Riviera Travel Ecuador and the Galapagos

• Return flights and transfers
• 13nts in 3-5* accommodation
• Selected meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
• 13 included expereinces
• Services of an expert tour manager
• Checked luggage

• Explore the UNESCO-listed cities of Quito and Cuenca on guided tours
• Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre and Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about Galápagos conservation
• Browse colourful local markets, tour a Riobamba rose farm, and discover traditional Panama hat craftsmanship
• Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Isla Lobos Lagoon and Academy Bay, home to abundant marine life
• Spend five nights exploring the Galápagos islands of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz
• Enjoy the comfort of a small-group tour with an average of 22 guests

Day 1: Departure
Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Quito

Day 2: Arrival in Quito
On arrival in Quito, take a tour of the city. Visit Independence square, which is overlooking by the Presidential Palace, cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace. Plus, see the convent and church of San Francisco, South America’s largest religious complex.

Day 3: Cross Equator Line
Experience the unique opportunity to straddle the northern and southern hemispheres at the Equator line, where you’ll discover its intriguing history and the physics at play. Next, journey to the charming town of Mindo, where you’ll stay for the next two nights

Day 4: Mindo Cloud Forest
Today, explore Mindo’s cloud forests, hike by waterfalls, and observe its rich birdlife. Soar through the pristine cloud forests on an open-air cable car, designed for unparalleled views. The hotel is surrounded by marked trails and you can arrange an optional zip-line tour.

Day 5: Pululahua Crater
Heading south along the Pan-American highway, journeying through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to reach Cotopaxi National Park. Along the way, pause at Pululahua, the world’s third-largest inhabited volcano crater. Standing at the rim of this dormant volcano, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic vistas of the lush farmland within the crater’s basin.

Day 6: Cotopaxi and Riobamba
This morning, arrive at Cotopaxi National Park to behold breathtaking vistas and witness the world’s highest active volcano at 5,900m. After an included lunch, explore Ecuador’s status as the world’s leading exporter of roses with a visit to one of the local rose farms.

Day 7: Riobamba and Cuenca
This morning, you have the option to unwind amidst the charming ambiance of your historic Hacienda hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in a guided tour of the nearby area. In the afternoon, your journey on the Pan American highway leads us to the captivating colonial city of Cuenca. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 8: El Cajas National Park
Today, visit El Cajas National Park, where the landscape is reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.

Day 9: Cuenca
Today’s city tour takes you to the cathedral and to admire the charming colonial churches, mansions and squares. Along the way, you’ll also visit a Panama hat factory and a local market. In the afternoon, fly to Quito

Day 10: Fly to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
This morning,  take a 1hr 50 flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, the easternmost island. After settling into your hotel, venture to La Loberia’s nearby white sand beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, and abundant birdlife. You’ll spend two nights in Puerto Moreno, the island’s central town, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Day 11: San Cristobal & Isla Lobos
Today, embark on a short boat ride to Isla Lobos to observe frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Lunch is served on board, followed by an opportunity to swim or snorkel in the lagoon, where friendly seals may join us. In the afternoon, gain insights into island conservation at the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre.

Day 12: Santa Cruz Island
This morning, take a speedboat ferry to nearby Santa Cruz Island, a journey lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the renowned giant tortoises at the beautiful El Chato highland reserve. Within the reserve, you can also explore underground lava tubes, remnants of the island’s volcanic activity. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local farm before visiting a distillery.

Day 13: Santa Cruz
This morning, embark on a boat tour of nearby Academy Bay, offering a chance to snorkel alongside the Galapagos’ unique marine creatures, such as sea lions, rays, and even sharks. Following a provided lunch, continue with a visit to the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you can view the preserved remains of ‘Lonesome George’ on display, and witness baby giant tortoises being cared for before their eventual release into the wild

Day 14: Free day in Santa Cruz
Today, you have the freedom to explore Santa Cruz at your leisure. Stroll through Puerto Ayora, unwind at the pristine Tortuga Bay, or enhance your experience with a pre-bookable boat excursion to nearby Bartolomé or Santa Fe islands for an additional cost, subject to weather and availability.

Day 15: Return Home
Fly home via Quito, arriving the next day

Day 16: Arrive home
Arrive back in the UK

Boat trip to Bartolomé Island
Enjoy a full day visit to this volcanic islet. Relax on white sand beaches, snorkel to observe marine life or head to a viewpoint to take in the views. Please note, this trip is subject to weather conditions

Ecuadorian Chocolate Tour
Learn how the famous Ecuadorian chocolate is made in Mindo. This experience is paid for and booked locally on your holiday

Zip-line tour at Mindo Cloud Forest
Please note, this trip is subject to weather conditions

Please contact us for more information or to add to your booking (at an extra cost).

Go Quito, Quito*****
Located in the centre of Quito, this hotel has an indoor pool, a restaurant and spa. The room are spacious and are equipped with a seating area, mini fridge, coffee machine, a safe and air conditioning.

Septimo Paraiso Lodge, Mindo***
This lodge is in the Cloud Forest Reserve and offers a pool, recreation areas and a games room.

Kumbha Mela, Mindo***
This hotel is located in Mindo and offers a restaurant, bar and landscaped gardens.

Grand Hotel Mindo***
Located in the heart of Mindo, this hotel combines a relaxing atmosphere and modern amenities. There’s an outdoor pool, gardens and a restaurant.

Cotopaxi Pungo Finca Hotel****
This hacienda style hotel near Cotopaxi National Park offers lots of space for relaxing, as well as a lounge, bar and swimming pool.

Hacienda La Andaluza, Riobamba****
The hotel boasts an interesting collection of art adorned throughout the property. There are ample guest facilities and activities on offer including a restaurant, BBQ facilities and a spa. Rooms consist of a safe, a television, a telephone and complimentary toiletries.

Four Points by Sheraton, Cuenca****
This modern hotel near the centre of Cuenca offers a swimming pool, a bar and lounge, a fitness centre and restaurant. Rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable and consist of a safe, a television, air conditioning and room service.

Arena Blanca Hotel, San Cristobal Island***
This hotel is the first and only ecological hotel on the island and offers comfortable, spacious rooms, a pool, hot tub and multiple dining options.

Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz Island***
Close to the island’s main pier, this peaceful hotel has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and a restaurant. Rooms are equipped with a tv and air-conditioning

Fiesta Hotel, Santa Cruz Island***
Located in the island’s main town, all rooms here feature air conditioning, satellite television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool, games room and restaurant serving dishes prepared by an expert chef.

Fact File

• Currency: US Dollars
• Flight time: Approx. 15 hrs 45 mins
• Language: Spanish
• Time zone: GMT-5
• Country: Ecuador

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic

What’s included in Riviera Travel Ecuador and the Galápagos?
This tour includes return flights and transfers, 13 nights in three to five-star accommodation, selected meals, 13 included experiences, checked luggage and the services of an expert Riviera Travel Tour Manager.

How active is this tour?
This tour is suitable for travellers comfortable with guided city tours, nature walks, boat journeys, wildlife viewing and opportunities for swimming or snorkelling in the Galápagos Islands.

Will I have any free time?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time to explore independently, including a full day at leisure on Santa Cruz Island. Optional excursions may also be available, subject to weather and availability.

Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is ideal for travellers looking to combine Ecuador’s colonial cities, volcanic landscapes and cloud forests with the unique wildlife and natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Selected departures are also available for solo travellers.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.