Ecuador Highlights & Galapagos Island-Hopping
14 days from £4,500 pp
Ecuador Highlights & Galapagos Island-Hopping is a private, 14-day tailor-made trip combining Quito, the Mindo cloud forest and Cotopaxi with a week of land-based island hopping on Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela. Prices start from £4,500 per person and include all accommodation, private guides, transport, excursions and Galapagos flights. It suits wildlife lovers who’d rather stay on land than on a cruise ship, with snorkelling, hiking and time with local families on the islands.
Trip Highlights
- Get closer to the iconic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
- Go on canopy walks, river tubing and zip lining
- Embark on a stunning trek past waterfalls and crater lakes
- Meet local legend Claudio and experience life on the Islands
Our Expert Tip
”Choosing a land-based Galapagos holiday rather than staying on a boat gives you longer with the wildlife on each island, and far more time with the local families who live there.”
Sam, Founder
2-Week Ecuador & Galapagos Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-2: Quito
Arrive in Quito and settle into Hotel Carlota in the heart of the colonial old town for two nights. With your guide, explore the UNESCO-listed centre’s churches and plazas, then choose from chocolate tasting, a visit to a local artist’s studio, or simply finding your favourite café.
Ask us for restaurant ideas: Quito’s food scene is one of the most exciting in South America.
Day 3-4: Cloud Forest
Drive two hours west to Mindo, where the Andes drop into misty cloud forest. Stay at El Monte Lodge and spend two days on canopy walks, zip lines and river tubing, or join an early-morning birdwatching walk to spot toucans, tanagers and dozens of hummingbird species. Bring good binoculars.
Day 5-6: Cotopaxi
Travel high into the Andes to Cotopaxi National Park, where you will spend two nights at Chilcabamba Lodge surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes. Wake to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano and explore the park on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
Alternatively, choose to travel north to the indigenous region of Otavalo, renowned for its craft markets and traditional weavers. Here, experience a slice of authentic Ecuadorian culture and community life. Whatever you choose, your expert guide will show you the best of the region, tailoring the experience to your interests.
Day 7: Itabaca Channel, Galapagos
For full day-by-day detail of this part of the trip, see our 8-day Galapagos Island-Hopping Adventure. Fly to the Galapagos and start with kayaking or paddleboarding in the Itabaca Channel, then visit a private reserve on Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in the wild.
Not sure whether to cruise or island-hop? Read our guide. Prefer a boat? See our Galapagos cruises.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala or similar
Day 8: Santa Fe, Galapagos
A full-day boat trip with a former local fisherman to Santa Fe, snorkelling with sea lions and colourful reef fish.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala or similar
Day 9: Floreana Island, Galapagos
Speedboat to remote Floreana, where Claudio Cruz welcomes you to Floreana Lava Lodge, then snorkel at Black Beach and a nearby sea lion colony.
Accommodation: Floreana Lava Lodge
Day 10: Floreana Island, Galapagos
Hike past pirate caves and freshwater springs, hear the story of the Wittmers and “The Baroness”, and join Claudio for a family barbecue on his farm.
Accommodation: Floreana Lava Lodge
Day 11: Isabela Island, Galapagos
Cross to Isabela for the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, a bike ride to the Wall of Tears and snorkelling at Las Tintoreras.
Accommodation: Hotel Isamar or similar
Day 12: Isabela Island, Galapagos
Hike to the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, then relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.
Accommodation: Hotel Isamar or similar
Day 13: Isabela Island, Galapagos
A free day for snorkelling, paddleboarding or gentle walks before your last night on the islands.
Accommodation: Hotel Isamar or similar
Day 14: Depart
Return to Santa Cruz and fly from Baltra to the mainland to connect with your international flight home. Only have a week? Our 8-day Galapagos Island-Hopping Adventure focuses on the islands. Have three weeks? See our 3-week Ecuador itinerary.
When to Go
Best time for Ecuador and Galapagos island hopping
This trip works all year. December to May brings warmer water for snorkelling and calmer seas for the speedboat crossings between Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela. June to November is cooler, with choppier crossings but richer marine life. In the Andes, June to September is driest, with the clearest views of Cotopaxi. 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.
