In April I led a WeRoad group on a 15-day trip across Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Few countries pack so much into such a small space: snowy volcanoes in the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, waterfalls and hot springs, and then the Galapagos, where sea lions sleep on the benches and turtles swim right next to you.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Quito
Meet the group at the hotel in Quito, Ecuador's capital at 2,850m above sea level. Take it easy on the first evening while your body gets used to the altitude, and enjoy a welcome dinner at Miskay.
Day 2 – From Quito to the Amazon
A private transfer takes you over the Andes and down into the Amazon basin to Tena (around 4h). In the afternoon, go white-water rafting on the river (lunch included), then end the day with a guided night walk through the jungle.
Day 3 – Amazonian culture and nature
A full-day tour around Tena: the Caiman Lagoon, the AmaZOOnico animal rescue centre and a visit to the Kichwa Shiripuno community to learn about their traditions.
Day 4 – Baños
Transfer from Tena to Baños (around 3h). Relax in the local hot springs at Termas de La Virgen. Don't forget to fill in the online Declaración Jurada for the Galapagos entry!
Day 5 – Baños: the Waterfall Route
Head out on the Ruta de las Cascadas, walk up to the thundering Pailón del Diablo, and swing over the valley at Casa del Árbol and Manos de Pachamama.
Day 6 – Cotopaxi National Park
A full-day hike on Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Pack layers, as it gets very cold up there. Transfer back to Quito in the evening.
Day 7 – Discovering Quito
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, climb the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional and stand with one foot in each hemisphere at Mitad del Mundo. Dinner at Achiote.
Day 8 – Flying to the Galapagos
Early flight to Baltra. Get your TCT transit card before check-in ($20) and bring cash for the National Park fee on arrival ($200). Take the bus and ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and visit the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Dinner on Kiosks Street.
Day 9 – Isla Isabela: snorkelling in Los Túneles
Ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela (2h, $10 island fee). Snorkel among the lava arches of Cabo Rosa with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and seahorses (5–6h tour, lunch included).
Day 10 – Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
A 5–6h guided hike along the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, and across the lava fields.
Day 11 – Back to Santa Cruz
Very early ferry back to Santa Cruz. Spend a chilled day at Tortuga Bay: rent a kayak and snorkel next to marine iguanas.
Day 12 – San Cristóbal
Ferry to San Cristóbal (2.5h). Free day to snorkel with sea lions at La Lobería and Muelle Tijeretas, or go diving if you have your licence.
Day 13 – San Cristóbal by boat
A full-day boat tour around the island (9h, lunch included) with snorkelling at Kicker Rock (León Dormido). Bring water shoes!
Day 14 – Back to Quito
Fly from San Cristóbal back to Quito via Guayaquil. Last night out with the group.
Day 15 – Goodbye Ecuador
Souvenir shopping at La Mariscal artisan market, lots of hugs and flights home.
Good to know
- Cash for the Galapagos: You need $200 in cash for the National Park fee at Baltra and $20 for the TCT card at Quito airport. ATMs on the islands can run out of money.
- Ferries: The boats between islands take 2–2.5h and can be very bumpy. Take seasickness tablets.
- Wildlife: Keep 2 metres from the animals, no flash, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Packing: Warm layers for Cotopaxi, quick-dry clothes for the Amazon, and a rash guard and water shoes for snorkelling.
Budget
Ecuador uses the US Dollar, which makes things easy. The mainland is very affordable, while the Galapagos are more expensive because of the flights, park fees and boat tours.
Return flights
International return flights to Quito, plus the domestic flights to and from the Galapagos.
1.150€
Travel Insurance
Remember to always have your insurance when you travel. I normally get an annual MultiTrip so it covers me all year round.
50€
Food
Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 15 days, from jungle lodge menus to fresh seafood on the islands.
320€
Local Transport
Private transfers on the mainland, airport transfers, ferries between Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal, and water taxis.
420€
Accommodation
Hotels in Quito, a jungle lodge in Tena, a hotel in Baños, and guest houses on Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristóbal.
680€
Entry fees & Excursions
Galapagos National Park fee, TCT card, Isabela fee, rafting, jungle walk, Tena tour, Cotopaxi, Quito tour, Los Túneles, Sierra Negra, San Cristóbal boat tour, and tips.
