Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth
23 days from £6,400 pp
Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth is a private, 23-day tailor-made journey through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, from Quito and Otavalo’s Kichwa weavers to the Mindo cloud forest, Cotopaxi, the Amazon and colonial Cuenca. Prices start from £6,400 per person and include all accommodation, private guides, transport and excursions, finishing with a Galapagos cruise, island hopping or a lodge stay. It suits guests with three weeks who want to meet local people, explore very different landscapes and see Ecuador at an unhurried pace. See more of our Galapagos Islands holidays.
Trip Highlights
- Delicious food and warm Ecuadorian hospitality at Chilcabamba Lodge
- Wild swim in crystal-clear waterfalls
- Immerse yourself in indigenous Amazon communities
- Walk alongside Giant Tortoises and snorkel with sealions
Our Expert Tip
”With so much to see and do, try and also make time for some quiet moments. Listening to birdsong in the Amazon, watching sealions play or taking a quiet stroll through Quito”
Sam, Founder
3-Week Ecuador Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1-2: Quito
After a private transfer to your stylish boutique hotel in the historic centre of Quito, choose from a selection of guided local activities.
From a classic walking tour, to chocolate tasting and gastronomic experiences, or visits to the workshops of expert artisans. Welcome to Ecuador and the start of your slow travel trip.
Day 3-4: Otavalo
Head north to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. After exploring the famous craft market, visit the workshop of internationally renowned ‘master weaver’ Miguel Andrango, to learn about his intricate and traditional craftwork.
You can also take lakeside hikes, join a cooking class, try some horse-riding, or simply relax in the peaceful mountain air.
Day 5-6: Cloud forest
Journey into a new and fascinating ecosystem; the misty high-altitude Mindo Cloud Forest. Regarded as one of the finest birdwatching spots, Mindo is also a place for adventure.
Swim beneath waterfalls, feel the thrill of river tubing or ziplining, hike the lush forest trails, or simply sit back in your hammock and soak up the sounds of pristine nature.
Day 7-9: Cotopaxi
After waving goodbye to the cloud forest, return to the high Andes and one of Ecuador’s most spectacular national parks, Cotopaxi National Park. This amazing National Park is named after the iconic snow-capped volcano that dominates the landscape.
The region is a mecca for outdoor adventures, with hiking, horse-riding, and mountain biking all available right from Chilcabamba Lodge.
Day 10-12: Amazon
It’s time to go off-the-beaten track now, as you venture into the Amazon basin. Choose to fly into the heart of the rainforest and stay at a remote wilderness lodge, or take a unique road trip to witness how frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures deeper into the wild.
However you arrive, a host of fascinating Amazonian flora and fauna awaits. From monkeys and macaws to caiman and tapir, experience an unforgettable encounter in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
Day 13-17: Baños & Cuenca
Leaving the Amazon, take a road trip along the southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, including the adventure playground of Baños, the famous Devil’s Nose Train, which zigzags down an almost sheer mountainside, and the Inca complex of Ingapirca.
Afterwards, spend a couple of days in Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful colonial cities.
Day 18-22: – Galapagos Islands
Flying out over the Pacific Ocean to reach one of the world’s most fascinating wildlife destinations; the Galapagos Islands. Choose from a small-ship cruise, an island-hopping adventure, or a lodge-based stay with daily excursions. There are so many ways to experience this unique archipelago, so speak to one of our experts who will design the perfect version of a Galapagos holiday for you. Not sure whether to cruise or island-hop? Read our guide.
Speak to our team about the best time to book your Galapagos stay.
Day 23: Depart
Fly from the Galapagos to Quito or Guayaquil to connect with your international flight home.
When to Go
Best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos
Ecuador is a year-round destination, so this trip works in any month. June to September is the driest time in the Andes, with the clearest views of Cotopaxi, while December to May brings warmer water and calmer seas in the Galapagos. The Amazon is rewarding all year, with higher river levels from April to July making it easier to explore by canoe. Ask us which month best suits the wildlife and activities you’re most excited about.
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.
