Day 1 : Quito, Ecuador Arrival
Welcome to Ecuador! Quito is an eclectic mix of colonial and modern, sitting at almost 10,000 feet above sea level, and under the gaze of the Pichincha Volcano. There’ll be a brief introductory meeting with your Ecuadorian trip leader later today. Then, we recommend getting a good night’s rest for tomorrow’s adventures!
*NOTE: Airport pick-up is not included. You can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with a transfer company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
Included :
- Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Meeting with trip leader; Free time
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Quito
This morning, explore Quito on a half-day guided walking tour to discover its Old Town. Admire historical plazas and colonial architecture while the hustle and bustle of Quito’s daily life pass by. You’ll also pay a visit to the glittering, golden La Compañia de Jesus Church. After the city tour, gather for lunch as a group so you can get to know your local trip leader and recount today’s adventures.
The rest of the day is yours to do as you’d like. You’re welcome to see more of the city but we recommend visiting El Panecillo, a former volcano with its iconic El Virgen del Panecillo statue and amazing views of the city.
Included :
- Activities: Quito old town walking tour; La Compañia de Jesus church; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Mindo
This morning, hit the road toward the “Middle of the World” where you’ll find a monument commemorating the discovery of the Equator. You’ll stop by the Inti Ñan museum next door to learn about the indigenous culture and native tribes. You can also participate in various experiments to prove that you are indeed in the exact spot where the Equator crosses. Don’t believe us? Feel free to check your GPS! Remember to bring your passport so you can get a stamp to show that you were in the middle of the world.
Afterward, drive on to the Cloud Forest where you can disconnect from the chaos of daily life and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. Have lunch on arrival and meet your Cloud Forest guide followed by your first hike to explore the beautiful, natural environment if time permits.
Dinner is on your own terms and later tonight, there’ll be a night walk where you can try to spot the beautiful glass frog species endemic to this part of the world.
*NOTE: In the Cloud Forest, you will spend 2 nights at an eco-lodge and while it is comfortable with basic amenities, it is not a 4- or 5-star hotel. Also, the Internet may be spotty if not absent in the Cloud Forest so be prepared to disconnect during your time here.
Included :
- Transfers: Quito – Equator by private vehicle (approx. 45 mins); Equator – Mindo by private vehicle (approx. 2 hrs)
- Activities: Equator visit; Inti Ñan museum; Cloud Forest free time; Night walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Cloud Forest lodge
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Mindo
This morning, you have the option of waking up early and going on a bird-watching hike (approximately 1.5 hours). Don’t forget your binoculars to try to see some of the various hummingbird species that are endemic to the area. They’re fast so keep your eyes peeled!
Breakfast will be served at the lodge and afterward, there’ll be a hike to a local waterfall where you can take a dip (easy/moderate difficulty level) as well as an adrenaline-filled adventure in which you’ll zoom through the treetops by zipline! If neither of these interests you, you’re welcome to just kick back and relax at the lodge!
To wrap up the day, you’ll end up back at the lodge where you can have a bite to eat and some drinks on your own terms as the sound of the forest lulls you to sleep.
Included :
- Activities: Bird watching (optional but included); Waterfall hike (easy/moderate difficulty level); Ziplining; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Cloud Forest lodge
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Quito
Before bidding farewell to the Cloud Forest and its beautiful flora and fauna, stop by a butterfly farm where hundreds of colorful butterfly species flutter around you. Here, you can learn the importance of each species’ role in the fragile environment.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth then you’re going to love what’s up next… A visit to a local chocolate factory. You’ll learn first-hand how the most delicious, pure Ecuadorian chocolate is made. There’s also a shop in the factory where you can buy chocolate fresh from the factory!
There’ll be a stop in the town of Mindo where you can grab lunch if you’d like. From there, head back to Quito for the night before you head to the Galapagos Islands tomorrow!
*NOTE: We have selected an airport hotel in Quito due to the early departure on Day 5. This way, you will not need to wake up as early to catch your Galapagos flight the next day since your hotel will be just a few minutes away from the airport!
Included :
- Transfers: Mindo – Quito airport hotel by private vehicle (approx. 2.5 hrs)
- Activities: Butterfly farm; Chocolate factory; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Airport hotel
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Early this morning, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands! After landing in the Galapagos, you’ll transfer by boat to Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island of the Galapagos. First, your Galapagos naturalist guide will take you to the Santa Cruz Highlands where you can observe giant tortoises roaming freely. It is a great chance to see this endangered species, endemic to the Galapagos, in its natural environment. Then, onward to Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz, where you can relax after a day of traveling or hit the town to chat with the locals over a pint of craft beer.
Included :
- Transfers: Quito – Baltra Island by plane (approx. 2.5 hrs); Baltra – Santa Cruz Island by boat and private vehicle (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Activities: Tortoise center; Puerto Ayora free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 7 : South Plaza Island & Punta Carrión
Located a few hundred meters away from the eastern coast of Santa Cruz, South Plaza Island was formed from an uplifted seabed, lending to its tilted appearance. Once on South Plaza, a colony of sea lions will greet you and farther up the shore, a carpet of scarlet succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly pear cacti. You may see yellow-gray land iguanas sitting beneath, waiting for pears to drop. The trail will take you gradually toward the southern cliff of the island where you can try to spot nesting swallow-tailed gulls and several sea birds such as Nazca and blue-footed boobies flying by.
After lunch, you can swim or snorkel in the waters of Punta Carrión to observe a variety of tropical fish and possibly whitetip reef sharks that peacefully rest on the sandy bottom.
The rest of the evening is yours to do as you’d like in Puerto Ayora. If you’re feeling up for it, check out the town. You can try some of the breweries or coffee shops that are unique to the Galapagos with beer names such as Reptilia or coffee names like Tortoise. It is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs!
*NOTE: If there is rain, wind, or any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us, all activities and excursions will continue as planned unless the weather is deemed unsafe by the boat crew and the Galapagos government.
Included :
- Activities: South Plaza Island guided hike; Punta Carrion swimming/snorkeling; Puerto Ayora free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 8 : North Seymour Island & Bachas Beach
Included :
- Activities: North Seymour Island guided hike; Bachas Beach snorkeling & swimming; Puerto Ayora free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 9 : Isabela Island
Early this morning, hop on a speedboat to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the main town of Puerto Villamil. A great adventure to Tintoreras Islet awaits you today. Tintoreras is a natural, rocky islet filled with wildlife and is ideal for snorkeling. You may be able to catch a glimpse of white-tipped sharks (tintoreras as they’re called in Spanish), sea lions, marine iguanas, schools of fish, and birds. Arrive back at the hotel later in the afternoon/early evening and you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.
*NOTE: The boat transfer between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands tends to be pretty rough. We highly recommend medication or patches if you’re worried about motion/sea sickness.
Included :
- Transfers: Santa Cruz – Isabela by speedboat (approx. 2.5 hrs)
- Activities: Tintoreras hiking & snorkeling; Puerto Villamil free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 10 : Isabela Island
In the morning, you will visit the Western part of Puerto Villamil where there is a wonderful compound of saltwater lagoons that house a large variety of coastal and shore birds. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to view a large colony of pink flamingos as you hike along the beach. You’ll return to Puerto Villamil with the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy this colorful town filled with friendly locals, great restaurants, and small pubs.
Included :
- Activities: Puerto Villamil guided hike & beach/snorkeling time; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 11 : Santa Cruz Island
Today, you’ll return to Santa Cruz by speedboat and have nearly the entire day free to do as you wish. You can stroll around the town of Puerto Ayora, visit Charles Darwin Station, or even hang out at the gorgeous Tortuga Bay Beach. All are easily accessible from your hotel and are great ways to end your Galapagos journey.
Included :
- Transfers: Isabela – Santa Cruz by speedboat (approx. 2.5 hrs)
- Activities: Puerto Ayora free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 12 : Quito
Today, you will transfer back to Baltra Island in time for your flight back to Quito.
*NOTE: We have selected an airport hotel in Quito due to the late arrival today. This way, you can catch your flights back home in the morning more easily since your hotel will be just a few minutes away from the airport!
Included :
- Transfers: Santa Cruz – Baltra Island by boat (approx. 1.5 hrs); Baltra – Quito by plane (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Airport hotel
NEXT DAY Day 13 : Quito Departure
Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own before heading back home.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Ecuador & Galapagos 13-Day Trip
$5,350 USD – Trip cost per person. (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administrative fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the trip, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $1,100 USD. If you would like your own room, the supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying the single supplement, we can try to arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.) but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc, we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.
What is included :
- 12 nights accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- Activities as noted on the itinerary
- Day excursions on Galapagos yacht
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Round-trip flights: Quito – Baltra / Baltra – Quito
- Ground & sea transportation
- Bilingual national park guide & local Ecuadorian trip leader
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches
- $200 Galapagos National Park fee
- $20 Galapagos transit control card
- $10 Isabela Island fee
What is not included :
- International flights
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (for international flights)
- Some lunches & most dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Insurance
Smile policy
We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.
No complainers
Our goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves and have a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have a trip of a lifetime!
Early wake-up calls
While in the Galapagos, there will be early wake-up calls almost every morning. The day’s activities usually begin around 7:00 AM and finish around 4 or 5:00 PM.
Ecuador and the Galapagos are not like home
Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas. Also, you will spend 2 nights in the Cloud Forest in an eco-lodge. They are comfortable but rustic compared to your hotels in Quito and the Galapagos.
Trip leaders
Your trip leaders will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions and offer suggestions. They will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but are not your personal assistants. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip leaders who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.
Semi-independent trip
Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip leaders can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.
*NOTE: If there is rain, wind, or any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us, all activities and excursions will continue as planned unless the weather is deemed unsafe by the boat crew and the Galapagos government.
This trip requires a moderate level of physical fitness. If you’re not feeling up for an activity or a hike, you’re welcome to explore on your own.
To participate in this trip you should be able to:
- Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day unassisted, up/down stairs, over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with/without an incline, and on paths with rough terrain.
- Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, indoors and outdoors, and in all weather conditions.
- Carry your luggage from the taxi/van to the hotel and to your room.*
- Get in and out of a van and a boat without assistance even on rough waters.
Altitude
Quito is located just over 9,000 feet above sea level and you may experience some altitude sickness. If you’re prone to altitude sickness or you’re unsure about how it’ll affect you, we recommend bringing medication for this just in case.
Boat rides
You will be riding in a panga (zodiac boat) on various day excursions so you will need to be able to get in and out of the panga during wet landings. A pair of water shoes is a good idea for these wet landings.
Seasickness medication
The waters you’ll sail are usually calm but the sea can get choppy. Steady sea legs and a sturdy stomach are essential when traveling by boat in rough sea conditions. The boat transfer between Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands tends to be pretty rough. We highly recommend medication or patches if you’re worried about motion/sea sickness.
Sun protection
While at sea and exploring the islands, you may be exposed to the sun for large parts of the day. It’s very important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
*NOTE: Most hotels will have someone to carry your luggage to your room. If someone takes your luggage to your room, we ask that you tip accordingly.
Each group consists of 6 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip leaders who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
The minimum age on our trips is 18.
Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples.
Check out the pictures from our past trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the trip leaders can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are to be paid at your own expense.
Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Quito, Ecuador (UIO) and it usually takes about 45 minutes by car to get there to get from the airport.
Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is Quito, Ecuador (UIO). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport. There is also a free airport shuttle available through the hotel if you prefer not to take a taxi.
Currently, passport holders from the USA, Australia, the UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland DO NOT need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Ecuador and the Galapagos. You may be required to show proof of exit from Ecuador in the form of a departure flight ticket.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
The official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos is the US dollar. Ecuadorian coins are sometimes given as change. The Ecuadorian currency’s value is equivalent to its US counterparts. $1 USD coins are also common and legal tender throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos so don’t be surprised if you receive one as change!
If you’re a US traveler, there’s no need to exchange money in Ecuador and the Galapagos as its official currency is the US dollar. We strongly recommend bringing at least $50 USD worth of one and five-dollar bills to use for tips, cabs, and small purchases in small shops. Making change is often difficult for small vendors and cab drivers.
If you run out of cash, there are ATMs in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Some banks may block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.
Although widely accepted in mainland Ecuador, credit cards aren’t widely used in the Galapagos. Where they are accepted, credit card transactions often include a surcharge of up to 10% on your bill.
Ecuador does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is appreciated.
Tipping your trip leader & Galapagos guide: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $10 – 15 a day.
Tipping your boat crew: If you feel they did an exceptional job, then you can tip around $10 a day.
For more information about tipping your trip leader, please see our blog on tipping your trip leader.
We recommend having access to anywhere between $400 – 700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for lunches and dinners as well as any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Ecuador, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts. See the example below:
Welcome to ‘Ecuador!’ Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
When traveling around the Galapagos Islands and in the Cloud Forest, coverage can be spotty if not absent.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
All hotels you will stay at offer free Wifi as will most restaurants and other public places. Some hotels may only offer it in the lobby and the signal strength may be weak to absent in the rooms. The connection may not be as strong as you’re used to at home.
In the Cloud Forest and during the day trips to the Galapagos, Wifi will be spotty if not absent.
In Ecuador and the Galapagos, US travelers will not need any adapters or converters in Ecuador. The outlets are the same and so is the voltage (120 volts, 60 Hz). Outlets are like those in the USA as seen in the pictures below:
January temperatures in Ecuador are cool during the day (mid-60s°F) and can get even cooler at night (high 40s°F).
In the Galapagos, it is a bit warmer during the day (high 70s°F to low-80s°F) and a bit cooler at night (high 60s°F to low 70s°F).
Despite the Galapagos being in a tropical region, they don’t have the same tropical heat as most expect. The wet season usually takes place from December to May. Surprisingly, you will see a lot of sun with average temperatures of around 80ºF during this season. Despite it being the wet season, the rain leaves as quickly as it arrives with brief moments of heavy rain gracing the arid islands and disappearing again.
We recommend packing lightweight clothing in general. For the cool/chilly evenings, it’s best to bring a warm coat or sweater.
To help you plan, below are the average low and high temperatures in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Rain is usually brief and disappears as fast as it comes.
No matter if you travel in dry or warm season, it’s always a good idea to bring warmer clothes for the evenings as temperatures tend to be cool at night. Rainwear for the rain showers and lightweight clothing are also essential items.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sunglasses*
- Hat*
- Bathing suit*
- Wetsuit (optional; can be rented for $10 a day)
- Sturdy, comfortable walking/hiking shoes*
- Deck shoes (i.e. Crocs or flip flops)
- Water shoes*
- Water-resistant, lightweight hiking pants*
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Light, warm jacket/fleece
- Quick-drying clothes*
- Snorkeling mask, snorkel, & fins (optional, free on Galapagos boat)
- Hiking/walking sticks
- Warm pajamas
- Waterproof day pack/backpack* (for Galapagos only)
- Sunscreen* (biodegradable, if possible)
- Underwater camera or case (if needed)
- Binoculars
- Sea, altitude, diarrhea medicine
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit (travel size)
- Hand sanitizer
- Chargers/cables* (bring 2 or more just in case!)
- Adapters/converters for electronics*
- Washcloth
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap
- Mosquito repellent* (DEET strength)
- Refillable water bottle*
*Essential items!
Most hotels have a hairdryer and a small toiletry kit. Please bring your own if you need them.
A comfortable and securely closable bag is also a good idea if you have a camera or other travel items while out and about on excursions. Finally, it is advisable to avoid flashy, expensive accessories and/or jewelry that are valuable or precious to you.
Some hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee, if needed.
Most will agree that the drinking water in Ecuador and the Galapagos is not safe for consumption. Thus, drinking only bottled water is highly recommended. Bottled water is easily found and can be purchased for a minimal fee.
You can purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.
As with most travel destinations, it is important to exercise caution and to be aware of your surroundings while traveling in Ecuador, especially in larger cities. We suggest not wearing expensive jewelry when walking around and keeping an eye on your bag while out and about. Wearing your bag on the front of your body is also advisable. Traveling with one other person or more at all times is also a good idea, especially at night. It is always a good idea to store portions of your cash in different places. (i.e. $100 in your purse, $100 in your suitcase, $100 in your carry-on, etc.) Finally, we recommend carrying a color copy of your passport and keeping the original in a safe place.
Most travelers to Ecuador and the Galapagos do not have any problems. As long as you remember to keep a watchful eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, you will have a safe and memorable trip!
Hotels throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
We offer private trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos depending on the size of the group and availability.
Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights
Your arrival and departure airport is Quito (UIO).
*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking.
Visa
Currently, passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States DO NOT need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Ecuador. You may be required to show proof of exit from Ecuador in the form of a departure flight ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
The hotels in which you will stay in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are handpicked. We try our best to select accommodations with impeccable service, old-world charm, and a central location.
Some of the hotels may not have elevators so you should be able to walk up and down at least 2 – 4 or more flights of stairs with varying degrees of steepness with your luggage and unassisted. Most hotels will have porters or staff to help you with luggage but please keep this in mind when tipping.
All hotels you will stay at offer free Wifi as will most restaurants and other public places. Hotels in the Cloud Forest and the Galapagos may only offer it in the lobby and the signal strength may be weak or absent at times. The connection also may not be as strong as you’re used to at home.
*NOTE: You will spend 2 nights in the Cloud Forest and the accommodation is an eco-lodge. While it is comfortable with basic amenities, it is not a 4- or 5-star hotel.
Quito, Ecuador
Located in the financial center of Quito, this hotel’s warm and friendly staff is dedicated to making your experience in the capital city a memorable one. There is a chic restaurant offering a gourmet dining experience as well as a rooftop bar with incredible views of the surrounding area.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Surrounded by hummingbirds and the peaceful sound of Mindo’s river, this eco-lodge is specially designed to help you disconnect from your daily life. It’s far enough from the town of Mindo to provide that peace so you can come and simply relax. Explore the secrets of the Cloud Forest through walks on its private paths and hikes to the area’s greatest points of interest. There is also a restaurant on site serving tasty, local cuisine.
*NOTE: This is an eco-lodge and while it is comfortable with basic amenities, it is not a 4- or 5-star hotel. Also, the Internet may be spotty if not absent in the Cloud Forest so be prepared to disconnect during your 2 nights here.
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
This boutique hotel is located in the main town of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz which features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and garden. The hotel was built for the optimal use of solar energy to contribute to the protection of the environment. The entrance to Tortuga Bay is within walking distance from the hotel with easy access to a beautiful beach.
Puerto Villamil, Isabela, Galapagos
Set in a Mediterranean-style house located right on the pristine, white sand Cuna del Sol Beach, this boutique hotel on Isabela Island features a lush garden with an outdoor pool. All rooms have either sea or pool views.
Quito, Ecuador (Airport hotel)
Get a good night’s rest before your Galapagos adventure in this airport hotel, just a 5-minute drive from Quito’s airport. It boasts comfortable rooms as well as a fitness center, heated indoor pool, restaurant, and bar. The hotel also offers a free airport shuttle.
*NOTE: We have selected airport hotel accommodation for 2 nights in Quito due to the early departure on Day 6 and the late arrival on Day 12. This way, you will not need to wake up as early to catch the Galapagos flight on Day 6 and you can catch your flights back home on Day 13 since your hotel will be just a couple of minutes away from the airport!
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
