This complete Ecuador classic tour will show you all the highlights of this very diverse country. During this 15-day trip, you will visit three of the four regions in Ecuador: the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. In the Andes, you will visit the best spots for nature, culture, and colonial history. In the Amazon, you will try to spot as many animals as possible and you can even visit a local tribe! At the Galapagos Islands, you can enjoy the white-sand beach and blue waters while watching sea lions, flamingos, iguanas, many special birds, and many tropical fish!
Tour Summary
Gallery
Highlights
- Los TunelesSnorkel in the clear waters and swim with a lot of different unique animal species.
- Santa Cruz HighlandsYou will be surrounded by impressive flora and fauna including giant tortoises in their natural habitat and unique volcanic features.
- Quito's Old TownQuito has the biggest and the best-preserved historical center in South America.
- Indigenous CommunityA group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life.
- Papallacta Hot SpringsEnjoy Papallacta's waters that will help you to gently exfoliate your skin and relax your body.
- Otavalo’s marketStroll through one of the biggest indigenous markets in South America and buy your typical Ecuadorian souvenirs.
- AmaZoonicoRefuge founded for protecting and taking care of the native and wild animals of the area.
Itinerary
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DAY 1 Arrival Quito
Upon arrival at Quito Airport, you will have a transfer to your hotel.
- Transport:Car.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 2 CITY TOUR QUITO – EQUATOR LINE – PULULAHUA CRATER
Your complete Ecuador classic tour starts today! In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, to start your Quito city tour. First, you will go to Panecillo Hill, with the famous Virgin of the Apocalypse statue, inspired by the original Bernardo de Legarda sculpture from the Colonial Art School of Quito. You will have an amazing view of the city. Then you will visit all the highlights: the la Basilica church, the main squares, and the San Francisco church. After a typical Ecuadorian lunch, you will go to the Middle of the World Museum called Intiñan. Here you can do experiments, to prove the effects the equator has on gravity. After this, you will also visit the Pululahua crater before going back to Quito. This tour is ideal for family travel!
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 3 QUITO – TENA
At 8:00 AM semi-private transportation will pick you up to go to your lodge in Tena, Itamandi Lodge, or similar. After a long drive (3-4 hours from Quito) you can relax in the beautiful and spacious common areas of the lodge. The lodge is built in a rustic native design, surrounded by gardens with colorful and big jungle plants and flowers. Later a delicious dinner will be served in a romantic candlelight setting at the restaurant. Afterward, you can enjoy a special welcome drink and a relaxing chat with the administrator to coordinate and discuss the next day’s activities.
- Activity:Exploring. Relaxing. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Bus, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Itamandi Lodge or similar.
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DAY 4 Kichwa Community Day
After breakfast, embark on a 2.5 to 3-hour walk through the primary and secondary forests, exploring the rich biodiversity. In the afternoon, we’ll engage in a cultural activity with a local Amazonian Kichwa community. Here, you’ll gain insight into their way of life and their relationship with the jungle, going beyond what any map can show.
The visit includes sharing “chicha,” a traditional fermented yucca drink integral to their daily life and festivities. You’ll participate in making this drink and sample some traditional dishes. The visit concludes with a traditional dance performed by community children, and there will be an opportunity to purchase local handicrafts, supporting the community’s livelihood.
- Activity:Exploring. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Itamandi Lodge or similar.
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DAY 5 Anaconda Island Canoe Trip
Embark on a 40-minute canoe journey to “Anaconda Island” in the heart of the Amazon, where the sights and sounds of wildlife like the prehistoric Hoatzin bird and playful monkeys surround you. Visit a local indigenous community to learn about their sustainable practices, medicinal plants, and traditional hunting techniques. After lunch, continue to the Amazoonico, a rescue center for Amazonian wildlife, not a zoo. Here, experience the unique opportunity to see a variety of animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats. This adventure offers a blend of natural wonder and cultural immersion, making for an unforgettable Amazon experience.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Motorized Canoe.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Itamandi Lodge or similar.
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DAY 6 RETURN TO QUITO
Early in the morning, we’ll take a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to the Saladero de Parrots, a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather to consume essential minerals from a clay wall, aiding in the digestion of their fruit and seed diet. Watch hundreds of these birds approach from the treetops and descend to the clay for this natural ritual. Be sure to bring binoculars to fully appreciate this spectacular display of nature. Then return to Quito.
- Activity:Birdwatching.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 7 OTAVALO PRIVATE TOUR
At 08:00 AM the guide picks you up at your hotel and you will go to Otavalo. First, you make a stop at Lago San Pablo to enjoy the delicious local Cayambe biscuits. From there, you go to the Condor Rescue Centre to enjoy a flight show of the Ecuadorian Raptors. Please note that the Condor Rescue Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If it is closed you will make an extra stop in Cotocachi leathertown. Before lunch, you will visit the Otavalo Poncho Market (biggest on Saturdays). You will have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon you visit the Peguche Waterfall where you do a small hike of about an hour. After this activity, you go back to Quito.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 8 QUITO – BALTRA – SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
Your Ecuador Classic tour will move on to the beautiful Galapagos Islands to continue on the transformative travel path. Early in the morning, you fly from Quito to the Island of Baltra. At Baltra Airport, you will meet up with the English-speaking guide, who will take you to the port of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), but before you get there, you stop at one of the ranches in the highlands to visit giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You will walk around and take some pictures of these amazing animals before getting to the village.
- Activity:Exploring. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Airplane. Boat. Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
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DAY 9 SANTA FE or PINZON
If you choose Santa Fe, brace yourself for an encounter with the archipelago’s most endemic species. After a scenic 45-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at Santa Fe’s pristine bay. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a thrilling snorkeling adventure, where you might even catch a glimpse of shorebirds perched on the outer rocks. Following this, a wet landing awaits at Playa Escondida or Garrapatero on Santa Cruz Island, offering ample time to explore the mesmerizing beach.
Alternatively, the Pinzon option unveils a mesmerizing display of marine iguanas and playful dolphins. La Fe, with its picturesque beach cradled by mangroves and rocky terrain, showcases an array of captivating marine life, from sea turtles and sea lions to small sharks and colorful fish. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of these enchanting destinations.
*This tour includes an activity called “Pesca Vivencial” which means that you might be able to experience a fishing demonstration according to weather and park regulations.
*Wet landing means that the boat gets close to the beach and from there you will disembark in the sea. It is recommended that you bring extra clothing, as you might get wet.
- Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
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DAY 10 CHARLES DARWIN STATION – ISABELA
In the morning you have time to visit the Charles Darwin Station or Tortuga Bay by yourself. At 2 PM you will take the public speedboat to Isabela (about 3 hours). Then you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel San Vicente or similar.
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DAY 11 TINTORERAS AND WETLANDS - FLAMINGO LAGOON
Early in the morning after breakfast, your complete Ecuador classic tour continues with a trip to The Wetlands. Here, you will visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you will spot small and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The next activity is a visit to The Wall of Tears and the Flamingo Lagoon. Please keep in mind that the total length of the walk-in The Wetlands area is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
After lunch, you will have a little break and visit Tintoreras Islet. It is called this due to a large crack, in which white-tip sharks known as Tintoreras come daily to rest at the bottom. You will go to the pier of Puerto Villamil, here you will board a boat for 10 minutes to cross to the islet which is located across the bay. It will be necessary for passengers to use walking shoes or sneakers (closed shoes) to cross the volcanic rocks. You can also observe penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas and go snorkeling with colorful tropical fish while enjoying the beaches of Isabela.
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel San Vicente or similar.
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DAY 12 SNORKELING IN LOS TUNELES
Get both the transformative travel and family travel experience at once with today’s trip! Early in the morning, you will go on a boat ride from Puerto Villamil. The maximum group size is 10 participants per guide. You will explore the brilliant scenery in Los Tuneles which is considered the most beautiful place to snorkel in Isabela Island. This exciting activity takes approximately about 6 hours including the boat rides and a snack before a short hike. The departure time is between 07:00 AM and 11:30 AM and depends on availability and National Park regulations. So, depending on when you will go to Los Tuneles, you can choose to explore Concha Perla by yourself before or after this, since it is very close to the dock. If you would like to do the optional snorkeling there, you can get the snorkel equipment from your hotel and get to chance to spot even more animals.
- Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
- Accommodation:Hotel San Vicente or similar.
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DAY 13 BALTRA – PAPALLACTA
Early in the morning, at 6:00 AM, you will take the public speedboat back to Puerto Ayora. Once you arrive, you will go by taxi to Baltra Airport, from where you will depart to Quito. When you arrive at Quito Airport, you will have a transfer out direct to Papallacta.
- Transport:Airplane. Boat. Bus. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Papallacta Spa Hotel.
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DAY 14 PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
Today you have time to enjoy the Papallacta Hot Springs. It’s recommended to take the hike in Antisana National Park or relax in the thermal pools. You will have lunch in a local restaurant and spend the night in Papallacta.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Relaxing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Spa Papallacta Hotel.
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DAY 15 AIRPORT TRANSFER
Your complete Ecuador classic tour is coming to an end. Today you will have a transfer back from Papallacta to Quito Airport.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
Map
15-Day Complete Ecuador Classic Tour Map
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
- Round trip flights Quito – Galapagos – Quito.
- Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
- Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
- Activities and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to mentioned activities.
- 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
+ Entrance for the community visit (Amazon): $8 p.p. (cash only).
+ Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $200 p.p. (cash only).
+ Migratory Control Card (Galapagos): $20 p.p. (cash only).
+ Isabela dock fee: $10 p.p. (cash only).
+ Water taxi each way (small boat that takes you from the Speedboat to the Harbor and vice versa).
+ Wet suits rent.
+ Personal expenses.
+ Personal medical and travel insurance.
+ Extra food and beverages.
+ Optional tips for the guide.
Book now
1 guest | $ 5,431 p.p. |
2 - 5 guests | $ 4,075 p.p. |
6 or more guests | $ 3,380 p.p. |
Additional information
- Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
- For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
- It is one hour earlier in the Galapagos Islands compared to the Ecuadorian mainland.
- Please take with you some zip-lock / plastic / dry bags, to protect your Camera and important documents from the rain in the Amazon. Also a headlight, it will be very helpful during the night.
- If you enjoy watching animals in the Amazon, we recommend you bring binoculars (10×40 are much better).
- When flying to Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight, to avoid inconveniences in case of flight delays.
- Please note that tap water in the Galapagos might contain bacteria so we recommend always using bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.
- Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
- Complimentary transportation, including pick-up and drop-off at your chosen Quito hotel, is provided; however, an additional $40 round-trip fee is applicable for hotels outside the Quito Urban Zone, such as those in the valleys, Tababela, or near the airport, payable directly to the driver.
- Keep in mind that the weather at 13,000 ft (4,000 m) can change suddenly from sunny to cold with stormy winds and wet snow.
- Since you will ride on steep mountain trails where oxygen is limited, it is our safety recommendation that the rider weighs 220 lbs (100 kg) or less.
- Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
- It is mandatory to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
- Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
- If you would like to enter the Cotopaxi National Park (for example, to visit Limpiopungo or the Cotopaxi Refugio, or to stop underway to take pictures), you are required to rent the services of a local guide. The cost is USD 40.
ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH REBECCA ADVENTURE TRAVEL
- Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
- Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
- Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
- Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
- Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
- When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.
Exact Code: 25GPHAA15
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