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Ecuador & Galapagos Island Hopper

Everyday Price From

£2,680

£2,945

12 days

No Countries

Overview

From the heights of the volcanoes to the unexplored waters of Galapagos, this tour is a must for the lovers of the great outdoors. Whether you are snorkeling with sea lions & rays, or chilling with the giant Galapagos tortoise, this adventure is epic!

Locations Visited

Quito, Tena, Baños, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island

Countries Visited

Ecuador

Travel Style

For 18 - 35 year olds

Accommodations

11 nights included

Age Requirements

Travel for 18-35 year olds

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Start Quito

Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Quito (or similar)


Highlights

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Tour Quito with a local

Stroll around the colourful streets of the old town. See Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional and all the other highlights.

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Visit the Equator and Intiñan Museum

Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator. 

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Browse the handicraft market

Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.

It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day.

With vibrant hills and tumbling rivers, Tena is a dream for white water rafting - and that's exactly what you'll have the chance to do! After that, we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.

  • Accommodation

    Cotococha Lodge Tena (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional Guayuza, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM.

  • Accommodation

    Cotococha Lodge Tena (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Baños, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits...

Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Baños is a big deal on the natural beauty front. If "Thrill Seeker" is your middle name, you'll love to opt for today's Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. Afterwards, we'll feast on a DELISH spread of perfectly seasoned barbecue meats, before we burn away all those calories with salsa - with our friendly local teacher, Edith. Now, that's a night well spent!

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall

Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall. 

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Taste Authentic Ecuadorian BBQ

Hungry after all that travelling? Fill up on some mouth-watering BBQ seasoned with the freshest Ecuadorian spices.

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Learn how to Salsa dance

If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!

The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don’t have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! At night, we'll dine on a traditional Ecuadorian meal as our time in this wonderful country comes to an end.

  • Accommodation

    Ibis Quito (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Rise and shine! This morning we're taking to the skies, bound for the glorious Galapagos Islands. Excited much? You should be. On arrival we’ll appease our rumbling stomachs with some local food.

Giant tortoises roaming their natural surroundings and incredible old lava tunnels will welcome us onto the island of Santa Cruz. After lunch, we’ll take to the ocean and make tracks to our home for the night – the impossibly glorious Isabela Island, where we’ll sleep amidst the spellbinding beauty of the Galapagos National Park.

The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’, Isabela Island is home to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Picture the scene – sandy streets, palm trees, crystal waters and seal pups playing – can it really get any more perfect? Soak it all in, as it’s home for the next little while.

  • Accommodation

    Isamar Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Fly into Baltra Island

Swoop into the phenomenal Galápagos Islands and start your expedition of these natural wonders. #explore 

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Take a boat to Isabela Island

Look out for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and more as you glide over to the largest island in the Galapagos. 

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Meet the famous giant tortoises

You can’t visit the Galapagos without popping by to say hello to its most famous residents.

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Hike through the Lava tunnels

Take a walk inside these incredible tunnels, made from solidified lava. 

Well good morning paradise. The ocean is calling, and who are we to resist her? Our wildlife kayaking adventure will see us taking to the seas with beady eyes on the lookout for green sea turtles.

  • Accommodation

    Isamar Hotel (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Snorkel around Galápagos

Your chance to get up close with turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and more at one of the world’s best snorkeling spots.

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Kayak with local wildlife

Get set for the adventure of a lifetime. Float around the turquoise waters surrounded by penguins, turtles and sea lions. 

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Visit a Tortoise Breeding Centre

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with endangered Galápagos Giant Tortoises and see the work that’s being done to save them. 

We’ll wake up hungry for the day this morning (that’s what island life does to you), and for good reason – Santa Cruz is on the horizon.

After settling in to the Santa Cruz way of life, we’ll stroll down to the beach and the cosy Tortuga Bay. Wildlife fanatics will be in their element – the island is known for sharks, rays, turtles, great blue herons, and even blue footed boobies. Spend your time sunbaking next to a marine iguana, or roam the streets stopping off in cute cafes for fresh juice pit stops.

  • Accommodation

    Hotel Silberstein (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Explore mythical Tortuga Bay 

Marvel at the beauty. Then hike to a secluded beach with only the iguanas for company (and your Contiki crew, obvs).

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Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Support the crucial conservation, restoration and sustainable development work of the Galapagos scientists.

Back on our boat we’ll set sail for San Cristobal, keeping our eyes peeled for cute bathing sea lions (we won’t have to look too hard – they’re literally everywhere). Four extinct volcanoes sit across the island creating scenic highlands that are best experienced by bike – mainly cruising downhill, you'll be happy to know. The tiny town of El Progreso will add a splash of colour to our journey, and we’ll also cross five different vegetation zones before arriving at our seaside destination – La Loberia beach.

 

  • Accommodation

    Galapagos Planet (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Hang with the notorious sea lions

Grab your camera and get some pics with these charming locals.

It’s our last day soaking up the natural beauty of the Galapagos, and what a day we’ve got planned. Bird-watching will kick us off, followed by a cruise to the 143-metre Kicker Rock – a natural phenomenon that protrudes from the ocean and is one of the greatest icons of the area. Our Local Guide will give us the low-down on the wildlife – both above and below the water – that surrounds the rock, then we’ll jump in and explore for ourselves. Keep a look out for chocolate chip starfish and a Galapagos Shark or two, but remember the golden rule – keep those toes off the coral, as you can do serious damage to the delicate eco-system. Back on board, we’ll make tracks for Puerto Grande beach. Here, we’ll eat lunch on board and enjoy a final afternoon of Galapagos fun, before rounding off the day with a feat to end all feasts. WHAT A DAY.

  • Accommodation

    Galapagos Planet (or similar)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Explore Kicker Rock

On the surface, this may look like a giant red rock shaped like a shoe. But under the water, it’s a rainbow utopia of marine life.

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Visit a private beach

Stretch out on the pristine sands with your Contiki crew and take in the peace and tranquility.

There’s time to relax this morning & take in the beauty of the island before heading back to the mainland where your trip ends on arrival.  Not done yet?  Why not fly to Peru and join our Peru Uncovered trip?

 

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Included flight to Quito

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FAQs

  • A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

  • You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted). 

  • It really depends on where you’re travelling to. Ecuador has lots of ATMs (just be wary of those sneaky fees). While in more rural places and the Galapagos islands you’re better off carrying cash. 

  • You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill. 

  • You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person. 
     
    Internal flights are included in this trip (your Trip Manager will have your tickets ready for you). Each traveller is allowed 1 checked bag & 1 carry-on bag/personal item (eg: small backpack/handbag or laptop bag). Our suitcase restriction above means that the checked bag will be within the limitation for this flight. The carry-on bag must not exceed 114 cm (45”). Extra or overweight bags will incur a fee by the airline which is the traveller’s responsibility. Fees range from US$25.00-US$100.00. 

  • The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's important to pack appropriately. Please bring these items with you: 

    - Comfortable walking shoes with good traction 
    - Teva-style sandals (thongs or flip-flop sandals are not suitable for hikes) 
    - Swimming (bathing) suit & towel 
    - Light to medium fleece jacket 
    - Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket 
    - Shorts, T-shirts, Long pants, Long-sleeve shirt, Hat or cap 
    - Sunglasses (preferably polarised) 
    - Socks (athletic style socks for walking & hiking) 
    - First aid & medication - aloe vera gel, sunblock or sunscreen of the highest SPF possible, insect repellent, hand sanitiser or gel, moisturising cream, pain relief (e.g. aspirin etc for headaches or muscle pain) motion sickness medication 
    - Reusable water bottle 
    - Plastic Ziplock bags (to protect valuables from drizzle, rain etc) 

  • Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip. 

  • Ecuador’s climate is tropical but varies by altitude and region. Quito has a subtropical highland climate with daytime temps around 70°F (21°C) and nights dropping to 50°F (10°C). It has a dry season (June -September) and a wet season (October -May). The rainforest stays warm at 84°F (29°C), while the coast, influenced by ocean currents, is hot and rainy from January to April. 

    The Galápagos Islands? Always warm! Temps hover around 85°F (30°C) year-round, with August–September averaging 77°F (25°C) and March to April peaking at 89°F (31°C). Whether hiking or exploring, it’s always a great time to visit!  

  • Please check the latest travel info from the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Ecuador. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.

  • The Galápagos Islands have a compulsory US$200 entrance fee to the Galápagos National Park, a US$20 INGALA fee & a US$10 Isabela Island tax that are only payable in cash on arrival (subject to increase). So, please have US$230 cash ready to secure your entry to these locations. 

    Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Adventure Journeys. 

  • Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant. 

  • Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).

  • Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Ecuador. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control. 

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Terms & Conditions

*Temporary changes to standard terms and conditions apply to bookings until further notice: In accordance with travel restrictions imposed by government advisories worldwide, Contiki has temporarily suspended all trips across the globe for trips departing up and until 31 August 2020 (with the exception of those listed here for travellers from the UK and Europe). For further details and terms and conditions, please click here.

Trip Notes:

​Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
Call 0808 169 8807 for great deals from the UK to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
Travel from the UK often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
  • Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability.
  • For departure points and stay longer accommodation options call 0808 169 8807 for more details.
  • ​​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' reflects after login.
  • 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
  • All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions or FAQs page.