Flexible dates: this itinerary can be arranged around participant interest. Dates, group size and the final quote are provided on request.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Route: Quito → Otavalo → Cotopaxi → Santa Cruz Island & Galapagos
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador!
Transfer From the Airport to the Hotel
Your private driver will be waiting for you at the international arrivals, holding a sign with your name, and will take you to your hotel in Quito.
Meals
None
Day 2: Discovering Quito
Quito City Tour & Middle of the World
Begin your adventure with a guided tour of Quito’s enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and lively plazas. Stroll through its grand historical buildings, immerse yourself in the city’s rich colonial history, and soak in the vibrant local atmosphere.
Then, journey to the Middle of the World, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere (a truly unique photo opportunity) and explore engaging exhibits that reveal Ecuador’s diverse geography, cultures, and scientific curiosities.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 3: Day trip to Otavalo
The Cuicocha Lagoon & the Otavalo Market
Leave Quito today and head into the Northern Andes, specifically to Imbabura Province, a region still home to a large indigenous population. Begin your day with a visit to the famous and colorful Otavalo Market, where you’ll find a wide variety of goods, from handmade jewelry and traditional clothing to typical foods, fresh fruit juices, and countless souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the narrow passageways, engage all your senses, and let yourself get wonderfully lost in this lively and unforgettable place.Afterward, we will leave Otavalo and drive a bit farther north until reaching the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. It was formed by a massive eruption approximately 3.100 years ago and contains two forested islands in the middle of the lake, a beautiful photo spot. If you want, follow the crater rim trail leading to various viewpoints. After a day full of new and unforgettable impressions, we head back to Quito in the late afternoon.
Meal
Breakfast
Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi National Park
Your guide will take you to visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador's giants and one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth. This giant can sometimes be shy, hiding behind the cloud, but on sunny, clear days, he tends to show himself with pride, and the view is amazing.
The park is also home to wild horses, which can sometimes be spotted, and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor, the biggest flying bird in the world! Depending on the weather, you can walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon. On clear days, this lake can reveal a secret: The image of the Cotopaxi Volcano reflected in its waters. If you dare, you could hike all the way up to the Jose Rivas Refuge at 15,748 feet (4,800 m).
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5: Welcome to the Galapagos!
Baltra to Santa Cruz Highlands
Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Today, your driver will take you to the airport to take a flight to the Galapagos Islands.
After you land at Baltra Airport, your guide will welcome you and help you board the shuttle bus to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll cross by ferry. Our first adventure is in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here, with our guide, you'll meet the giant tortoises wandering around their natural habitat and explore the cool lava tunnels. After a healthy lunch, we'll head to Puerto Ayora, the charming town on the southern coast.
Exploring the Charles Darwin Research Station: This place is dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. You'll see giant tortoises and iguanas and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Cerro Mesa & Garrapatero Beach
Cerro Mesa & Garrapatero Beach
Experience the dual nature of Santa Cruz with a journey that takes you from panoramic volcanic vistas to a secluded coastal paradise. Your day begins at Cerro Mesa, a private reserve in the highlands that offers spectacular 360-degree views. From its strategic viewpoints, you can peer down into an impressive collapsed crater and walk through lush trails where giant tortoises are frequently spotted roaming in their natural habitat.
After taking in the heights, you will head toward the coast to El Garrapatero Beach, a hidden gem known for its brilliant white sands and turquoise waters. You can choose to enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm waters, explore the mangroves, or simply relax on the sand. El Garrapatero offers a serene escape into the untouched beauty of the Galápagos.
Meal
Breakfast
Day 7: Excursion to an Uninhabited Island
Wildlife Encounter and Amazing Snorkeling
Of the many islands in the Galápagos Archipelago, only four have permanent settlements. The others are wild and the habitat of many endemic species. Visits to these islands are highly regulated by the Park Authorities and are limited to small groups.Today, visit one of these untamed islands. Aboard a classic and comfortable boat, and with a small group of travelers, take a 1.5 to 2.5-hour ride (depending on sea conditions) to one of the following islands: Bartolomé, Seymour Norte, Plazas Sur, or Santa Fé. The island visited will depend on park permits and the boat's schedule. We will try to consider your preferences when booking the limited spaces.Every island has a different landscape and unique flora and fauna. For example, on Santa Fé island, see the Santa Fé iguana. Whereas colonies of sea lions, frigate birds, and blue-footed boobies populate Seymour Norte. On board the boat, a warm lunch will be served, and in the afternoon, snorkel at a nearby bay or beach. After an exciting day, you will return to Puerto Ayora around 4-5 pm.
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Tortuga Bay
Santa Cruz
Hike to Tortuga Bay & Afternoon at Leisure
Renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay offers a perfect blend of pristine landscapes and iconic wildlife. Your visit begins with a scenic 45-minute walk along a volcanic stone path, winding through a forest of giant Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the expansive white sands, where marine iguanas bask in the sun, and turquoise waves crash against the shore.
Following your visit to Tortuga Bay, enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure in Puerto Ayora. This is the perfect time to stroll along the lively waterfront, browse the local artisan boutiques for unique souvenirs, or relax at a seaside café to soak in the town's charming atmosphere.
Meal
Breakfast
Day 9 Transfer to Isla Baltra, & Departure
Goodbye Galapagos
Last Adventure on Santa Cruz – Departure
On time for your flight, your driver will take you to Baltra Airport to board your flight back to mainland Ecuador. We hope you enjoyed your time in the Galapagos!
Once you arrive in Quito, your driver will take you to your hotel.
Meal
Breakfast
Day 10: Departure
Goodbye Ecuador
Transfer to the Airport & Departure
Your private transportation will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Quito Airport for your flight back home.
We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Ecuador.
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotels, including breakfast
- Transit Control Card for Galapagos
- Certified English-speaking guides throughout the tour
- Private and shared (small group) transport throughout the tour
- Local guides where required
- Activities and entry fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary, except for optional items
- Shuttle bus fee on Baltra Island
- Snorkeling gear during organized activities (snorkel, mask, fins)
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
Excluded:
- International flights
- Galapagos round-trip flights
- Galapagos entrance fee ($200) per person.
- Tips, souvenirs, and other personal expenses
- Travel insurance and repatriation insurance
- Wetsuits
- Services NOT mentioned in the trip plan.
- Meals and beverages NOT mentioned on the trip plan.
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Image credits
- Volcán Cotopaxi, Ecuador — David C. S. — CC BY 3.0
- Santa Cruz giant tortoise 01 — Bernard Gagnon — CC BY-SA 3.0
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?
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Or reach out to Vincent Scheidecker via WhatsApp private message or SMS:
+33 6 60 25 62 66
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TRANSACTION FEES?
Transaction fees apply only when you use the ticketing system available on this page.
If you prefer to avoid these fees, we offer the option of paying via bank transfer. To arrange a bank transfer or if you have any questions, please contact Vincent Scheidecker directly via WhatsApp private message:
+33 6 60 25 62 66
WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?
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WHAT IS NEXT?
- WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
- Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
- Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
- Free cancellation up to 7 full days before the start of the trip. After that, cancel up to 5 days before the trip to get a 50% refund.
- If the event is cancelled by Urbanature Travel (UNT), you will get a full refund (excluding any airfares), unless you have purchased a flight inclusive package directly with Urbanature Travel (UNT) in which case you will get a refund including the flights.
- Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
- Urbanature Travel (UNT) needs a minimum of 5 participants for this trip to take place, else we may cancel this trip.
- UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
- UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
Organized by :
Urbanature Travel
Welcome my fellow travellers! We are looking to provide you with options to travel to amazing places with our like-minded community guides. Our trips would involve a mash-up of urban exploring and comfortable nature trails & hikes planned & designed by us to ensure that you have a great time & have a more holistic experience.
Looking forward to seeing you on our trips!!!
