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An Action-Packed Galápagos and Ecuador Adventure

Duration
9 days
Price guide
From $17,826 per person
A view of sandy and rocky mountains and clear blue sea in the Galapagos Islands
A wild sea turtle beneath the waves in the Galapagos Islands
Wild sea lions on a white sand beach in the Galapagos Islands
Indigenous Ecuadorian Otavalo woman in traditional clothing, hat and hairstyle on Otavalo local market with textile and fabric stalls, Ecuador.
Explore the wildlife kingdom of the Galápagos on an energetic adventure-driven jaunt around the islands. Speed-boating between luxury lodges and staying on both dramatic Isabela and central Santa Cruz islands, this trip gives you the chance to see a different side to the Galapagos, as well as enjoying kayaking, snorkelling, cycling and hiking volcanoes. Finally, wind down with two days in Ecuador’s Otavalo area, staying in an authentic hacienda, enjoying this scenic Andean region and its rich cultural traditions.

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy a small boat tour to Los Tuneles to snorkel with white tipped reef sharks
  • Tackle hikes up volcanic craters around the Galapagos
  • Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre of Los Humedales
  • Discover the Divine Bay Marine Reserve and its sea lions by kayak
  • Spot blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds on a trip to North Seymour Island
  • Relax and uncover the bucolic pace of life around the Otavalo
  • Navigating narrow channels by zodiac boat
    Navigating narrow channels by zodiac boat
  • Hikers looking out to crystal blue waters
    Hikers looking out to crystal blue waters
  • A pair of Galápagos giant tortoises in the highlands
    A pair of Galápagos giant tortoises in the highlands
  • Adventurous travellers kayaking in the Galápagos Marine Reserve
    Adventurous travellers kayaking in the Galápagos Marine Reserve
  • Otavalo market, full of culture, history and beautiful crafts
    Otavalo market, full of culture, history and beautiful crafts

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge

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Itinerary in detail

Every trip is shaped around you. Below is a sample route to start from; we change any part of it to suit you.

Days 1-2

Overnight in Guayaquil

The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country’s economic hub and excellent international and domestic flight connections. With a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments, we can help you make the most of your short time here should you want to venture out.

Overnight in Guayaquil

Where you could stay

Days 3-4

Two nights on Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, surpassing all other islands combined in size. Home to penguins, flightless cormorants, marine and land iguanas and numerous marine birds, it features five volcanoes, including Sierra Negra with the world’s second-largest crater.

Two nights on Isabela Island

Where you could stay

Make it mine

Sail to Los Tuneles

Aboard a small boat, head to a place where lava flow has been impacted for many years by the oceans waves. This has formed the unique tubes, arches and bridges of Los Tuneles. This site is one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, a marine paradise for white tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays and parrot fish.

Days 5-7

Three nights on Santa Cruz Island

Today, you’ll transfer by speedboat from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz, the central hub of the Galápagos Islands, where your explorations will begin. Santa Cruz has a fascinating blend of human heritage and natural wonders. The island features stunning white sand beaches, rugged lava landscapes and lush highlands.

The island has numerous vegetation zones and microclimates, evident in the higher altitude regions of Santa Cruz. During your time here you will get the chance to explore the area, visiting crater pits where you can walk along the rims and stopping off to see eerie and mysterious lava tunnels. Your guide will also ensure that you’re able to see Galápagos tortoises up close in their natural habitat at the Tortoise Reserve.

Three nights on Santa Cruz Island

Where you could stay

Pass by rose farms and markets as you transfer to Otavalo

Pass by rose farms and markets as you transfer to Otavalo

Transfer to Quito, and then towards Otavalo, visiting one of the most important rose farms in the Cayambe area, and the Otavalo Indian Market, famous throughout the Andes for its handcrafts, textiles and tapestries. Lunch will be served at Hacienda La Compañia, one of the oldest haciendas in the area and still a private residence.

Positive impact

Kayaking for Seabird Monitoring

Hop into double kayaks from Playa de los Alemanes and paddle along the coast with your guide in search of species such as blue-footed boobies, pelicans and tropicbirds. Work as a team to observe, identify and record seabirds, ready to submit your data to eBird, a global citizen science platform used to track bird distribution and population trends. You’ll gain a deeper sense of appreciation for the Galápagos’ biodiversity through your active contribution to its protection, learning more about it as you go.

Make it mine

Sail to North Seymour Island

Take a shared boat out from Santa Cruz across to North Seymour Island. A low lying island that is an extraordinary place for breeding birds and sea lions, and is home to one of the largest populations of nesting blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds, as well as a growing population of the Galapagos land iguanas.

Days 8-9

Two days enjoying the Otavalo

Spend your time in the beautiful countryside of the Otavalo region simply enjoy the relaxed pace of life, and then taking the opportunity to take part in one of our privately guided tours, exploring traditional Ecuadorian culture.

The region is the centre of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, so a stop at the huge daily market is one of the must-do activities while you’re here. The famous handicraft market is the ideal spot to find souvenirs and delve deeper into Ecuador’s indigenous heritage. Many stallholders wear traditional clothing, preserving and celebrating their strong culture. The fruits and vegetable market situated alongside is also a great place to immerse yourself in the everyday life here in Otavalo. 

Two days enjoying the Otavalo

Where you could stay

Guided excursions around Hacienda Zuleta

Guided excursions around Hacienda Zuleta

Accompanied by your own private guide, explore the beautiful Hacienda Zuleta and the surrounding area. Make the day your own with a choice of activities, from two-hour horse rides, to hikes, cultural tours to Otavalo, and visits to a condor conservation projects, Zuleta’s cheese factory and organic hardens. Other activities, such as extended horse rides, cooking lessons and mountain biking can also be added to the day at an extra cost.

★★★★★

“Amazing galapagos adventure”

This is the second trip we have taken to South America with Jacada and every detail has been perfect both times. The trip works seamlessly, there is always someone to meet you at the airport (and help you get your pcr test!) One of my favorite things about these trips is the local agencies they partner with have the best…

Wendy Flanagan · Trustpilot

Why book with Jacada

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Positive impact

    We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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