Ecuador Galapagos and Colombia Adventure
21 days from £7,700 pp
Our Ecuador, Galapagos & Colombia Adventure is a private, 21-day tailor-made tour combining Quito and the cloud forest, a week of island hopping in the Galapagos on Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela, and Colombia’s Bogotá, Medellín, coffee country and Cartagena. Prices start from £7,700 per person and include accommodation, private guides, transport, excursions and connecting flights. Perfect for active travellers with three weeks who want wildlife, culture, food and a Caribbean finish, away from the big cruise ships.
Trip Highlights
- The peaceful wonders of the Galapagos away from crowds and big boats
- Meet locals, hear their stories, stay on their land and try delicious home cooked food
- Paddleboard alongside sea turtles and blue footed boobies
- Jump on a bike for a unique foodie tour of colourful Colombian cities
Our Expert Tip
”While staying on Floreana Island, on a clear night step out of your cabin and experience the unique combination of stargazing to the sounds of the ocean and frolicking sealions. It’s a moment you won’t forget.”
Sam, Founder
Ecuador, Galapagos & Colombia Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-2: Quito, Ecuador
Your adventure begins in Quito. You’ll have time to relax after your flight at B-Corp Hotel Carlota and enjoy your surroundings. Meet your expert guide who will show you the highlights of this amazing city on a walking tour aroundthe UNESCO-listed colonial centre. Try some unique local activities like cooking classes, take a visit to artisan workshops and even join a chocolate tour. Quito is big on the gastronomy scene; try some delicious local food in one of the top rated restaurants in the city.
Day 3-4: Cloud Forest, Ecuador
Meet your private driver and transfer 2 hours out of Quito to the magical Cloud Forest of Ecuador. Your time here is all about nature, action and lush green scenery. The Cloud Forest is world famous for bird watching with hundreds of rare species found, as well as a range of nature hikes and rich biodiversity everywhere you look. Have a go at river tubing, horse riding, zip lining and even wild swimming. Stay in El Monte Lodge in the heart of nature and wildlife. Perfect for the adventurous traveller and those who love outdoor activities.
Day 5: Itabaca Channel, Galapagos
Time for your Galapagos Islands adventure. Catch a flight to the Islands and get into the action right away. Using our exclusive lounge, get changed into swim gear and transfer immediately to the Itabaca Channel, getting straight out on the turquoise waters. Jump on a Kayak or Paddleboard and see up close, some of the iconic Galapagos wildlife people the world over travel this far to see. Glide through mangroves, paddle past lava rocks and keep an eye out for turtles and blue footed boobies. Finish in Santa Cruz on a private reserve and say hello to giant tortoises roaming free. For the full island-hopping route, see our 8-day Galapagos Island-Hopping Adventure.
Day 6: Santa Fe, Galapagos
Perfect for those looking for a more unique tour of the Galapagos Islands. Meet a local former fisherman for an exciting full day exploring the lesser visited side of the Galapagos. Learn about his former craft and why he swapped fishing for guiding visitors. Snorkel with sealions, paddle with gentle turtles, and look out for white-tip reef sharks. Witness one of the most important sealion colonies on earth; up close and with barely another soul around you. A really special experience.
Day 7-8: Floreana Island, Galapagos
An exhilarating speedboat journey takes you to Floreana to meet local legend Claudio Cruz; a descendant of the island’s original settlers. Kayak to the famous Black Beach for some undisturbed snorkelling before a slap up beach picnic. A visit to Sea Lion breeding ground is followed by snorkelling where you may see rays, and a sunset dinner with well earned cold drink. Learn the colourful history of the archipelago, before lacing up your hiking boots for an epic walk across pirate caves and freshwater springs. Visit Claudio’s farm and try and spot a Frigate bird dance. Finish with a delicious BBQ and stories shared by sunset. Stay at Floreana Lava Lodge.
Day 9-11: Isabela Island, Galapagos
A speedboat takes you to Isabela Island, catching a glimpse of Pink Flamingos by the lakeside. Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding centre, and take a bike ride to the Wall of Tears for really interesting cultural and historical insights. Venture to the Tintoreras Islands where the very lucky will swim with sharks. Go hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano; past epic landscapes, scenes of lava tubes and eerie passes. You’ll have earnt an afternoon relaxing on the beach, sunbathing and snorkeling with more iconic wildlife.
Day 12-13: Bogota, Colombia
Say goodbye to the amazing sights of the Galapagos archipelago as you fly via Quito to Bogota to start the Colombian leg of your trip. Meet your local expert guide and head out on foot to discover the old town colonial highlights. See this wonderful city by cable car, take a street art tour, and enjoy ambling at your own pace discovering your own highlights. Stay in a charming hotel, walkable to amazing restaurants and places to enjoy a rooftop drink with view.
Day 14-17: Medellin & Coffee, Colombia
Journey to Medellin and fall in love with this beautiful city, rich in art, history, and stories of hope. Your walking tour takes you through bustling plazas, colourful streets and amazing architecture. Your local guide will talk you through the history of Comuna 13; an inspiring region which shows the transformation the city has achieved, from its troubled past. Feeling active? Head to the iconic Rock of Guatape and climb its 740 steps. The views at the top are worth the effort. Visiting a coffee farm is a must. Be driven 45 minutes out of the city to a working coffee farm. Discover the growing process and the secret to why Colombian coffee is so delicious.
Day 18 – 20: Cartagena & beach, Colombia
Head to Cartagena for some city and beach time. Cartagena is a melting pot of unique cultures, colours, art, history, and even cuisine. The mix of Spanish Colonial culture with Caribbean influences is seen everywhere. Take a walking tour of the historical highlights, and why not jump on a bike for a really fun and unique foodie tour. Fancy some beach time to relax after your adventure? The beautiful Rosario Islands are just a hop away from the city, and a perfect way to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in some turquoise Caribbean waters.
Day 21: Depart
Spend your last few hours relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Colombia before your journey home.
Want to add more days on the beach, or interested in including the famous Lost City Trek? Our Colombia experts can design this holiday bespoke to your wish list. Read more about the best things to do on a Colombia holiday. Want more time in Colombia? See our Colombia In-Depth Holiday.
When to Go
Best time for an Ecuador, Galapagos and Colombia holiday
The best months for this trip are December to March, when Colombia’s Caribbean coast and Medellín are at their driest and the Galapagos has warm water and calm seas. July and August are also good, with dry weather in Colombia and the Ecuadorian Andes and rich marine life in the Galapagos. April, May, October and November bring more rain to Colombia. Ask us which month suits you best.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
