for the senses. Each destination on this Ecuadorian tour offers a distinct and unforgettable experience, culminating in a journey that is as educational as it is exhilarating.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) including taxes & fees
- All transfers, ground transportation & Galápagos flights
- 3-nights at an Amazon lodge
- 3-nights on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
- 5-nights in Quito
- 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 5 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours with a naturalist guide on the islands
- Professional English-speaking tour director and local guides
- Snorkeling gear
- Galápagos National Park Fee & Transit Control Card
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Why you'll love it
- Spend three nights at a remote ecolodge within the Amazon jungle.
- Seek out elusive wildlife during a guided night hike through the rainforest.
- Learn about Amazonian people at a Kichwa community.
- See protected and endangered Amazonian animals at AmaZOOnico, a rescue center.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, famous for its captive breeding program of giant tortoises.
- Explore marine ecosystems, swim, and snorkel in Tortuga Bay.
- Cruise to North Seymour Island aboard a yacht and admire the unique vegetation and wildlife.
- Stand in the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously at the Equatorial Monument.
- Admire the highlights of Quito, including the historic Government Palace, San Francisco Church, and the Basilica of the National Vow.
- Shop for unique handicrafts at the colorful Otavalo market.
- End your journey with a cooking demonstration during a farewell dinner.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador
- 2 Quito & Ecuadorian Amazon
- 3 Ecuadorian Amazon
- 4 Ecuadorian Amazon
- 5 Ecuadorian Amazon, Papallacta Hot Springs & Quito
- 6 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
- 7 Tortuga Bay
- 8 North Seymour Island
- 9 Santa Cruz Island & Quito
- 10 Quito
- 11 Quito & Otavalo
- 12 Depart Quito/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador
- Depart the USA on your flight bound for Quito, Ecuador
Swissotel Quito or similar
Day 2 Quito & Ecuadorian Amazon
- Admire the dazzling display of hummingbirds at Guango Lodge
- Visit the colorful Archidona Market
- Take a ride via motorized canoe along the Arajuno River
- Seek out wildlife as you embark on a night jungle hike
Itamandi EcoLodge or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 Ecuadorian Amazon
- Embark on a guided walk through the jungle
- Meet and learn about Amazonian people at a Kichwa community
- Prepare and taste a traditional “chicha” drink
- Witness a vibrant, traditional dance performance
Itamandi EcoLodge or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Ecuadorian Amazon
- Admire the surrounding wildlife and nature as you travel via motorized canoe to Anaconda Island
- Learn more about the way of life during a visit to an Indigenous family
- See rescued Amazonian animals at AmaZOOnico
Itamandi EcoLodge or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Ecuadorian Amazon, Papallacta Hot Springs & Quito
- Admire hundreds of parrots and parakeets at the Saladero de Parrots
- Soak in the warm thermal waters of the Papallacta Hot Springs
- This afternoon, arrive in Quito and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Wyndham Quito Airport or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 6 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands
- Visit Los Gemelos, the twin craters formed from collapsed lava chambers
- Observe giant tortoises roaming freely at a local farm
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, famous for its captive breeding program of giant tortoises
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 7 Tortuga Bay
- Explore marine ecosystems, swim, and snorkel in Tortuga Bay
- Discover Darwin's Ecogarden, an agritourism farm focusing on agroecological and regenerative farming practices
- Spend the evening at leisure
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 8 North Seymour Island
- Cruise to North Seymour Island aboard a yacht and admire the unique vegetation and wildlife
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 Quito
- Visit the Equatorial Monument, the "Middle of the World"
- Ride on the gondola up 13,285 feet for a breathtaking experience
- Admire the highlights of Quito during a walking tour
Swissotel Quito or similarBreakfast
Day 11 Quito & Otavalo
- Visit the vibrant and colorful Otavalo market
- Admire the Peguche Waterfall
- Explore Cotacachi, known as the "Music Capital of Ecuador"
- Enjoy a farewell dinner and cooking demonstration with your fellow travelers
Swissotel Quito or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Depart Quito/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home
Breakfast
Important Notes
- Due to the fragile ecosystem on the islands, there are very few roads accessible by motorized vehicles. Some venues within the islands may be accessed by foot only. When touring the islands, you may expect considerable amount of walking, often on uneven terrain. If you are prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend that you bring medication to counter the effects of motion sickness. We strongly recommend that you consult with your physician regarding any concerns.
- The hotels on this tour are among the finest properties available on the Galapagos, These are small, intimate and unique hotels, with all the necessary amenities, but accommodations are more basic than lavish, as the delicate island ecosystems cannot support large luxury hotels.
- The Galapagos Islands are connected by shared yachts or speedboats that take travelers from one island to another. Most of the boats tend to be small, and the trip from island to island is in open water and can be choppy. Be patient with this means of transport, as it is not possible to enjoy the incredible experiences found only on these islands without being able to get from place to place.
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ecuador?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about The Galápagos?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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