Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos

Intrepid Travel · 18 days

4.0

2 Reviews

Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon – and all the amazing wildlife in between – this action-packed trip uncovers the natural beauty of Ecuador.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (8), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Highlights

Stay on the edge of the Amazon in an eco-lodge on the banks of the Arajuno River – only accessible by canoe – and enjoy a special night-time walk to search for nocturnal animals.
Walk through the Amazon Rainforest with an Indigenous guide to learn about the wildlife and plants that thrive here, then visit an Amazon animal rescue centre.
See the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the world’s largest active volcanoes at 5897 m – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park in the central Andes of Ecuador.
Learn from an Indigenous community at a homestay in the La Calera Community – lend a hand with shores, brush up on your Spanish and take part in a traditional Pachamanca food ceremony.
Get your blood pumping as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island, then get up close with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz – these nearly extinct reptiles are one of the Galapagos’ many amazing creatures.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Plane, Speed Boat, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Public bus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Finishes

Quito , Ecuador

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Quito, high in the Andes. You’ll notice a mix of modern and traditional houses dotted halfway up the surrounding mountain peaks that frame the city and an Old Town with a mix of architectural styles. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the cobblestoned streets, checking out the market stalls or joining an Urban Adventure tour through the city’s historic centre – check out the Quito Legends and Culture Tour at urbanadventures.com.

Optional Activities:

Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people (150 USD)
Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour (50 USD)
Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) (70 USD)

Day 2: Tena to Amazon Jungle

After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the country’s capital and switch up the pace as you make your way to the Amazon on a local bus bound for Tena. Your lodge-style accommodation in Tena, on the banks of the Arajuno River, is only accessible by motorised canoe so you can expect a little bit of adventure for the last leg of today’s trip! You'll have a free afternoon to explore the eco-lodge – built with all-natural materials, this lodge belongs to the Selvaviva Foundation that works with the Indigenous community in the area. Tonight, have dinner at the eco-lodge, listening to the singing sounds of jungle insects and the flicker of the fireplace. Then, wander the area under the twinkling night sky on a night walk with your leader guiding the way.

Included Activities:

Amazon Rainforest - Night Walk

Day 3: Tena to Amazon Jungle

Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. You’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in. After lunch, visit an animal rescue centre to learn more about the local wildlife (and how we can help to protect them).

Included Activities:

Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre

Day 4: Banos

Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals and maybe brush up on your Spanish on a public bus headed for Banos. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways that lead to waterfalls, this is a perfect next step after the rainforest! When you arrive, stretch your legs on a leader-led walking tour of the city and get the inside scoop on the best places to grab a bite to eat. This afternoon, visit Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. The 80-m-high falls have a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path (so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket). There are a lot of stairs, but they will be worth it when you reach the view of Pailon del Diablo.

Included Activities:

Banos - Walking tour
Banos - El Pailon del Diablo Waterfall

Day 5: Banos

Today, you have a free day to explore Banos and take on all the optional activities you like! Your leader will always be on hand to help arrange anything you’d like to do – maybe head for the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ and get your heart racing or hike to the Bellavista Viewpoint. You could also opt to soak away your worries in the hot springs or visit the local waterfalls.

Optional Activities:

Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
Banos - Hot springs (5 USD)
Banos - Swing at the End of the World (2 USD)
Banos - Route of the waterfalls (2 USD)

Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park

Rise bright and early this morning and drive along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ to the Cotopaxi National Park, which sits at 3800 m above sea level. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a gorgeous view of the Cotopaxi volcano – Ecuador’s second-highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world! Keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, including condors, deer and spectacled bears. Have lunch at La Cienega – sitting at the bottom of the volcano, this is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador and famously housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission. After lunch, explore the on-site architecture, gardens and chapel. On the way back to Quito, you’ll also visit a flower farm for a guided tour where you’ll learn about all stages of production here. Connect with the plants by cutting and touching the flowers around you, becoming a part of the final phase of production, and learn about their green initiatives and environment mission.

Included Activities:

Cotopaxi - National Park walk
Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit
Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda

Day 7: Quito

Make your way north to Cotacachi to visit the La Calera Community today, where Indigenous families will be waiting for you for tonight’s homestay. When you arrive, you’ll participate in the ‘Pachamanca’ food ceremony, where the pot is heated with volcanic stones to cook the local, Andean vegetables. Pachamanca has been a part of South American culture for centuries, dating back to pre-historic times. The name comes from the Quechua language ‘Pacha’ (meaning earth) and ‘Manca’ (meaning cooking pot or earth oven). Widely used in times of the Incas, this ritual is a celebration of fertility and life. While lunch is cooking, visit some of the women's entrepreneurship programs and learn more about the community here. After, spend some more time getting to know the local families and depending on the season, maybe feed the animals, take milk from the cows or harvest some vegetables.

Included Activities:

Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience

Day 8: Otavalo to Quito

This morning after a home-cooked breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and board the bus to the Cuicocha Lagoon. This lagoon sits in a collapsed volcanic crater and features two mounded islands that look like the backs of two guinea pigs (Cuicocha means ‘guinea pig lake!’). When you arrive, take one of the paths to the several viewpoints and appreciate the vast scenery. Then, head to the local Indigenous market of Otavalo – one of the best places to haggle for souvenirs. Browse the many stalls that sell hats, tapestries, ceramics, textiles and more. Later, head back to Quito and maybe rally your travel companions for one final dinner before your trip comes to an end – your leader will be ready with all the best bars and street eats!

Included Activities:

Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint
Otavalo - Market Visit

Day 9: Quito

The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your new group travelling to the Galapagos Islands. With no activities planned beforehand, why not take a day tour to the Papallacta Hot Springs to relax in the thermal pools or check out the turquoise water of Quilotoa Lagoon? After the welcome meeting, join your local leader on a tour of Quito's historic centre. Catch the metro to the Parque de la Alameda and visit sites such as the Basilica Voto Nacional – a famous neo-Gothic church known for its atypical gargoyles and grotesques depicting Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators. You'll also visit La Compania de Jesus, a baroque church with an interior that's covered in gold leaf and etched with intricate carvings. Your tour of Quito finishes at San Francisco Square, then you'll have free time to relax or head out for dinner in Quito's Old Town – your leader will have plenty of recommendations!

Included Activities:

Quito - Historic District Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people (150 USD)
Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) (70 USD)
Quito - Bellavista Cloud forest (Full day) (110 USD)
Quito - Otavalo Indigenous Market (Full day) (70 USD)
Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour (95 AUD)

Day 10: Isla San Cristobal

Catch an early morning transfer to Quito airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. The flight includes a stop in Guayaquil to pick up additional passengers (you won’t disembark the plane here). When you arrive on San Cristobal, you’ll meet your local naturalist guide at the airport, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Maybe head out for an optional lunch to get to know your fellow travellers. Then, stop by a local shop to pick up snorkelling equipment, with the option to rent a wetsuit. Later, you’ll travel by private minibus to La Loberia for the first Galapagos snorkelling experience of your trip. Swim alongside playful sea lions and maybe even sea turtles! Return to town for a free evening and maybe head out with the group for some fresh seafood.

Included Activities:

Isla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)

Optional Activities:

Wetsuit hire for 5 days (60 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Isla San Cristobal

Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) this morning. On the way, you might be able to spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies. You might even get the chance to swim among the sea lions again. At Leon Dormido, you can snorkel and look for sea turtles, manta rays and the harmless Galapagos shark. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center. Learn about the history of the 'enchanted islands' and the conservation projects that seek to preserve them. Next, walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for stunning views of the bay. You’ll return to town in the late afternoon for a free evening.

Included Activities:

San Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
Isla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Isla Floreana

Rise bright and early today for a private speedboat trip to Isla Isabela – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the journey! On the way, you’ll stop at Isla Floreana where you’ll take a short walk to a black sand beach owned by the Witter family – descendants of some of the Galapagos’ earliest settlers. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s small community and unusual history. Then, put on your snorkelling gear and head into the water to spot colourful fish and sea turtles. For today’s lunch, you’ll sit down for a traditional meal at Leila – a small, family-run restaurant with a genuine community feel. Leila is part of the Floreana Community Tourism Association, meaning your visit directly supports local families and sustainable tourism on this little island. Later today, continue to Isla Isabela, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

Floreana - Snorkeling

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Isla Isabela

This morning, you’ll hop on a small motorboat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking out for blue-footed boobies and the famous Galapagos penguin. Take a short walk through a marine iguana nesting site (watch your step as they camouflage into the surrounding rock!), then stop at ‘Shark Alley’ – a narrow channel where white-tipped reef sharks rest in the clear, shallow waters. Head back to the boat, then put on your snorkelling gear and jump in to look for sea turtles, playful sea lions, colourful fish, eagle rays and sea stars. Return to Isla Isabela for lunch and then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you'll observe giant tortoises in all stages of development, then visit a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, kayak around the Bay of Puerto Villamil, maybe spotting pelicans, frigatebirds and the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs along the way. Spend your evening resting in the sand and soaking in an Isla Isabela sunset – arguably the most beautiful of all the islands!

Included Activities:

Isla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley
Isla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit
Isla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
Isla Isabela - Kayaking

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Isla Floreana

After breakfast, travel by private minibus to the trailhead of Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and home to the world's second largest crater! Weather permitting, you’ll take a challenging 17 km round trip hike up the rocky mountain. Starting amid lush highland vegetation, watch the landscape surrounding you transform into stark volcanic terrain as you walk. After your hike, make your way back to town for some free time to relax – maybe curl up with a book, soak your tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.

Included Activities:

Isla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Isla Santa Cruz

Jump aboard a private speedboat this morning and head to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive, leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Your first stop is a family-run organic sugar cane farm for a tour of their trapiche (a sugar cane mill used in artisanal sugar production). Here, you'll learn how sugar cane, coffee and cacao are harvested and processed. Next, you’ll watch a cooking demonstration featuring the famed encebollado – a local tuna soup that’s widely considered one of the best in the world! Watch as slow-cooked albacore tuna is prepared in a savoury broth of onions, cilantro and spices. The dish is traditionally served with yuca (a starchy root vegetable) and garnished with lime and green onions. Settle in for a bowl of the soup for lunch, then take a leisurely walk around the grounds, where giant tortoises roam freely.

Included Activities:

Santa Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
Santa Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
Santa Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Isla Santa Cruz

Take a scenic morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to relax on the beach, go for a swim and watch marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other coastal wildlife. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – an international non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to the scientific research and conservation of the archipelago’s environment and biodiversity. After, head to the Galapagos Conservancy to learn how the Intrepid Foundation supports the Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program. The program provides grants and training to women-owned, sustainability-focused businesses, creating lasting benefits for local communities and the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems.

Included Activities:

Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
Isla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Quito

Say goodbye to these enchanting islands and your Galapagos leader, then take a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon, where a representative from Intrepid will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhaps head out for a final dinner with your group.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Quito

There are no activities planned for today and your adventure comes to an end. We recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador. Not far from the capital there are volcanoes, hot springs, indigenous markets and much more to explore. If you'd like to extend your stay in Quito, just contact your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:

Quito - Bellavista Cloud forest (Full day) (110 USD)
Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour (95 AUD)
Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people (150 USD)
Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) (70 USD)
Quito - Otavalo Indigenous Market (Full day) (70 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,570

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon – and all the amazing wildlife in between – this action-packed trip uncovers the natural beauty of Ecuador.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 24 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Scott

Traveled, December 2024

03/13/2024

This trip was excellent although the home stay and the associated activities were not enjoyable. The accommodation was poor and spent a full day carrying out menial tasks that offered no value or stimulation. The Galápagos Islands were sensational and teeming with wildlife.

4.0

Anna

Traveled, September 2023

10/15/2023

This tour was fantastic. A great way to see various parts of Ecuador as well as the Galapagos. Both guides were very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we had an excellent trip. Would recommend to friends.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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