Galápagos Islands & Ecuadorian Highlands
Custom Travel | 9 Days
- Experience life on a historic hacienda in Ecuador’s volcanic highlands
- Mingle with locals at the Otavalo market
- Enjoy a Galápagos cruise with wildlife outings by snorkel, kayak, and foot
- Learn from top naturalists about giant tortoises
- Adjust this itinerary: more time in the Andes, longer cruise, tie in Peru, and so on
Beloved for its Galápagos Islands, Ecuador also offers scenery and culture in its highlands that fewer visitors see. There, imposing Andean volcanoes are juxtaposed with bustling textile markets, and impeccable colonial architecture. To share this splendid side of Ecuador, GeoEx’s South America specialists have designed a journey that combines the highlands with those must-see islands. You can soak up Andean culture at a historic hacienda, then set sail on a Galápagos cruise, trailing albatross and iguanas. This itinerary gives you an idea of what’s possible; we’ll adjust any and all of it for you.
Trip Overview
We had a great experience with GeoEx and expect that we'll use GeoEx again. We enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a trip planned with assistance of experts.
– Shawn D.
1 – 2
Overnight in Quito, then drive into the volcano-studded Andean highlands, where life is lived much as it was centuries ago A family-owned hacienda and working farm welcomes you.
3
Hike or ride horses to alpine lakes and interact with thriving indigenous communities Visit a condor reserve.
4
Fly to the Galápagos and embark on cruise Fine food, refreshing cocktails, and nature talks aboard your comfortable ship fill the time between island excursions.
5 – 7
Exceptional naturalist guides introduce otherworldly wildlife during kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking outings Commune with blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and prickly-pear cacti before relaxing on board.
8 – 9
The Charles Darwin Research Station, known for its tortoise breeding center, broadens your understanding of Galápagos wildlife and history Fly to Guayaquil and overnight before catching flights home or onward.
GIVING BACK
IGTOA Galápagos Traveler Conservation Fund
Your GeoEx Galápagos trip contributes to the IGTOA Galápagos Traveler Conservation Fund, supporting critical conservation projects through partners like the Charles Darwin Foundation, WildAid, and Sea Shepard, and local initiatives like schools.
Ecuador & Peru Extensions
Consider tying together not just the Galápagos and Machu Picchu, but also the Amazon, Ecuadorian highlands (with volcanoes, haciendas, textile markets, and rain-forest lodges), Lake Titicaca, and more. We're happy to make the arrangements.
Dates & Prices
Dates
Custom Trips offered year-round
Pricing
Custom Trip: From $10,250 per person
Optional extension at Galápagos Safari Camp: From $2,530 per person
based on two travelers, double occupancy; please call for individually tailored recommendations and pricing.
Note: Cruise is on a shared basis.
Reduced rates for children under 15
Inclusions
- Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
- All accommodations
- All ground transportation and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Shore landings, presentations, and activities per the vessel’s daily program
- Most meals
- Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing
- Services of an expedition leader, lecturers/naturalists, and support staff during voyage
- Some gratuities
- Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
A Journey Built Just For You
Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.
Start The ConversationBlogs
Where Our Travel Experts are Going in 2023
Read More
Where Global Travel Experts Are Going in 2022
Read More
Where to Go in 2022: Our Expert Picks
Read More
Galápagos Family Adventure: The Trip That Changed Our Lives
Read More
The Galápagos Are Open to Travelers: Here’s What You Need to Know
Read More
Where GeoEx Travel Experts Are Dreaming of Going in 2021
Read MoreSimilar Trips
Wildest Alaska
Learn More
The Nature of Tanzania
Learn More