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Natural Wonders of Ecuador & Galapagos

  • Duration
    17 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Price From
    Please Call for Prices
Journey through Ecuador's spectacular contrasts, exploring the UNESCO-listed streets of Quito, the vibrant artisan markets of Otavalo, the dramatic volcanoes of Cotopaxi and the pristine Amazon rainforest. Then cruise the iconic Galápagos Islands, where extraordinary endemic wildlife and volcanic landscapes create one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 15 , Lunches: 14 , Dinners: 15
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 16
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A moderate level of fitness is required. You will be on your feet for most of the day, with longer walks that include ascents and descents on steps or uneven paths. Travelling conditions may be more challenging in some areas. Physical requirements vary by tour. Please read the Detailed Tour Itinerary on the tour page to ensure it's the right fit for you. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.

Tour Experiences

Glamorous Drone Light Show

Watch Chongqing's skyline come to life in a magical light show, where over 5,000 synchronised drones choreograph a stunning performance above the city's soaring riverside towers.

Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Fly to Quito
    Day 1: Fly to Quito

    Fly to Ecuador’s equatorial capital, Quito. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before joining an Ecuadorian-style welcome dinner.

    • Dinner
  • Day 2
    Quito
    Day 2: Quito

    Discover Quito through the eyes of a local, exploring its historic streets and iconic landmarks including the Golden Church, San Francisco Square and Main Square. Visit a traditional family workshop, enjoy lunch with local hosts, then continue to the Mitad del Mundo Museum before finishing with an immersive Ecuadorian chocolate tasting.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Quito - Otavalo
    Day 3: Quito - Otavalo

    Travel north to Otavalo, home to one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Explore the vibrant market stalls before visiting a traditional weaving workshop, where you’ll discover ancestral techniques and the rich textile heritage of the Andes.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Otavalo (Cuicocha Lake & Cotacachi town)
    Day 4: Otavalo (Cuicocha Lake & Cotacachi town)

    Discover the spectacular beauty of Cuicocha Lake, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Continue to Cotacachi, known for its indigenous heritage and renowned leather craftsmanship, with time to explore its artisan workshops and traditional shops.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Otavalo - Cotopaxi
    Day 5: Otavalo - Cotopaxi

    Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha WarmiKuna community. Learn about traditional agriculture, cuisine and handicrafts, prepare ají and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before continuing to the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Cotopaxi – Baños
    Day 6:  Cotopaxi – Baños

    Explore the spectacular landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Visit the tranquil Limpiopungo Lagoon and travel through the Andean páramo before continuing to the vibrant town of Baños, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Baños – Amazon
    Day 7: Baños – Amazon

    Journey along Ecuador’s famous Waterfalls Route, taking in spectacular waterfalls and scenic viewpoints as you travel from the Andes into the Amazon. Arrive at your rainforest lodge and experience the jungle after dark on a guided night walk, looking out for nocturnal wildlife.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Amazon (Wildlife Rescue Centre)
    Day 8: Amazon (Wildlife Rescue Centre)

    Visit a wildlife rescue centre to learn about Amazonian conservation and the rehabilitation of native species. Continue to a local Amazonian community, gaining an insight into traditional ways of life and the deep connection between its people and the rainforest.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Amazon - Papallacta
    Day 9: Amazon - Papallacta

    Journey through the spectacular Andean landscapes to the cloud forests of Papallacta, where you’ll explore lush trails and look out for colourful hummingbirds and other Andean wildlife. Relax in Papallacta’s naturally heated thermal pools, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Papallacta – Galápagos (La Lobería)
    Day 10: Papallacta – Galápagos (La Lobería)

    Fly from Quito to the legendary Galápagos Islands, renowned for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Arrive on San Cristóbal Island and explore La Lobería, a beautiful coastal reserve where you can encounter playful sea lions, marine iguanas and unique birdlife, with time to swim, snorkel or relax on the beach.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Galápagos (Isla Lobos)
    Day 11: Galápagos (Isla Lobos)

    Take a boat trip to Isla Lobos and explore its remarkable wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot marine life in the surrounding waters. Return to San Cristóbal to visit the Interpretation Centre and enjoy views from Frigate Hill and Punta Carola before discovering the island’s culinary heritage with a tasting of traditional Canchalagua ceviche.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Galápagos (Santa Cruz)
    Day 12: Galápagos (Santa Cruz)

    Take a scenic speedboat journey to Santa Cruz Island, one of the most vibrant islands in the Galápagos. Explore Academy Bay, with opportunities to swim and snorkel alongside marine life, before visiting Playa de los Perros to see marine iguanas, striking red rock formations and turquoise waters.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Galápagos (Bartolomé Island)
    Day 13: Galápagos (Bartolomé Island)

    Sail to Bartolomé Island, one of the Galápagos’ most iconic destinations, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock. Explore the island before snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters, with the chance to encounter colourful fish, sea lions, marine turtles, rays and Galápagos penguins.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Galápagos (Santa Cruz)
    Day 14: Galápagos (Santa Cruz)

    Discover the wildlife of Santa Cruz Island at Primicias Ranch, home to the legendary giant Galápagos tortoises, and explore fascinating underground lava tunnels. Visit a family-run coffee plantation to learn about sustainable farming and local coffee and cacao production, before celebrating the end of your Galápagos adventure with a unique farewell dinner inside a natural lava tunnel.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Galápagos (Charles Darwin Centre) - Quito
    Day 15: Galápagos (Charles Darwin Centre) - Quito

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the Galápagos’ unique endemic species and the conservation efforts protecting this remarkable ecosystem. Later, fly back to Quito and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 16-17
    Depart Quito
    Day 16-17: Depart Quito

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

    • Breakfast
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Natural Wonders of Ecuador & Galapagos map

Places Visited: Quito (2N) – Otavalo (2N) - Cotopaxi (1N) – Banos (1N) - Amazon (2n) – Papallacta (1N) - Galápagos (5N) - Quito (1N)

Short Stays & Stopovers

Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise

Your Tour Includes

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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.

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