Highlights of Ecuador

Discover the Highlights of Ecuador

Our Highlights of Ecuador holiday takes in Ecuador’s best highlights and in an action-packed 13-day holiday. From the volcanoes of the Andes to the spectacular wildlife of the Galapagos, this holiday will leave you in no doubt about why Ecuador is one of South America’s most unique destinations

You will start in the colonial city of Quito before heading through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes on your journey to the South Coast. Stop by the Cotopaxi National Park, the must-see Quilotoa crater and the avenue of waterfalls before enjoying two nights in the historic town of Cuenca.

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will then fly on to the Galapagos Islands for a 4-day land adventure. Enjoy daily activities amongst the unique wildlife that call these islands home.

Highlights

• Discover the colonial streets of Quito
• Take in the beauty of the countryside while staying in haciendas
• Journey through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Fly to the Galapagos Islands for a 4-day land adventure of this unique archipelago

Quick Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 - Quito

Days  3 - 5 - Avenue of Volcanoes

Days 6 - Cuenca

Day 7 - Guayaquil

Days 8 - 10 - Galapagos Islands

Days 11 & 12 - Overnight in UIO and transfer to the airport for your onward flight

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Days 1 & 2 - Quito

Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where you will spend two nights at Cultura Manor hotel and discover this colonial city, with its ancient buildings, friendly locals and traditional culture. Take a guided walking tour of the historical centre to understand the importance of Quito’s history and lasting cultural practices. You’ll also take a short drive north to the ‘middle of the world’ monument at the equator.

Days 3 - 5 - Avenue of Volcanoes

Staying at the Hacienda El Porvenir, Hotel Sangay and the Hosteria La Andaluza lodgings over the next three nights, from here you will take a guided journey by road through the Ecuadorian countryside, surrounded by the towering peaks of ancient volcanoes. Spend a day exploring the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park and the next day enjoy a visit to the must-see crater of Quilotoa and its brightly coloured lagoon. Experience the greenery of the Baños valley, where you will have a full-day tour of its incredible waterfalls. 

Days 6 - Cuenca

On your way to Cuenca, you will visit Ingapirca, home to ancient Inca ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, which was used by the Inca and Ca-ari cultures as a ceremonial and sacrificial site. 

Day 7 - Guayaquil

Take the road to Guayaquil via the Las Cajas National Park in Ecuador’s highlands, where you’ll have the opportunity for some wildlife spotting. On arrival in Guayaquil, check into the Wyndham Guayaquil for a night in this coastal city. Spend the evening promenading the bustling Malecon 2000, on the banks of the River Guayas.

Days 8 - 10 - Galapagos Islands

This morning you will take a two-hour flight to the Galapagos National Park and spend the next three days exploring nearby islands from your hotel on Santa Cruz, coming into close contact with unique species such as giant tortoises, Galapagos penguins, and blue-footed boobies.

Enjoy a range of activities such as gentle hikes into the highlands, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, and snorkelling during this wildlife experience of a lifetime! 

Days 11 & 12 - Depart Quito

Overnight in Quito, depart on overnight flight the following day.

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Ecuador.

Price from £6,249 per person

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights 

• 11 nights’ accommodation

• 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

• Private half-day city tour of Quito and the Middle of the World

• Private full-day tours exploring Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Crater Lagoon and Avenue of Waterfalls

• Galapagos National Park and Ingala Card fees

• Visit Ingapirca

• Private full-day tour to Guayaquil with a visit to El Cajas National Park

• Private driver guide from Quito to Guayaquil

• Shared tour of Santa Cruz highlands and two full-day shared tours to uninhabited islands, like North Seymour

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites