8 Days in Ecuador & Galapagos

Today, we'll embark on a 6-hour journey that showcases the best of Quito and beyond. We’ll begin in Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a beautifully preserved colonial center filled with cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and grand churches like La Compañía and San Francisco. We’ll stroll through historic plazas, learn about the city's rich past, and take in the charm that makes this one of South America’s most captivating capitals.

Next, we ride the Teleférico - Quito’s famous funicular - up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to over 13,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular, offering a sweeping look over the city and the surrounding Andes.

From there, we head north to Mitad del Mundo, the “Middle of the World.” Here, we’ll stand with one foot in each hemisphere, visit the equatorial monument, and explore interactive museums that dive into Ecuador’s cultural and geographic uniqueness.

After a full morning and early afternoon of discovery, we return to Quito in comfort, giving you time to relax before the next morning's adventure out to the islands!

Wave goodbye to the Andes and the big city of Quito as we take to the skies, flying from Quito to the legendary Galapagos Islands, a realm of unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonder. Our extraordinary journey begins on Isla San Cristóbal, the easternmost island, where we'll be warmly greeted and transferred to our first stop: Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of striking volcanic sinkholes located in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Surrounded by endemic Scalesia forest, this unique geological formation is a haven for native bird species such as Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, and vibrant vermilion flycatchers. It's a fascinating introduction to the islands’ volcanic origins and rich biodiversity.

From there, we continue to the peaceful area of Manzanillo, where we'll enjoy a relaxed, open-air lunch crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises wandering nearby, as they often pass through the area freely. After lunch, we’ll head into town and check into our accommodations. The rest of the day is for settling in, explore the charming coastal surroundings, or simply unwinding as our Galapagos island adventure begins.

Nowhere else on Earth is like the Galapagos and we'll toast as we officially embark on our truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

We'll begin our day with breakfast at our accommodation before meeting our local guide in the town of Puerto Ayora for an unforgettable full-day island excursion.

To kick things off, we'll enjoy a scenic two-hour boat ride to one of the most iconic and photographed islands in the Galapagos, Bartolomé, famous for its striking Pinnacle Rock. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided hike along a wooden trail up the volcanic landscape, observing fascinating lava formations and spotting native species such as lava cactus and Darwin’s finches. At the summit, take in sweeping views of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island.

After the hike, we'll hop into a zodiac to cruise along the shoreline in search of Galapagos penguins. Then, we'll head to the beach for an incredible snorkeling experience where the underwater world comes alive.  Nature is always unpredictable, but we hope to swim alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, sea lions, and colorful fish before returning to Puerto Ayora by late afternoon for an evening back on land.

Note: the exact island(s) we visit on this day can vary based on local guidance and changing regulations.

After breakfast, we'll set out on a scenic morning walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. As we follow the trail, keep an eye out for eagle rays gliding through the water, sea turtles near the shore, and blue-footed boobies perched along the rocks.

After some time enjoying the beach, we'll return to Puerto Ayora for lunch. On the way, stop by the bustling local fish market, where sea lions and pelicans often wait for scraps alongside the fishermen.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the Galapagos Conservancy to learn about the vital work being done to protect the islands’ unique ecosystems and learn about the Conservancy’s Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, which funds local sustainability projects and empowers Galapagos women with training and business opportunities. Later, we'll tour the Charles Darwin Research Station, where scientists work to conserve biodiversity and restore habitats. It’s a day rich in nature, culture, and conservation with our expert local guide.

Note: the exact island(s) we visit on this day can vary based on local guidance and changing regulations.

We'll start our day with breakfast before meeting our local guide in town and boarding a privately chartered boat to North Seymour Island, one of the Galapagos’ most wildlife-rich destinations.

On a two-hour guided walk, we'll spot frigatebirds with their bright red throat pouches, watch the blue-footed boobies perform their famous courtship dance, and encounter land and marine iguanas basking on the rocks. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions, fur seals, swallow-tailed gulls, and other tropical birds along the way.

After exploring this incredible island, we'll return to the boat for a fresh lunch on board. In the afternoon, we'll sail to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a stunning white-sand stretch known for sea turtle nesting grounds and a nearby lagoon where flamingos can occasionally be seen. Finally, we'll finish the day with a refreshing snorkeling session in the clear waters, where colorful marine life and coral formations await.

We'll head back to our home on land for our final night together on the islands in the town of Puerto Ayora.

Note: the exact island(s) we visit on this day can vary based on local guidance and changing regulations.

Our extraordinary journey through the Galapagos Islands is coming to an end. We'll bid farewell to this captivating archipelago and our knowledgeable local guide as we prepare for our departure back to the mainland.

In the morning, we'll catch a flight from the Galapagos to Quito, with a possible brief stopover in Guayaquil. We can expect to arrive in Quito in the afternoon, between 4 PM and 5 PM, then we'll transfer into the city for our final night together, time to relax and reflect on our incredible experience together.

The following (8th) day has no planned activities.  You are welcome to book your departing flight from Quito for any time on this day, concluding your adventure at your convenience.  If your departure happens to be later in the day, don't worry as there are attractions in the Quito area that you can fill your time with.   We'd suggest a journey north from Quito to the vibrant town of Otavalo, home to South America's most famous indigenous market. Or maybe visit the serene Peguche Waterfall or the mystical Cuicocha Lake (Lake of the Guinea Pig), a stunning crater lake, before returning to Quito.  If you've got even more time, maybe extend your trip into the Amazon or the highlands of the Cotopaxi area.  Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss other options in the area.