Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures with Galápagos Cruise

Countries Visited:

Ecuador,

Duration:

15 days

Style:

River/Small ship/Barge,

Travel Period:

November 2026 - November 2028

Overview

15 days from Quito to Guayaquil
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. And this Small Group Discovery tour is an adventure of epic proportions—while enjoying inspiring boutique hotels, insightful private tours, incredible culinary delights, indigenous cultures, and ancient ruins. While Ecuador is a small country geographically speaking, it delivers a vast variety of dramatic landscapes spanning a variety of climate zones supporting an abundance of flora, fauna, and fantastic experiences that far outmeasure its borders. Without ever leaving the country, travelers can move in just a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and down to the Pacific coast for a breathtaking and diverse array of panoramas and pristine natural wonders. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.

Go further to explore Ecuador’s extraordinary natural world as you follow the courses of rivers wide and narrow. Rest along the shores of pristine lakes and explore mysterious caves. Sail in the wake of Charles Darwin to discover marvelous plant and animal life adapted over the millennia to the undisturbed and isolated Pacific archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. Here, such exotic residents as the blue-footed booby, marine iguana, and ancient tortoises for which the islands are named, evoke the adventurous spirit of wonder in every visitor. An epic adventure of a lifetime!
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:

Guided sightseeing in Quito includes Independence Square, San Francisco Square with a visit to La Compañía Church.
Guided behind-the-scenes tour with private visits to El Alabado Museum
Visit to the Quitsato Sundial Monument and Otavalo handicraft market
Demonstration of traditional wool spinning and weaving at a local workshop
Guided tour of a rose plantation with insights on eco-certified farming
Two-night stay in the Amazon with guided nature hikes and canoe rides led by Quichua Naturalists
Stay at Samari Spa Resort in Baños, a 10-acre luxury ranch with a Turkish baths and spa
Guided hike at the base of Ecuador’s highest volcano
Visit to Devil’s Cauldron waterfall and hanging bridge
Guided visit to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site
Guided sightseeing in Cuenca includes Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca square, Plaza Mayor, the flower market, and Todos los Santos historic church.
Excursion to art villages of Gualaceo, Bullcay, and Sigsig.
Hands-on hat-making demonstration with Toquilleras in Sigsig
Visit a cacao plantation with tasting and lunch
Hand selected boutique hotel stays
Guided city sightseeing of Quito
4-night cruise onboard the Galápagos Legend
All internal flights as noted in the itinerary

Notes:

Please note that this tour is designed for all levels of fitness, however one should be in suitable physical condition to fully enjoy the experiences.
Further, maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires small watercraft, walking on cobblestone streets, uneven trails and pathways, and climbing stairs at elevation. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. While much of this tour remains above 8,000 ft above sea level, maximum elevation is 16,610 ft.
In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos is subject to change.

The details

What's included

14 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Start:Quito, Ecuador
Finish:Guayaquil, Ecuador

Type:Group tour (max 18)

Tripcode:

SEE

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Dates and pricing

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THINGS TO KNOW

Important information

Terms & Conditions

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