Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 17:00
Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Ecuador
- Programmes: Wildlife
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WAQ
Trip Overview
Discover diverse wonders, from the Amazon Rainforest and volcanoes to the wonderful wildlife of the Enchanted Islands
Experience Ecuador in full glory, where the mainland combines natural and cultural wonders, and the Galapagos islands offer unrivalled wildlife watching. Beginning in Quito, we gaze over Cotopaxi volcano, experience indigenous culture and spend two nights in the Amazon Rainforest. It’s then off to the Galapagos, where we snorkel with sea lions, walk among giant tortoises and sunbathe on white sands with marine iguanas.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (hotels, lodges and guesthouses)
- Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Several areas visited are at high altitude
- Travel by minibus, boat and internal flights
Highlights
- Combine the best of mainland Ecuador with a wildlife-watching adventure in the Galapagos
- Spend two nights in the Amazon Rainforest, exploring jungle trails with expert local guides
- Hike Cotopaxi National Park to see the iconic volcano
- Snorkel the wildlife-rich Galapagos waters, hopefully with sharks, sea lions and turtles
- See pirate lava caves and giant tortoises in the highlands of Floreana
- Enjoy downtime on the white sands of Tortuga Bay and Isla Lobos
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
This trip is ideal if you are physically fit and don’t mind being in the sun. It will appeal to those interested in the astonishing variety of mainland Ecuador (highlands, rainforest and volcanoes), plus the landscape and wildlife of the Galapagos.
Altitude and walks: Some of the areas visited are at high altitude and some short walks (normally one to three hours) are planned.
Itinerary: It is not always possible to follow a strict schedule due to weather and sea conditions, sometimes it is better to do the planned activities in a different order (but almost always on the same day as this activity is originally planned).
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Quito
- End City: Quito
Land Only Itinerary
Start Quito
Begin the adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, high in the Andes. To make things easy, there are free transfers from the airport to the hotel for everyone today – check the Joining Instructions for further details. There will be a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. In this meeting, our tour leader welcomes you to the city and explains the schedule for the next few days.
Classic accommodation: Vieja Cuba Hotel (or similar)
Quito tour; agave experience and Intiñan Equator Museum
Start with a tour of Quito’s historic centre, a World Heritage site. Led by our tour leader, we visit the highlights, including the Plaza de la Independencia, home to the Carondelet Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, famous for its gold-decorated interior.
After, we head to La Mishquería to learn about the cultural and economic importance of agave in Ecuador and enjoy a tasting of agave products, including miske, an indigenous alcoholic drink. Lunch is served at this venue, a delicious sample of local cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the Intiñan Equator Museum, which is located near the equator line. This fun interactive museum explores indigenous culture and traditions, as well as unique phenomena related to the geographic location.
Classic accommodation: Vieja Cuba Hotel (or similar)
Cotopaxi National Park; to Baños
Travel (two hours) to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning, home to Cotopaxi, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world. Embark on a one-hour hike through the stunning park landscapes, passing the José Rivas Refuge and, weather permitting, approaching a glacier.
We enjoy lunch at La Cienega, a colonial hacienda turned restaurant, eating traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a historic setting. Following lunch, we transfer (2hr 30min) to Baños de Agua Santa, a town known for its thermal baths and adventure activities. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore, visit cafes, or relax in the thermal baths.
Classic accommodation: La Floresta Hotel (or similar)
Visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall and the Swing at the End of the World
Start the day with a visit to Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), a power waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. To get to the base of the falls, we take a trail (three hours) with hanging bridges and viewpoints where you can enjoy spectacular views and feel the power of nature.
After, we walk (45 minutes) to the Swing at the End of the World, where you can swing out over a cliff to enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.
In the afternoon, there’s free time to explore Baños at your own pace. Visit the hot springs, stroll through local markets, or relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. You can also use this time to pack your smaller bag for the next two nights in the Amazon.
Classic accommodation: La Floresta Hotel (or similar)
To the Amazon Rainforest
Leave Baños in the morning and transfer (2hr 40min) to Tena, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The journey takes us through spectacular landscapes, from Andean mountains to lush rainforest. Enjoy lunch in Tena, then continue (1hr 15min) to our rainforest lodge. After a short briefing, we take a 45-minute night walk with an expert naturalist to discover our new surroundings. There are fantastic sounds to listen out for, including the calls of frogs, oropendolas, jays and a variety of insects, a wonderful experience amid the rainforest humidity.
Classic accommodation: Liana Lodge (or similar)
Visit amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre; rainforest exploration
Begin with a visit to amaZOOnico, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for jungle animals, which is home to various Amazonian species, such as monkeys, toucans and ocelots. During the visit, we learn about their conservation efforts and the threats these animals face in their natural habitat. Guides provide detailed information about the different animals and the stories behind each rescue. After returning to Liana Lodge for lunch, we embark on an exploration of the Amazon jungle guided by local experts who show the rich biodiversity of the Amazon ecosystem. During the hike, we learn about medicinal plants, local flora and fauna, and survival techniques used by indigenous communities.
Classic accommodation: Liana Lodge (or similar)
To Papallacta hot springs
Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast and head to Papallacta, a town renowned for its thermal baths. A 2hr 30min drive takes us through the Amazon rainforest to the high Andes, offering diverse views of Ecuadorian landscapes. This afternoon, rejuvenate in the thermal waters at the hotel (which are heated by underground volcanic activity and said to have therapeutic properties) or explore the nearby trails.
Classic accommodation: Termas de Papallacta (or similar)
Fly to San Cristóbal in the Galapagos; visit La Lobería
Wake early this morning for our transfer (50 minutes) to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal in the Galapagos islands. Your Galapagos tour leader (an official naturalist guide) will be at the airport to take you to the hotel for check-in and our first briefing about our time in the archipelago. We have time to explore the town and enjoy a restaurant lunch before our visit to La Lobería, a wonderful beach surrounded by mangroves, volcanic rocks and sea lion colonies. It’s a perfect spot to snorkel, enjoy beach time, or have a short walk along the shore.
Classic accommodation: Paraiso Insular Hotel (or similar)
Tour Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa
Start the day with an exciting tour to Isla Lobos, a small island near San Cristóbal. This excursion takes us by boat to one of the best spots for observing sea lions in their natural habitat. Isla Lobos is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, including frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. You can also snorkel in the clear waters around the island, swimming with marine turtles, rays and, occasionally, whitetip reef sharks.
In the afternoon, head to Playa Ochoa on San Cristóbal, a beautiful white-sand beach with turquoise waters, to relax and enjoy the natural setting. It also has excellent birdwatching and snorkelling opportunities.
Classic accommodation: Paraiso Insular Hotel (or similar)
Boat to Floreana; visit the highlands
A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Floreana, one of the first Galapagos islands to be inhabited. En route, we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch, we spend an hour exploring the highlands, visiting lava caves once used by pirates and seeing a large enclosure of Galapagos giant tortoises.
In the afternoon, we transfer (2hr 30min to three hours) to Isabela by speedboat.
Classic accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)
Morning visit to Las Tintoreras Islet; afternoon exploration at the Wall of Tears
Spend 45 minutes sailing around the islets and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the Galapagos to see whitetip reef sharks, penguins and sea lions, with time to snorkel.
This afternoon, we visit the Wall of Tears, a sad reminder of Isabela’s very different past when it was used as a penal colony. Between 1946 and 1959, convicts were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava as a form of punishment, which, combined with the harsh conditions, led to many deaths.
Classic accommodation: San Vicente Hotel (or similar)
Sail to Santa Cruz; visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay
Navigate by motorboat (two hours to 2hr 30min) to Santa Cruz very early this morning. Upon arrival, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre, where scientists come from all over the world to study the flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, we visit Tortuga Bay, a long stretch of white sand that’s regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail leading to the beach is paved and takes 45 minutes to one hour, with possibilities to observe Galapagos finches and lizards along the way. The beach is scattered with marine iguanas, which lay among the clusters of black rocks or stroll along the sand. Turtles can sometimes be seen in the water, though swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents.
Classic accommodation: Lobo de Mar Hotel (or similar)
Morning bay tour; afternoon visit to the Santa Cruz highlands
Our first stop on our bay tour is the Canal de Tiburones, where we follow a small trail and hope to see whitetip reef sharks and, if lucky, lava herons. After, we visit Canal del Amor. At this beautiful turquoise water channel, we hope to snorkel among sea lions and marine iguanas, while Sally Lightfoot crabs and blue-footed boobies rest on the rocks. We continue with a visit to Playa de los Perros, where the largest marine iguanas on the islands live, and finish with snorkelling at Las Grietas, a lava formation with giant walls.
In the afternoon, we transfer (40 minutes) to the giant tortoise reserve in the highlands, a great place to see giant tortoises in the wild. There is also time to visit underground tunnels and caves formed by lava that once flowed here.
Classic accommodation: Lobo de Mar Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to Baltra airport, fly back to Quito
After a few days following the footsteps of Darwin, Cousteau and world-renowned scientists, it is time to say goodbye to the Enchanted Islands. After breakfast, we drive to Baltra Airport and fly to Quito. Tonight, our groups normally gather for a final dinner, a chance to discuss the adventures we’ve had together.
Classic accommodation: Vieja Cuba Hotel (or similar)
End Quito
Our adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Quito beyond the trip, speak to your sales representative to book extra nights.
Accommodation
Hotels, lodges and guesthouses
Accommodation is a real highlight on this Ecuadorian adventure, as we stay in a mixture of hotels, lodges and guesthouses. The places we typically use are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable stays on this trip.
Baños: La Floresta Hotel (nights 3-4)
At the foot of a forested slope, La Floresta is bright and cheery with a mural-painted front and lush gardens in a courtyard. There’s plenty of Ecuadorian design elements, plus the location makes exploring Baños easy.
Tena (Amazon Rainforest): Liana Lodge (nights 5-6)
Immerse yourself in the Amazon Rainforest with a stay at Liana Lodge, which can only be reached by boat. The cabins are modest, but the location is exceptional, right next to the Arajuno river. There’s a water-view bar, plus the in-house naturalists bring the sounds, sights and wildlife of the Amazon to life.
Papallacta: Termas de Papallacta (night 7)
The on-site hot spring pools surrounded by vegetation make Termas de Papallacta a relaxing place to say – some even say the geothermal waters have healing powers. For further relaxation, the pools also have hydromassage jets. We sleep in wooden bungalows, plus there’s a restaurant serving international dishes.
Galapagos: nights 8-13
Lobo de Mar Hotel
In the Galapagos, we use small, family-run hotels and guesthouses. They are well located for our adventures, meaning we can spend as much time as possible exploring the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of the Enchanted Islands.
Single supplement from USD 645
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, seven lunches and two dinners are included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets with toast, cereal, eggs, fruits and tea/coffee. For lunch and dinner, the tour leader recommends options in convenient locations, usually booking restaurants and eating with the group. For the included meals at restaurants, they are usually a set menu with two or three options. The choice of meals in some areas of the Galapagos can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking. When flying to and from the Galapagos, snacks are usually included on the flights.
Transport
We use a private bus throughout this trip. We also travel by boat.
Weather & Seasonality
Mainland: In Quito and the highlands, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20C (68F), nights 8C (46F). Expect some rain from February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short. Quito and the highlands are considered to have quite a pleasant climate, although the evenings can be chilly. In the jungle regions, it is hot with high humidity. There is always a possibility of rain, but not to the extent of spoiling your enjoyment. The driest time in the jungle (in terms of rainfall levels, not number of rainy days) is October to January.
Galapagos: It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations affect what you see and there are climatic changes to note. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to the Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.
- Dry season: Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler dry season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time, the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy (anyone worried about seasickness might prefer to avoid this time). Daytime maximum temperatures are 27C-31C (81F-88F), the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights.
- Wet season: Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to the Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. Approximately every seven years, El Nino hits the islands and there are heavy rains in these months. In other years, rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.
Joining Instructions
Joining Instructions
Start hotel: Hotel Vieja Cuba, La Niña N26-202 y Diego de Almagro, 170150 Quito
Phone: +593 2-290-6729
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Quito Airport (UIO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers are to the start (or pre-tour) hotel hotel and are on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Quito
Location end: Quito
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproofs (a Gore-Tex jacket is ideal)
- Solid walking shoes
- Closed-toe sandals or water shoes for wading ashore or for walking on the islands in the Galapagos (strong footwear is needed because of the very rough lava: flip-flops or similarly flimsy shoes are not suitable)
- Long-sleeve shirts for the Amazon (avoid dark colours)
- Torch (flashlight)
- Swimwear
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Woollen hat and gloves (it can get cool in the highlands)
- Insect repellent for the jungle
- Seasickness tablets, as the sea can be rough at times
You will also need a smaller bag to take the stuff you need for the two nights in the Amazon – your main luggage will stay with the vehicle.
Optional Equipment
- Anti‐bacterial handwash or wipes
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Spare camera battery and memory cards
- Mosquito net for the jungle lodge (fly screens are fitted in most rooms, but mosquito nets generally aren’t)
- Binoculars
- Travel towel for the Papallacta hot springs
- Wetsuit (particularly during the cooler dry season)
- Snorkel gear: You may prefer to bring your own snorkel gear; however, we do provide snorkel gear for you free of charge. If you would like to hire a wetsuit, please advise us of your size requirements (medium, large etc) and height prior to departure. The cost to rent a wetsuit locally varies per island but is US$6-US$12 per day, payable locally in cash
Practical Information
Visa
Ecuador
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/ecuador
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html
Vaccinations and Health
Ecuador
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda or if you have transited through those same three countries for more than 12 hours.
If you plan to visit the Amazon Rainforest, we recommend a yellow fever vaccination. Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya and zika, all viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Please note: All visitors to Ecuador will be required to show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.
Local Time
Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Electricity
Ecuador's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATM Availability
ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available in Quito. In the Galapagos, Banco del Pacifico has ATMs in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal), which accept Mastercard, Visa and most debit cards, but queues can be long and not all internationally issued cards are accepted. Please check with your bank for further details and advise them about your travel plans prior to departure.
Obtaining change for larger banknotes (US$50 and US$100) can be difficult; in some cases, they may not be accepted due to recent increases in the circulation of forged high-value banknotes. You should carry small notes (US$1 or US$5), as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We recommend bringing US dollars with you and using your cash or credit card to withdraw further funds as the trip progresses. A sensible suggestion would be to bring about US$200-US$250 to start, ideally in smaller denomination bills.
For those days where we do not include meals, budget roughly US$15-US$20 for lunch and US$20-US$25 for evening meals. It is possible to eat more cheaply or expensively than this, and the cost estimates don’t include alcohol. Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in the Galapagos, as everything is imported from the mainland.
There is also a compulsory Galapagos tax of US$200, which can only be paid locally in cash (US dollars) and will be collected by the National Park Service on arrival at San Cristóbal. In addition, all visitors to the Galapagos are required to obtain an immigration control card (Ingala card) in mainland Ecuador – these cost US$20 per person and are supplied and paid for locally in cash (US dollars). Galapagos taxes are subject to increase without notice, and any such increase will be collected in Quito or San Cristóbal.
Tipping
It is usual for groups to tip staff, including the local guides, drivers and support staff. We generally suggest that each group member contributes about US$70 for this purpose and find that a tip kitty managed by the group works well.
The tour leaders can be tipped separately. If you feel the leader has performed well, a tip of about US$6-US$8 per person per day would be well appreciated. While widespread in Latin America, tipping is entirely voluntarily.
Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes throughout Ecuador, and we recommend leaving 10%-15%.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.