Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
GAL1 When To Go
Feb Start
Quito (UIO) End
Quito (UIO) Countries Visited (1)
Ecuador Overnight In (6)
Quito, Cayambe...More > Activity Level
2 - Moderate? Tour Type
Cultural? - Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- 12 Days
- Max Group Size 12
- Exploring three Galápagos islands — San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz — by land and sea
- Snorkelling with penguins, sea turtles, and white-tip reef sharks
- Walking lava trails among marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat
- Immersion in Mindo's cloud forest, one of the world's great birding destinations
- Artisan chocolate and hummingbird gardens before ascending to a century-old working hacienda in the northern Andes
- The legendary Saturday market at Otavalo, where a weaving tradition older than the Spanish conquest is very much alive.
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Description
Within the span of twelve days, this adventure moves you through three worlds so distinct from one another that they might belong to different continents — and yet each one is unmistakably, completely Ecuadorian.
It begins in the Galápagos, where evolution did its most astonishing work in plain sight. Based on the islands themselves rather than aboard a cruise vessel, we move between San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz at a pace that rewards genuine immersion — snorkelling with penguins and white-tip reef sharks at Los Túneles, walking lava trails among marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, and standing in the Charles Darwin Research Station where the urgent work of protecting this living laboratory continues today. The Galápagos asks nothing of you except attention, and rewards it extravagantly.
Back on the mainland, the road drops off the Andean escarpment into Mindo, where the cloud forest closes in with an entirely different kind of spectacle. Here biodiversity is measured in layers — over 500 bird species recorded within a few kilometres, hummingbirds hovering at feeders in jewelled succession, cacao grown in the valley floor transformed into artisan chocolate at a family farm. After the open volcanic silence of the islands, Mindo is lush, warm, and very much alive.
The journey ends at altitude, on a working hacienda in the northern Andes where condors soar above colonial farmland and the rhythms of a century-old estate set the pace. Otavalo's legendary Saturday market — the largest indigenous market in South America — provides a vivid final morning before the flight home.
Three ecosystems, one small group, twelve days. This is Ecuador without shortcuts.
It begins in the Galápagos, where evolution did its most astonishing work in plain sight. Based on the islands themselves rather than aboard a cruise vessel, we move between San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz at a pace that rewards genuine immersion — snorkelling with penguins and white-tip reef sharks at Los Túneles, walking lava trails among marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, and standing in the Charles Darwin Research Station where the urgent work of protecting this living laboratory continues today. The Galápagos asks nothing of you except attention, and rewards it extravagantly.
Back on the mainland, the road drops off the Andean escarpment into Mindo, where the cloud forest closes in with an entirely different kind of spectacle. Here biodiversity is measured in layers — over 500 bird species recorded within a few kilometres, hummingbirds hovering at feeders in jewelled succession, cacao grown in the valley floor transformed into artisan chocolate at a family farm. After the open volcanic silence of the islands, Mindo is lush, warm, and very much alive.
The journey ends at altitude, on a working hacienda in the northern Andes where condors soar above colonial farmland and the rhythms of a century-old estate set the pace. Otavalo's legendary Saturday market — the largest indigenous market in South America — provides a vivid final morning before the flight home.
Three ecosystems, one small group, twelve days. This is Ecuador without shortcuts.
Price Includes
- MealsSavour authentic flavours with included daily breakfasts, some lunches, and dinners at hotels or handpicked local restaurants—immersing you in local cuisine without worrying about reservations or budgets.
- Transport & Logistics
Private air-conditioned coaches and included internal ferries and flights—ensuring hassle-free travel so you can focus entirely on the discoveries ahead.
"Adventures Abroad tour leader's management and guest services managed the tour with great skill and dedication. The tour leader was on top of every move and transfer. We have not experienced any issues with logistics and had a great time."
~ JULIA O"The tour leader did an excellent job coordinating some difficult travel logistics, power outage issues and resolving problems and dealing with guests who had unrealistic expectations."
~ CYNTHIA COLLINS - Expert Guidance
Unlock insider secrets at every landmark with your full-time Tour Leader and expert local guides , all gratuities covered—no hidden tipping surprises—so you immerse fully in your destination's stories, worry-free. (Except for the tips to your tour leader at the end of your tour.)
"Amazing tour guide. Our tour guide was very well organized, Her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm completely transformed the travel experience into something truly unforgettable..."
~ MELANIE LEMAIRE"Highly recommend every trip with Adventures Abroad. It's a well organized and well thought out adventure. The tour leaders are friendly, knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Highly recommend this company."
~ SUSAN WALL - Sightseeing & EntrancesAll entrance fees for sites visited as per the itinerary—no hidden costs—so you can explore ancient ruins and excursions with complete peace of mind.
- AccommodationsUnwind in clean, well-located 3 to 4-star hotels with private en suite facilities—handpicked for comfort and convenience after each day's discoveries—so you can rest easy knowing your stay supports the real adventure, not steals the spotlight.
- Small Group
Discover the world in small groups of up to 12 travellers plus your expert Tour Leader—unlocking spontaneity, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and genuine connections at a relaxed pace, free from crowds.
"Looking Forward to My Next Adventure The best feature of the Adventures tour was the small size that allowed the group to quickly load up, let everyone get acquainted within the first 24 hours, capitalize on unplanned surprises along..."
~ PHILIP BLENSKI"Good value for a great time I have traveled with Adventures Abroad for over 20 years now. Well thought out, interesting itineraries and the other travelers congenial and friendly. The price always seems fair and overall a..."
~ Trusted Customer - Airport Transfers For Land & Air CustomersWe handle hassle-free airport transfers for all our land and air tour customers—plus early arrivals or late departures when you book extra hotel nights directly with us for added peace of mind.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour
- Guide gratuities as noted above, alcoholic drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
Ecuador's climate is governed less by season than by altitude and geography, with the country's extraordinary ecological diversity producing distinct conditions in each of the three regions this journey visits.
In Quito and the Andean highlands, February sits outside the driest months (June–September), meaning mornings are typically clear and sunny while afternoons may bring cloud and occasional rain — a pattern that rarely interrupts touring in any meaningful way. The hacienda segment in the northern Andes is pleasant year-round, and the elevation keeps temperatures cool and comfortable.
In Mindo, the cloud forest is perpetually moist by nature — the atmospheric conditions that make it one of the world's great birding destinations are present in every month, and February is no exception. The mist and humidity are features, not drawbacks.
The Galápagos in February sits in the warm season (December–May), when winds drop, seas calm, and water temperatures rise — ideal conditions for the extensive snorkelling this program involves. Marine iguanas display their brightest breeding colours, sea turtle nesting is underway, and blue-footed boobies begin their courtship displays. Wildlife is active and visible year-round in the Galápagos, but February delivers the warm-water experience at its best.
Our February departure also sidesteps the peak holiday crush of late December and January, when the islands are at their busiest and most expensive. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Unlike many of our Ecuador programs, this one covers relatively compact geographical areas — the emphasis here is depth of experience rather than distance travelled. Local transport is by van or minibus, with longer connections made by short-hop flights and speedboat transfers between islands. The result is a journey that feels unhurried and immersive rather than episodic.
This program departs from our standard cultural touring in that it has a genuine soft-adventure dimension — and much of what makes the Galápagos extraordinary happens underwater. Snorkelling is not mandatory, but it is central to the experience on multiple days. If you've never snorkelled before, don't be deterred — this is not technical diving, and most sessions take place in calm, shallow water close to shore. What matters is that you're comfortable in and around water.
Walking on the islands is on natural lava trails and uneven coastal terrain at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops. Cloud forest trails in Mindo are well-worn but can be slippery underfoot. A reasonable level of stamina and sure-footedness will serve you well throughout.
On the mainland, Quito and the hacienda segment sit between 2700–2900m (approximately 9,000–9,500 ft). The transition from sea level in the Galápagos to this elevation happens quickly, and while most healthy travellers adapt without difficulty, we require all participants to complete a "Self-Assessment" form confirming their suitability for this journey.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Accommodation:
The properties on this journey are very much part of the experience rather than simply places to sleep.
On the islands, our hotels are well-appointed boutique properties — surprisingly plush, superbly managed, and chosen for their location and charm. In Mindo, we stay within the cloud forest itself. For our highland finale, we alternate between two exceptional hacienda properties — Hacienda Zuleta and Hacienda La Mirage — depending on group size, room configuration, and availability at the time of confirmation. Both offer the same standard of quality and character.
For a full route map and hotel details, please visit the Map & Hotels tab above. Note that listed properties are subject to change depending on rooming configurations and confirmation timing. - Staff and Support:
The specialist nature of this journey calls for expert local guides rather than a generalist tour leader, and that is precisely what we've arranged. On the Galápagos islands, your program is managed by our trusted island-based partners, with certified naturalist guides who know these ecosystems intimately and bring the science and wildlife to life in ways that only years of daily immersion can produce. In Mindo, specialist birding and cloud forest guides accompany you through one of the most biodiverse valleys on Earth. In the highlands, you are in the hands of your hacienda hosts and local cultural guides.
Given our small group size, the exceptional quality of our on-ground partners, and the genuine expertise that destination-based specialists bring to a program like this, we have made the deliberate decision not to place a tour leader from North America on this departure. What you gain in return is local knowledge, authentic connection, and guide quality that a travelling generalist simply cannot match. - Group Size:
Maximum 12 plus local leadership and guides.
View / Print Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in QuitoWelcome to Ecuador, where the equatorial sun bathes ancient volcanic peaks and the spirit of adventure beckons from every cobblestone street. You'll transfer to our hotel in Quito, Ecuador's captivating capital, perched dramatically at 2788m (9,200 ft) against the imposing backdrop of Pichincha Volcano.
This evening, as you settle in and gather with fellow travellers for our first meal together, we're embracing a city that has stood sentinel over the Andes for centuries. Quito's name derives from the Quitu people, who first established settlements here long before the Inca empire extended its reach northward, creating one of the most strategically important cities in pre-Columbian South America.
Overnight in Quito
Included Meal(s): Dinner, if required - Day 2:Quito City TourWe step into the cobblestone streets of Old Quito this morning, entering a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Spanish colonial ambition created one of South America's most magnificent architectural treasures. Founded in 1534 on the ruins of an important Inca city, Quito became the artistic heart of the Spanish empire in the New World.
At the commanding Legislative Palace, elaborate murals chronicle Ecuador's tumultuous journey from indigenous kingdoms through colonial rule to independence. We discover the cathedral where Ecuador's founding fathers planned revolution, and stand in Independence Plaza where liberty was first declared in 1809—ten years before the rest of South America followed.
San Francisco Church astounds us with its massive scale and intricate stonework, but La Compañía church truly takes our breath away. Here, Jesuit architects created what many consider the most ornate religious building in the Americas, with every surface covered in gold leaf that required seven tons of precious metal. The baroque facade alone took 160 years to complete, representing the accumulated wealth of an entire continent flowing through colonial Quito.
This afternoon we embark on an exploration of Quito's vibrant markets, culminating in a hands-on cooking class at our guide, Maria's, welcoming home. We stroll through bustling local market stalls where Maria introduces us to vendors and guides us through the colourful array of fresh produce and spices that form the heart of Ecuadorian cuisine.
At Maria's home, we learn to prepare traditional dishes such as locro de papa (potato soup), empanadas, or ceviche using our fresh market ingredients. As we cook, Maria shares stories and techniques passed down through generations, creating an intimate cultural exchange. We conclude by sharing the delicious meal we've prepared together, experiencing authentic Ecuadorian hospitality in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Overnight in Quito.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Quito Airport - Fly to San Cristobal, Galapagos IslandsEarly this morning we transfer to Quito Airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands, possibly via Guayaquil. After arriving on San Cristóbal Island, we're greeted and head to our hotel for lunch and a quick introduction to island life.
We begin our Galápagos journey at the Interpretation Centre, where we learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics that make these islands Darwin's living laboratory. The centre reveals how volcanic forces, ocean currents, and millions of years of isolation created this extraordinary ecosystem where fearless animals evolved without natural predators.
We then hike to Tijeretas along naturally formed trails of lava rocks, surrounded by native plants like Galápagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. Our guide helps us spot and identify blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs, interpreting this amazing flora and fauna in the context of the island's natural history.
We cool off from our hike with a refreshing snorkelling session at postcard-worthy Carola Beach, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas as we bask in the setting sun. After dinner, we explore the friendly, laid-back beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighbouring colony of Galápagos sea lions.
Overnight on San Cristobal Island.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 4:San Cristobal: Northern CoastToday we explore the northern coast by boat, visiting either León Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo depending on weekday and Galápagos National Park regulations. These dramatic volcanic formations rise from the deep Pacific like ancient sentinels, their sheer cliffs providing nesting sites for thousands of seabirds.
On our exploration trip we search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favourite playground. If you choose to snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galápagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we're lucky, we may even encounter hammerhead sharks cruising these nutrient-rich waters.
Our hosts on board prepare a delicious ceviche, a typical Ecuadorian lunch showcasing the Pacific's bounty with lime-cured fish, onions, and cilantro. This culinary tradition dates back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous peoples used chicha de jora instead of lime to "cook" their fish.
After a full day spent exploring the seas, we head back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest, our minds filled with the extraordinary wildlife encounters that make the Galápagos unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Overnight on San Cristóbal
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 5:San Cristobal - Fly to IsabelaAfter breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristóbal with a quick small plane ride to Isabela Island, carrying only our essentials due to the strict 12kg (25 lb) checked luggage limit—excess luggage can be securely stored in Quito.
Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos and still being formed by six active shield volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. These massive volcanic domes—Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf—continue shaping the landscape just as they have for millions of years.
Upon arrival, we take a short boat ride from town to Tintoreras, where we'll walk and have a chance to snorkel. These calm waters are home to sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and penguins. Tintoreras offers a high concentration of wildlife that will amaze us, including white-tip reef sharks resting in the shallow channels that give this site its name.
After exploring the boat and walking on Tintoreras itself, we can snorkel for a chance to see marine life abundant in this bay. We then set out on one of the most scenic walks in the Galápagos, taking us along immaculate beaches, into an alluring poison apple forest and a lava tube cave, and through brooding mangroves and brackish lagoons.
Overnight on Isabela
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 6:Isabela: Concha Perla & Flamingo LagoonThis morning we visit Concha Perla in Puerto Villamil, only metres from El Embarcadero Port. A natural rock wall forms a circular concave bay-like structure that fills with ocean water according to the tides, creating a beautiful sheltered cove of crystalline waters perfect for snorkelling. We dive in and explore these gorgeous waters while swimming with a variety of fish, sea turtles, penguins, and more.
The name "Concha Perla" means "Pearl Shell," reflecting the site's pristine beauty and the mother-of-pearl quality of its protected waters. This natural aquarium demonstrates how volcanic activity and ocean currents collaborate to create perfect marine habitats.
Our guide then takes us to visit the Flamingos' Lagoon along an approximately 2km (1.2 mi) trail where we learn about the vegetation and geology of young Isabela Island. Arriving at the lagoon, we might see flamingos feeding in this artificial lake created by excavation for construction and filled by rainwater.
These elegant birds represent one of the Galápagos' most surprising residents—American flamingos that somehow made the 965km (600 mi) journey from the South American mainland. Their presence here demonstrates the remarkable dispersal abilities that allowed life to colonize these remote volcanic islands. The flamingos filter-feed on brine shrimp and algae, their curved beaks perfectly adapted for this specialized diet.
Overnight on Isabela
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 7:Isabela: The Tunnels & Tortoise Breeding CentreAfter breakfast, we visit a unique place in the islands called "Los Túneles." Our journey starts aboard our speedboat for a 45-minute trip, where our experienced captain securely leads us across waves that normally hide this geological treasure.
The tunnels formed millions of years ago when rivers of liquid lava ran across the island reaching the coastline. The cold Pacific water froze their superficial layer, isolating the interior while liquid lava kept flowing into the sea. When the eruption finished, a hollow structure remained, and its walls later broke, allowing seawater to flood inside and creating underwater tunnels.
Our guide joins us through hundreds of tunnels while we snorkel and discover marine life including sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies, and marine turtles among other endemic species. A snack is served aboard our boat, and if we're fortunate, we'll witness giant manta rays feeding in open waters—an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.
Returning to shore, we visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre along a path through manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos. After lunch made with local and organic products, we head to Concha y Perla for a fantastic swim and optional snorkel at one of the locals' favourite hangouts.
Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 8:Isabela - Boat to Santa CruzWe wake with the sea breeze as we travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, the archipelago's population centre and conservation headquarters. After checking into our hotel, we head to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to find the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
It's truly an honour to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants, who can live more than 175 years and weigh up to 250kg (550 lbs). These magnificent creatures are living links to the age of dinosaurs, their ancestors having arrived on floating vegetation millions of years ago. We also spot pintail ducks, Darwin's finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vermillion flycatcher.
This afternoon we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the scientific heart of Galápagos conservation since 1964. Here, researchers and park staff work to protect the archipelago's extraordinary biodiversity through breeding programmes, habitat restoration, and the eradication of invasive species. We learn how the station's giant tortoise breeding programme has returned thousands of hatchlings to islands where their ancestors once roamed, and stand before the legacy of Lonesome George — the last Pinta Island tortoise, whose death in 2012 marked the end of a subspecies but galvanised global conservation efforts.
Overnight on Santa Cruz.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 9:Galapagos - Fly to Quito - Transfer to MindoWe transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland, bidding a fond farewell to the Galápagos as we ascend above these extraordinary volcanic islands scattered across the endless Pacific. Nine days ago we arrived in Ecuador at 2788m (9,150 ft) on a highland plateau rimmed by volcanoes; the Galápagos took us to sea level and stripped away everything familiar about the natural world. Today we begin the journey back—but not the way we came.
Landing in Quito, we head directly northwest rather than into the city, the road dropping steeply off the Andean escarpment toward the western slopes. Within two hours the dry highland air thickens and warms, the roadside vegetation deepening from scrub to forest as we descend into the valley of Mindo. By the time we reach our lodge, we are already in a different Ecuador—one of perpetual moisture, layered canopy, and a biodiversity so concentrated that over 500 bird species have been recorded within a few kilometres of this valley. After days of open sky and silent reptiles, the forest closes in around us—dense, layered, and very much alive.
Overnight in Mindo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 10:Mindo Cloud Forest & Transfer to HaciendaWe wake this morning to one of the great birding destinations on Earth. Mindo sits at the convergence of three distinct life zones—subtropical forest, cloud mountain forest, and high páramo—and the result is a staggering concentration of species found nowhere else. Hummingbird feeders draw jewel-like visitors in rapid succession, while the forest resonates with tanagers, toucans, and antbirds calling through the epiphyte-draped canopy.
Morning mist drifts through towering trees hung with bromeliads as we explore the trails, our guide helping us interpret the layered complexity of this living laboratory. We pause at a hummingbird garden where dozens of species—some found nowhere else on Earth—hover and dart in perpetual motion, a dazzling counterpoint to the patient, ancient wildlife of the Galápagos we left behind.
Before departing Mindo we visit Quetzal Chocolate, where cacao grown in this very valley is transformed into some of Ecuador's finest artisan chocolate. Over lunch we learn the full journey from pod to bar—a fitting send-off from a region where biodiversity and human craft are inseparable.
After lunch we continue our journey northeast through Ecuador's diverse landscapes to our highland hacienda, nestled in the northern Andes. Depending on group size and availability, we'll be accommodated at either Hacienda Zuleta or Hacienda La Mirage, both offering exceptional highland experiences at the same standard of quality and character. Hacienda Zuleta is an impressive 4,000-hectare colonial working farm belonging to the family of former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso for over a century, with resident horses and llamas and Andean condors nesting nearby as part of the estate's conservation programme. Hacienda La Mirage perches dramatically on a hillside, its stunning gardens and mountain views capturing the very essence of highland Ecuador.
Arriving in the late afternoon, we have time to explore the grounds and ease into authentic hacienda life—a perfect transition from the cloud forest world we left behind this morning.
Overnight at Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 11:Andean HaciendaThis morning we tour our hotel property and learn about its history and about the flora and fauna of the region. After this informative orientation, the day is yours with an array of possibilities and optional activities -- or just relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.
Hikers/walkers may choose to explore a variety of routes through idyllic pastures, aromatic woods, and winding mountain trails, where soaring condors and Andean bears make their home and volcanoes rise on every side.
Fully-outfitted horseback riding is also an option, as is a carriage ride, bird watching, cycling, or just simply exploring the grounds with their attractive gardens and observing the daily activities of a colonial-era working farm.
As you might expect, the hacienda also offers a unique gastronomical experience, with mouth-watering, authentic Ecuadorean cuisine, sourced from the farm and made from family recipes. Specially prepared three-course meals, full of ingredients sourced mainly from the Hacienda itself: freshly caught rainbow trout, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and organic produce from the gardens (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and lactose intolerant menu options are also offered).
Overnight at Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 12:Hacienda - Otavalo Market - Quito - DepartToday we check-out and proceed to visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, famous around the world for their quality weaving. In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years, fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas and established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics.
Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft.
We return to Quito in time to connect with homeward flights, most of which depart Quito in the evening. If your flights require an extra overnight in Quito, this can be booked for an additional cost.
Departure from Quito. BUEN VIAJE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: South America
Countries Visited: Ecuador
Countries Visited: Ecuador
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
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Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please note that should we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge.