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Overview
This holiday of a lifetime is a must for nature lovers. Explore Ecuador’s incredible cloud forest, before discovering remarkable landscapes and unique wildlife as you stay on three of the UNESCO-listed Galapagos Islands.
Highlights
- Just You Tour Manager as your host
- Return flights from Heathrow with Avianca
- 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
- 29 meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 6 dinners
- Specialist Local Guide
- Overseas transfers & other transportation
- Porterage
- Dedicated Just You representative to greet you at all UK airports
Please note: Island taxes including the Galapagos National Park entrance fee are not included in the price of your holiday. These are payable upon arrival in the Galapagos and will be approximately $130.
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Quito
Fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
Day 2: Quito
On arrival in Quito, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Located high in the Andes at 9,000 feet above sea level, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. You’ll have time to relax and acclimatise today.
Day 3: Quito
Our explorations begin with a visit to Mercado Iñaquito, one of the city’s most popular markets. A Local Guide will show us around the stalls, which are filled with colorful fruit, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Afterward, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito, including Independence Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and El Panecillo hill for spectacular views. We’ll finish at the Church of Saint Agustin, whose interior is lavishly decorated in gold. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.
Day 4: Mindo
Today we head to the Mindo cloud forest. First, we’ll visit a butterfly garden with over 1,000 species. After that, we’ll explore an orchid park with 200 species of orchids, followed by lunch. Then, we’ll visit El Quetzal de Mindo to see cocoa trees and a working chocolate farm. Taste some Ecuadorian chocolate before heading to the Alambi cloud forest, where we’ll search for hummingbirds. As darkness falls, we’ll head to Lago Mindo, known for its mesmerizing frog sounds.
Day 5: Quito
We start the day with a morning hike through the cloud forest. Next, we’ll visit Mitad del Mundo, the Equator line, for a photo opportunity! This afternoon, we’ll return to Quito, and after some free time, we’ll enjoy dinner and a briefing about our journey to the Galapagos Islands.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island
Today we fly to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival on Santa Cruz Island, we’ll begin our sightseeing with a visit to a private ranch in the Highlands where giant tortoises roam free. We’ll enjoy lunch at the ranch while watching various bird species, including the Galapagos mockingbird.
Day 7: Isabela Island
After some free time in the morning, we’ll travel by boat to Isabela Island. We’ll visit a nearby wetland, home to pink flamingos and pintail ducks, followed by a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. After lunch, the afternoon is free to relax, or you can join an optional excursion to Tintoreras, where you can snorkel and spot marine life like sea turtles and rays.
Day 8: Isabela Island
We’ll embark on a hike up the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. As we trek through lava fields and volcanic landscapes, we’ll reach the crater’s edge for panoramic views of Isabela Island.
Day 9: Santa Cruz Island
You have the morning free to relax. For snorkel enthusiasts, there’s an optional excursion to Los Tuneles, a prime snorkelling spot with underwater lava tunnels teeming with marine life, including reef sharks and sea turtles. Afterward, we’ll return to Santa Cruz, where you can join the locals for a game of Ecua-volley, or Ecuadorian volleyball.
Day 10: San Cristóbal Island
Today we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. We’ll then travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island. After checking into the hotel, we’ll visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the islands’ history and conservation efforts. You’ll have some free time to explore the island.
Day 11: San Cristóbal Island
We’ll take a boat cruise around the coast of San Cristóbal Island and hopefully spot some of the fabulous marine life. We’ll visit Kicker Rock, a stunning volcanic formation rising from the ocean. Snorkel in the channel between the rocks, and you may see sea lions, turtles, rays, and even sharks. Afterward, we’ll relax on a beautiful beach.
Day 12: Quito
Spend your final morning in the Galapagos at leisure—either relax on the beach or shop for souvenirs. Later, we’ll drive to the airport for our flight back to Quito.
Day 13: Otavalo
We’ll visit the famous Otavalo market, known for its colorful textiles and handicrafts. Afterward, we’ll head to Cotacachi, a town renowned for its leather goods. You may be tempted to pick up some beautiful leather products. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 14: Quito to UK
Today we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Day 15: UK
Arrive back in the UK.
