Signature Ecuador and Galapagos: Volcanoes to the ocean
14 days from £7,520
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel in Quito, the Andean capital of Ecuador. The active volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the east, glowers over the dynamic city which, at 2,850m, is one of highest capital cities in the world. Quito is divided into two contrasting districts. The modern zone is characterised by towering glass buildings and houses banks, international companies, hotels, shops and restaurants, while the central colonial area has well-conserved and recently spruced-up white-washed architecture, open air markets and graceful Spanish-style mansions and churches.
With a fantastic location on a cobbled street just around the corner from the old city’s central square, Casona de la Ronda is a small converted mansion that has been carefully restored to mirror the rich colonial history of its surroundings. The building abounds with character, and the courteous staff are committed to the highest levels of service.
The stylish, spacious and eminently comfortable guestrooms face out onto a pretty covered courtyard. Décor includes plenty of traditional features such as polished wood floors, stone walls and local textiles and paintings, but delicate floral murals, an impressive living wall of native plants and some bold design choices add a boutique edge. There’s a strikingly decorated viewpoint room looking out across the historic centre to the summit of El Panecillo, and a cosy lounge with an open fireplace. The restaurant, painted in a rich shade of burnt orange and lined with antique mirrors, serves a mixture of excellent local and international fare.
Guided walking tour of old Quito. Visit the colonial centre of the capital, the first city ever to be named a World Heritage site. High on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the Plaza de Independencia, where you will see the government palace, the cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the 16th and 17th centuries, including the monastery of San Francisco.
With a fantastic location on a cobbled street just around the corner from the old city’s central square, Casona de la Ronda is a small converted mansion that has been carefully restored to mirror the rich colonial history of its surroundings. The building abounds with character, and the courteous staff are committed to the highest levels of service.
The stylish, spacious and eminently comfortable guestrooms face out onto a pretty covered courtyard. Décor includes plenty of traditional features such as polished wood floors, stone walls and local textiles and paintings, but delicate floral murals, an impressive living wall of native plants and some bold design choices add a boutique edge. There’s a strikingly decorated viewpoint room looking out across the historic centre to the summit of El Panecillo, and a cosy lounge with an open fireplace. The restaurant, painted in a rich shade of burnt orange and lined with antique mirrors, serves a mixture of excellent local and international fare.
By road through rolling highland moors to Otavalo, a prosperous town set in a pretty landscape of lakes and volcanoes. The town hosts one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Stalls are laden with tapestries and woollen goods, some intricate, some brash, and all in a breath-taking array of colours, as well as traditional musical instruments and leather goods. You’re bound to find something to take home.
Overnight in a traditional colonial hacienda, adapted to receive visitors but retaining many of its historic features.
What a find! This welcoming hacienda set in luxuriant gardens up in the green Andean mountains just outside the market town of Otavalo is packed with Spanish colonial references to an affluent past, while at the same time offering a homely, rustic atmosphere. Golds and crimsons dominate the colour scheme in the two-storey, heavily tiled main building which is decorated with rich textiles, elaborate carpets and cosy sofas.
You stay in one of a clutch of cottages with pitched wooden ceilings, each with its own wood-burning chimney which is lit for you every night (if desired). Meals are served from a menu of recipes featuring produce from the local area, including the property’s own organic orchard and gardens. Many activities can be organised, such as horse riding and cookery classes; it’s a great stay for families.
Morning at leisure on the hacienda, which has lovely flowery grounds in which to relax. In the afternoon, drive to Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve for the start of a 3hr hike on the volcanic rim around Cuicocha, a deep-blue crater lake with an island marooned in the centre set on the southern flanks of Mount Cotacachi. Enjoy fine views of the surrounding volcanoes Cayambe and Imbabura.
The countryside is extremely pretty, with adobe farmsteads sheltering under columns of silvery eucalyptus shading ancient cobbled lanes and tracks. Birdlife that can be spotted includes ruddy ducks, giant hummingbirds and silvery grebes. After the hike, stop at the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather work before heading back to Quito.
With a fantastic location on a cobbled street just around the corner from the old city’s central square, Casona de la Ronda is a small converted mansion that has been carefully restored to mirror the rich colonial history of its surroundings. The building abounds with character, and the courteous staff are committed to the highest levels of service.
The stylish, spacious and eminently comfortable guestrooms face out onto a pretty covered courtyard. Décor includes plenty of traditional features such as polished wood floors, stone walls and local textiles and paintings, but delicate floral murals, an impressive living wall of native plants and some bold design choices add a boutique edge. There’s a strikingly decorated viewpoint room looking out across the historic centre to the summit of El Panecillo, and a cosy lounge with an open fireplace. The restaurant, painted in a rich shade of burnt orange and lined with antique mirrors, serves a mixture of excellent local and international fare.
Travel south from Quito by road on a spellbinding journey along the aptly named Avenue of Volcanoes. As its name implies, the route passes an imperial guard of conical snow-draped volcanic cones, surrounded by lush pastures pitted with colonial market towns and tiny indigenous villages.
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the superbly photogenic volcano of the same name (5,897m), a (very) occasionally active peak of shimmering ice surrounded by rumpled skirts of highland moor with a tundra-like vegetation of altitude-resistant shrubs and flowers. The park is inhabited by over 90 species of bird from pocket-sized hummingbirds to giant condors and a variety of hardy mammals including deer, rabbits, Andean foxes, and puma, which shelter from view in the lacy veils of frequent swirly mists. You’ll visit the interpretation centre and walk the trail surrounding the stunningly reflective Lake Limpiopungo, ringed by bird-filled reed beds. If inspired to hike some more, you can climb towards the Cotapaxi snowline for bird’s-eye views over the Andean peaks.
This rustic mountain lodge in the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes is situated at 3,500m but is dwarfed by the much higher peaks which surround it. There are epic views of Cotapaxi volcano, and everything about the location invites you to step outside and explore; plenty of activities are on offer, including walking and horse riding.
The lodge is mindfully eco-friendly, constructed from recycled materials but the shiny wooden furnishings and earthy colours give it a cosy feel, enhanced by the open fire in the living room. The lodge welcomes up to 24 guests in seven independent rooms equipped with private bathrooms with showers and three family cottages. They all have in-room stoves.
Wifi is sporadically available and there’s a laundry service. The lodge is managed by a couple who do not speak much English but are helpful and welcoming. Simple meals are served.
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge has received a LATA Responsible Tourism ‘One to Watch’ award. The lodge is built from natural materials, organic waste is composted, and wastewater cleaned by a biodigester. Much of the lodge food and souvenirs is sourced locally, supporting local businesses and artisans.
There’s a lot to do at your hacienda – if you have a penchant for the outdoors, you can go horse riding, mountain biking, zip-lining, hiking (self-guided) on well-marked trails or get involved in farm-based activities. Children are invited to make chocolate and help feed the animals too.
You can also visit some nearby local markets, often robust and vivacious focal points of trade between purveyors of produce from the outlying farms and hamlets. There may be a few tourist items, but these markets have their own socio-economic dynamic and are a fascinating insight into Ecuador’s rural life.
Continue to Riobamba for the night.
The hacienda upon which Hosteria Andaluza is situated, in the shadow of the snow-mantled volcano Chimborazo, was founded in the sixteenth century, and the hosteria itself harks back to Spanish colonial times with low level, heavily tiled buildings featuring beams and rustic décor.
It’s a warm, cosy place, with golden ochre décor, woollen rugs, polished wood furnishings and wood burning stoves. Traditional colonial-inspired ornaments, paintings and antique-style furnishings are complemented with contemporary facilities such as modern central heating, flat screen TVs, Wifi and fluffy duvets.
Rustic it may be but it’s a full service property with conference facilities, a breakfast room and separate dining room serving Ecuadorian and international specialities. There’s an attractive bar, and other amenities include massages, a games room and children’s playground. Horse-riding can be arranged.
Depart Riobamba heading south for the 2hr drive to Alausi. This little highland town (2,340m) would escape under the radar were it not a famous stop along the railway track crossing the Andes from Quito to Guayaquil on the Pacific coast. The most ambitious and spectacular part – named for its audacity as the Devil’s Nose – was restored for visitors and begins right here.
The train does not operate on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, but on other days of the week it is possible to ride onboard as the train makes its way down the scenic mountainside to Simbambe. It is an enthralling journey and a highly impressive fete of engineering.
Continue by private vehicle to Cuenca, via Ecuador’s principal Inca ruins of Ingapirca. The remains of the buildings in this raised site date back to the end of the 15th century, before the Spanish conquistadores. The architecture bears hallmarks of Inca construction, with some fine mortar-less stonework. Archaeologists believe that the main structure, known as The Temple of the Sun, was used for religious and ceremonial purposes. Today, however, it simply provides welcome shade for grazing llamas and the occasional tourist.
Cuenca is a beautiful 16th-century town, built on the site of an ancient Inca settlement, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located just a block from Cuenca’s main square, the Hotel Itza is a superb place from which to explore the city on foot. Built in 1935 by Italian architect Alfonso Durini, the hotel has been meticulously restored with many ornate features preserved. Guests will find a collection of different room categories, all tastefully decorated, and some with views of the nearby cathedral. Facilities include a restaurant, whisky lounge and an atmospheric rooftop bar with views over the city.
At leisure in Cuenca. Its narrow cobblestoned streets, red tiled roofs and well-preserved Romanesque buildings give it an air of sedate and quiet respectability. It’s a peaceful place to wander around, with coffee shops and interesting little shops. The colonial centre has been beautifully restored; colourful flowers tumble from ironwork balconies and the whitewashed houses have grand wooden doors. The climate here is temperate and you’ll enjoy relaxing with a coffee in a leafy square.
Cuenca is a great place to wander or relax in but if you want to get out of the city you could visit the nearby market towns of Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and colonial Sigsig, set in the foothills of the western cordillera.
Located just a block from Cuenca’s main square, the Hotel Itza is a superb place from which to explore the city on foot. Built in 1935 by Italian architect Alfonso Durini, the hotel has been meticulously restored with many ornate features preserved. Guests will find a collection of different room categories, all tastefully decorated, and some with views of the nearby cathedral. Facilities include a restaurant, whisky lounge and an atmospheric rooftop bar with views over the city.
From Cuenca drive for just 30 minutes to reach Las Cajas National Park, a vast wilderness of high páramo and boxed lakes. Its tundra, jagged peaks and many glacial lakes have a rugged, eerie beauty. After exploring the park, return to Cuenca and drop off the car before taking a flight to Quito where you will overnight near the airport.
The Holiday Inn is a convenient accommodation option located just 5-minutes’ drive from Quito Airport, in a tranquil setting with mountain views in almost every direction. Guests can reach the historic city centre in around 30 minutes (subject to traffic), or head to the centre of the world ‘Mitad del Mundo’, which lies around 45 minutes to the north.
The property itself is modern and stylish, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool (with terrace bar), a gym and a spa featuring hydromassage and Turkish baths. The on-site restaurant serves continental and American style breakfasts, with a la carte local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner.
The rooms are spacious with king or queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Many rooms also come with sweeping views over the highland scenery.
A free airport shuttle usually operates every hour in both directions.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands where you will embark your vessel for your 5-day cruise around the archipelago. Your naturalist guide will be waiting to take you to the quayside.
The Treasure of Galápagos is a small, stable catamaran with good value guest cabins and facilities including a shaded bar, loungers and a Jacuzzi.
The nine air-conditioned cabins all have a contemporary design and are furnished with a sofa and small desk. Unlike on most other mid-range vessels, the Treasure’s cabins also have their own private outdoor balconies where guests can sit and relax between excursions.
The ship is equipped with complimentary snorkelling equipment so you can enjoy the marine environment from a more intimate perspective.
The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean 6 million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique plant and animal species. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you to approach them and observe them up close. The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘On the Origin of Species’, published in 1859.
Although geologically constantly on the move, these islands remain suspended in time, with Giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, Frigate birds, Waved albatross and Blue-footed boobies and a wealth of rare flora all thriving there. For many, the fascinating and unique wildlife and natural beauty of the islands are matched by the thrill of being at sea. Find a spot on deck as you make your way through the ocean, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.
The itinerary for your days in the Galápagos will depend on your date of departure,and is subject to change. There are normally two landings a day to seek out the different wildlife that inhabits the islands.
The Treasure of Galápagos is a small, stable catamaran with good value guest cabins and facilities including a shaded bar, loungers and a Jacuzzi.
The nine air-conditioned cabins all have a contemporary design and are furnished with a sofa and small desk. Unlike on most other mid-range vessels, the Treasure’s cabins also have their own private outdoor balconies where guests can sit and relax between excursions.
The ship is equipped with complimentary snorkelling equipment so you can enjoy the marine environment from a more intimate perspective.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Quito
Quito, Ecuador built around colonial history and Andean drama, sharing the highland valley. At 2,850m and ringed by volcanoes, the historic centre mixes cobbled streets, whitewashed façades and colourful churches with a modern city beyond. Quito holidays combine both, and work just as a standalone city break or the start of a longer trip.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Otavalo and the northern highlands
Indigenous traditions, dramatic Andean landscapes, volcanic peaks and vibrant markets create an unforgettable experience in one of Ecuador’s most colourful and culturally rich regions. Otavalo Ecuador is famous for its world-renowned market, but beyond the town lie crater lakes, traditional weaving villages, rolling highland scenery and some of the country’s most rewarding cultural encounters.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Avenue of the Volcanoes
The Avenue of the Volcanoes showcases Ecuador’s most dramatic Andean landscapes, where snow-capped volcanoes, fertile valleys and traditional highland communities create unforgettable opportunities for hiking, wildlife and cultural discovery.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Cuenca
Cuenca holidays take you to one of Ecuador’s most elegant colonial cities, where cobbled streets, leafy plazas and blue-domed cathedrals create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Set high in the southern Andes at the end of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Cuenca combines beautiful architecture with easy access to Ecuador’s spectacular mountain landscapes.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil
Guayaquil holidays reveal a vibrant coastal city where a revitalised waterfront, lively plazas and the colourful streets of Las Peñas offer a different perspective on Ecuador. Often overlooked on the way to the Galápagos, Guayaquil rewards visitors who take time to explore.
An opportunity to combine a luxurious cruise in the Galápagos Islands with exploration of the Andean landscapes of their host country, Ecuador.
Travel to Quito: Ecuador’s capital surrounded by snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes. Explore Quito and go south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes via the Inca ruins of Ingapirca to the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca and the upland wilderness of Las Cajas National Park.
Fly from the port of Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands for a 5-day cruise. It was on a similar trip 200 years ago that Darwin returned to the archipelago to write the seminal book ‘On the Origin of Species’. Step into his shoes and explore the diversity of land and marine life which inhabit these enchanting islands. A holiday in the Galápagos is a totally unique experience, inevitably rewarding, richly educational, blissfully tranquil, and photogenic.
You’ll sail on a first class, compact motor cruiser offering an intimate and informal atmosphere favoured by those who prefer the laid-back approach of smaller craft. You will have ample opportunity to make new friends among people with shared interests. In addition to landings on the islands you will have the opportunity to snorkel or swim with sea-lions.
Rosie Kay
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
14 days, 13 nights: Quito 2, Otavalo 1, Quito 1, Cotopaxi 1, Riobamba 1, Cuenca 2, Quito 1, Galápagos 4.
- Accommodation
We use a mix of hotel standards from mid-range upwards, choosing accommodation we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties will vary in heritage from modern to traditional-style countryside properties (haciendas). but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. In the Galápagos you’ll be on a 16-passenger motor yacht. All mainland accommodation is flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
- Transport
2 flights (longest 2hrs); 5-day cruise.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; Lunch days 5, 6, 7, 9; Dinner days 3, 10; Full Board 11-13.
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- Altitude
Several days are spent at high altitude (over 2500m) in Quito, The Avenue of the Volcanoes and Cuenca. Please refer to the Country Information page or your briefing dossier, for further information on altitude, including how to avoid and treat altitude sickness.
- When is the best time to visit Ecuador and Galapagos?
The country is an all-year-round destination. The highlands, at about 2,800m but astride the Equator, have a permanent spring-like climate. Most days have a sunny morning but there may be rain in the afternoon. The coast is very hot (30°C) and humid from Jan-Apr. It’s a bit cooler and drier from May-Dec. The jungle is hot and humid all year.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is Spanish.
- What is the official currency in Ecuador and Galapagos?
The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card.
- What is the time difference between Ecuador and Galapagos and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is GMT-5 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Ecuador and the Galapagos?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Ecuador and Galapagos?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Ecuador and Galapagos?
The Galápagos Islands, (1.5 – 3 hours by air from Guayaquil of Quito); a tour in Colombia to the north, with daily flights from Bogotá to Quito taking just 1.5 hours; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Lima to Quito take 2 hours 20mins).
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Ecuador?
There are carnivals throughout the country, usually around February-March. Be warned that the boisterous festivities include water fights from which no visitor is safe.
Semana Santa (Easter) takes place throughout the country usually between March-April. There will be religious processions throughout this period.
Todos los Santos (all souls day, day of the dead) is also celebrated throughout the country on the 2nd November. Flower laying ceremonies in will take place in cemeteries. These are particularly striking in rural areas.
- How do I adapt to the altitude in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s high Andean spine is bookended by the Pacific coast and Amazon Rainforest, with Quito at 2,850m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking. We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the historic centre of the Ecuadorian capital in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Discover the Galápagos Islands for yourself – this is one of the most sought-after experiences in travel, and the reality does not disappoint.
Spot birds on guided nature walks in the Galapagos Islands, visiting nesting and feeding sites.
Stroll with sea birds and snorkel with penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas on guided expeditions in the pristine natural wonderland of the Galápagos.
Travel down the Avenue of the Volcanoes to arrive at a national park dominated by one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
A convenient accommodation option located just 5-minutes’ drive from Quito Airport, in a tranquil setting with mountain views in almost every direction.
Beautifully restored 19th century colonial mansion situated in the heart of colonial Cuenca near the main square.
The Treasure of Galapagos is a fine choice for visitors seeking a cruise on a small, intimate and modern catamaran.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Ecuadorian Amazon
The rainforest of the Amazon of Ecuador, whence spring rivers which flow down to the Amazon proper, is conveniently accessible from Quito. Following a short flight and canoe trip you arrive at Sacha Lodge to begin your jungle adventures. Day 1: A 35min flight takes you over the snow-capped Andes to Puerto Francisco de Orellana,…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
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