Overview & Highlights
This is a great value, short but variety-packed holiday suitable for families and individuals alike. Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Andean Ecuador and explore Santa Cruz Island and further afield in the Galápagos from the well regarded, guesthouse-style Hotel Mainao.
You might have thought that a holiday to the remote Pacific Galápagos islands would be prohibitively expensive. While cruising on a yacht can still be pricey, you now have the option of a land-based visit, where you can get to know one or two islands on shared guided day trips by boat. This holiday bases you at the popular Mainao hotel on the principal island, Santa Cruz, with a couple of motor yacht cruises included and a day at leisure to explore the sparking beaches, Puerto Ayora town, visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre or even venture inland to spot giant tortoises. You don't have to decide in advance: book up and pay locally.
Spend a few days on the mainland too, well worth exploring in its own right. Based at historic Quito, visit the famous Andean mountain town Otavalo with its indigenous market and travel down the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes, dominated by the towering snow-draped mountain Cotopaxi.
- Full-day excursion to the famous Otavalo market (shared)
- Walking tour of historic colonial Quito (private)
- Visit the Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa (shared)
- 4 days land based exploration in the Galápagos Islands (shared)
- Explore Santa Cruz and visit neighbouring islands (shared)
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Quito high in the Andes. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2
Full day guided tour of the Andean highlands and market towns.
Day 3
Guided city tour of Quito
Day 4
Full day excursion to the Avenue of the Volcanoes,Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.
Day 5
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 6
A motor yacht day trip to neighbouring islands.
Day 7
Full day tour with a local resident
Day 8
At leisure in the Galápagos, optional excursions.
Day 9
Fly to the mainland and connect with international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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