12-Days Andes, Coast & Galápagos From Quito

Explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife of Ecuador on this exceptional 12-day adventure. Starting in the historic city of Quito, you’ll journey through the Andes, along the coast, and into the enchanting Galápagos Islands. From marveling at the Cotopaxi volcano to wandering the lively Otavalo market, this comprehensive itinerary promises an immersive experience that showcases the country’s diverse riches. With a range of included activities and comfortable accommodations, you’ll be well-equipped to delve deeper into the heart of this captivating destination. What wonders await as you embark on this unforgettable exploration?

Key Points

• Comprehensive 12-day tour that explores Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, including the Andes, Galapagos Islands, and major cities like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil.
• Highlights include visiting Quito’s historic center, Otavalo market, Cotopaxi volcano, Ingapirca ruins, and observing unique Galapagos wildlife.
• Accommodations provide comfort and a genuine sense of place, with centrally-located hotels and a charming hacienda-style stay.
• Meals are designed to reflect local cuisine, with 11 breakfasts and 1 lunch included.
• Tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants for an intimate experience, with airport transfers and public transportation available.

Tour Highlights

The tour offers a captivating exploration of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, from the towering Andes to the serene Galápagos Islands.

In Quito, travelers will experience the vibrant city and the Middle of the World. They’ll then journey through the Andes, visiting the indigenous Otavalo market, Cotopaxi volcano, and the Ingapirca ruins.

The tour continues to the coastal city of Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands, where activities include visiting the Charles Darwin Station, exploring Tortuga Bay, and embarking on full-day yacht tours to witness the islands’ unique wildlife.

With a mix of cultural, natural, and wildlife experiences, this comprehensive tour showcases the best of Ecuador’s wonders.

Itinerary Overview

Commencing in Quito, the tour initially grants travelers three nights to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Following this, the journey continues to Riobamba for one night before proceeding to Cuenca for two nights.

Next, the tour moves to Guayaquil for another two nights.

The final leg of the expedition takes travelers to the enchanting Galápagos Islands, where they’ll spend three nights on Santa Cruz Island.

Throughout the 12-day adventure, guests will explore a diverse range of landscapes, from the majestic Andes to the serene Pacific coast, culminating in the unique wonders of the Galápagos archipelago.

Included Activities

This 12-day tour offers an extensive array of included activities that allow travelers to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural wonders of Ecuador.

The tour includes a Quito City Tour on a historic trolley, a visit to the Middle of the World, and an excursion to the vibrant Otavalo Indigenous Market.

Adventurers can embark on a full-day tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, explore the Incan ruins of Ingapirca, and take a city tour of charming Cuenca.

In the Galápagos, highlights include visits to the Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay, and full-day yacht tours to witness the unique wildlife and landscapes of the islands.

Accommodation Details

Accommodations throughout the tour are carefully selected to provide travelers with comfortable lodgings and a genuine sense of place.

In Quito, guests will stay for 3 nights in a centrally-located hotel, allowing easy access to the city’s historic center.

The 1-night stay in Riobamba features a charming hacienda-style accommodation, offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial heritage.

Cuenca, with its UNESCO-listed historic center, hosts travelers for 2 nights in a boutique hotel.

In Guayaquil, the 2-night stay is at a modern hotel overlooking the Guayas River.

Meal Inclusions

Throughout the 12-day tour, travelers can expect 11 breakfasts and 1 lunch to be included in the package. The meals are designed to provide a taste of the local cuisine and cater to a variety of dietary requirements. To better understand the meal inclusions, refer to the table below:

Meal	Quito	Riobamba	Cuenca	Guayaquil	Galápagos
Breakfast	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Lunch	–	–	–	–	✓
Dinner	–	–	–	–	–

Please note that any additional meals, drinks, and gratuities are not included in the tour package and will be at the traveler’s own expense.

Additional Information

Aside from the included meals, the tour package comes with several other important details for travelers to be aware of.

Flights to the Galápagos Islands and the required Galápagos National Park Tax and Transit Card aren’t included in the tour price. Travelers will need to budget an additional $120 for these expenses.

Gratuities for the tour guides and drivers are also not included. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants can join if they sit on a parent’s lap.

The tour meets and ends at the Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, with an 8 AM start time on the first day.

Meeting and Logistics

The tour commences at the Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, where travelers will meet at 8:00 AM on the first day.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infants can join, sitting on the laps of their guardians.

Public transportation is available near the meeting point.

Most travelers can comfortably participate in the activities, which include city tours, visits to indigenous markets, and excursions to natural wonders.

At the end of the 12-day journey, the tour returns to the same airport where it began.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

Yes, the tour itinerary and activities can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. The tour operator typically offers flexibility to tailor the package to meet the specific needs and interests of each group or individual.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 30 days prior to departure, with partial refunds available within 30 days. Cancellation fees may apply, and policies are subject to change without notice.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Considerations for Children?

The tour has a child rate available when sharing with 2 paying adults, but there are no strict age restrictions. Infants must sit on laps during transportation. The tour may not be suitable for very young children.

Do I Need Any Special Travel Documents or Vaccinations for the Tour?

Travelers need a valid passport and may require certain vaccinations, such as for yellow fever, depending on their origin. The tour operator can provide specific guidance on any travel document or health requirements.

Can I Book Additional Excursions or Activities During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can book additional excursions or activities during the tour. The tour operator offers a range of optional activities that can be booked separately, such as hikes, kayaking, and unique wildlife encounters in the Galapagos.

Recap

This 12-day adventure through the Andes, coast, and Galápagos Islands offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural wonders and cultural richness of Ecuador. From the historic city of Quito to the iconic Galápagos archipelago, this comprehensive tour showcases the country’s diverse landscapes, vibrant indigenous communities, and unique wildlife, leaving a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable journey.