Diverse Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on a Budget
Tour Introduction
Even the most iconic of wildlife destinations don’t have to be out of reach. Experience Ecuador’s remarkable mainland and enchanting Galapagos Islands on this exceptional value-for-money tour. Traverse the Avenue of the Volcanoes; and see the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Quito and Cuenca, before ending with six nights in the Galapagos Islands. With their dramatic volcanic landscapes and astonishing array of semi-tame wildlife which helped form Darwin’s theories, the Galapagos occupy a special niche. Enjoy snorkelling and exploring on Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal Islands while staying in comfortable and cosy accommodation ashore.
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Casa Aliso. Includes In-flight Meals.
Guided tour of colonial Quito. The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating culture: the tour will include visits to museums, monasteries and churches and will highlight the artistic design within the city.
Staying at Casa Aliso. Includes Breakfast.
Depart Quito and transfer south into Cotopaxi province and the Avenue of the Volcanoes to a historic ranch dating from the 17th century.
Staying at Hacienda La Cienega. Includes All Meals.
Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a private guide. This ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rises 5,897 metres above sea level.
Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Centre. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon (3,840m) to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the observation of the Andean flora.
The wildlife found in the national park includes rabbits, white-tailed deer and foxes. Bird life includes the Andean hillstar, Andean condor, orange-faced falcon, Andean seagull (at altitudes over 4,000m) and carunculated caracaras.
Staying at Hacienda La Cienega. Includes All Meals.
Drive south with scenic stops to enjoy the beautiful Andean scenery along the way. Depending on the day there will be a stop at a traditional indigenous market too. Arrive at the the town of Riobamba in the afternoon.
Staying at Hacienda Abraspungo. Includes All Meals.
Today travel through small villages and beautiful scenery to the largest Inca ruin in Ecuador the: Ingapirca archaeological complex. Continue to the beautiful colonial town of Cuenca for the night.
Staying at Hotel Santa Lucia. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Morning city tour of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attractive colonial city. Explore the promenade along the Rio Tomebamba, the imposing new cathedral, the daily flower market, and visit a workshop and museum for the famous Panama hat (made in Ecuador but bought in Panama by US gold prospectors passing through the canal to California during the gold rush). The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore more of the city.
Staying at Hotel Santa Lucia. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Cuenca Airport and fly to Quito. Transfer to hotel.
Staying at San Jose de Puembo. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to airport and fly to Baltra, Galapagos. Transfer by bus and boat to Puerto Ayora and to your hotel on Santa Cruz. Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz, starting with a short but uphill walk to the Los Gemelos, a collapsed lava chamber. The remnants of the Scalesia forest here is home to much endemic flora and fauna, with Darwin’s finches frequently seen. Afterwards there will be a visit to a private reserve that protects the famous giant tortoises with time to enjoy close views of these prehistoric creatures.
Staying at Enchanted Galapagos Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Today take a shared boat tour to one of the nearby islands. Depending on the day of the week the islands visited are usually Seymour, Bartolome, Plazas or Daphne.
Staying at Enchanted Galapagos Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Today transfer by shared speedboat to the Island of Isabela and to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near the village of Puerto Villamil. This collection of small islands contains almost all the archipelago’s iconic wildlife including white tipped sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed-boobies. There will be an opportunity for some snorkelling later on and it is not uncommon to have sea lions and penguins swimming alongside you.
Staying at Albemarle Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Today have an excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano to see the impressive crater, the second largest volcanic crater in the world at 4 miles in diameter. There is the option to walk close to the rim to see possible volcanic activity.
Staying at Albemarle Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and fly to San Cristobal Island. In the afternoon visit El Junco Lagoon and Galapaguera. The lagoon is the only fresh water reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristobal. Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment.
Staying at Casa Playa Mann. Includes Breakfast.
Today enjoy a circumnavigation of San Cristobal in a shared boat visiting the visitor sites of Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo, Sardina Bay beach, Pitt Point and Rosa Blanca Bay. There will be opportunities to snorkel at Kicker Rock and Rosa Blanca Bay.
Staying at Casa Playa Mann. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport and fly to Quito. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at San Jose de Puembo. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Quito Airport for flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hacienda La Cienega
Overview
Hacienda La Cienega, a grand colonial-style hotel located close to the Cotopaxi volcano and National Park, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkways. The spectacular snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano can be seen from some of the rooms and the gardens.
The oldest hotel in mountainous Cotopaxi province, La Cienaga is elegantly decorated with colonial architecture and antique furniture.
The charming rooms are well decorated and have comfortable beds and private bathrooms. A family and deluxe suite are also available. There is free Wi-Fi in the public areas only and services include 24-hour reception, room service, luggage storage, laundry service, gift shop and concierge service.
The hotel restaurant serves delicious regional and international cuisine and there is a bar and lounge area in which to relax. A tennis court, children’s play area, games room and library are also available for the use of guests.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge and bar, concierge service, room service, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi in public areas, gift shop and tennis court.
Optional Activities
Horse riding, treks and excursions to the Cotopaxi volcano and the Quilotoa lagoon.
Albemarle Hotel
Overview
Albemarle Hotel is a luxurious family run hotel positioned just steps from a beautiful white sand beach near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The hotel has a distinct Mediterranean architecture which blends well with its surrounds.
The rooms are simple but spacious and clean with air-conditioning, safety deposit box and TVs and most have views towards the beach or garden. Complimentary Wi-Fi available in reception and underwater cameras are available to rent. A buffet breakfast is served each morning, but other meals need to be taken at one of the local restaurants, which the friendly staff will happily recommend for you.
The hotel also features a rooftop terrace, ideal for watching sunsets with an evening drink, and there is also a small swimming pool and tropical garden with sun loungers.
The hotel’s location makes it an ideal base to explore Puerto Villamil and sites such as the Tintoreas Islands and its shark alley, the flamingo lake, the lava tunnels, Sierra Negra Volcano crater and the Concha de Perla natural swimming pool.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Breakfast bar, lounge, hot water, TV, minibar, safety deposit box, swimming pool, air-conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Local Wildlife
Giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, flamingos, white-tipped reef and Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, stonefish and turtles.
Optional Activities
Excursions include visiting the Giant tortoise breeding centre, the Tintoreas Islands and its shark alley, the flamingo lake, the lava tunnels, sierra Negra Volcano crater and the Concha de Perla natural swimming pool.
Casa Playa Mann
Overview
Casa Playa Mann is a welcoming, family-run guesthouse just steps from the golden sands of Playa Mann on San Cristóbal Island. With ocean-view suites and garden-facing rooms, it offers a peaceful base for exploring the Galapagos, combining comfort with warm local hospitality. Each room features air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities, while the property provides beach towels, breakfast, and easy access to nearby snorkelling spots, wildlife trails, and the town’s restaurants.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, beach towels, breakfast, restaurant, water dispenser, local-call telephone, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, balconies (suite only).
Optional Activities
Snorkelling, hiking, fishing, surfing, kayaking, Galapagos Giant Tortoise viewing.
Enchanted Galapagos Lodge
Overview
Experience life on land in the Galapagos, within the tranquil highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Enchanted Galapagos Lodge is the perfect place to stay for a couple of days at the end of a cruise. The lodge is an idyllic setting in which to relax and enjoy the property, or add on some extra activities to your Galapagos adventure. The lodge has a cacao plantation, coffee plantation, a cheese factory onsite, hiking trails, a wonderful outdoor pool and large spaces to relax.
The restaurant offers a farm to table experience using many of the products grown or made on the property, and guests can even partake in a cacao or cheese experience. The comfortable bedrooms have recently been renovated to a good standard, drawing inspiration from Ecuadorean culture and artistry, featuring a beautiful cedar wood decor.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Swimming pool, hot tub, massage services, restaurant, bar, fireside lounge, volleyball court, free WiFi in the lobby area, hammocks, private en suite bathrooms.
Local Wildlife
Woodpecker finch, small tree finch, vegetarian finch, Galapagos rail, giant tortoise.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching, yoga, hiking, cheese factory experience, mountain biking, volleyball.
San Jose De Puembo
Overview
The San Jose de Puembo, situated in the Puembo Valley just 20 minutes from downtown Quito, is built around a restored 18th century hacienda and set amongst 10 acres of beautiful gardens.
There are 37 en suite rooms with LCD TVs and Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor heated pools, a gym, restaurant and lounge/bar.
The hotel enjoys close proximity to the international airport and is an ideal base for travellers staying overnight before or after connecting to onward destinations.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
2 outdoor heated swimming pools, a gym, restaurant, lounge and bar.
Optional Activities
Hacienda Abraspungo
Overview
Set in the picturesque Andean town of Riobamba, Hacienda Abraspungo offers a charming blend of traditional Ecuadorian architecture and modern comfort. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and lush gardens, the hacienda features spacious rooms with rustic décor, warm wood accents, and local artisan touches.
Guests can enjoy hearty regional cuisine in the restaurant, relax in peaceful courtyards, and use the lodge as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as Chimborazo Volcano, colonial churches, and indigenous markets.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Spacious colonial-style rooms, landscaped gardens, on-site restaurant, bar with musical-themed décor, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, travel assistance from reception staff.
Optional Activities
Horseback riding, guided hiking excursions, birdwatching, visits to nearby indigenous markets, cultural tours of Riobamba, excursions to Chimborazo Volcano.
Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia
Overview
Set in the heart of Cuenca’s historic centre, Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia is a lovingly restored 19th-century mansion. With just 20 individually styled rooms, the hotel provides an intimate and tranquil retreat, ideal for exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed architecture and vibrant culture. Rich wood furnishings, antique details and Baroque-inspired décor evoke a bygone era, while modern comforts ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, unwind in the peaceful central courtyard, or step outside to discover Cuenca’s cobbled streets, artisan markets and museums.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast, two on-site restaurants, snack bar, lounge, airport transportation, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk, room service, non-smoking rooms, courtyard, meeting room, concierge service, laundry service.
Optional Activities
Walking tours of Cuenca’s historic center, visits to local museums, artisan market shopping, day trips to Cajas National Park.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Quito on Iberia via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam or Bogota via Avianca.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Instead of land-based accommodation, explore the Galapagos by boat.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
I cannot fault the boat, the crew, or the food. I would not go on the big 100 passenger boats as we were first onto the beaches and in easy reach being smaller and closer inshore…The Galapagos is a one-off place where heaven meets the Earth…Your efficiency here and your guides in Quito are of such a high standard that I will not go anywhere without your organisation. Sorry, but you are stuck with us!
