17-Day Hidden Treasures Ecuador & Galapagos

From $5,005 p.p.

Gallery
Highlights
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Request More Information

Tour Summary

You will explore the Hidden Treasures of Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands through a combination of organized day tours with an English-speaking guide and have time to explore by yourself with our self-guided packages. These include a document full of information, such as walking routes, hidden treasures, and useful tips. You will stay in local tourist superior class hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. All tours include some meals, transportation on and between the islands and the mainland, and activities mentioned in the tour itinerary. Discover the Hidden Treasures of Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands.

Gallery

Highlights

Historical CitiesYou will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities.
Cloud ForestWhere you can enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species.
VolcanoesTake the perfect photos at three different volcanoes.
Local VillagesGuamote local market and the Tigua community will be visited.
Santa Cruz HighlandsYou will be surrounded by impressive flora and fauna including giant tortoises in their natural habitat and unique volcanic features.
Uninhabited IslandsExplore an uninhabited island in Galapagos: Bartolomé, Santa Fe or Seymour.
Los TunelesSnorkel in the clear waters and swim with a lot of fish, sharks and maybe even seahorses.
Kayak in Tintoreras BayIf you are lucky you will find some sharks here.
Kicker RockThe favorite place for an array of marine birds, and a high chance to see different Galapagos sharks.

Itinerary

DAY 1 AIRPORT PICKUP – TRANSFER TO HOTEL
You will start your Ecuador Hidden Treasures tour today. You will be picked up at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and brought to your hotel, which is located in the center of Quito. Depending on the time of arrival at the airport, you will have the chance to explore Quito by yourself and taste the local dishes and drinks. Of course, it is also possible to rest because you might be tired after a long flight.
- Transport:Car.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
DAY 2 HISTORICAL CENTER – COOKING CLASS – CAPILLA DEL HOMBRE
After breakfast in the hotel, you will go to the Historical Center of Quito to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After getting an impression of this beautiful city, you will get a cooking class where you learn how to cook local dishes. In the afternoon you will visit the Capilla del Hombre where you will have an amazing sight of the city. (All transportation is included).
- Activity:Cooking, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
DAY 3 INTIÑAN MUSEUM – PULULAHUA – CLOUD FOREST
In the morning we will visit the Intiñan Museum and the Pululahua volcano. After that, you will be transferred to a beautiful place in the Cloud Forest. Before lunch, you will take a guided short walk to learn about some of Maquipucuna’s medicinal and useful plants. After lunch, you will walk through the Bear trail and part of the Palmito or River trails in search of Spectacled bears or their traces. This is a moderate hike through Secondary and some Primary Forests. A local guide is mandatory during Spectacled Bear season. At 06:00 PM the bar opens officially; however, if you desire a drink before then, please let the staff know and they will be happy to serve you. There is also the chance to do an optional guided night hike.
- Activity:Hiking, Exploring, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.
DAY 4 BIRD WATCHING – HIKE TO WATERFALL / SELF GUIDED WALK
Wake up with a concert of birds and get ready for an early start. You have the first birding hike from 06:30 – 08:30 AM to enjoy the sounds and sights of dawn in the forest – which is when most birds are active and calling. Before lunch, you will take the Humedal trail learning further about plants and watching birds as we progress into the the pre-Inca trail used by the Yumbos. As a reward, you will reach the Yumbo waterfall or swimming hole where you will have the opportunity to take a swim. After lunch, you will visit the coffee orchard, the orchid garden, and the organic garden.

Alternatively, after breakfast, you could take a half-day or full-day tour to the Ziplines, Tulipe archeological site, or Mindo butterfly garden. You can also do an optional guided night hike.
- Activity:Bird watching, Exploring, Hiking, Swimming.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.
DAY 5 COTOPAXI – HORSEBACK RIDING
After breakfast, you will drive to the Cotopaxi Volcano area, which takes about 4 hours to get there. You will start your tour with a very nice car ride from Quito through Volcano Avenue; including the Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Illinizas, and others. When you arrive there you will have lunch and after that, you will do a horseback riding tour on the slopes of the Ruminahui Volcano.
- Activity:Horseback riding, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.
DAY 6 COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – LIMPIOPUNGO LAGOON – ISINLIVÍ
After finishing your breakfast in the morning, and continuing with your Ecuador Hidden Treasures tour, you will visit the Cotopaxi National Park and the Limpiopungo Lagoon. After that, you will depart to Isinliví and there you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will go for a trekking exploration around the Isinliví mountains. In the evening you will have a nice local dinner.
- Activity:Hiking, Exploring.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Accommodation:LluLlu Llama Mountain Lodge or similar.
DAY 7 QUILOTOA – TIGUA – GUAMOTE – CHIMBORAZO
In the morning you will visit the Quilotoa Loop and have the chance to hike down and feel the temperature of the lake, when time allows it you can even kayak on the lake. After that, you will go to Tigua, where you will visit the local community. In the afternoon you will drive to Guamote, on your way there you have the chance to take some amazing photos of the Chimborazo volcano.
- Activity:Exploring, Hiking, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Dinner.
- Accommodation:Inti Sisa or similar.
DAY 8 GUAMOTE - DEVIL NOSE – INGAPIRCA – CUENCA
Today you will discover one of the many Ecuador Hidden Treasures in the Andes: the Devil’s Nose. Around 08:00 AM you will go on the Devil’s Nose lookout. You will learn about one of the greatest rail engineering feats worldwide while passing through the beautiful Andean scenery. In the afternoon you will visit the Ingapirca ruins after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Cuenca.
- Activity:Exploring, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
DAY 9 CUENCA – CITY TOUR – SPA CIRCUIT
Today, you will have a very relaxing day. This is your time to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Cuenca won South America’s Leading City Break Destination of 2018, and you will see in this tour why that is the case. It is an amazing city with a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will start this day with a city tour around Cuenca, and after that, you will visit Piedra de Agua hot springs, a nice spot where you will get the chance to relax and unwind by doing a Spa Circuit.
- Activity:Sightseeing, Relaxing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
DAY 10 CUENCA – CAJAS – GUAYAQUIL
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Cajas National Park. In this park, you will spot many beautiful lakes. It is also home to many wild animals such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, and coatis. After exploring the great wildlife and nature, you will continue to Guayaquil where you will enjoy the city by night and enjoy its beautiful panoramic views.
- Activity:Exploring, Hiking, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Wyndham Guayaquil or similar.
DAY 11 TRANSFER GUAYAQUIL AIRPORT – BALTRA AIRPORT PICKUP – SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
You will be brought to Guayaquil Airport by the hotel shuttle. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, the guide will take you to Santa Cruz Highlands to make closer contact with the Giant Galapagos Tortoises as well as many kinds of birds, like the Wizard and Finch. The guides will explain more about the famous giant tortoises and you will have a local lunch here. Then you will be taken to your hotel where you have some time to relax.
- Activity:Exploring, Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat, Bus, Car, Plane.
- Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
DAY 12 LONG DAY TOUR – UNINHABITED ISLAND
Today you will go to one of the Galapagos’ uninhabited islands. What island you will visit depends on what day of the week you will depart. Examples of islands you might visit are Santa Fe, Plazas, Floreana, Bartolome, or North Seymour Island. You will spend the day snorkeling and discovering the island and its flora and fauna. In the afternoon you will return to your hotel.
- Activity:Exploring, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Box Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
DAY 13 FREE MORNING – ISABELA ISLAND
After breakfast at the hotel, you have some time to discover the island by yourself. We highly recommend you visit Tortuga Bay, where you will be able to spot a huge marine iguana colony. You can also go to the Charles Darwin Research Station. At 02:00 PM you will be brought to Isabela island by a public speedboat and you will arrive around 04:30 PM. After that, you will be picked up and brought to your hotel.
- Activity:Sightseeing.
- Transport:Boat, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.
DAY 14 LOS TUNELES
After breakfast, you will go to Los Tuneles. This is one of the most spectacular places to go diving or snorkeling on Isabela Island because the water is calm, very clear, and shallow. After visiting Los Tuneles you will have time to visit some highlights by yourself; for example Isabela Breeding Center, Wetlands, or the Wall of Tears.
- Activity:Exploring, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Snack.
- Accommodation:Hotel Volcano or similar.
DAY 15 KAYAK IN TINTORERAS BAY – DROP OFF AIRPORT – SAN CRISTOBAL
Early in the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel. After that, you have the chance to do a kayaking or stand-up paddling tour in Tintoreras Bay. When you finish relaxing on the water, you will be picked up to be brought to the Isabela Airport. From there you will take a flight to San Cristobal. Here you can visit the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas on your own. A great thing is that San Cristobal Airport is situated very well so it does not take too long to get to the places mentioned above.
- Activity:Kayaking, Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car, Plane.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
DAY 16 KICKER ROCK
You will have breakfast at the hotel before going to Kicker Rock. This is one of the most spectacular landmarks of the Galapagos Islands. Two volcanic rocks 140 meters tall are located off the coast of San Cristobal Island. This magnificent tiny island is the favorite place for an array of marine birds. But in the sea, you see the great underwater life wherefore the site is that famous. The natural erosion of this ancient cone has created a channel between the rocks that provides the ideal habitat to view a variety of sharks and rays including eagle rays, white-tip reef sharks, and sometimes even the Galapagos sharks and hammerheads!
- Activity:Exploring, Snorkeling, Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Boat, Car.
- Meal:Breakfast, Box Lunch.
- Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
DAY 17 GUAYAQUIL - TRANSFER OUT
This is the last day of your Ecuador Hidden Treasures tour. Depending on the time of your flight back to the mainland, you will be brought to the Guayaquil airport. Any time of the day is fine to get your flight out, the transfer to the airport will be arranged for you.
- Transport:Car, Plane.
- Meal:Breakfast.

Map

17 Day Hidden Treasures Ecuador & Galapagos Map

Book now

Price Based on Number of Guests:

1 guest	$ 8,485 p.p.
2 guests	$ 5,680 p.p.
6 or more guests	$ 5,005 p.p.

Check Availability

Inclusions

Meals as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation in a double or triple room.
Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
One way flight from Isabela Island to San Cristobal Island.
Transportation as described.
Transportation fee between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel each way.
Transfers from/to the corresponding airports.
English speaking guide during the activities.
All activities as described in the itinerary.
Entrance fees as described.
Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels.
24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Exclusions

+ International flights.
+ Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
+ Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 100 p.p. (cash only).
+ Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
+ Isabela dock fee $10 p.p. cash only.
+ Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
+ For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
+ Optional mules rent at Quilotoa.
+ Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon at Quilotoa.
+ Personal travel & health insurance.
+ Personal expenses.
+ Optional tips for the guide.

Additional information

Single supplement fee $ 365 p.p. (in case you want to have the room by yourself).
When the group reaches at least 6 guests, you will have a private guide for the whole tour.
If you would like to have a German or Dutch guide, please contact us for details.
Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
Please note that the activity sequence depends on your flight schedule and the availabilities of the different tours and transportation. The sequence of your complete tour might change but you won’t miss any tours if you have an afternoon flight back to Ecuador on the last day.
It is recommended to book flights with an early arrival time to the Galapagos Islands and a late departure time from the Galapagos Islands to make sure you can enjoy all of the activities of the tour. Late arrivals and/or early departures mean you might miss some activities.
Try to only bring small baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galapagos Islands is quite small.
There are no guides on the transportation by public speedboat between islands.
It is suggested to have valid travel and medical insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage. Please inform the team of any known medical conditions you have.
Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
Pictures may be taken during your tour, so it is recommended to bring a USB.
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.).
Tap water on the Galapagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
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.
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. Cruise departures have fixed schedules and extra fees may occur for reaching the cruise on another day.
All cruises are subject to availability. Since cruises have fixed departures, please check dates and itineraries with the team before booking the cruise and flight tickets. Because the Galapagos is a high-demand destination, availability changes every day. Rebecca Adventure Travel will try to fix your dates with the options available at the time of booking.
Keep in mind that some cruises require you to arrange the flight tickets directly with them, otherwise, they will charge an extra fee. Please check with the team and they will share the complete information before proceeding with your flight ticket arrangement.

ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH REBECCA ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Authenticity: Rebecca Adventure Travel offers unique and authentic experiences. All tours are personally selected by Rebecca, which guarantees authentic hotels (preferably family-owned), high-quality tours, great service, and, last but not least, value for money.
Tailor-made design: Whether travelers prefer a Galapagos island-hopping tour, a cruise, or a tailor-made tour of Ecuador, our local and international destination experts use their own travel experiences to create the right travel plan for every traveler.
Safety & 24/7 assistance: Rebecca Adventure Travel possesses all official tour operating insurance up to EUR 3 million. The team can be reached 24/7 for emergencies, by phone, e-mail, Skype, and WhatsApp. This service is available in English, Spanish, and Dutch!
Face-to-face assistance throughout your travels: Although online communication is essential, in-person service is very important, too. This is why travelers can get face-to-face travel advice at the Travel Concept Store in Zutphen, Netherlands. During your trip, there will be local personal hostesses at each destination, e.g., the Galapagos Islands.
Zero credit card fee: For guests who book a cruise with Rebecca Adventure Travel, there is no extra charge for credit card payment.
When you book a tour with Rebecca Adventure Travel you agree to its terms and conditions.