Overview of Your Galápagos & Haciendas Tour

This exciting adventure tour offers two contrasting views of Ecuador: the Andes Mountains and indigenous life of this lessor-visited mainland and its popular, wildlife infused off-shore attraction, the Galápagos Islands, all in one fascinating trip. The pleasures of Ecuador’s timeless country lifestyle are an ideal destination for the inquisitive traveler who enjoys getting off the beaten track to learn about a country’s traditions and its crafts, while enjoying unique accommodations and mountain scenery.

You’ll spend several days visiting Ecuador sights along the famed Avenue of the Volcanos! Peruse handicraft markets and artisan shops, enjoying scenic mountain hot springs, and hike in the highland cloud forest and unique paramo landscape. Sleep in picturesque Ecuadorian haciendas and dine on local cuisine, all as a magnificent prelude to the Galápagos trip of your choosing. We offer a wide range of Galápagos Island tours, from liveaboard cruises to luxury highland lodges to active island hopping adventure itineraries. The flexibility allows you to customize your trip according to what best suits your interests, schedule and budget. Ecuador is sure to please!

Trip Features
  • 11+ Days
  • Starting at $4,500 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Wildlife, Hiking, Snorkeling, Land & Water Activities
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Cotopaxi National Park, Papallacta Hot Springs, Otavalo Market, Galápagos Islands

Sample Itinerary

Galápagos & Haciendas

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Upon arrival into Quito, a Southern Explorations representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. If you have extra time, we recommend arriving a day early to allow time to explore Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Today the adventure begins with a fascinating drive south through the Avenue of Volcanoes, viewing the spectacular high plains that surround Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano at 19,347 feet. In the park, see llamas, wild horses, deer, rabbits, the Andean gulls, hummingbirds, and perhaps the Andean condor if you are extremely lucky! Stop at Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, located at the base of  Rumiñahui Volcano. Limpiopungo is home to abundant highland waterfowl including gulls, ducks, and falcons.  After a hearty lunch on the trail, hike to El Parqueadero to get a breathtaking view of a nearby glacier. In late afternoon, you reach your final destination, an authentic hacienda for a delicious dinner and comfortable night’s stay. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, drive towards Ecuador’s Amazon Basin, crossing the Continental Divide, through a dramatic landscape of high plains and volcanoes. Arrive at the Papallacta Hot Springs, where you will enjoy a mellow hike to a waterfall and the entrance of the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve located on the shoulder of the Andes at the Continental Divide. The landscape in this reserve is a mix of endemic highland paramo with patches of cloud forest. Much water is retained in this sponge-like environment, forming the largest water system in the world. Enjoy lunch at the resort followed by free time to relax at this beautiful mountain retreat. You’ll have access to hot springs at the doorstep of your room, as well as access to the thermal plunge pools in the spa area. Surrounded by majestic mountains, including views of Antisana in the distance, you will feel rejuvenated as you walk the beautiful landscaped paths of Papallacta, adorned with flowers that attract hummingbirds and other avian delights. Enjoy dinner and a restful night of sleep at Papallacta. (B,L,D)

After breakfast and a last refreshing soak, travel through the lush highlands to a valley deep in the Andes where the town of Otavalo and its famous textile market is located. Whether you are looking to shop for handicrafts or just want to browse, you’ll enjoy the endless variety of colorful blankets, ponchos, sweaters, bags, shirts, tapestries, and tablecloths. Of course, there is much more than just textiles. Other popular handicrafts include paintings, Panama hats, ceramics, leather goods, carvings, and much more. Enjoy a private weaving demonstration by a family of artisans that shows how they are preserving their ancestral traditions. In the late afternoon, you drive into a highland region of countless lakes in Imbabura Province, where you’ll enjoy dinner and cozy accommodations at a charming historic hacienda. (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast before you set off on today’s adventure though this culturally rich region of Ecuador. Drive to the town of Cotacachi, known for its handcrafted leather items and stop in Peguche, known for indigenous culture and heritage. You’ll learn about the traditions of this region and have time to browse the local handicrafts. Enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine. Time permitting, we’ll stop at a final lookout point at Cuicocha Crater Lake, which is in a nature reserve located on the slopes of the larger Cotacachi Volcano. Picturesque Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure. (B,L)

Today begins with the transfer to the airport for the 600-mile flight to the Galápagos. Galápagos Island tours are a varied mix of some of the worlds most fascinating flora and fauna. Upon arriving in the Islands, you’ll be transferred to your vessel to begin your Galápagos wildlife adventure. Depending on the Galápagos cruise you’ve selected, you’ll be spending five to eight glorious days in this magical archipelago. Not into cruising? We also offer land based tours! (B,L,D)

The next few days are spent exploring the fascinating Galápagos Islands. Each of the Galápagos Islands has its own particular topography, ecology and wildlife. For those on cruises, you’ll visit two landing sites each day, led by your naturalist guide, and have hiking and snorkeling opportunities, an evening briefing, and time to relax onboard. For those opting for land based tours, you’ll enjoy an array of daily excursions with options for more active adventures and opportunities to interact with local communities. No matter what itinerary you choose, cruise or land-based,  you’ll be blown away by the wildlife you’ll encounter. For general information, please check out our cruise and land tour itineraries on this website. Contact us to determine what the right kind of Galápagos tour is for you! (B,L,D)

Alas, Galápagos tours don’t last forever. Some tours squeeze in one last short excursion before heading to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy your final night in Quito, Ecuador. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your amazing Ecuador adventure! (B)

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Accommodations for Galápagos Islands

Here is a sample of possible hotels on this trip. To see more, or discuss available hotel upgrades, please contact us.

Trip FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

Talk to a Travel Expert
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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and we’re happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to Galápagos Islands

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Testimonials

This was the first organized tour that we have ever taken, but now that we have experienced what a great job Southern Explorations does, it will not be the last. We are now spoiled and will expect any other trip we take to measure up to their standards.

– Dan & Randy Busch

Trip Extensions

Make this the best trip to the Galápagos Islands!

Want to add something special or connect this trip to a larger itinerary? Browse these most-added trip extensions, or contact our travel experts for even more tours and activities to fulfill your dream getaway!

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