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Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper

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 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Quito
 Trip Finishes
Guayaquil
12 Day Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper Itinerary (Contiki)
Countries Explored: Ecuador, Galapagos
Trip Operator
Trip Style
In-Depth Explorer
Accommodation
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Max. Group Size
30
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
QUGU

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Contiki's 12 Day Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper. From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this tour is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkelling with Sea Lions & Rays, or chilling with the Giant Galapagos Tortoise, this adventure is epic!

Itinerary

Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centres in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Fact. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely. (D) Stay: Hostal de La Mancha Quito (or similar)

It's out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a White Water Rafting dream (hint, hint). If that's not your scene, we'll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz around. Then we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow. (B) Stay: Hotel Las Heliconias

Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional canelazo brew, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. This afternoon, take the adrenaline up a notch and and hit the river for some fast and furious rafting. Nothing like a spot of rapid riding to induce group bonding. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM. (B/D)

Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Banos, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Banos is a big deal on the natural beauty front. With tomorrow earmarked as our day of outdoor adventuring, tonight is all about learning the art of sultry salsa with an included lesson to get our snake hips a-shaking. Our friendly local teacher, Edith, knows what's up on the dance floor, and by the time we leave those salsa pro's won't know what's hit them. Dance floor goals complete, we'll hop around some watering holes for a taste of the local nightlife. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Napolitano Apart Banos (or similar)

The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn't just any regular old zipline – we're talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don't have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer. (B)

Today we head back to Quito for a quick stopover for the night. You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! - but save some energy for tomorrow's adventure to the islands. (B) Stay: Hotel Palace Guayaquil

Rise and shine! This morning we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we'll appease our rumbling stomachs with some local food. Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we'll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we'll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin's ‘Origin of Species', Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won't find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it's home for the next little while. (B/D) Stay: Gran Tortuga

Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles. (B)

We'll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that's what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon. After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we'll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops. (B) Stay: Hotel Red Booby

Our stint on Santa Cruz wraps up this morning with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where one of the island's most famous residents once lived, Lonesome George, the now deceased 100-year old tortoise. The Research Station is something of a mini miracle in action, where countless species of tortoise and land iguanas have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Back on our boat we'll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won't have to look too hard – they're literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we'll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach. (B) Stay: Casa de Nelly

It's our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we've got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we'll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we'll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we'll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY. (B/D)

There's time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival. Not done yet? Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip? (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Locally Guided City Tour
  • Visit the Equator and internan Museum
  • Visit a handicraft market
  • Included flight to Baltra
  • Boat ride to Isabela Island
  • See Galapagos famous giant tortoises
  • Visit the lava tunnels
  • Snorkelling experience
  • Wildlife kayaking adventure
  • Visit a Turtle breeding centre
  • Visit Tortuga Bay and take a hike to a secluded beach
  • Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
  • See some Famous Sea Lions
  • Explore Kicker Rock
  • Visit a private beach
  • Included flight to Guayaquil

  • You can expect to refuel with hearty breakfasts, luscious lunches and delicious dinners from us but we'll also give you the opportunity to sample some of the best local cuisine. We'll get 17 of your meals, you get the rest. You'll taste it all - from simple street eats to gourmet fare.

  • We always provide comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere - think comfy hotels with bright communal areas for you and your new squad to relax and socialise.

  • A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Can’t wait for the next Contiki. Only have one more year. 0 , Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, Feb 2022
Everything about this Contiki was amazing. The guide was amazing and we will continue to be friends long after! The people were amazing, the extras and most importantly Ecuador blew me away with its beauty! I loved everything about this trip. Can’t wait for the next Contiki!
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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