Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour
Ecuador's Magical Wildlife, Islands & Peaks
Delve into pre-Inca history. Rub shoulders with modern Indigenous people. Commune with condors, hike a volcano’s rim and snorkel with sea lions. There are so many ways to connect with amazing Ecuador.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $8,799 - $9,699/person
Includes up to $800 internal air
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Walk along high-elevation ridges in the Andes with spectacular views of mighty volcanic peaks and deep crater lakes
- Hike between highland villages and visit local gardens, weaving studios and more where ancient Indigenous traditions are just business as usual
- Visit the Zuleta Interpretation Center, built with Backroads support, for a firsthand look at efforts to protect endangered Andean condors
- Whiz past giant tortoises crossing the road as you bike in the Galápagos—a way few people see the islands!
- Kayak and snorkel amid tropical fish, sea lions, whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Quito Airport & Travel Details
- Hike in the breathtaking Andean landscape and trace the orchid-lined caldera rim around azure Laguna de Cuicocha
- Visit with master weavers and see their age-old techniques as you stroll through their studio
- The family of a former Ecuadorian president welcomes us at luxurious Hacienda Zuleta
- Check out Condor Huasi, a condor conservation center
- Hike along steep-sided valleys to a pre-Inca archaeological site
- Browse Zuleta’s embroidery shop—local women are renowned for their fine needlework.
Nights 1-3
Luxury Hotel
Luxuriate at this idyllic 17th-century hotel, 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Board a flight to the Galápagos Islands, an isolated sanctuary for a stunning array of unique plants and animals, for incredible up-close wildlife viewing
- With an expert local guide, we venture into a secluded private reserve where many of the island’s most notable residents—giant tortoises—hang out
- Bike through the highlands and rural villages
- Explore a 1,000-foot-long lava tunnel and learn how lava tunnels are formed on these volcanic islands
- Visit a local coffee and sugarcane farm
- Spend the afternoon at Tortuga Bay, with a chance to see sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks and marine iguanas.
Nights 4-5
Deluxe Hotel
Designed to complement its lush highland surroundings, this serene hotel features a natural lava tube on its grounds. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Boat from island to island, stopping to paddle, hike and swim
- Meet blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, magnificent frigate birds and lava lizards
- Grab a snorkel and marvel at a vivid undersea world teeming with fluorescent fish and rays
- Wave hello to the famed sea lion colonies of San Cristóbal Island from a kayak
- Late afternoons, kick back at our lodge or stroll in laid-back port towns.
Nights 6-7
Luxury Hotel
A chic, modern and breezy home base, its many balconies of glass and exposed wood overlook the seafront promenade of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Quito Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-2
Our Galápagos walking routes feature very different terrain. Some trails are easygoing and follow sand or dirt paths, while others involve more technical walking on loose and uneven lava rocks. If it rains in the island highlands, the trails can become muddy. Biking in the Galápagos is mainly along paved roads and bike lanes with some short stretches of dirt road.
We take multiple boat rides during this trip, including a two- to three-hour ocean crossing between the two main islands. We also spend a good amount of time on water-related activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking, in the open ocean. Many of our guests find it convenient to wear sandals or water shoes for these activities and for wet landings, when we go ashore without a dock. If you bring these, consider a style with toe protection so that they can double as walking shoes (as some of our hiking terrain includes sharp lava rocks and prickly underbrush).
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
