Original
Explorer
Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos
17 Days | Be moved by the natural beauty of Ecuador, from the Andes and the Amazon to the Galapagos
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location_on 17 days
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Start
Quito, Ecuador
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Finish
Quito, Ecuador
tour
Trip Code
GGSIC
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - null
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Physical Rating
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Meals
16 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
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Transport
Plane, Speed Boat, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Public bus
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (12 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
From £3,618(17 days)
Trip Informations
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle to the amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater. Tour the Galapagos' outstanding natural beauty and interesting history by foot and boat on this active adventure. You’ll also walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. You’ll also get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family where you’ll connect with them, lending a hand with chores, doing seasonal activities and maybe brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise.
Why you’ll love this trip
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Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
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Walk in the rainforest with an Indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. Then, visit an Amazon animal rescue centre.
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Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
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Live like a local as you’re welcomed into a family home in a sustainable community high in the hills of Ecuador, getting your hands dirty and helping with everyday tasks like reforestation projects, organic gardening or jam making, to name a few.
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Get your blood pumping as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island, then get up close and personal with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. These nearly extinct creatures are one of the greatest drawcards to the Galapagos.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
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Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
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This trip includes jungle hikes and a 17 km hike (approximately 6 to 7 hours) on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes with good support. Please see Day 6 of the Itinerary for more information.
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While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it can seem basic. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world.
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This trip involves a lot of travel by speedboat between the various Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
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From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual. Consequently, travel times will be longer than usual. If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period.
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Proximity to the equator means the sun in the Galapagos is incredibly strong. Ensure you are prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. We also recommend a rash guard.
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This trip includes snorkelling on multiple days. Confident swimming skills are required to take part. Alternative activities will not be available.
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Many travellers express interest in diving in the Galapagos. We are now able to assist with booking this activity, but only through a provider that meets our internal safety policy. Speak to your agent at the time of booking for more information.
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The Galapagos is a great place to switch off and take a break from your phone, as internet access can be patchy and wi-fi is not always available or reliable.
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Hot water can be sporadic in some parts of the Galapagos, so there may be a few cold showers on the trip.
Itinerary
- DAY 1Day 1 • Quito
- DAY 2Day 2 • Tena - Amazon
- DAY 3Day 3 • Tena- Amazon
- DAY 4Day 4 • Banos
- DAY 5Day 5 • Cotopaxi National Park- Yunguilla Community Stay
- DAY 6Day 6 • Yunguilla Community Stay
- DAY 7Day 7 • Otavalo-Quito
- DAY 8Day 8 • Quito
- DAY 9Day 9 • Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
- DAY 10Day 10 • Isla San Cristobal
- DAY 11Day 11 • Isla Floreana/ Isla Isabela
- DAY 12Day 12 • Isla Isabela
- DAY 13Day 13 • Isla Isabela
- DAY 14Day 14 • Isla Isabela / Isla Santa Cruz
- DAY 15Day 15 • Isla Santa Cruz
- DAY 16Day 16 • Quito
- DAY 17Day 17 • Quito
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
16 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Plane, Speed Boat, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Public bus
bed Accommodation
Hotel (12 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
festival Activities
circleAmazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
circlePailon del Diablo Waterfall
circleBanos - Walking tour
circleCotopaxi -National Park walk
circleQuito - Local community experience
circleOtavalo - Market Visit
circleQuito - Historic District Walking Tour
circleIsla San Cristobal- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 Hours)
circleSan Cristobal - Excursion to Leon Dormido or Lobos Islands
circleIsla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center (45 minutes)
circleIsla San Cristobal - Cerro Tijeretas View Point (1 Hour)
circleFloreana - Snorkeling
circleIsla Isabela -Tintoreras or Shark Alley (2.5 Hours)
circleIsla Isabela - Flamingo lagoon visit (30 Minutes)
circleIsla Isabela - Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (1 Hour)
circleIsla Isabela - Kayaking
circleIsla Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (5-6 Hours)
circleSanta Cruz Highlands Visit (3 Hours)
circleSanta Cruz – Organic Farm Tour
circleSanta Cruz – Encebollado Cooking Class
circleIsla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
circleIsla Santa Cruz - The Galapagos Conservancy visit
circleIsla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre
museum Optional activities
circleQuilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
circleQuito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
circleQuito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
circleBanos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
circleBanos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
circleBanos - Hot springs - USD5
circleBanos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
circleQuito - Flower Plantation Visit - USD10
circleCotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
circleWetsuit (shortsleeve) hire for 5 days - USD60
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Trip size max: - 8 spaces left
£4,103£3,693
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Saturday Jun 14, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Trip size max: - 12 spaces left
£4,202
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Friday Jul 04, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Trip size max: - 15 spaces left
£4,021£3,618
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Saturday Jul 05, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Trip size max: - 12 spaces left
£4,202
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Friday Jul 25, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£4,021£3,618
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Saturday Jul 26, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£4,202
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Friday Aug 15, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Trip size max: - 7 spaces left
£4,021£3,618
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Saturday Aug 16, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Trip size max: - 12 spaces left
£4,367
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Friday Aug 22, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£4,021£3,618
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Friday Sep 12, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Trip size max: - 10 spaces left
£4,021£3,618
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Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Trip size max: - 15 spaces left
£4,202
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Friday Sep 19, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Trip size max: - 14 spaces left
£4,180£3,762
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Friday Oct 10, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£4,180
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Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£4,202
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Friday Nov 14, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Trip size max: - 16 spaces left
£4,340
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5 & 6 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
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3. All visitors to the Galapagos must have a Transit Control Card. We will use your passport details to complete the application process on your behalf. At the Welcome Meeting in Quito, you will be required to pay your leader US$20 in cash to cover the fee.
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4. The Galapagos National Park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$10) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment.
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From the 1st of August 2024 the Galapagos Islands National Park fee will be increasing from US$100 to US$200.
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5. Strict rules apply in the Galapagos Islands to protect and preserve its unique biodiversity. Tuuur supports these rules, which range from times of the day that a destination can be visited to the distance kept between people and wildlife. In particular, not removing anything from the environment (shells and corals, for example). All rules will be explained in more detail by your leader when you join the trip. Not adhering to these rules can lead to hefty fines for travellers and Tuuur losing the license to operate in the Galapagos Islands. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in your removal from the trip without a refund.
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