Enjoying Ecuador Travel offers the perfect tour for budget travelers. This 15 day tour is a mix of shared group tours; for every part of the tour you will have a group with different travelers and a different guide. You will do some day tours from Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park, the Quilotoa Crater Lake and to the Otavalo Market and you will go to the Cuyabeno Reserve in the Amazon region and to the Galapagos Islands!! During our 5 Day Budget Island Hopping Tour you will visit two inhabited islands: Isabela and Santa Cruz and you will go snorkeling at Pinzon island!
This tour can start on every Monday and during the tour you will discover the three main regions of Ecuador: the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Accommodation is at tourist class hotels: nice, clean and welcoming hotels with hot water and private bathrooms. For each day tour from Quito you will have a different group and you might have a different guide for each day, for your tour to the Cuyabeno Reserve you will be with the same group and guide during your stay and during your Galapagos Island Hopping Tour the activities are a mix of shared and private day tours; for each tour you will have a different group and you might have a different guide for each day. Between the activities you have free time to discover the islands on your own. This is the perfect budget option to discover the beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival to Quito we will pick you up from the airport and you will have a private transfer to your hotel, which is located in the new area of Quito. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: -
Day 2: Free day in Quito
Today you can discover Quito on your own! You can go to the Old Town of Quito to see the beautiful colonial churches, buildings, plazas and “La Ronda” which is one of the oldest and most historical streets in Quito. Another option is going to Mitad del Mundo, to the equator, where you can learn interesting facts and experiments which are only applicable at the Equator. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Shared Day Tour Cotopaxi National Park
The tour to the Cotopaxi National Park is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the Andean landscape at the Avenue of Volcanoes. Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano (5897m – 19347 ft.) in the world! On the way we will stop in Machachi village to have breakfast before entering the Cotopaxi National Park. Once inside the park we drive to the parking lot located at 4500m (14763 ft.) where you will hike to the José Rivas refuge (4800m – 15748 ft.). Than we hike back to the parking lot and from there you will bike downhill until you reach Limpiopungo Lagoon. This will be around 18 km of biking and will take approx. one hour. Once the biking is over, we will drive back to Machachi to have lunch and afterwards we return to Quito. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 4: Shared Day Tour Quilotoa Crater Lake - Lago Agrio
High in the Andean mountains, there is an emerald color lagoon, located inside a volcano crater at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level (12467 ft.) named Quilotoa. On the way you will pass through Toachi canyon and indigenous towns and farmlands. You will visit the local market in Saquisili and during the tour you will also visit a local family. Before lunch you will hike to the lagoon shore (3500m – 11482 ft.), and back up again, which because of the high altitude is a great but challenging walk. You also have the opportunity to go kayaking on the Quilotoa crater lake. In the afternoon we return to Quito.
- In the evening, at 11 PM, you take a shuttle bus to Lago Agrio. During this ride you travel together with other travelers who are also going to the Cuyabeno Reserve; the bus ride takes between 7 - 8 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 5: Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Reserve
Upon arrival in Lago Agrio you have the opportunity to have breakfast and then we go by bus (2 hours) to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Reserve, where we will have a box lunch. Here our naturalist guide will give information about the reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the 2 hour motorized canoe ride on the Cuyabeno River to Dolphin Lodge. During the canoe ride you will get a first glimpse of the amazing plants and wildlife found in the jungle. You may be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the time and weather conditions. We will arrive at Dolphin Lodge in the afternoon, where you have time to relax. After a siesta we will leave the lodge for a swim in the Laguna Grande and to watch a beautiful sunset. You will then return to the lodge for dinner and in the evening you will do an exciting night walk to observe amphibians, reptiles and insects. Overnight at Dolphin Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Lunch/Dinner
Day 6: Cuyabeno Reserve
In the morning we do a three hour hike in the primary forest to learn about the flora and fauna, especially about medicinal plants, frogs, insects, birds etc. After lunch there is time to relax and in the afternoon we are going to explore the lagoon by canoe where we can enjoy the flooded forest, swim and enjoy the sunset. If conditions permit you may be able to see pink river dolphins. Return to lodge. Overnight at Dolphin Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Cuyabeno Reserve
After breakfast we are going to visit the Siona Tarabeaya community where you can see the preparation of the traditional casabe bread and the naturalist guide will explain about the culture and traditions of the native people. After lunch we are going to visit the shaman, who will explain about the ceremonies in the jungle. In the afternoon we return to the lodge. In the evening we will do a night canoe expedition in search of caimans. Overnight at Dolphin Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Cuyabeno Reserve - Lago Agrio - Quito
Early morning bird watching. After breakfast we start the canoe ride back to the entrance of the reserve, where we have lunch. Transfer to Lago Agrio, where you take the shuttle bus back to Quito, where you will arrive around 10.30 PM. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 9: Shared Day Tour Otavalo Market
Just two hours driving from Quito we find the most famous indigenous market of Ecuador: Otavalo, full of traditions and handicrafts. Otavalo is located at 2500m – 8202 ft. Before arriving to Otavalo, we will make a stop at the equator at the Quitsato sundial and we will stop in Cayambe to observe how they prepare bizcochos, local biscuits, using a traditional technique. Then we will be able to enjoy a view over the San Pablo Lake and Imbabura Volcano. Your next stop is Otavalo where you can buy souvenirs for family and friends at the Otavalo market. Finally we will go to Cotacachi leather town to have a delicious lunch and where you can explore the shops where they sell leather products. We end the day at the Cuicocha Crater Lake before we drive back to Quito. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 10: Baltra airport - Santa Cruz - Isabela
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands! Upon arrival you will be picked up from Baltra airport and you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora. From the airport we first take a shuttle transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A short ferry ride will get you to the other side of the channel. From here you continue by private transportation to Puerto Ayora, from where you will take a public speedboat to Isabela Island at 2 PM. The boat ride will take about 2.5 hours and can be bumpy, depending on the weather and time of the year. You will be picked up from the pier of Isabela and taken to your hotel. After checking in you can visit the Flamingo Lagoon on your own. The Flamingo Lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the grand majority of flamingos. Overnight at Hotel La Gran Tortuga or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Isabela
Today we are going to do a snorkeling tour at the Cabo Rosa Lava Tunnels. The tour begins by taking a 45 minute speedboat ride to the western side of Puerto Villamil to one of the most astonishing snorkeling locations in the Galapagos Islands: Los Tuneles. A series of lava flows have created hundreds of arches and tunnels, both above and below the water. The striking geological formations are outdone only by the extraordinary collection of creatures that call this place home. The water is cool and still and an astonishing array of marine life is visible from above as you walk across the lava arches and bridges or from below as you snorkel in this unique habitat. The tour takes about 5 to 6 hours. First we will do a small hike along the lava formations; during the walk it is possible to see rays and sea turtles on the surface and you can observe different species of birds such as: blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and pelicans. Afterwards we go snorkeling; here you can see sea turtles, sharks, rays, seahorses, schools of fish and Galapagos penguins! The rest of the afternoon you have free time to enjoy the beautiful beach in Isabela or you can go snorkeling in the Concha de Perla Lagoon, which is located at approx. 15 minutes walking from town. The last part of the walk to this snorkeling site consists of a wooden walkway where sea lions like to take a rest. Overnight at Hotel La Gran Tortuga or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 12: Isabela - Santa Cruz
At 6 AM you will take the public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and then it is time to watch the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how the private ranches protect these special animals and their habitat. You can hear their sounds while they are eating the leaves of the trees. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes are gathering here. The well-known lava tunnels are another amazing experience! Formed by the lava floods of the volcanoes they range from the highlands down to the sea level. The track is collapsed on several spots. Nevertheless a part of the tunnel is intact and gives the observer an impression of their formation. Lastly a visit to Los Gemelos, the twin craters that are actually sink holes surrounded by Scalesia forest. Vermillion flycatchers are often seen here and sometimes you can also see the short eared owl. In the afternoon you have free time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn more about the endangered species and their conservation. Here you can see the late Lonesome George, the last known individual of the Pinta Island tortoise, a symbol for conservation efforts worldwide. After this interesting visit you can also visit Las Grietas; a narrow crack between tall lava rock walls where you can take a swim. The path that leads you to Las Grietas passes by the small white sand beach Playa de los Alemanes, a salt lake and interesting cacti. To reach the trail you will first have to take a short water taxi ride from the port in town. Overnight at Hotel Posada del Mar or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 13: Snorkeling at Pinzon
We travel approx. 1 hour by speedboat departing from Puerto Ayora to Pinzon Island. Pinzon is the first snorkel stop of the tour. Penguin Bay is the name of the snorkel area with clear blue waters and a lot of marine life. This site gives you a great chance to see many sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, rays, fish and sometimes even the penguins the bay is named for. As the tour is run by fisherman there is a short fishing time (depending on weather conditions and national park regulations). Another 30 minute ride will bring you to La Fe, a beautiful white sand beach where you can disembark and swim from the beach or just relax in the sun. Here you can see sea lions, turtles, reef fish, rays and reef sharks. Overnight at Hotel Posada del Mar or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 14: Baltra airport - Flight back to Quito
Free time until pick up from your hotel for your transfer to Baltra airport. You can go to the fish market of Puerto Ayora, where you can see how pelicans and sea lions try to get some fish! A driver will pick you up to take you to the airport. You will be accompanied until check-in at the airport. We will pick you up from Quito airport and you will have a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Transfer to the airport
Free time until pick up for your private transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Meals included: Breakfast
• 3 persons: USD 2307 p.p.
• 2 persons: USD 2462 p.p.
• 1 person: USD 3074 p.p.
• Children until 11 years receive a 10% discount
• Prices include airfare to/from Galapagos!!
• This tour includes accommodation at Tourist Class hotels. Contact us if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
Quito:
• Accommodation at hotel mentioned or similar
• Private transfers to/from Quito airport
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Shared day tours to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Otavalo (transportation from meeting point, English speaking guide, bicycles and helmets at Cotopaxi)
Cuyabeno Reserve:
• Accommodation with mosquito nets and a private bathroom (cold water)
• Shuttle bus Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito
• Transportation from Lago Agrio - Dolphin Lodge - Lago Agrio (bus and canoe)
• All meals (breakfast-lunch-dinner) from lunch on the first day to lunch on the final day
• Water, coffee and tea
• Excursions
• Bilingual naturalist guide
• Raincoat, rubber boots and life jackets
Galapagos Islands:
• Airfare to/from Galapagos!!
• Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar
• Airport transfers to/from Baltra airport
• Bus between Baltra airport and the Itabaca channel
• Ferry to cross the Itabaca channel
• Public speedboats between Santa Cruz and Isabela
• Transfer to/from the piers in Santa Cruz and Isabela
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Activities as mentioned in the itinerary with an English speaking guide
• Snorkeling equipment during the tours
Quito:
• Transportation to/from the meeting point to start the shared day tours
• Optional mule rent for the climb back up to the Quilotoa crater edge (USD 10 p.p.)
• Optional kayaking on the Quilotoa crater lake (USD 5 p.p.)
• Entrance fee Quitsato Equator on the way to Otavalo (USD 2 p.p.)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
Cuyabeno Reserve:
• Community (USD 5 p.p.) / Shaman (USD 5 p.p.)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Additional beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
Galapagos Islands:
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 100 p.p.)
• Galapagos transit control card (USD 20 p.p.)
• Isabela dock fee (USD 10 p.p.)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• This tour can be adapted to your wishes and preferences.
• This itinerary includes accommodation at Tourist Class hotels. Contact us if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
Why book with Enjoying Ecuador Travel?
• 15 years experience in organizing tours in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
• 24/7 assistance for emergencies by phone, email and WhatsApp
• Fast answers to your questions
• Personal contact from the first email to the end of your trip
• Highly competitive prices
• Excellent knowledge about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
• English, Dutch and Spanish spoken
• High quality tours
• Our reviews speak for themselves!
• No credit card surcharge on all our tours!!
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