Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise

Vibrant & colonial Quito & Otavalo, then an unforgettable Galapagos Cruise, including various islands and unique ecosystems and wildlife

Overview

This package is currently unavailable.

Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures
Themes	History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This fast-paced, locally hosted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and reaches high altitudes requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. The Galapagos cruise portion of the tour may have up to 90 passengers on board.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

Get updates about this package

Discover the wonders of Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, a remarkable collection of landscapes, people, cultures, animals, plants, and more. Our Ecuador & Galapagos Islands tour covers the highlights of this incredibly diverse country. You'll visit the capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Center of Quito and the colorful and bustling Otavalo market. Round out your tour with a guided cruise through the Galapagos Islands, the magical place that inspired Charles Darwin to propose his theory of evolution. All of this, plus airfare from Miami, is yours for an incredible price.

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round trip flights from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) including taxes & fees, with other gateways available on request
Flights between Quito & the Galapagos Islands
All ground transportation & transfers
3 nights in a Deluxe hotel with private bath
4 nights in a Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin aboard the Santa Cruz II
17 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
Comprehensive guided sightseeing and entrance fees
Snorkeling gear
Galapagos National Park Fee ($100) & Transit Control Card ($20)
Professional English-speaking tour directors & guides

Why you'll love it

Tour Quito and explore the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and more.
Stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere at the Equatorial Monument.
Travel to the Galapagos Islands and spend four nights on the newly refurbished Santa Cruz II.
Visit Dragon Hill and admire a fascinating diversity of wildlife, including flamingos and land iguanas.
Explore the coast of Isabela Island with your naturalist guide and learn about the dramatic geology and nesting place of the area for many species.
Discover the unique environment of the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina.
Admire the giant tortoises and a variety of island-native birds among the prickly-pear cactus forest at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Take a panga or glass-bottom boat to Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano and one of the area's snorkeling spots.
Shop for unique handicrafts at the famous indigenous market at Otavalo and wander through the various stalls filled with traditional ponchos, hats, beaded jewelry, and more.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito
2 Quito
3 Quito, Galapagos Cruise: Baltra & Santa Cruz Island
4 Galapagos Cruise: Isabela Island & Fernandina Island
5 Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island
6 Galapagos Cruise: Floreana Island
7 Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island & Quito
8 Otavalo Market & Peguche, Depart Quito

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito

Depart USA on your flight bound for Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito (9,350 feet above sea level) and transfer to your hotel

Hilton Colon Quito

Day 2 Quito

Panoramic city tour of Quito and Equatorial Monument

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest of all South American cities, Quito enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishops’ Palace. The next stop, La Compañía de Jesús, has an ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the largest colonial building constructed in Latin America.

Next, drive 16 miles north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"), commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere.

Day 3 Quito, Galapagos Cruise: Baltra & Santa Cruz Island

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos
Continue to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II
Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch
In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos Islands to begin your adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to the dock to board your cruise ship, the Santa Cruz II, your home for the next 4 nights. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy an introductory briefing and lunch.

In the afternoon, arrive at Santa Cruz Island. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. The first part of a walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.

Day 4 Galapagos Cruise: Isabela Island & Fernandina Island

After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga
Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs
Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, explore the coast of Isabela Island by panga, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, and boobies. Depending on weather conditions, snorkel or swim along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.

Day 5 Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island

This morning disembark and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
Enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island
In the afternoon, enjoy one of a variety of activities available on Santa Cruz Island

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

In the morning, disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise breeding center within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following the visit, board a transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.

There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.

Day 6 Galapagos Cruise: Floreana Island

This morning, enjoy a panga ride along Floreana’s north shore
Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic post office barrel
Explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet
Enjoy a walk around Punta Cormorant

M/V Santa Cruz II Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Continue to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Head back on board for lunch.

Following lunch and a siesta, take a panga or glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. Continue the walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).

Day 7 Galapagos Cruise: Baltra Island & Quito

Disembark and transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner

Hilton Colon Quito Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Disembark and transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After some time to relax, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Otavalo Market & Peguche, Depart Quito

Drive along the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo
Explore the famous market at Otavalo
Continue to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village
Relax in your day use room before boarding your flight back to the USA

Wyndham Quito Airport Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, set out on the Pan-American Highway to Otavalo. After driving through dramatic Andean scenery, arrive at the famous indigenous fair and the textile market of Otavalo.

Enjoy a visit to the charming Otovalo Market, showcasing brightly colored and unique handicrafts. Stroll by their many stalls filled with paintings, woven ponchos, scarves and blankets. You'll also see traditional hats, handbags, beaded jewelry and more. Try your hand at bargaining for something special to bring home, or just enjoy people watching in this bustling and historic environment.

Then proceed to Peguche, a nearby indigenous village, where local artisans weave in their homes. Learn about their culture and everyday life. Next, have lunch in one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.

After lunch, return to Quito and rest and freshen up at your airport hotel room until it is time to take the shuttle to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Arrive in the USA the following morning.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The high altitudes reached on this trip (Quito is at 9,200 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, require that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding your ability to handle these conditions.
Please remember that the exact route and program may vary according to weather and ocean conditions, and the wildlife encountered. There is no guarantee that all the possible species mentioned will be seen.
Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.

Dry landing: guests step from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock.

Wet landing: as a dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Hilton Colon Quito

Deluxe

The Hilton Colon Quito is located in the heart of the Mariscal district, on Quito's bustling Avenida Amazonas. It is also only 30 minutes away from the airport and 15 minutes away from the historic quarter.

More information

Wyndham Quito Airport

First Class

Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit the 4-star Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. With a prime location at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), the Wyndham Quito Airport is your top choice for an overnight stopover or day-room in transit. From the moment you step into the lobby, you will find impeccable services and amenities. Relax in your well-appointed room, indulge in the finest international dishes at the onsite restaurant or meet up with friends at the lobby bar for a signature cocktail.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

M/V Santa Cruz II

The Santa Cruz II is the leading expedition cruise ship in the Galapagos. It was completely refurbished in 2015, combining comfort with sustainability. The maximum 90 guests allow for personalized care and attention from the 60-person crew and the naturalist guides. Modern engine technology reduces fuel consumption and emissions, while on-board water desalinization and treatment plants protect the waters around the Galapagos. In addition, the carbon footprint is offset as part of their carbon neutral program.

More information

Reviews & Photos

We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.

Check out independent, verified reviews from real travelers on Feefo.

Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ecuador? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about the Galápagos? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.