Galapagos Beach
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17-Day Ecuador Adventure and Galapagos Islands Hidden Treasures

(5)
Quito, Ecuador
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About this activity

Explore Ecuador's extraordinary biodiversity across 17 days, combining colonial heritage cities, cloud forests, Andean peaks, and an immersive Galapagos Islands experience with endemic wildlife encounters. This comprehensive journey showcases why Ecuador ranks among the world's most biodiverse nations, from highland volcanoes to pristine marine ecosystems.

Enjoy one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, you will visit the Galapagos Islands, the cloud forest, the andes mountains, some volcanoes, beautiful cities, the pacific coast and a local market. The highlights of this tour will be:
• Historical cities: you will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities.
• Cloud forest & Volcanoes: enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species.
• Pacific Coast: visit Guayaquil to enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes.
• Santa Cruz Highlands: your first contact with the Giant Galapagos Tortoises.
• Visit one of the uninhabited islands: Bartolomé, Santa Fe or Seymour.
• Los Tuneles: snorkel in the clear waters and swim with different animal species.
• Kayak in Tintoreras Bay: if you are lucky you will find some sharks!
• Snorkel at Kicker Rock: one of the most spectacular places of the Galapagos.

Highlights

  • Encounter giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat on Santa Cruz Highlands
  • Snorkel at Kicker Rock and Los Tuneles, seeing sea lions, hammerheads, and tropical fish
  • Kayak Tintoreras Bay with potential encounters of Galápagos sharks and penguins
  • Explore UNESCO-listed colonial cities Quito and Cuenca with rich architectural heritage
  • Trek through misty cloud forests rich with unique bird and plant species
  • Visit uninhabited islands (Bartolomé, Santa Fe, or Seymour) for pristine beach and wildlife viewing

Insider tips

  • Book snorkel and kayak activities early in your Galapagos portion—wildlife sightings are best in calm morning conditions
  • Layer clothing for Ecuador's varied elevations: tropical coasts are hot and humid, cloud forests are cool and damp, highlands are cold
  • Visit local markets in Quito and Cuenca in early morning hours to see the most activity and authentic commerce
  • Acclimatise to highland altitude (Quito sits at 2,850m) by spending your first day exploring the city at a relaxed pace

Good to know

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (or rent locally), and waterproof bag for boat/kayak days
  • Comfortable hiking boots required for cloud forest and uninhabited island exploration
  • Internal Galapagos flights and inter-island boat transfers included; arrive in Ecuador with valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (approximately USD 20 per foreign adult, though not explicitly stated) typically paid separately upon arrival in the islands

Who it's for

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers seeking unparalleled biodiversityAdventure travellers combining hiking, snorkelling, and kayakingCultural explorers interested in colonial architecture and indigenous marketsFamilies with older children and teenagers capable of multi-day island activities

Best time to visit

Visit June to August or December to January for optimal wildlife viewing and weather stability. Early mornings offer the calmest seas for snorkelling and the highest frequency of animal sightings, particularly marine species around Kicker Rock and Los Tuneles.

Frequently asked questions

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per person