Welcome to Ecuador!
Discover one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations on this unforgettable 10 Day journey. Begin in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, then travel to the remote Galápagos Islands, home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. From volcanic landscapes to crystal-clear waters, this active adventure offers a powerful blend of natural beauty, close-up encounters with iconic species, and adventurous family experiences on land and sea.
Check-in to your boutique hotel in the heart of Quito’s Old Town. This stylish and welcoming 4-star stay offers modern comforts and a peaceful retreat just steps from Plaza Grande and Quito’s most iconic landmarks.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Quito. Savor Ecuadorian flavors with a modern twist with fresh ceviches, hearty stews, and regional specialties served in a warm, authentic setting.
Explore Quito with a private guide for a deeper, more personal look at the city’s history and culture.
During your tour, stop for lunch at a local Ecuadorian favorite. This welcoming spot offers a taste of traditional dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients.
Head to the TelefériQo with your guide, one of the world’s highest cable cars. Ride over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) on the slopes of Rucu Pichincha. At the top, take in the jaw dropping views, or if you’re up for it, go on a short guided walk along the trails. Your guide will explain the geology, altitude effects, and volcano history.
Recommendations will be provided.
Take a moment to slow down and savor Ecuador’s most elevated flavors. Thoughtfully plated dishes, local ingredients used in unexpected ways, and a setting that makes the night feel special.
Meet your friendly crew and experienced naturalist guide, who will be your companion on your journey. They will share insights about the local wildlife and environment, ensuring you have an incredible experience while exploring the beautiful surrounding islands.
Have lunch on board while sailing to North Seymour or Mosquera Islet.
Panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, a peaceful mangrove sanctuary where you may spot reef sharks, sea turtles, and graceful rays gliding through the calm waters.
Enjoy a welcome briefing from your guide during dinner.
Walk along cliffside trails to see red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and short-eared owls. Experience breathtaking views as you trek the rugged paths, where these unique birds nest. Keep your camera ready for photo opportunities and enjoy the serenity of nature in this incredible habitat.
Lunch on board and enjoy a mid-day rest on the shaded sundeck.
Enjoy a short walk through mangroves and tidepools with marine iguanas and nesting birds.
Enjoy time for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, with the chance to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions up close.
Enjoy a delightful dinner on board as the sun sets.
Learn about the vital conservation efforts that protect the Galápagos Islands, their unique wildlife, and fragile ecosystems during an evening orientation with your naturalist guide.
Make a wet landing on Rábida, one of the most striking islands in the Galápagos with its deep red sand beaches and volcanic landscapes. As you explore, you’ll encounter marine iguanas basking on the rocks, playful sea lions along the shore, and a variety of seabirds including pelicans and both blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Visit a stunning saltwater lagoon, home to vibrant pink flamingos and other coastal wildlife in their natural habitat.
Lunch on board while cruising toward Bartolomé Island.
Step ashore at Dragon Hill to spot land iguanas up close and walk to a lagoon where flamingos, stilts, and pintail ducks gather.
Scuba dive at North Seymour, exploring sheer cliffs and drift channels filled with marine life. From sea turtles and rays to schools of jack trevally and reef sharks, you may even catch seasonal sightings of hammerheads or mating white tip sharks.
Visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center before heading into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Walk through native forests, see the impressive Twin Craters, and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local ranch.
Lunch for non-divers at a local ranch and on board for divers.
Your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming an snorkeling.
Explore Suarez Point on an early morning landing, walking across lava beds to see marine birds and, seasonally, the waved albatross.
Experience a delightful afternoon at Gardner Bay, where you can swim and snorkel with playful sea lions and colorful reef fish.
Your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming an snorkeling.
Land at Witch Hill to walk its white sand beach, where sea lions, pelicans, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies live.
These dramatic cliffs of Kicker Rock are a towering volcanic formation rising from the sea, home to sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks gliding through the channel below.
Step ashore at Isla Lobos for a short hike and snorkeling adventure, with chances to see blue-footed boobies, frigates, rays, and sea lions.
Make a dry landing at Baquerizo Moreno Port to visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the history, natural wonders, and conservation of the Galápagos Islands. Afterwards, enjoy free time in town for last minute shopping or a stop at the ATM.
Make an early wet landing on Mosquera Islet, a stunning white sand beach with tide pools and black lava rocks, home to sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and bright red sally lightfoot crabs.
Disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport.
Check-in to your boutique hotel in the heart of Quito’s Old Town. This stylish and welcoming 4-star stay offers modern comforts and a peaceful retreat just steps from Plaza Grande and Quito’s most iconic landmarks.
Walk through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colorful plazas, colonial churches, and local markets.
Have your final dinner in Ecuador at a local Ecuadorian restaurant. A relaxed meal featuring traditional flavors and regional favorites in a warm, authentic setting.
Please email us at info@kairostours.com or call us at 512.596.1642 for more information.
Unlike other travel companies, Kairos Tours provides complete financial transparency.
Clients receive a detailed line item breakdown of expenses, including all available receipts. We account for every dollar spent. Kairos Tours never marks up an expense or charges a ‘percentage of spend’ fee – keeping all interests aligned.
We don't ask for your budget, we create your budget with you.
All of our trips are fully customizable. This sample itinerary is simply a starting point to give you a sense of what is possible! We are happy to tailor every detail to fit your group’s unique needs, interests, and preferences.
Is there a minimum number of guests required for this trip?
There’s no minimum number of participants required, but please note that the fewer people in the group, the higher the price per person. Larger groups help keep individual costs lower by sharing fixed expenses like transportation and guides.
What information will be provided before the trip?
Each traveler will receive a complete, dynamic itinerary that includes travel logistics, hotel details, tours, entrance information, meeting points, and more—everything you need to feel fully prepared.
Will there be a group meeting before departure?
Yes! We’ll schedule a pre-trip meeting (either in person or via Google Meet) to go over final details, answer questions, and ensure everyone is ready and excited.
Does Kairos Tours provide a Tour Director?
A Tour Director can be arranged to accompany your group upon request. Please note this may affect the overall cost of the trip.
Will the itinerary change from what’s currently listed?
Kairos Tours will make every reasonable effort to provide this trip in accordance with the descriptions provided. Although it is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your reservation or cancel confirmed reservations, we reserve the right to do so should it become necessary or advisable, in our sole discretion. We’ll always prioritize the best possible experience for your group!
Are trip prices guaranteed?
All pricing is based on current estimates and subject to change due to factors like group size, travel dates, currency exchange rates, and seasonal variations.
Are meals included in the trip price?
Lunches and dinners are typically not included in the trip price, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore local dining options. Personal incidentals, such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities, are also the responsibility of each traveler.
What if there are unexpected delays or issues?
Kairos Tours is not responsible for costs or disruptions resulting from circumstances beyond our control, such as flight delays, changes or cancellations, injuries, weather, war, natural disasters, strikes, social discourse, pandemics, etc., and/or other unforeseeable matters.
My name is David Mebane and I am a lifelong traveler that experienced my first international trip as a 2nd grader, and I haven’t stopped since. I founded Fat Tire Tours in Paris, France in 1999 and love showing people around the City of Light. That passion has grown to include other incredible destinations around the globe, and this is the genesis for Kairos Tours. I don't know every destination on the globe, but I do know several well, and I love to take people with me to create experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
I live in Austin, Texas with my wife Kelly and our son Weston and daughter Caroline. However, we spend as much time as we can elsewhere since there is nothing better than an adventure with family and friends.
I also love wine and import French wine to the USA via David's Wine Cellar.
History of Quito & the Galápagos Islands
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, was built atop the ruins of an ancient Inca city and officially founded by the Spanish in 1534. Its colonial old town is one of the best preserved in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into Ecuador’s layered past.
But 600 miles west of Quito lie the legendary Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago that changed the course of science. Formed by tectonic activity millions of years ago, the islands were never connected to the mainland, allowing unique species to evolve in isolation.
When Charles Darwin visited in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle, he found inspiration for his theory of evolution by natural selection. From giant tortoises and marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies, the Galápagos became a living laboratory that continues to captivate scientists and travelers alike.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galápagos were one of the first protected national parks in the world. Today, the islands balance tourism, research, and conservation, reminding us how fragile and miraculous our planet truly is.