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Trip Overview
Discover the highlights of Ecuador, including the magnificent Galapagos Islands through this island-hopping tour! The Galapagos is unique in the world due to its phenomenal biodiversity and abundant wildlife in a setting, unlike any other in the world. Due to its isolation, the islands are a natural sanctuary that have preserved animal species for thousands of years, allowing them to specially adapt to their surroundings. Take a spectacular drive through the Andes, visiting Cuicocha crater-lake and the famous indigenous market of Otavalo and share a unique experience with local people in the heart of the Andes. Relax and acclimatize at a luxury hot springs resort to feel the energy of mother nature and the surrounding mountains. All this and more is included in this amazing classic 11 day itinerary!
Special features of our 11 day Classic Ecuador In A Nutshell Tour:
Type of Tourism: Nature, Biodiversity, Classic, Adventure
Places to Visit: Galapagos, Quito, Otavalo, Mindo
Duration: 11 Days and 10 Nights.
Type of Service: group tours.
Accommodation: 4 star hotels at every destination that you will visit. These hotels had been carefully chosen and we can guarantee that you will feel comfortable and your every need catered for!
Day by day schedule
DAY 01 - Arrival to Quito
Today is arrival day to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. This well preserved colonial city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. You can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area if you arrive early. In the evening, the guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm. We will discuss the details and questions you may have about the tour. This first day is a good acclimatizati...
Day 02 - Quito - Mindo Cloud Forest
After breakfast, we will head to the small town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest. This area is filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna, perfect for a nice introduction to Ecuador's biodiversity. Mindo and its cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for spotting hummingbirds! Explore the pristine cloud rain forest of Mindo via cable cars and hiking to stunning waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest, the habitat for toucans, hummingbirds and other brightly coloured birds. In the afternoon, we will visit ...
Day 03 - Mindo - Otavalo
Today we will head back up into the highlands to the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. We can marvel at the endless handicraft stalls from the native local people. Strolling along the narrow cobblestone streets filled with Otavalo’s indigenous people wearing their traditional blue ponchos. We can visit their handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and tapestries. In the afternoon, we will visit the indigenous women of Otavalo. Be inspired by their creations and learn how to ...
Day 04 - Cuicocha Crater Lake
After breakfast, we will head to the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breathtaking scenery around this active volcano. We will hike along the shores of the Cuicocha Crater Lake, taking a boat ride to the middle of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, watching bubbles rising up from the centre. We will have a free afternoon to enjoy the Hacienda at your own pace. There is an optional horse ride through the grounds of the hacienda, admiring the stunning landscape.
Day 05 - Cuicocha - Galapagos
Bright and early, we head back to the city of Quito for the flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. We will head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. We will take a trip to the largest island in the archipelago with the most volcanic activity in the Galapagos. The Isabela Island was formed by six volcanos, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of these are still active, making the island one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. On the journey to t...
Day 06 - Sierra Negra
After breakfast, we will head out on a hike to the Sierra Negra. From the trailhead, we will hike through a young forest ecosystem to the rim of the Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. We can appreciate spectacular views from the crater and explore the massive, 10 km wide, lava-filled crater. We will continue our hike to the Volcan Chico, a secondary crater with a wild landscape of smoky fumaroles and colourful lava formations. In the afternoon, you will have time to enjoy the crystal clear wate...
Day 07 - Galapagos
Today, we head out on our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline on an exclusive trail, taking us through an incredible ecosystem with a wide variety of wildlife. We start with a visit to the Wall of Tears, a massive wall built with lava rocks. We will head out on bicycles along the stunning coast, riding through an incredible ecosystem, home to many bird and animal species such as flamingos, giant tortoises and sea iguanas. We will pass by the “wall of tears” built from lava rocks and once the wall of a penal ...
Day 08 - Charles Darwin Research station – Puerto Ayora
Early today, we will head from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz Island to the Charles Darwin Research station to learn all about the endemic species found on the islands and the ongoing conservation work on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's picturesque landscape with these giant creatures is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets,...
Day 09 - Tortuga Bay – Animal Project
After breakfast, we will walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a spectacular white sandy beach and the nesting site of marine turtles. This beautiful beach is perfect for swimming or snorkelling. We will then head to the Shelter "Pan Animalia Ecuador" offering veterinarian services in Puerto Ayora, where we will be educated about the process of sterilization of stray dogs. In this refuge, you can play and spend time with our furry friends, changing the lives of these unfortunate animals.
Day 10 - Galapagos – Quito
After our final breakfast on these spectacular islands, we will head to the airport once more for our flight back to Quito. You can settle into the hotel and we will then meet to enjoy our final evening in the capital.
Day 11 - Quito - Home
Today is the final day of this spectacular Ecuador in a nutshell tour. We will collect you from the hotel to head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!
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Inclusions:
What's included
- Transportation: Airport transfers (national & international flights), comfortable land and sea transportation; speed boat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 4* lodge in Mindo and hacienda in Otavalo, 4 & 3 star hotels in Galapagos.
- Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 Dinner.
- Activities: Hike to the waterfalls, Otavalo Market visit, Trekking to Cuicocha Lagoon, snorkelling in the Lava Tunnels, trekking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcano, snorkelling, and kayaking in Tintoreras, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, biking in Santa Cruz highlands.
- Gear: Snorkelling mask and fins, life vest.
- Trip Leader: Certified expert English-speaking adventure leader and local guides
What's not included
- My Own Room supplement: USD 646
- Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip USD 495
- International flights.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Meals not described in the itinerary
- INGALA transit card: USD 20 per person, cash only (subject to change).
- Galapagos National Park fee: USD 100 per person, cash only (subject to change).
- USD $10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil.
- Wetsuit for rent: USD 10 USD.
- Wetsuit for rent: USD 10
- Tips for guides and drivers
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