From the Andes to Galapagos - 12 Days
Discover the riches of Ecuador, its landscapes, its fauna, its exceptional flora and the incredible volcano of Cotopaxi. Then, embark on an unforgettable cruise in the Galapagos archipelago!
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Gulliver Expeditions
Gulliver ExpeditionsFor 12 years already, we enable tourists to discover the most beautiful sites of Ecuador.
- Local time:12:34
ITINERARY
- Day 1 Arrival and Transfer in to hotel
- Day 2 City old town and Middle of the W
- Day 3 Otavalo Indigenous Market
- Day 4 Cotopaxi National Park
- Day 5 Quilotoa Crater Lake
- Day 6 Transfer to Baños - Waterfalls -Transfer
- Day 7 Flight to Galapagos/Millenium Cruise
- Day 8 Punta Pitt, Galapaguera Natural –
- Day 9 Cerro Brujo, León Dormido – Sunday
- Day 10 Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner – Mond
- Day 11 Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay –
- Day 12 Puerto Ayora, Transfer out – Wedne
DAY 1
Arrival and Transfer in to hotel
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon your arrival in Quito you will be greeted by one of our drivers who will be holding a sing with your name. Our driver will pick you up and then transfer you to the hotel where you will spend the night, before your adventure in Ecuador begins. Meals included: *** Read more
Quito, 1 Night
DAY 2
City old town and Middle of the W
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will begin your day by exploring the historic center of Quito. This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNSECO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to having the best preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you the highlights such as La Plaza de la Independencia, La Iglesia de San Francisco and the impressive Basilica de Voto Nacional. During this time you will learn of Quito͛s turbulent history as well as taking in the sights and sounds of daily Ecuadorian life. Afterwards we have approximately a one hour drive to Mitad Del Mundo meaning ͚middle of the world͛. This is the point where you can stand with one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the North. The Intiñan Museum shows an interesting range of experiments to demonstrate the uniqueness and magic of this special location. Following this you will visit the unique Pululahua, a dormant volcano which offers impressive landscapes. It is 1 of only 2 volcanos in the world that is inhabited. Indigenous people have settled there taking advantage of the fertile lands for farming. Meals included: breakfast Read more
Quito, 1 Night
DAY 3
Otavalo Indigenous Market
Our first stop will be in Cayambe where we will taste the town͛s famous bizcochos, traditional biscuits cooked on an open fire. From there we head toward Otavalo whilst admiring the beautiful scenery of San Pablo Lake. Once in Otavalo you will discover the most famous indigenous artesian market in Ecuador. You will have free time to explore and purchase local handicrafts and the guide will provide an explanation of the local indigenous culture. We continue to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods then onward to the beautiful Cuicocha lagoon. Meals included: breakfast Read more
Otavalo, 1 Night
DAY 4
Cotopaxi National Park
As one of the highest active snow-caped volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi͛s (5,897m) symmetric cone rises up from a vast plain that is home to llamas, condors and herds of wild horses. Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the ͞Avenue of the Volcanoes͟. Inside the national park we hike up to the refuge, which is situated at 4,810m on the Cotopaxi snowline. Depending on conditions we will then hike up to 5,000m where it can be possible to see the glacier. This tour goes to a height of 4,810m, it is important that you are prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days around 3,000m. Meals included: breakfast Read more
Machachi, 1 Night
DAY 5
Quilotoa Crater Lake
Ever growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoa is a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You͛ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua which makes for a great photo opportunity and close to there you will visit an indigenous family. When you reach Quilotoa itself you can walk down from the rim to the water͛s edge and appreciate it ́s beauty up close for yourself. The hike back up is rather steep however there is always the option of renting a mule for a few extra dollars. Meals Included: breakfast Read more
Machachi, 1 Night
DAY 6
Transfer to Baños - Waterfalls -Transfer
Beautiful waterfalls and lush forests surround the tranquil town of Baños. It is known as the ͚Gateway to the Amazon͛ as it is located on the Pastaza River in the High Amazon Basin. Also a major religious center with Catholics believers saying that the Virgin Mary appeared near the waterfalls to protect the city from natural disasters. This is because the city is overshadowed by the highly active Tungurahua volcano. During your day in Baños you begin by visiting the magical waterfalls of Pailón del Diablo and you will use a cable car across a ravine to see Manto de la Novia up close in person. Meals included: breakfast Read more
Quito, 1 Night
DAY 7
Flight to Galapagos/Millenium Cruise
You are able to choose one of two Itinearries from Millineum Yacht, those are C or D. Find below the description of each one of them. Itinerary C: The Southern Islands (Friday to Wednesday) Arrival, Centro de Interpretación, Isla Lobos – Friday Your flight from Quito or Guayaquil arrives at noon in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the administrative center of the archipelago on San Cristóbal Island. In the afternoon you get to Isla Lobos. This rock island near the beach of Ochoa on San Cristobal houses blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, which nest between saltbushes. Sea lions also live here and candelabra cactuses grow in this area. Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Read more
Millenium Yacht 1 Night
DAY 8
Punta Pitt, Galapaguera Natural –
At daybreak you reach the northeastern point of San Cristobal, Punta Pitt. The path leads you through colonies of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red- and blue-footed boobies. Punta Pitt is the only place on the Galapagos Islands where all three booby species are found together. In the afternoon you hike from the beach to the highlands, to the area of "Galápaguera Natural". You need about 3,5 hours for the round-trip. Since there are no shady trees, it may be quite hot in the warmer seasons. However, you will be rewarded with seeing the famous Galapagos giant tortoise in their natural habitat. These huge animals can live up to 200 years and weigh up to 300kg. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Read more
Millenium Yacht, 1 Night
DAY 9
Cerro Brujo, León Dormido – Sunday
In the morning you debark near Cerro Brujo at the west coast of San Cristóbal island. Boobies, gulls and some pelicans live in this fascinating crater landscape, and the protected bay is home to young ocean turtles and rays – a nice place for snorkeling and swimming. After lunch you drive along the coast the shattered tuff cone León Dormido (Kicker Rock), which serves as a nesting site for many sea birds. Be on the lookout for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and frigate birds! Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Read more
Millenium Yacht, 1 Night
DAY 10
Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner – Mond
The flat, southern island of Española (Hood) belongs to the birds. Big colonies of blue-footed and masked boobies nest here, and from April to December about 10.000 albatrosses join them. Moreover, tropicbirds, several gulls, oscine birds, land and marine iguanas come along. In the morning you visit Punta Suarez, where you arrive at a rock hole with fountains up to 35m after a 4 km walk to the south coast. Sea lions surf on the waves, and you encounter big marine iguanas, you͛ll notice the males are red colored. This area is home to oystercatchers, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls. Lava lizards live here as well as three species of Darwin͛s finches, amongst others the large cactus fink, which also only exist on Genovesa Island. You spend the afternoon at Gardener Bay. The 2km long sandy beach is one of the most beautiful bays for swimming. Sea lions lay lazily in the sun, hood mockingbirds welcome visitors and often Galapagos hawks stay nearby. Besides marine iguanas, you also encounter bright red crabs strolling over the rocks at the end of the beach. Isla Osborn and Isla Gardner offer great places for snorkeling. Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Read more
Millenium Yacht, 1 Night
DAY 11
Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay –
Floreana (Charles): the first island to be colonized in 1832, the annals of Floreana document a wild mix of colonists. In the 1930s it attracted worldwide attention as site of a Hollywood-like dropout drama, several deaths and the disappearance of some protagonists riddles until today. The lagoon of Punta Cormorant with its olive green shimmering beach is home to flamingos and other wading birds. After a short walk over cold volcanic scoria you arrive at a beach with coral sand, fine as flour. From December to March Pacific green turtles nest here. Moreover, the beach is a perfect spot to see stingrays. Many endemic plants grow in this arid zone. Floreana͛s best known sight is the wooden barrel at Post Office Bay, which has already served as a mail box in whaler͛s times. Near Punta Cormorant and Bahia Post Office you can go snorkeling. Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Read more
Millenium Yacht, 1 Night
DAY 12
Puerto Ayora, Transfer out – Wedne
Even though Santa Cruz was the last island to become established, in 1926, it houses today about half of the Galapagos inhabitants and forms the center of the archipelago due to its central location. The Charles Darwin Research Station, at which up to 100 scientists from all over the world work annually, is located here. Also at this station, nature conservancy and environmental education play a major role. Therefore, a visit at the information center and the open-air grounds with its tortoise and iguana enclosures is a must-do when you stay at the Galapagos Islands. About noon you fly from Baltra back to the continent, Guayaquil or Quito. Meals Included: breakfast We hope that you enjoyed your time in Ecuador. Thank you for choosing Gulliver Expeditions. *** END OF OUR SERVICES *** Read more
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day in trip
Location
Hotel
TRIP PACKAGE
Package includes
- Land Tour:
- Private Services
- Bilingual guide, comfortable transportation.
- Galapagos Cruise 6 days/5 nights:
- First Class
- Meals included as stated above (breakfast, lunch and dinner),
- accommodation in double cabin,
- all visits with English speaking guide,
- airport transfers in Galápagos.
- Transfers:
- Spanish speaking driver –
- Shuttle services
- 1 Airport-Hotel
- 1 Hotel-Airport
- Meals: Meals that stated in the itinerary
- Accommodation:
- Accommodation as stated in the itinerary or similar, in double Standard rooms
Package excludes
- National Park Entrance fee
- Galapagos and Ecuador:
- 1. Galápagos $100
- 2. Ingala card 20$
- 3. Isabela entrance fee $20, if boat pass by this island or for a daily tour
- 4. Entrance fee - Ecuador Land tour: Approx. $30
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Extra meals Wetsuit
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- International Flights
- Airlines/Local taxes updates
- Bank transfer fees
- Tips
More information
- *The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
- ** Prices are subject to changes due to local taxes updates.
- *** National flights: Airline baggage allowance is 20 kilograms per person. Important Notice: If your tour includes traveling in altitude, we highly recommend realizing a previous appointment with your doctor for a general physical checkup. We also recommend checking if you need to take any vaccination.
- HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDED FOR ALL FOREIGN VISITORS: We would like to inform you that according to the Ecuadorian Mobility Law updated last February 2017, any person who enters the country as a tourist must have public or private health insurance for the duration of his/her stay in Ecuador.
REVIEWS
Estephania, United States
The private car with a great guide, Pedro, was the way to see Ecuador. He took us where and when we wanted, knew lots of interesting things about beautiful Ecuador, never was lost, a great driver, gave us what ever we asked! The Ecuadorans are lovely, very kind people. We loved Banos for the great food, hot springs and inexpensive massages, recommend two nights there. We had airline issues and Marianne, who designed our tour, was there for us and made the inconvenience much more comfortable. I highly reccomend Gulliver Tours. Read more
Clara, United States
We had a blast! Our flight got in extremely delayed the previous night and Marianne made last minute arrangements for us to get picked up an hour later than agreed so we could sleep a bit more. Pedro was an excellent bilingual guide. Loved everything and haven't stopped talking about Quito!
Rhonda, United States
I can't say enough about this company! We used them twice for two tours and I was blown away by the service and professionalism! Prices were very reasonable! Today for our Cotopaxi tour, we had a very knowledgeable guide, Jose. Our driver Rodrigo was fantastic! The day before Wesley did a great job of navigating to Cayambe for our private horse ride. Both days Gulliver provided DELICIOUS lunches! Should I return to Ecuador I won't bother looking elsewhere for tours- it will definitely be Gulliver! Read more
THE TEAM
Jeremy Le Cem
Travel Expert
Paola Granja
Travel Expert
Janina Seebald
Travel Expert
For 12 years already, we enable tourists to discover the most beautiful sites of Ecuador.
If you have any questions or you want to customize your trip we are here for you at any time.
- Languages:German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
- Local time:12:34
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