Ecuador: Exploring the Andes and the Galapagos Islands

      Ho
      Heart of Travel
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      110 reviews
      Nov 11 - 24, 2023
      Group size: 6 - 10
      Ecuador: Exploring the Andes and the Galapagos Islands
      Ecuador

      Heart of Travel
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      110 reviews

      Nov 11 - 24, 2023
      Group size: 6 - 10

      About this trip

      **Scroll down this page to view a complete, day by day, breakdown of itinerary**


      "All you need is Ecuador" - the country's famous tourism slogan does not disappoint. While the country may be small, it's home to an incredible amount of microclimates and ecosystems. From the arid Andes mountain range to the thick and sticky Amazon rainforest and finally the mega-diverse Galápagos Islands 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, you can find almost anything under the sun. And don't forget the sun itself, as you get up close and personal con el sol on the equator line. 


      Not only does Ecuador offer an impressive amount of diversity with its flora, fauna, and landscapes but also culturally and linguistically. Like many Latin American countries, Ecuador has a variety of native indigenous populations along with a long and complicated history from ancient times, through colonialism, and into the present day, making it not only a beautiful and fun destination to visit but a fascinating one as well.

      What’s included

      • 13 nights accomodation
        Boutique 3.5 to 4 star hotels and country haciendas
      • 29 meals
        Includes water, coffee, tea, juices excludes soda and alcoholic beverages
      • In country transport
        Ground, air, water as indicated on itinerary
      • Entrance + guide fees
        For all activities included on the itinerary
      • Donation to school
        $50 donation per person to elementary school in El Pedregal
      • 24/7 access + support
        Provided by bilingual Heart of Travel guide and local Ecuadorian guide
      • Galapagos Airfare
        Round trip ticket to/from Quito
      • Galapagos Entrane fee
        $100
      • Galapagos transit card
        $20

      What’s not included

      • International airfare
        To/from Quito
      • Meals not stated
        Any meals not indicated on itinerary
      • Alcoholic drinks + sodas
      • Trip/Travel insurance
        Recommended, not required
      • Tips to local guides
      • Additional tours
        Additional tours/activities done individually during free time(we can assist in coordinating these for you)

      Available Packages

      Double Occupancy

      Price per person based on double occupancy. Please indicate if you don't have a travel companion but are willing to share a room with another traveler. 

      $4,895
      Deposit: $1,000
      Single Occupancy

      Price per person based on single occupancy. 

      $5,775
      Deposit: $1,000

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day One
      Welcome to Quito!

      Welcome! Upon arriving at the airport your Program Director will be waiting to escort you to your hotel and give you a brief orientation of the city. 

      If you need any assistance going to the bank, store, pharmacy, etc. your Program Director will be more than happy to accompany you. In the event you arrive early in the morning and would like to coordinate any specific activities during the day just let us know so we can accommodate your requests. 

      Our welcome dinner starts at 7pm and overnight stay at Casa Gardenia in Quito. 

      Your Organizer


      Ho
      Heart of Travel
      110 reviews
      The Heart of Travel was born out of a deep-rooted love and passion for travel, art, history, food, nature, culture and adventure as well as a call to give back to the communities and people that had already provided us with so much. The travel industry has long been bombarded with double decker tour busses, beach front resorts and cruise ships, often at the expense of the local communities. As a response to this failing system, we began a boutique travel company that allows clients to explore new places in an authentic and non-touristy way, offering travelers a more intimate and unique experience all while removing the stress and hassle of researching, planning, bargain hunting, reserving and more that goes along with planning a trip or vacation.

      Reviews

      A once in a lifetime opportunity to see nature in it's glory, with minimal human interference. Great leaders, food and experiences. I fully enjoyed my adventure in the Galapagos Islands.
      By Alison M for Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise on Mar 26, 2024
      Fantastic experience in Mindo and Pappalactas. The hiking, hummingbirds and butterflies were breathtaking. At Pappalactas the springs were relaxing and fun. Thank you so much for an amazing add on.
      By Noel B for Custom Services: Michelle & Noel Extra Days in Quito on Mar 26, 2024
      We had an amazing time with Aimy and Chiva, they were absolutly there for every of our (many) requests. Would 100% recommand Heart of travel. Thanks for having us in you beautiful country !
      By Guillaume H for M&G Destination Wedding: Travel Services (Guillaume Henry) on Mar 22, 2024
      GB
      Amazing trip with all the Heart of travel team ! Special thanks to Chiva ❤️
      By Gautier B for M&G Destination Wedding: Travel Services (Monica & Gautier) on Mar 19, 2024
      Wonderfull, Everything was amazing !
      By Marie Cécile B for M&G Destination Wedding: Travel Services (Marie-Cécile BALL) on Mar 19, 2024
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      References

      Heart of Travel is the best for magical and ethical vacations! Chelsea and her incredible team first won me over in Guatemala in 2023 as they planned a beautiful trip that allowed us to see and experience so many different places, people, and things. A helicopter ride, a volcano hike, spa day, meeting the most badass Mayan weaver!!, a once-in a lifetime sunset tour in Tikal - done. I'm still trying to get over this trip lol. They knocked it out of the park again in Cuba for NYE! Chelsea and the spectacular Paloma had us dancing multiple nights away, eating the BEST food, and seeing ALL the sights while also giving us ample opportunity to support the Cuban people and educating us on why that is so important. You will leave their trips with new memories, new friends, and possibly, some new perspectives. Do it!!!
      By Amber S on 08 Feb, 2024
      KL
      Words can’t begin to express the way this trip impacted me! Every single person we met was so amazing, so kind, and truly opened their hearts and lives to us! Cuba, you have left an undeniable mark on my soul… Your people, your colors, your food, your history… Thank you for sharing this world with us! Cannot wait for our next trip! We love you 🥰
      By Krista L on 24 Jan, 2024
      I just returned from a two week trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. The trip was an incredible balance of learning, discovery, and recreation. Both the local guides and the Heart of Travel coordinator, Chiva, were excellent!!! The accommodations, food, and itinerary were fantastic. I will definitely travel with Heart of Travel again.
      By Lina A on 27 Jun, 2023
      Show More References