Ecuador and Galápagos Islands 17 days

Latin America

Ecuador and Galápagos Islands 17 days - G Adventures

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Ecuador and Galápagos Islands 17 days - G Adventures

23.08.2026

€2.949,00

Secure your place now with a small deposit.

Overview

Experience the perfect mix of adventure, nature, community experiences and island feeling in 17 days in Ecuador and on the Galápagos Islands. This trip takes you from Quito into the Amazon jungle, on to Baños and Quilotoa and finally to the legendary Galápagos Islands. Look forward to authentic encounters with local communities, impressive volcanic landscapes, turquoise crater lakes, tropical rainforests and unforgettable snorkelling experiences with unique wildlife. A tour for all those who want to experience Ecuador in an intensive, varied and active way.

*Travel health insurance is mandatory for this tour. We will be happy to help you take out this insurance.

**All travellers must pay the tax on domestic flights in Ecuador. Foreign travellers are exempt and proof that you are indeed a foreign traveller can be provided by showing us your International Ticket Number (ITN). Travellers who do not present their international ticket number at least 30 days before the first day of their trip will be required to pay the domestic tax for all included flights.

Duration of the trip: 17 days / 16 nights

Starts: Quito

Ends: Quito

Transport: Public bus, private vehicle, taxi, 2 domestic flights, public speedboat

Meals: 16x breakfast, 2x lunch, 4x dinner

Single room upgrade: from 349.00 EUR possible (availability must be checked; please indicate your request in the notes when enquiring or booking)

Group size: max. 16 on average 12 people

Age range: 18 - 39

Duration

17 days

Tour Type

International Group Tour

Languages

English

Group Size

16 people

Included/Excluded

Welcome meeting in Quito
First Night Out in Quito
Chocolate and cocoa experience in Shandia
Stay at the Shandia Community Lodge in the Amazon
Community experience and bike tour in Shandia
Amazon jungle hike and visit to the Pimpilala waterfalls
Visit to a community artisan workshop in Tigua
Visit to the Guayama Community Project near Quilotoa
Orientation walk in La Carolina Park in Quito
Big Night Out in Quito
Flight to the Galápagos Islands
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz
Speedboat transfers between the Galápagos Islands
Hike to the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela
Snorkelling at Concha de Perla on Isabela
Visit to the interpretation centre on San Cristóbal
Snorkelling trip at Tijeretas on San Cristóbal
Return flight from San Cristóbal to Quito
Internal flights
All transfers between destinations and to and from the included activities

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa (if necessary)
some meals
Galápagos Island Park entrance fee (100 USD)
Transit control cards (20 USD)

Worldwide adventure travel & backpacking tours

Tour PDF

Included/Excluded

Welcome meeting in Quito
First Night Out in Quito
Chocolate and cocoa experience in Shandia
Stay at the Shandia Community Lodge in the Amazon
Community experience and bike tour in Shandia
Amazon jungle hike and visit to the Pimpilala waterfalls
Visit to a community artisan workshop in Tigua
Visit to the Guayama Community Project near Quilotoa
Orientation walk in La Carolina Park in Quito
Big Night Out in Quito
Flight to the Galápagos Islands
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz
Speedboat transfers between the Galápagos Islands
Hike to the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela
Snorkelling at Concha de Perla on Isabela
Visit to the interpretation centre on San Cristóbal
Snorkelling trip at Tijeretas on San Cristóbal
Return flight from San Cristóbal to Quito
Internal flights
All transfers between destinations and to and from the included activities

International flights
Travel insurance
Visa (if necessary)
some meals
Galápagos Island Park entrance fee (100 USD)
Transit control cards (20 USD)

Tour Itinerary

Quito

Arrival in Quito possible at any time. In the evening, you will get to know your guide and the group at the welcome meeting. Afterwards, you can optionally go out for dinner with the group and start your Ecuador adventure in a relaxed manner.

Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar)

Quito - Tena

Today you will travel by bus into the Amazon jungle to Tena. Your community lodge awaits you there in the middle of the rainforest. You will learn more about local food production and everything to do with cocoa and chocolate. At the end, the group enjoys a sweet treat amidst the sounds of the jungle.

Hotel: Shandia Lodge (or similar) Homestay

Tena

Today you will actively explore the surrounding area with a bike tour to the indigenous Shandia community. You will cycle through the Amazon landscape and gain authentic insights into local life. Later, there will be time at the lodge before setting off on a jungle hike to the Pimpilala waterfalls.

Hotel: Shandia Lodge (or similar) Homestay

Tena - Baños

The journey continues by local bus to Baños, one of Ecuador's most famous outdoor resorts. On arrival, you can explore the town on your own or visit the famous thermal springs.

Hotel: Napolitano Apart Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Baños

A completely free day in Baños awaits you. Whether ziplining, canyoning, rafting, hiking or simply relaxing and exploring, today you can fully savour Ecuador's spirit of adventure.

Hotel: Napolitano Apart Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Baños - Quilotoa

Today you continue your journey to Quilotoa. On the way, the group will stop at a local art workshop in Tigua, where you will learn more about the indigenous art of the region. Afterwards, you will head to the impressive Quilotoa crater lake, where you can hike down to the water and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Hotel: The Black Sheep Inn (or similar)

Quilotoa

Today you will visit the Guayama Community Project and learn more about the life, culture and traditions of the indigenous population in this region. You will gain authentic insights into agriculture, everyday life and sustainable projects of the community. Afterwards, you will have time to relax in your accommodation or explore further on your own.

Hotel: The Black Sheep Inn (or similar)

Quilotoa - Quito

After breakfast, you return to Quito. There you will take an orientation walk in La Carolina Park and later have free time to enjoy the evening in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar)

Quito

Today you have a free day in Quito. Use the time to discover the historic city centre, museums, parks or the equator on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar)

Quito - Santa Cruz Island

Today you fly to the Galápagos Islands. After arriving in Santa Cruz, you will explore the Charles Darwin Research Station in the afternoon, where you can see the famous giant tortoises up close.

Hotel: Hotel Brisas del Pacifico (or similar) Hotel

Santa Cruz Island - Isabela Island

The journey continues by speedboat to Isabela Island. There you will hike to the Sierra Negra volcano and experience spectacular views of the impressive volcanic landscape of the Galápagos Islands.

Hotel: Hotel Iguana (or similar)

Isabela Island

A free day on Isabela Island gives you the opportunity to experience the island at your own pace. You can enjoy optional activities such as snorkelling, surfing or a boat trip, or simply relax on the beach.

Hotel: Hotel Iguana (or similar)

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island

In the morning, you will go snorkelling at Concha de Perla and, with a bit of luck, discover numerous animals in the underwater world. Then it's back to Santa Cruz by speedboat, where you can spend the afternoon at leisure in Puerto Ayora.

Hotel: Hotel Brisas del Pacifico (or similar)

Santa Cruz Island - San Cristóbal Island

Today you continue by speedboat to San Cristóbal. There you will visit the Galápagos National Park Interpretation Centre and gain exciting insights into the history, flora and fauna of the islands. Afterwards, another great snorkelling experience awaits you in Tijeretas.

Hotel: Casa de Laura Hotel (or similar)

San Cristóbal Island

Today you have free time on San Cristóbal Island. You can go on optional excursions, go to the beach or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the special wildlife of the island.

Hotel: Casa de Laura Hotel (or similar)

San Cristóbal Island - Quito

Today you say goodbye to the Galápagos Islands and fly back to Quito. On arrival, you can relax a little before enjoying your last evening in Ecuador.

Accommodation: Hotel Eugenia (or similar)

Quito

Departure from Quito possible at any time. Your journey full of rainforest, volcanoes, community experiences and unforgettable Galápagos moments comes to an end. We say: See you soon! :)

Tour Highlights

Spend the night in an indigenous community lodge in the Amazon rainforest
Find out more about cocoa, chocolate and local traditions in Shandia
Cycle through the jungle and discover the Pimpilala waterfalls
Experience the Baños Adventure Centre
See the spectacular crater lake of Quilotoa
Get to know an authentic indigenous community near Guayama
Flying to the Galápagos Islands
See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Hike to the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela
Discover sea lions, rays, sea turtles and marine iguanas while snorkelling with a little luck
Experience San Cristóbal and the unique wildlife of the Galápagos

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many of our participants are travelling alone. When you join our trip, you immediately become part of a group and have the opportunity to meet other adventurers. It's a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable experiences together!

You can secure your tour with a deposit of 200 EUR. The balance is not due until 45 days before the start of the tour. However, if you book within 45 days of the tour start date, the full tour price is payable immediately. This means you can plan your trip flexibly and look forward to your adventure!

If you make an enquiry, we will then contact you by phone to discuss all the details for preparing the offer. For example, we will clarify whether you need a flight offer and discuss all the important travel topics with you. You will then receive a personalised offer from your travel consultant by email. This ensures that all your wishes are taken into account and that you are well informed.

After your booking, you will receive a tour confirmation and your flight documents if you have booked the flight through us. You will be given access to a packing list and to online groups where you can exchange ideas with other participants. Your tour guide will contact you around 2-4 weeks before the start of the tour and provide you with final details about your journey and the start of the tour. This way you are well prepared and can network with your fellow travellers in advance.

As the group participants are travelling from many different countries, the flights to and from the tour are booked individually and are not included in the tour price. We will be happy to create and send you a suitable flight offer. Simply make a non-binding enquiry or let us know in the notes when booking and we will send you a flight offer once your booking has been finalised. This way you can ensure that you get the best possible flight for your needs and that your journey goes smoothly.

Where should I fly to:
Quito International Airport (UIO)

Latest arrival time:
Arrival possible at any time on day 1.

Airport transfer:
Can be booked for EUR 55.00. Please specify in the notes.

Your triplanet team will also be happy to put together a suitable flight offer for you.

Where should I take off:
Quito International Airport (UIO)

Latest departure time:
Departure possible at any time on the last day of the tour.

Airport transfer:
Can be booked for 50,00 EUR. Please specify in the notes.

Your triplanet team will also be happy to put together a suitable flight offer for you.

Your group leader will contact you about a week before your trip. In this message, they will introduce themselves and confirm your meeting point or flight details. They will also provide you with all the important information and final details about your trip. This early contact will help you to clarify any unanswered questions and prepare you for the adventures ahead. On the first day of the tour, you will then meet your group leader in person and be given an overview of the itinerary. So you can start your trip relaxed and well informed.

Yes, we can arrange this for you. An extra night in a single room costs XXXX EUR. This way you can start your journey relaxed and feel comfortable from the very beginning. You can also get to know other travellers beforehand.

Yes, this is possible. Please make an enquiry and indicate in the notes that you would like a single room. We will then check availability and let you know the exact price.

Otherwise, you may share a room with another participant. Some rooms may be triple rooms and in rare cases quadruple rooms. You can find more information about the accommodation in the tour PDF.

Care is taken to ensure that, if possible, you are allocated to a room with a person of the same sex.

Our tour participants come from all over the world! On our trips, you will meet adventurers from different countries and cultures, which makes every tour a unique and enriching experience. This diversity makes for exciting conversations and new friendships that last beyond the trip.

As a rule, 20-30% of participants come from German-speaking countries. Other frequent countries of origin are the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Yes, you can get in touch with other participants before the trip via various online platforms. You will be given access to these platforms after your booking or around 4 weeks before the start of the tour. This allows you to exchange ideas in advance and maybe even find travel partners for the journey!

You will receive a packing checklist in your pre-travel pack before the start of your tour to help you be well prepared. This list contains recommendations for the most important items of clothing, personal items and useful equipment that you will need for your trip.

The packing checklist contains many more tips to ensure that you don't forget anything important and can enjoy your trip to the full.

Yes, the tour offers a good mix of included activities and free time. You have the option of doing something either with the other participants or on your own. The guide always has great tips for your free time. If you don't want to take part in an activity, that's no problem. Just let the guide know. This way, you can organise your trip entirely according to your wishes.

Don't worry if your English is not perfect. The tour guides are used to working with participants whose native language is not English and will adapt accordingly. There are also often many participants from German-speaking countries, which can make communication easier.

You can find more useful information on this topic in our BLOG.

You have various options for the meals that are not included. You can join the group and go out to eat together. The guide always has excellent tips for restaurants that offer good value for money. Of course, you are also free to go out to eat on your own or with other participants. There are numerous inexpensive and good options on site to cater for you. This gives you the flexibility to organise your meals according to your own wishes and needs.

Yes, that's no problem. You will be asked about your dietary requirements during the booking process. We can cater for various dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and much more. Our guides are also trained to look out for allergies and take appropriate precautions. So you can enjoy your trip worry-free!

Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland do not require a visa for entry if the purpose of travel is for leisure or transit, provided the stay does not exceed 90 days. Tourists are not permitted to engage in paid employment.

Nationals of other countries should contact the relevant ministry or the Philippine embassy in their home country for information on specific visa requirements.

Entry requirements are subject to change. Please check the current regulations under the following links or with your respective ministry before travelling:

German citizenship

Austrian citizenship

Swiss nationality

Yes, most accommodation offers fast Wi-Fi access. You can also buy a SIM card or eSIM to stay connected while travelling.

If you would like to secure eSIM access before you start your journey, you will find a link to our partner airalo under the link HERE.

So you're always online and can share your experiences!

Yes, the age limit for this tour is 18-39 years. This age restriction ensures that the group shares a similar life stage and interests, which strengthens the sense of community and dynamics within the group. Many of our activities are aimed at an active and adventurous audience that is flexible and open to new experiences. The age restriction helps to ensure that all participants have similar expectations and needs, making the trip more enjoyable and enriching for all involved.

If you are looking for a tour without age restrictions, you can find it in the tour overview or simply contact us. :)

Travel health insurance is compulsory on this tour to protect you. This can already be taken out at a reasonable price. We also recommend taking out travel cancellation, trip interruption and baggage insurance. These insurances offer you comprehensive protection and security during your trip.

You can conveniently calculate and take out these insurance policies online via our partners. You will find the corresponding link HERE.

We recommend a budget of around €30-60 per day for this tour, depending on your personal expenses. Additional costs may include some meals, drinks, souvenirs and other personal expenses. It's always a good idea to plan a little extra to stay flexible and cover unexpected expenses.

It is best to take a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card with you. A “normal” debit card will also work at most ATMs. There are many ATMs on site where you can withdraw cash. We also recommend taking a small cash reserve with you and exchanging it locally. We advise against exchanging into the local currency in advance or at the airport, as this is usually associated with higher fees. Your guide will be happy to give you tips on the best places to withdraw or exchange money.

For cash withdrawals abroad, we recommend a DKB debit or credit card. You can find a link and more information HERE.

We recommend travelling with a rucksack and packing light! 10-20kg should be enough. It's usually quite hot and it's no fun lugging around a huge suitcase. You can do your laundry or have it done for little money in most accommodation.
However, if you prefer a suitcase, that's no problem. You are also welcome to travel with a trolley or suitcase. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and can transport your luggage easily.

If you are still looking for suitable backpacks, you will find HERE our recommendations.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for this trip. However, we would like to point out that we are not allowed to make any vaccination recommendations. It is important that you speak to a doctor to find out which vaccinations are recommended in your particular case. Your doctor can give you the best advice to ensure that you are healthy and safe when travelling.

* Free change (subject to availability and at the same tour price) or conversion to a “Lifetime deposit” with G Adventures/TruTravels, up to 35 days before the start of the tour.
* Cancellation fees in the amount of the deposit up to 35 days before the start of the tour, thereafter full tour price.

Requests for changes or cancellations must be made by email to info@traveldiewelt.de.

These conditions ensure flexibility in travel planning and at the same time offer security for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Yes, together with the invoice you will receive a security certificate for your trip. This security certificate guarantees that the money you have paid is secured in the event of triplanet's insolvency. So you can book worry-free and look forward to your adventure.

Inquiry

Language

English

Countries

Ecuador

Operator

G Adventures

Tour duration

16 to 21 days