Unique Ecuador: Andes & Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure in Style

Quito, Ecuador

ST
Safarika Travel
  • Facebook verified
26 reviews
Duration: 9 days
Group size: 6 - 12
Unique Ecuador: Andes & Galapagos Island Hopping Adventure in Style
Quito, Ecuador

Safarika Travel
  • Facebook verified
26 reviews

$NaN
Duration: 9 days
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

Explore 2 unique eco-systems and the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador iIN ONE TRIP: ANDEAN SIERRA & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS!


From Latitude 0 along the Andean Range of the active  "Avenue of the Volcanoes" ,  travel back in time to the era of the Age of Discovery of the New World. Stay overnight at the old hacienda house in the Andes , a mansion of colonial background settled on a rural land . 


After exploring Ecuadorian mainland, take a flight to remote Galapagos Islands in Pacific Ocean. Explore unique endemic wildlife, terrestrial and marine, and landscapes of volcanic-origin enchanted archipelago. Stay in ocean front charming boutique hotels. 


Experience Ecuador assisted by our knowledgeable and friendly crew of local english-speaking guides. Learn about Ecuadorian culture, traditions and taste the delicious local cuisine!


*This trip works good for families with kids 9+ and can be run on a private basis (on request)

Trip HIghlights

Continental Ecuador (Andes): 


💒 Colonial Quito - start your adventure from the capital of Ecuador, travel back in times and walk the streets of the city built by spaniards

🇪🇨 Latitude 0 - Step from northern hemisphere to southern and balance yourself on the Middle of the World 

🌋 Cotopaxi Volcano -Hike the foothills of the one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak! Last time erupted in October 2022!

🏔 Quilotoa Lagoon - Explore the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful lagoons in South America.

🌟  Quechua culture - Hunt for trophies at the vibrant local indigenous markets


Galapagos Islands Hopping: 

🦀  Following the steps of Charles Darwin, meet and interact with endemic Galapagos wildlife, terrestrial and marine

🐢 Take a 500-pound giant tortoise for a walk! 

🐳 Snorkel in a company of sea lion puppies, colorful reef fish, sea turtles and rays! 

🦎 Relax and soak in the sun with a family of lazy marine iguanas on a picturesque white-sand beach of Isabela island

🐦 Learn a bridal dance of blue-footed boobies birds, see how Pacific birds raise their chicks in a wild

🐧 Look for Galapagos penguins and pelicans fishing

🚢  Stay in comfortable small hotels by the water on the islands of Santa Cruz and Isablea, and travel by speed boat ferries to visit more islands on day-tours. Every single day will be full of ACTIVITIES, such as wildlife watching, easy hiking and snorkeling.  

Travel entry requiremenents

Ecuador entry requirements:
Effective October 20, 2022, visitors to Ecuador are no longer required to present a certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative PCR or Antigen test result.

All visitors must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form  (one per family) and present to customs upon arrival to Ecuador. Alternatively, a digital form (one per person) can be completed at the following link, https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/.


Galapagos entry requirements:
• INGALA tourist migration card (the form will be provided by the airline before departure)
• Galapagos national park entry fee paid ($100 + 20 USD for adults, $50+20 USD for kids CASH ONLY)

Trip Cancellations

In if the Trip departure is canceled by Organizer, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable;

If the trip is cancelled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following penalties will be applied: 

Cancellation 89 to 45 calendar days before departure - up to 50% of the trip cost, including registration deposit 

Cancellation 44 to 0 calendar days before departure – non refundable

Altitude and Acclimatizing

At the elevation of the city of Quito (2850m) some people feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness. That's normal. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. With altitude sickness, you may have a headache, nausea or trouble sleeping. 

As a suggestion for successful acclimatizing drink plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid alcohol drinks on the first days of your trip. If you have a headache, take medications immediately.


(!) People with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and pregnant women are strongly recommended to consult a therapist before having a high-altitude trip.

Weather & Packing list

GENERAL ITEMS

Middle sized suitcase for your main luggage (please check out for the airlines restrictions for max allowed checked luggage weight)

Duffel bag for your luggage or backpack can be useful on Amazon tour (medium-size suitecase will also work)

A small day-pack (for day-tours and in town walks)

Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)

Personal first aid kit (personal medication for migraines treatment, Imodium or similar, motion sickness (dramamine), band-a

** If you bring a photo-camera: charger + extra memory cards (if you run out of memory space, getting a new one can be expensive or difficult. If you bring a tripod, make it a lightweight non-bulky


QUITO & ANDEAN REGION

Altitude 9500-12000feet, 

Average air temp: 55-70F, Windy, Possibility of rains in the afternoons (low in July)


Windbreaker jacket

Fleece jacket or warm hoodie

Beanie & gloves

Hiking pants, windproof 

Sunscreen UV 50+

Lip balm with sun protection

Sunglasses

Tennis shoes

Cotopaxi day-hike: Trekking shoes

Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)


GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Altitude 0-3000 Feet, Average air temp 80-90F

Average water temp: Nov to May ~75-77F, June to Oct ~65-70F, Possibility of light rains


Light pants /bermudas

A change of loose t-shirts 

Long sleeve loose shirt (for sun protection)

Swimming suite

Sunhat

A light sweatshirt (for breezy evenings)

A waterproof jacket /windbreaker (for speedboat rides between Santa Cruz and Isabela islands)

Quick-dry sandals or tennis shoes for day-tours

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Sunglasses

Binoculars – optional 

Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)


Provided gear on day-tours (at no extra cost):

Masks and flippers for snorkeling 

Drinking water

Please use ONLY bottled drinking water.  

Tap water is good only for brushing your teeth.

What’s included

  • Comfortable Lodging
    Hotel 4* in Quito, Cotopaxi: Hacienda -house, Beachfront Hotels in Galapagos
  • Day-tours & activities
    All included excursions, day-tours, activities and arrangements
  • Ground Transportation
    Quito: Private van; Galapagos: Private airport transfers , 1 shared boat tour , 1 speedboat ride btw Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands
  • 1 local flight Galapagos
    Mini-jet flight btw Isabela & Baltra
  • Included Meal Plan
    Quito: Breakfasts in hotels , Cotopaxi: Full Board,, Galapagos: Breakfasts & lunches
  • Professional Assistance
    English-speaking local guides and naturalist guides certified by Galapagos National Park
  • Provided gear
    Galapagos: Masks & fins for snorkeling (for day-tours only)
  • Flights
    International to Quito (starts from $700 USD round trip), Domestic to/from Galapagos (starts from $350 USD round trip)
  • Admissions
    Galapagos NP: $120USD/adult ($50USD/child up to 12), Papallacta thermal pools ~$25USD
  • Meals
    Lunches and dinners in Quito,, Dinners in Galapagos
  • Travel insurance
    Medical & Trip cancellations
  • Optional activities
    Horseback riding in hacienda Cotopaxi (paid directly)

Available Packages

Adult (12+)
Available until 90 days before departure
$3,590
Deposit: $600
Child (under 12)
Available until 90 days before departure
$3,390
Deposit: $600


Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri)
Hola, Ecuador! Arrival in Quito

Arrival to Quito in the afternoon.

Meet with your local english-speaking guide at the airport terminal exit and drive to town (45min - 1 hr). Hotel check-in, evening at your own.

Overnight in hotel, Quito.


Quito altitude - 2850m

Your Organizer


ST
Safarika Travel
26 reviews
Safarika Adventure Club (Safarika Travel Inc.) was founded in Los Angeles (CA) in the year 2013. Legal travel provider on the territory of United States (California Seller of Travel License # 2112795-40) since 2013. Founder & CEO - Karina Safari, professional adventure travel organizer and team leader since 2011. Specialization: in small group hiking trips in South America and beyond, as well as private eco-adventures for families.

Reviews

LZ
Every day of the trip was unforgettable and filled with adventure. After telling all the stories to friends dozens of times I realize how lucky I am to know Safarika Adventure Club , because without Karina Safari this trip would not have been as awesome.
By Larysa Z for Best of New Zealand North to South Adventure on 20 Mar, 2023
YM
Absolutely incredible experience! We've learned about ice walking and received many useful tips about winter photography. Great company, as always (unforgettable memories) Thank you, Karina & Alex!
By Yelena M for Canada Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure on 08 Feb, 2023
GL
Another travel (Canada Winter Wonderland), another great adventure & memorable experiences. I highly recommend this trip and our guide, Alex Mironyuk!
By Grigory L for Canada Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure on 04 Feb, 2023
Amazing trip. Incredible views of winter Canada wonders and great company.
By Vladimir L for Canada Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure on 30 Jan, 2023
DG
Amazing experience, great team, and incredible guide! Everything went smooth and super well-organized. The itinerary was thoughtful and accommodations cozy. The organizers' guidance of what to pack to feel warm and comfortable was spot on. Very unusual to see and experience beautiful hiking trails and their surroundings covered in ice and snow, much less crowded too. Frozen waterfalls were absolutely magical! Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone not afraid of a bit of cold.
By Denis G for Canada Winter Wonderland Snowshoe Adventure on 30 Jan, 2023
Show More Reviews

References

YM
One of the best trips I've done! I am mainly either a solo traveler or prefer to go with my family But 4 days hiking trip to Montana Glacier NP has changed my preferences :) Thank you very much, it's been a pleasure and FUN Met so many interesting intelligent people, would highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations
By Yelena M on 10 Sep, 2020
GL
I traveled with Karina to Patagonia in 2020 and it was awesome! Perfect planning & organization throughout the trip, including dealing with the unexpected (e.g. lost luggage). I really liked other folks in the group and made several new friends in this trip. I highly recommend Karina's trips to casual and semi-serious hikers, and plan to be a return customer myself.
By Grigory L on 14 Mar, 2020
Thank you, Karina, for a wonderful first time experience of active adventure trip! Everything is well thought and organized. Would recommend to anyone!
By Aizhan T on 20 Jun, 2019