12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos worth booking?
12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos is a 288-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $3896 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 66 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (66)
- Duration
- 288 hours
- From
- $3896 per person
Unique lifetime adventure blending the fascinating geography of Ecuador's mainland, made of active volcanoes, big canyons, large tropical rainforests and huge waterfalls, with the mythical Galapagos Islands, where the ma
What you get
- 3 HOURS HIKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, 3 HOURS BIKING IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK, 4 HOURS WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON JATUNYACU RIVER IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, 3 HOURS CANYONING AT PIMPILALA WATERFALLS, BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING EXPLORATION IN THE CLOUD FOREST, SOAKING IN PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS, 5 HOURS TREKKING THE LOOP OF CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE, SHARE TIME WITH LOCAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE AMAZON, MAKING CHOCOLATE, SALSA LESSON, SNORKELING IN THE LAVA TUNNELS, HIKING TO THE TOP OF SIERRA NEGRA ACTIVE VOLCANO, SNORKELING AND KAYAKING IN TINTORERAS, VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, HIKING IN SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS.
- CERTIFIED EPL EXPERT ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVENTURE TRIP LEADER AND LOCAL GUIDES
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- TREKKING OR HIKING: BLACK DIAMOND TREKKING STICKS BIKING: TREK X CALIPER MTB (HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, FRONT ROCK SHOCK SUSPENSION), BONTRAGER HELMETS, FULL FINGER GLOVES CANYONING: RUBBER BOOTS, ROPES, HARNESSES RAFTING: AIRE AND NRS 7-PEOPLE- RAFTS, NRS LIFE JACKETS, NRS PADDLES, SPLASH JACKETS SNORKELING: MASK AND FINS
About this experience
Unique lifetime adventure blending the fascinating geography of Ecuador's mainland, made of active volcanoes, big canyons, large tropical rainforests and huge waterfalls, with the mythical Galapagos Islands, where the magic diversity of fearless animals and the stunning landscapes of the volcanic islands create a unique atmosphere. This is a perfect combination that includes a wide variety of outdoor activities, while discovering the highlights of Ecuador
What's included
Included
- 3 HOURS HIKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, 3 HOURS BIKING IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK, 4 HOURS WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON JATUNYACU RIVER IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, 3 HOURS CANYONING AT PIMPILALA WATERFALLS, BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING EXPLORATION IN THE CLOUD FOREST, SOAKING IN PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS, 5 HOURS TREKKING THE LOOP OF CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE, SHARE TIME WITH LOCAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE AMAZON, MAKING CHOCOLATE, SALSA LESSON, SNORKELING IN THE LAVA TUNNELS, HIKING TO THE TOP OF SIERRA NEGRA ACTIVE VOLCANO, SNORKELING AND KAYAKING IN TINTORERAS, VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, HIKING IN SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS.
- CERTIFIED EPL EXPERT ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVENTURE TRIP LEADER AND LOCAL GUIDES
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- TREKKING OR HIKING: BLACK DIAMOND TREKKING STICKS BIKING: TREK X CALIPER MTB (HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, FRONT ROCK SHOCK SUSPENSION), BONTRAGER HELMETS, FULL FINGER GLOVES CANYONING: RUBBER BOOTS, ROPES, HARNESSES RAFTING: AIRE AND NRS 7-PEOPLE- RAFTS, NRS LIFE JACKETS, NRS PADDLES, SPLASH JACKETS SNORKELING: MASK AND FINS
- FIRST CLASS HOTEL IN QUITO, 4-STAR HOTEL IN BAÑOS, HOME STAY IN THE AMAZON, 5-STAR SPA RESORT IN PAPALLACTA, 4-STAR HOTELS IN GALAPAGOS
Not included
- INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
- MY OWN ROOM SUPPLEMENT
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- TRAVEL INSURANCE (MANDATORY)
- MEALS NOT DESCRIBED IN THE ITINERARY
- TIPS FOR GUIDES, DRIVERS AND HOTELS
- GALAPAGOS INGALA CARD FEE
- GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK FEE
- ISABELA PIER FEE
- Galapagos flights
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Meet your guide and group at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meet your guide and group at 18:00pm, at the hotel´s lobby
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventure Journeys
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
- 2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers
- 2 - 3 hours a day while in mainland
- 45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito
- 45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos
- 45 minutes each way in Sierra Negra
- 2 hours each way from Isabela to Santa Cruz
- 45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
- 15 minutes each way - Tintoreras
- Cloudforest: 2 hours easy uphill; 1 hour downhill same way back.
- Sierra Negra: 30 minutes easy uphill; 1 and a half hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back.
- 1 hour moderate uphill; 2 hours downhill (terrain: cobblestone, dirt, muddy and asphalt)
- RAFTING TIME
- From 3 to 4 hours depending on water level.
- SNORKELLING TIME
- Tintoreras: 1 hour.
- Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each.
- All year
- Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Pastaza, Napo, Galapagos.
- Andes highlands, Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
- Quito: 2800 m (9,186 ft.
- Quilotoa: 3962 m (13,000 ft.
- Baños: 1820 m (5,971 ft.
- Amazon: 510 m (1,640 ft.
- Papallacta: 3300 m (10,827 ft.
- Galápagos: From sea level (most activities) to 1200 m (3,937 ft.) - Sierra Negra Volcano.
- Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF.
- Moderate to Challenging: In the cloud forest the uphill biking part can be challenging but there is always a truck behind supporting the team; the whitewater rafting on the Jatunyacu is Class III; the trekking in the cloud forest is moderate; the hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long and muddy during the wet season (from July to November); snorkeling is easy.
- Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
- The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
- All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same gender. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
- All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
- Clients receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands with the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both Local People cultural identity and their environment. Your visit will encourage them to support responsible ecotourism. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage.support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 66 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
66 verified traveler reviews for 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The best guide in Ecuador!
Highly recommended! An unforgettable experience in Ecuador! Our trip to Ecuador was absolutely amazing, and a huge part of that was thanks to our wonderful guide. From the very first moment, Diegi showed incredible professionalism, deep knowledge, and a true passion for his country. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, and energetic guide who truly cares about making your vacation perfect, look no further. We cannot recommend Diego enough! Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
Response from the operator: Hey there! We're thrilled you enjoyed your experience with us, and we hope to see you back for more soon. Comments like this make the work worth it. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Middle-aged couple’s Ecuador/Galapagos tour experience
The guides were always punctual, friendly and informative. The hotels were all very comfortable and in a great location. The food and restaurants which were chosen was delicious. The activities (snorkeling, tortoise farms, bike ride) were great in the Galapagos Islands, the activities around Quito were nice, but a couple of visits (Cotopaxi, thermal baths) we could have done without. Overall, everything was well organized and we were very pleased with how the trip went.
Response from the operator: Hey there! How are you doing? We hope that you're already planning your next trip. We hope to see you back here soon. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Charles Darwin and tortoise ranch
Karina was our guide and she was absolutely amazing! Her knowledge of the island, animals and culture was lovely. She was so friendly and we loved spending the day with her! Couldn’t recommend a better guide
Response from the operator: Hey there! Thank you for your kind words; that's the biggest reward for us. We hope to see you back here soon. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Ecuador & Galapagos
Awesome trip, we saw a lot of amazing things. Very funny experience and interesting trip with the best guide Diego👌🏻🚀. Totally recommend
Response from the operator: Hey there! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We'd love to have you back here soon another time. Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Experiences from Ecuador
A trip is exellent. I recommend it to everyone who seeks nature and ingenuity.
Response from the operator: Hey, thank you for sharing your thoughts! We hope to see you back here soon Take care!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 288 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $3896 to $3996
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adventure Journeys, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Adventure Journeys runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos cost?
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Prices start at $3896 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos take?
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Plan for about 288 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 66 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 288-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 288-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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