Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

$732 a month for 6 months, 0% interest (ask for details)

Highlights
What's Included
International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging
English-Speaking Tour Guides
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
Almost All Entry Fees
Your Own On-Call Concierge
Breakfasts
Lunches x 5
Dinners x 5
Our Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1: High Altitude & Acclimating
Most visitors arrive in Quito in the evening or late-night. Do not be surprised if you are breathing heavily. This is due to the city’s high altitude. Most visitors acclimate just fine. Touring begins tomorrow.
Day 2: A Jewel of Colonial Architecture, Quito
Today we explore the capital of Ecuador. The large historical center is a jewel of South American and colonial architecture. Quito is fascinating not only for its architecture, but for its people as well. This city is still a place where indigenous women wear traditional attire and carry a child on their back, wrapped in a blanket. Quito is nothing short of authentic in both its appearance and its culture.
Day 3: Centuries-Old Markets, a Volcano & a Breathtaking Viewpoint
From Quito, we make a daytrip. The first stop is a viewpoint overlooking Lake San Pablo and Imbabura Volcano. Next is a guided walking tour in Otavalo. The indigenous locals are famous for weaving textiles, such as handmade blankets and tablecloths. Although Saturday boasts the largest market, there is a very wide range of products available throughout the week. During the market’s peak, almost one third of the town becomes full of stalls selling tagua nut jewelry, musical instruments, fake shrunken heads, traditional costumes, hand-painted platters and trays, purses, clothing, spices, raw foods and spools of wool. Following Otavalo is a fascinating crater lake called Cuicocha. This is our final destination for today. The hike to the viewpoint only takes about 10 minutes and the views are great.
Day 4: Donkey-Riding Around a Caldera, Kayaking in a Lake & Visiting an Indigenous Family’s Home
We are making another daytrip from Quito. Passing by an active stratovolcano called Cotopaxi, our first destination is Quilotoa Lake. Upon arrival, we are taken via a 5-minute walk to reach a viewpoint from where we can see the 3-kilometer (2 mile)-wide caldera. It was formed by the collapse of dacite volcano following a catastrophic eruption about 600 years ago. Next, we descend to the lake. There we go kayaking. We return via a donkey ride. After Quilotoa is the Toachi River Canyon. It is a nice place for taking selfies. Lastly for today is a visit to an indigenous family’s home.
Day 5: Starting the Cruise of a Lifetime
We relocate from Quito to the Galapagos Islands. Here we start the cruise. The highlight for today is snorkeling right off the white-sand beach of Las Bachas. We spot all sorts of marine wildlife in its shallow waters and tidal pools.
Note that on this cruise, all meals are included. Drinks are not.
Day 6: Feeling Like You're at a Real Jurassic Park
The cruise highlights today are Tagus Cove and Urbina Bay. At Tagus Cove, we will admire a variety of seabirds, such as blue-footed booby, brown noddy, terns, flightless cormorant and penguins. At Urbina Bay, we will likely see wild giant tortoises and land iguanas.
Day 7: Weird-Looking Iguanas, Sea Turtles & Multi-Colored Crabs
The cruise highlights today are Espinoza Point and Vicente Roca Point. Espinoza Point is home to the largest colony of the endemic marine iguanas. Other features are lava cacti, black, white and red mangrove, sally light-footed crabs, hawks and sea turtles. Vicente Roca Point has great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth.
Day 8: Baby Sharks, a Salt Crater & Tidal Pools
The cruise highlights today are Puerto Egas and Buccaneer Cove. We visit Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark-sand beach and tidal pools. At Puerto Egas, we spot a great number of shore birds and reptiles. The area is home to a plethora of wildlife. At Puerto Egas, we go snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for rays, turtles and reef sharks.
Day 9: Boobies, a White-Sand Beach & Continuing the Galapagos Tour Now by Land
Although our cruise ends today, first we visit North Seymour Island. It is home to a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. It also hosts a large population of frigate birds. What’s more, flocks of pelicans feed offshore. Seasonally, Nazca boobies can also be seen.
After North Seymour Island, we are taken to the village of Puerto Ayora. We are based there for a couple of nights. After checking into our hotel, we are taken by foot and then by a 5-minute water taxi ride to these crevices called Las Grietas. There we go swimming. Before returning to our hotel, we visit Tortuga Bay by boat. There we enjoy the long beach and the nearby cove.
Day 10: A Postcard-Perfect Natural Site & Swimming with Penguins
Today we make a daytrip from Puerto Ayora to Bartolome Island. It is a volcanic islet featuring two visitor sites. At the first one, we swim around Pinnacle Rock. The underwater world here is really impressive. We are in the water with penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks and other tropical fish. The second one is the twin bays. It is the most famous landmark in the Galapagos Islands. Snorkeling and lunch are included on today’s tour.
Day 11: Another Wonderful Day at Sea
Today we make another boat daytrip from Puerto Ayora, this time to Floreana Island. Here we see wildlife (blue-footed boobies, penguins, etc.) and go snorkeling. Snorkeling and a light lunch are included on today’s tour.
Day 12: Our Tour Ends Today
Our tour ends today. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport on Baltra Island. From there, you can fly to the city of Guayaquil or back to Quito. It is your choice.
Note that your flight from Guayaquil or Quito to back home needs to depart no earlier than 4:00pm. If not possible, then you will need a post-tour night in Ecuador.
Are Our Tours Right for You?
If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.
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Some of Our Customer Reviews
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Kathy Higginbotham
4.8
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Jacqueline Arpino
5.0
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Luz Renteria
4.7
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Bethany Dawson
4.9
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Natalie R.
4.8
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Henry E.
5.0
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Peter D.
4.6
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Penny O.
4.8
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Janine B.
4.9
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Terrence V.
4.7
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Sako A.
4.8
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Lizzy M.
4.9
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Rita O.
4.7
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Panos B.
4.9
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Robert S.
4.6
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Audrey T.
4.7
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Olivia R.
4.8
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Bruce T.
4.9
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Victor A.
5.0
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Bianca J.
4.8
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Claire E.
4.7
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Ayden O.
4.5
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Cooper B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize This Tour?
We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
Is Travel Insurance Required & Included?
All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
How Much Does This Tour Cost & Is Financing Offered?
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Galapagos Islands & Mainland Ecuador in 12 Days” tour is available for $3,728 USD per person (based on 2 persons). This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes English-speaking tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees except for the Galapagos ‘migration fee’ ($20 USD) and park entry fee ($100 USD). Those two fees need to be paid directly to the airport security in Quito and the Galapagos, respectively. Also, included are 4 nights of lodging while on the Galapagos cruise. If you would like lodging included for the remaining 7 nights while on land, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $4,391 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.6 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour? Solo travelers are welcomed, in case you were wondering.
2. What is your age and the age of your travel companion(s), if applicable? Travel insurance is required for this tour and we cannot quote you without knowing your age.
3. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?
4. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?
5. On what date would you like to leave home?
6. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Quito. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Quito and 1 in Puerto Ayora.
7. Lastly, would you like to directly purchase the round-trip domestic flights between the mainland and the Galapagos Islands (Quito-Guayaquil-Seymour Airport-Guayaquil) or would you like us to arrange this for you?
What’s Excluded in the Price?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees, the Galapagos ‘migration fee’, the Galapagos park airport tax and anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?
Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:
Day 5: Quito to Baltra Island
Day 11: Baltra Island to Quito or Guayaquil
After booking our tour package, we would send you screenshots of what you need to purchase (airlines, flight number and date) and you would then book directly with the carrier. Never book airfare through a third party and always ensure your airfare type allows for changes or cancellation without penality. Does CharlieTheTraveler book airfare on customers' behalf? Although we recommend you do so directly to save money, yes we do offer this service, after the initial booking is made.
At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1-4: Quito, Preferred Accommodation: Swissôtel or NH Collection Quito Royal
Nights 5-8: Galapagos Cruise
Nights 9-11: Puerto Ayora, Preferred Accommodation: Galapagos Suites or Cucuve or Ikala Hotel or Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
*If you need to sleep in the city of Guayaquil before flying home, our preferred hotel there is Hotel Wyndham.
Is This a Private or Group Tour?
Note that although some activities on this multi-day tour are sometimes shared with other travelers, we can make them completely private, per your request, at an additional cost. The sightseeing tour of Quito is always private. The 2 daytrips from Quito are sometimes private and other times, shared. It depends on several factors.
*Note that you are not with the same travelers and tour guides throughout your trip. Instead, you usually meet and engage with new people.
Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
What Happens If I Arrive Late?
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.
How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.
Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?
Bring a lockable waterproof backpack (to bring onto the boat), a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming) and water shoes. On a different note, bring portable oxygen cans, to reduce altitude sickness. Lastly, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?
Please visit CharlieTheTraveler.com/Tours-Terms-and-Conditions
Why Our Tours Beat the Competition

- We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
- We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
- Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
- We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
- For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.