Ecuador & the Galapagos for Explorers

Stroll through Quito’s colonial old town, rich with baroque churches and cobbled lanes.
Explore Cotopaxi National Park, walking beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks and vast Andean skies.
Immerse yourself in Mindo’s cloud forest at El Monte Ecolodge, surrounded by orchids and rare birds.
Cruise the Galapagos aboard M/V Corals, meeting sea lions, red-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
Snorkel beside penguins at Bartolomé and walk among giant tortoises in Santa Cruz’s highlands.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Quito

DAY

Private Half Day Colonial Quito Tour

DAY

Private Full Day Tour to Cotopaxi

DAY

Quito to El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

DAY

Full Day Exploring the Cloud Forest

DAY

El Monte Cloud Forest to Quito

DAY

Quito to Baltra Airport & Punta Carrion

DAY

Cruise from El Barranco & Darwin Bay

DAY

Exploring Rabida & Bartolome Islands

DAY

Exploring the Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Return to Quito

DAY

Depart from Quito

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Quito

Transfer

Quito Airport to Quito - Old Town

Your Accommodation

La Casona de la Ronda

Set in a colonial style house built in 1738, La Casona de la Ronda Hotel Boutique offers comfortable accommodation in the historic city centre. Decorated with stylish wooden furnishing and parquet floors, rooms at La Casona de la Ronda are very bright. Drinks from the bar and hot beverages from the coffee shop can be enjoyed in the garden and on the terrace.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

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DAY

Private Half Day Colonial Quito Tour

The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito: a city of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city's many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all of South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared the city center of Quito the first World Cultural Heritage site (alongside Krakow, Poland). After meeting your guide in the lobby of your hotel, you'll transfer to the heart of Quito's historic core, then stroll through the Main Plaza to see the Government Palace as well as some of the impressive churches built during the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, which was started five days after the founding of the city in 1534, and the opulent La Compañía, more formally know as Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Soon after you will visit La Ronda Street, a photogenic cobbled street that serves as an excellent place to learn about traditional work and customs in colonial Quito. Your last stop of the tour is to visit the Panecillo, the hill that dominates the south of the city, and host to the city's famous statue known as Our Lady of the Panecillo. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of Quito, and after a short while, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day Tour

Private Colonial Quito Tour

DAY

Private Full Day Tour to Cotopaxi

This morning you will set out in the morning to visit Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. With your private guide leading the way, you will also visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano's major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Soon after, you will visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you feel like a longer walk, a two hour hike will lead to Volcan Cotopaxi's J. Ribas refuge (some 4,800 meters or 15,750 feet above sea level) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks. Pairing traditional mountain hospitality with a dose of adventure, this day tour offers those with limited time a glimpse of the Avenue of Volcanoes.

Day Tour

Exploring Cotopaxi

DAY

Quito to El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

El Monte Ecolodge is located just outside the town of Mindo and is recognized as a world-class bird watching site by Bird Life International. On arrival, your hosts will offer a short introduction to the lodge and its garden and also provide insights as to the bird species greeting you. El Monte is not simply a place to stay; the Lodge and its owners are dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Mindo's Nambillo Forest, one of the most biologically diverse and endangered Cloud Forests in the world. Besides world-class birding, here you will be able to hike in lush cloud forests replete with orchids and bromeliads, as well as enjoying river tubing, the spectacular butterflies of the 'Mariposarium', and hikes to a primary forest reserve. In the afternoon, set out with a naturalist guide on a two-hour exploration of the Rio Mindo and its nearby forests. Along the way you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot a range of birdlife while also learning about the many medicinal plants found in the region as well as their uses.

Multi Day Tour

Quito to El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

Stay in private riverside cabanas and see firsthand the moss covered trees, crystal clear streams, spectacular orchids, exotic birds - awaken to the symphony of forest noise, hear the sounds and try to imagine the source. Experience Cloud Forest with all your senses, an ecosystem not widely known by name but could be described as the Garden of Eden or Paradise Found.

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DAY

Full Day Exploring the Cloud Forest

Today, your interests will shape your activities. Based on local conditions and your energy levels, you may decide to go on a nature walk from one hour to the entire day, where your naturalist guide will point out many species of plants and help you spot birds and other wildlife. Another option is to visit the waterfall and swim in the refreshing waters of the Rio Nambillo. You may also visit an Orchid Garden, or you might decide to just relax alongside the Rio Mindo in a hammock with a good book in tow.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Cloud Forest

Meal

Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast

Your Accommodation

El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

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DAY

El Monte Cloud Forest to Quito

This morning, join your guide on a nature walk along the heights of the Cordillera San Lorenzo. Your guide will talk about the birds and animals about that you see along the way, and if the weather permits, you may catch a glimpse of spectacular birds such as the Golden-Headed Quetzal, Choco Toucan, Crimson Rumped Toucanet, among others. Soon after, you'll return to El Monte for lunch, then pack up and begin the return transfer to Quito.

Your Accommodation

La Casona de la Ronda

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Multi Day Tour

El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge to Quito

Meal

Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Quito to Baltra Airport & Punta Carrion

Depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island, a flight lasting roughly two hours and 30 minutes (included). Arriving in the Galapagos, you will be picked up at the airport by naturalist guides who will welcome you to the archipelago and assist with the transfer to the nearby pier. After getting acquainted with the vessels, you'll soon set out by dinghy to reach Punta Carrion, found at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a turquoise lagoon where you will observe sharks, blue-footed boobies and a range of colourful fish.

Multi Day Tour

Baltra Airport & Punta Carrion

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/V Corals

The M/Y Coral I and the M/Y Coral II have a total of 18 and 11 cabins respectively. The Ocean View, air-conditioned cabins have lower beds and private facilities in which matrimonial, double or triple options are available. We have interconnecting doors suitable for families or friends traveling together. Each cabin includes: safe, entertainment system with LCD TVs, hair dryer, special bedding in each category, and remodelled furniture in each cabin. Our voltage is set for 110-220 volts/60 Hz.

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DAY

Cruise from El Barranco & Darwin Bay

Marvel at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and red-footed boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, wedge-rumped storm petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a short-eared Owl. In the afternoon, disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, yellow-crowned and lava herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and saltbushes inhabited by great frigate birds and red-footed boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see red-footed boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 red-footed boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.

Multi Day Tour

El Barranco & Darwin Bay

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/V Corals

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DAY

Exploring Rabida & Bartolome Islands

Following a wet landing on Rabida Island, you'll find that dark red sand covers the unique beaches of this island, home of sea lions colonies. Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting brown pelicans are found from July through September plus nine species of the famous Darwin's finches. Here you'll set out on a dinghy ride past marine cliffs to observe nesting seabirds. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active. In the afternoon, you'll visit Bartolome Island. Here, you'll discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic activities - lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones - that resemble the moon. Going up to the summit there will be an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock. You are also likely to encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Beach time is a great opportunity to snorkel and see the famous Galapagos penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks among a great variety of colourful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear waters make this the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer. Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. However, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica, Chamaesyce, lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.

Multi Day Tour

Rabida Island & Bartolome Island

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/V Corals

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DAY

Exploring the Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Return to Quito

In the morning you'll make a dry landing onto Santa Cruz Island and head to the highlands. In these parts of the Galapagos it is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the shells of tortoises). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers' haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here. After visiting the Highlands Tortoise Reserve, you will be transferred to the airport ahead of your return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

Your Accommodation

Wyndham Quito Airport

Offering a terrace and spa centre, Wyndham Quito Airport is located in the Quito airport and 23 miles from downtown. The perfect choice when connecting to the Galapagos, the Amazon, the coast or Cuenca.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

Multi Day Tour

Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Departure

Meal

Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Depart from Quito

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to its geographical beauty, colonial treasures and historic architecture

Quito, Ecuador

Cotopaxi Volcano

El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

Connect with nature as you stroll the gorgeous Galapagos Islands, home to several diverse plant and animal species

The Galapagos Islands

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

QuitoOccasional Showers

23°C / 74°F

69mm / 2.7"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Verified

The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

Verified

Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

Verified

Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

Verified

A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

Verified

I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

Verified

Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

Verified

We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

Verified

I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

Verified

We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

Verified

Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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Work with our Destination Specialists who are true experts, having lived, worked, or traveled extensively in the destinations we offer.

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province

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Insider Benefits

Ecuador & the Galapagos for Explorers

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Quito

Private Half Day Colonial Quito Tour

Private Full Day Tour to Cotopaxi

Quito to El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

Full Day Exploring the Cloud Forest

El Monte Cloud Forest to Quito

Quito to Baltra Airport & Punta Carrion

Cruise from El Barranco & Darwin Bay

Exploring Rabida & Bartolome Islands

Exploring the Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Return to Quito

Depart from Quito

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Quito

Private Half Day Colonial Quito Tour

Private Full Day Tour to Cotopaxi

Quito to El Monte Cloud Forest Ecolodge

Full Day Exploring the Cloud Forest

El Monte Cloud Forest to Quito

Quito to Baltra Airport & Punta Carrion

Cruise from El Barranco & Darwin Bay

Exploring Rabida & Bartolome Islands

Exploring the Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Return to Quito

Depart from Quito

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Osvaldo Gonzalez

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