Arrival in Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito and settle into your historic hotel. Explore colonial architecture and the city’s food scene, with time for the TelefériQo and panoramic views across the Andes.
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WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS · ACTIVE ADVENTURE
Wildlife Wonders of the Galápagos
A wildlife-rich Ecuador journey from Quito and the northern Andes to the extraordinary volcanic landscapes and close encounters of the Galápagos Islands.
LETZPLAN OFFBEAT · SOUTH AMERICADuration10 Days / 9 Nights
Start / EndQuito, Ecuador → Quito, Ecuador
Best WindowThroughout the year
Journey StyleWildlife & Active Exploration
OVERVIEW
From Andean heritage to extraordinary island wildlife.
Ecuador brings together colonial heritage, dramatic Andean landscapes and one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. This journey begins in Quito and the northern Andes before continuing to the Galápagos, where volcanic terrain, isolated ecosystems, guided island walks, snorkeling and expedition-style cruising create a deeply immersive nature experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
Culture, highland landscapes and the wildlife of the Galápagos.
Quito Cultural Exploration
Explore Quito’s colonial heart, food culture and high-altitude views across the Andes.
Andean Hacienda Experience
Experience traditional hacienda life and the landscapes of Ecuador’s northern Andes.
Otavalo & Crater Lakes
Explore the colourful Otavalo Market and hike around the volcanic Cuicocha crater lake.
Galápagos Islands Cruise
Cruise the archipelago with expert naturalist guides, island walks, Zodiac excursions and snorkeling.
Galápagos Wildlife Encounters
Look for giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and other species shaped by island evolution.
BEST TIME TO TRAVELThroughout the year
The Galápagos can be visited year-round, with seasonal shifts creating different wildlife, marine and landscape experiences.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT
Explore the Galápagos in every season.
There is no single short window for the Galápagos. Conditions, marine life and wildlife activity vary through the year, while Quito and the northern Andes add a highland dimension to the journey.
- Year-round Galápagos operating season
- Seasonal variation in marine and wildlife activity
- Strong opportunities for guided walks and snorkeling
- Layered clothing remains useful across highland and island environments
ITINERARY
Ten days from Quito to the Galápagos and back.
The journey combines Ecuador’s Andean highlands with a focused Galápagos expedition cruise before returning to Quito.
Northern Andes & Otavalo
Travel through the northern Andes for a hacienda experience, then explore the colourful Otavalo Market and the volcanic landscape around Cuicocha crater lake before returning toward Quito.
Fly to the Galápagos & Embark Cruise
Fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands and board the expedition cruise, beginning the island-focused wildlife portion of the journey.
Galápagos Island Exploration
Explore the archipelago through guided hikes, Zodiac excursions and snorkeling. Depending on the operating route, experiences may include Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristóbal and Española, with wildlife encounters throughout.
Return to Quito & Departure
Complete the Galápagos experience, fly back to mainland Ecuador and continue to Quito for your onward journey. This is a departure day rather than a cruise disembarkation in Quito.
GALÁPAGOS & ECUADOR
Volcanic islands, Andean landscapes and wildlife.
A selection of imagery presented within LetzPlan’s Offbeat visual language.
WHERE TO STAY
Selected stays across Ecuador & the Galápagos
Accommodation is confirmed according to the selected departure and availability. The journey combines a Quito base, a northern Andes hacienda and an expedition ship in the Galápagos.
Casa Gangotena or Hotel Casa Grande
Quito, Ecuador
A refined city base for exploring Quito’s historic centre and preparing for the Galápagos journey.
Hacienda Pinsaquí
Otavalo, Ecuador
A characterful northern Andes stay that complements the hacienda and highland portion of the itinerary.
National Geographic Islander II Expedition Ship
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
An expedition-style base for exploring the archipelago with guided wildlife and island experiences.
Final properties, room categories, cruise configuration and nights are confirmed during enquiry and may vary by departure and availability.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Different environments, one continuous Ecuador journey.
This is an active 3/5 journey combining high-altitude city exploration, northern Andes walks and expedition-style island activities.
Active exploration
Comfortable walking footwear, sun protection, swimwear and light layers are useful for the varied activities across mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos.
Flexible operations
Flight schedules, cruise routing, landing sites and activity sequencing can change because of weather, local operating conditions, park rules or expedition logistics.
START PLANNING
Ready to explore the Galápagos?
Tell us your preferred travel window, number of travellers and wildlife interests. We’ll help shape the right combination of Quito, the Andes and the Galápagos.