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  • Ecuador - Galapagos Islands Multisport Tour
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Ecuador – Guided Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Multi-Sport Tour

(6 Reviews)
  • 13 Nights / 14 Days
  • Difficulty: Fit 3/5
  • Multi Sport Tour
  • Year Round
  • Half to Full Days of Adventure

Ecuador & Galapagos Private Guided Tour! One of our most popular and highly-rated tours; perfect for families or a group of friends of any age. Explore the best of Ecuador and the highly protected and restricted Galapagos Islands on this exciting multi-sport expedition! Experience the diversity of the Equatorial tropics, and learn about the most pristine nature and the culture of its indigenous people. Trek in the magnificent Andes, hike to roaring waterfalls, bike in the Cloud Forest, kayk into the Amazon Jungle, amaze at Giant Galapagos tortoises, and snorkel with wildlife unique to this area – sea turtles, sea lions, rays, colorful fish, and more! This trip hits the best of the best, on both Ecuador’s mainland and its beautiful Galapagos Islands. Perfect for all ages, as activities can be adapted as needed. This trip is extremely flexible. Owner tested and family-approved – this adventure tour is a hit! Learn about our private guided adventure stylea trip just for you!

6/1/21: We have just returned home from our fabulous trip with our group of friends.  It exceeded our expectations, by far.  The scenery, activities, wildlife, and hotels were all amazing. Our guide did a fantastic job taking care of every detail for us.  His knowledge and caring personality made this one of the most special vacations we have ever had.  I wouldn’t change one single thing. 

Arrival & Departure Location

Fly in and out of Quito; all airport transfers included.

Price Includes

  • Travel on a date that fits your schedule; no fixed departure dates!
  • Privately guided tour with just you and your chosen travel companions
  • Certified English-speaking guides & drivers throughout tour
  • Unique lodging throughout the tour
  • Breakfast: Days 1-13, Lunch: Days 3-5, 9, Dinner: Days 4 & 5
  • Trekking & Biking in Llanganates National Park
  • Hiking to Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
  • Cable Car at the Bride’s Veil Waterfall
  • Visit to the Swing at the End of the World
  • Amazon Canyoning
  • Inflatable kayak river trip
  • Hike in the Amazon to learn about medicinal plants
  • Bird watching at Guango Hummingbirds Reserve
  • Soaking at the Volcanic Hot Springs in Papallacta
  • Hiking in Cayambe Coca Reserve
  • Hike to Frigate Hill
  • Snorkel at Kicker Rock
  • Hike at the Giant Tortoises Reserve
  • Accommodation as per itinerary, can be upgraded
  • Land and sea transportation
  • Gear for Biking, Rafting, Canyoning, and Snorkeling

Not Included:

  • Travel Insurance is required on all Pure Adventures tours
  • Guide gratuities – see Rates section
  • $100 USD fee for Galapagos National Park 
  • $20 USD Ingala Galapagos Card  
  • $520+ USD flights to/from Galapagos; valid passport required at time of booking
  • Extra activities & meals not listed on the Itinerary, such as zipline 

Lodging

Included Standard Lodging:

  • Quito: Wyndham Airport Hotel
  • Baños: Hacienda Leito
  • Cotundo: Huasquila Amazon Lodge 
  • Papallacta: Papallacta Hot Springs
  • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/San Cristobal: Casa Opuntia ***
  • Puerto Ayora: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn ***** (standard rooms) or Ikala ****

Upgraded Lodging: (Galapagos only)

  • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/San Cristobal: Golden Bay ****
  • Puerto Ayora: Angermeyer Waterfront Inn ***** (superior rooms)

About: Availability is not guaranteed until booked; lodging choices are highly limited in some of these areas. Upgraded lodging options are available in some locations. Please book early to accommodate your requested dates. 

Optional Add-Ons

  • Spa Treatments
  • Zip Line at Bride's Veil Waterfall $15
  • Additional Nights - contact us for special rates

Guides & Local Support


Local Expert:
Our local experts, Christian and Caesar, have grown up exploring all of the special places of their country – they are passionate about nature and discovering new things. Both have been guiding for many years and speak excellent English. You will be captivated by their vast knowledge and enthusiasm about everything Ecuador. They will always be looking out for you and keeping in mind what would be most interesting for you as they get to know you better. You will feel happy and safe on your adventure! 

Note: On the Galapagos, we will also hire local, professional guides to accompany all activities as a requirement of the tourism and sustainability of the islands. Local guides must be natives of the Galapagos.

Tour Highlights - Ecuador & Galapagos Private Guided Tour

  • Travel on a date that fits your schedule; no fixed departure dates!
  • Privately guided tour with just you and your chosen travel companions
  • Explore the magical cloud forest and Amazon jungle
  • Hike, bike and paddle in breathtaking scenery
  • See & learn about beautiful flora & fauna, native to Ecuador 
  • Visit with an indigenous Kichwa community
  • Snorkel & swim with sea turtles, sea lions, rays and colorful fish
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see Giant Galapagos Tortoises
  • Alternative activities exist daily to accommodate different ages/abilities; must be planned in advance
  • Teen-tested and approved!

Need to Know: 

  • These activities are moderately rated but not difficult; they require overall good fitness and health. Any health conditions should be discussed prior to booking.
  • This tour begins in the town of Baños; you will overnight one night prior in Quito.
  • Quito and Papallacta are at high elevation.
  • High season is during the December holidays through the new year.
  • Galapagos hotels require higher deposits and longer cancel terms.
  • A valid passport is required at the time of booking so that we can book the Galapagos flights.
  • On your last day of travel, your flight home should be 5 pm or later, or the following day. Most flights are late at night.
Photos

Itinerary - Ecuador & Galapagos Private Guided Tour

Day 1Arrival to Ecuador

Tonight your flight to Quito will likely arrive in the late evening. We have arranged a convenient room for you that is close to the airport, with pick up, so that you can get a good night of sleep before starting your adventure!

Overnight: Quito

Day 2Avenue of the Volcanoes

Welcome to Ecuador! This morning after a good night of rest, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive south through the “Avenue of The Volcanoes.” This name was aptly given to the region by Alexander Vond Humbold in the early eighteen hundreds, when he explored the Ecuadorian Andes and became so passionate about the beauty of these mountains and volcanoes. The drive is about 3 hours and your guide will stop at special look-outs and local markets, so you can take some incredible photos and also enjoy some cultural experiences. There will be plenty of opportunities to try some traditional food, as well! Once you arrive at the lush and lovely hacienda in Baños, you can relax or go for a short hike in the nearby trails.

Included Meals: N/A
Overnight: Baños

Day 3Cloud Forest Biking, Zip Line & Waterfalls

After a delicious homemade breakfast we will head by car up to the Llanganates National Park. The drive will be around 30 minutes and from here we will start biking on a paved road. The first hour is uphill and then 2 hours more of downhill. Along the way we will enjoy the amazing views of the Tungurahua. This sacred volcano has been active since 1999 and with some luck you might be able to see some fumaroles coming out of the crater!

While riding our bikes we take in views of colorful Andean farms, where people cultivate passion fruit, tree tomato, mandarins and avocados. The expedition will end at the Pastaza River Canyon, where we will have some free time in town for lunch and in the afternoon we will go for a short hike to the majestic Pailon Del Diablo Waterfall. This place is truly magical -such an awesome experience- and is located in the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site of Ecuador.

On the way back to the hotel we will stop at Bride’s Veil Waterfall to take a cable car ride, locally known as Tarabita. This is a mode of transportation the local people use to avoid the long hikes down and up the canyon trail that goes to their farms. For us, this is a great attraction and a fantastic way for having the best views. Here we also have the opportunity to go zip-lining, which is optional for an extra cost. So worth it and teenagers love this! (We tested!)

Optional services: Zip line – US $15

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Highlights: cloud forest bike, waterfall hike & zip line
Overnight: Baños

Day 4Cloud Forest Hiking

Today we go by car up to the Llanganates National Park and start hiking at high elevation in the ecosystem known as the Cloud Forest. Your guide will lead the way and teach you about the many colorful flowers he finds along the way. It is common to see blueberries, blackberries as well as exotic orchids. This is also the habitat for some animals such as the spectacled bear, Andean fox, whitetail deer, and several species of exotic birds. The hike is on a wide dirt trail and then becomes very narrow, like tunnels through the forest but also open areas with great views of the clouds hitting the high mountains. Local people talk about the legend of Rumiñahui, who was a very important Inca Soldier. Legend says that 500 years ago, he came into this forest with a huge treasure that he hid somewhere. However, this is all we know as he died without telling his secret. Lunch will be provided along the way and in the afternoon there is an optional 2 hour hike through some jungle/farm trails. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano to visit “The Swing at the End of The World,” a famous place and winner of the NatGeo Photo Contest in 2014. At night your guide will take you to town so you can enjoy a delicious dinner and enjoy drinks by the fire.

Meals: breakfast, lunch
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Highlights: Cloud Forest hiking, volcano visit and swing
Overnight: Baños

Day 5Kichwa Family Visit & Jungle Canyoning

This morning we say goodbye to this breathtaking region but continue our adventures, driving into the Amazon Basin. The drive is a bit longer but incredibly scenic, as we will descend to 1,500 feet. This time we will enter in the other side of the Llanganates National Park and we will visit a special lodge run by an indigenous Kichwa Family. They will prepare lunch for us and in the afternoon, we will go canyoning right in their backyard; the jungle! This forest is full of magic and is sacred for the local people, as there are many waterfalls along the way that bless every person that visits them. The canyoning takes about 3 hours total and later back home, we will prepare some fresh chocolate fondue, made entirely from scratch. After your experiences and activities, we will take you to the Huasquila Lodge, your home for the next two nights. It is about 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi (canyoning)
Highlights: Amazon Jungle canyoning, Kichwa visit & experiences
Overnight: Cotundo

Day 6Arajuno River Kayaking & Village Visit

Today, we enjoy a scenic drive to the Arajuno River for a Class I section, which is known for its safe and mellow waters; perfect for our kayak adventure! We will use inflatable, sit-on-top kayaks, also known as duckies. Along the way, we will stop at a local village of only 40 people, located along the river and in the jungle. Here, you will be welcomed by this beautiful community, and treated to a specially prepared lunch of freshly-caught fish, jungle fruits, and other local delights! This is a unique experience and an opportunity to support a small, local community. After this splashy and fun day, we will continue to our Jungle Lodge. In the evening, enjoy the pool or just relax in the hammocks while drinking some tropical beverages.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Highlights: Arajuno River kayaking, jungle village visit
Overnight: Cotundo

Day 7Hummingbird Reserve & Hot Springs

Today after our final breakfast in the Jungle, we leave and drive to the Andes. We will stop at the very special Guango Hummingbird Reserve and have some time to view these beautiful little birds while drinking some traditional hot chocolate. After visiting the reserve, we drive to nearby Papallacta Hot Springs and enjoy soaking in the volcanic water pools amidst beautiful scenery, high in the clouds. This is a stunning setting and the perfect place to relax. (Use of the many pools is included.)

Optional services:
Papallacta Spa – spa treatments

Meals: breakfast
Highlights: hummingbird reserve & hot springs
Overnight: Papallacta

Day 8Amazon Hiking & Wildlife

In the morning we will go hiking, deep into the Cayambe Coca Reserve for about 3 hours. The trails are next to the Papallacta River and we can find several species of orchids and colorful flowers; a plant lovers dream! This is also considered the main habitat of the Andean Condor in Ecuador, which has a 10 ft wingspan and is the second largest flying bird on the planet. If you see one, you should consider yourself among the lucky ones as there are less than one hundred in the whole country! The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the relaxing pools in front of your cabin or do an optional visit to the spa.

Optional services:
Papallacta Spa – spa treatments

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles (hiking)
Highlights: nature reserve hiking, flora & fauna, hot springs
Overnight: Papallacta

Day 9Galapagos Arrival & Hiking

Today we travel to The Galapagos! The flight takes around 3 hours and once we arrive, we will go for lunch. In the afternoon, we will have a hiking exploration on the trails of the coastal dry forest of San Cristobal Island. This will be our first introduction to the Galapagos, its ecosystem, flora, fauna and its history, too. After hiking for one hour, the trail ends at Tijeretas, which is the local name for the frigate birds that are quite common to the area. Here you can cool off by having a swim before going back to the hotel. For the evening, your guide will recommend the best place possible to have dinner.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 2 miles each way
Overnight: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Day 10Kicker Rock Boat Tour & Snorkel

In the morning, we will take a boat to Kicker Rock, located off the coast of San Cristóbal, and also known as the Sleeping Lion (Leon Dormido) because of its resemblance. This is the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, with two vertical rocks rising 500 ft (150 m) above the ocean, forming a small channel navigable by small boats. This is widely considered the Galapagos Island’s natural monument and is a spectacular site due to the many tropical birds, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies that fill the sky in this area. Beneath the sea, the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks, including the hammerhead and white tip. After lunch, we will spend some time on the beach before traveling back to the hotel.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 2 hours of snorkeling
Overnight: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Day 11Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortoise Hiking

Today we travel by boat for 2 hours to the Island of Santa Cruz, where we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about what this foundation has been doing for the conservation of the Galapagos Tortoises. At noon we have some free time for lunch in town, but in the afternoon we will drive 45 minutes to the Highlands and hike at El Chato Giant Tortoises Reserve. Here we can see the beautiful reptiles that live here and we will also hike through some lava tunnels.At night, we go in to town and have a very delicious, traditional dinner with the companion of our guide.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 2 miles hiking
Overnight: Puerto Ayora

Day 12Free Day to Explore on Own

Today is free to relax and enjoy the beach or partake in optional activities. We recommend a self-guided hike and snorkel option. In the evening, enjoy the beautiful Galapagonian sunset with a refreshing beverage!

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Puerto Ayora

Day 13Galapagos Boat Tour & Snorkel

In the morning we have a Bay Tour. This expedition is by boat and we will view some wildlife from the boat and during our snorkeling time. On this day, it is common to find sea lions, iguanas, rays, sharks, and some of the most iconic birds from Galapagos, such as the blue-footed boobies, herons and frigates. In the afternoon we will have a self guided activity to Las Grietas. This beautiful spot is perfect for walking and once you get there, you can enjoy a swim! It takes about 30 minutes each way.

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Puerto Ayora

Day 14Departure Day

Today is your departure day and you will have a 2 hour flight back to Quito. From here, make your international connection, which should be booked for 5:00 pm or later. Depending on your flight time (they are usually late at night), we can also arrange for your group to have a nice dinner before leaving, or an additional hotel night. (Supplemental fee applies.)

Meals: breakfast

Map
Ecuador and Galapagos tour

Dates & Rates - Ecuador & Galapagos Private Guided Tour

Dates: Plan your trip at a time that best fits your schedule! Pure Adventures tours have flexible start dates. Festive season and spring break have limited availability; please plan at least 6 months in advance, and more for the festive season.

2024 Tour Rates: (based on double occupancy)

Standard Hotels:

  • 2-3 persons:  $4238 USD/person
  • 4-7 persons:  $3681 USD/person
  • 8+ persons:  $3206 USD/person
  • Single supplement: $1399 USD/person (applies when 2 or more traveling but in separate single-use rooms)
  • Solo Travelers: ask us to join other group departures
  • Festive season rates will be higher due to increased hotel rates; please inquire for a quote.

Upgraded Hotels:  Upgraded hotels are available in the Galapagos only; hotel or room upgrades vary and are subject to availability.

  • 2-3 persons:  $5345 USD/person
  • 4-7 persons:  $4741 USD/person
  • 8+ persons:  $4175 USD/person
  • Single supplement:  $2480 USD/person (applies when 2 or more traveling but in separate single-use rooms)
  • Festive season rates will be higher due to increased hotel rates; please inquire for a quote.

Need to Know: 

  • Ecuador & Galapagos hotels have special deposit terms and more restricted cancellation terms that override our standard terms.
  • Guide gratuities not included.
  • Upgraded hotel rate provides upgraded hotels or room categories at some but not all of the hotels, subject to availability. In some locations, upgrades are not possible.
  • $100 USD fee for Galapagos National Park not included (we will book)
  • $20 USD Ingala Galapagos Card not included (we will book)
  • $520+ USD flights to/from Galapagos not included (we will book); valid passport required at time of booking
  • Travel Insurance is required on all Pure Adventures tours.
Gratuities: As with any guided tour, it is the numerous guides, drivers, and local experts that make your tour so special. We recommend estimating US $25-35 per person, per day. This can be paid either in advance of travel if you do not want to worry about it on your vacation, or in one lump sum at the end of your tour. All tipping is at the customers’ discretion and based on experience.
 
Ready to book? Our well-traveled, knowledgeable and dedicated team is standing by and eager to make your travel dreams come true. Call now at 800-960-2221 (USA/Canada 8 am-5 pm MST) 1-970-230-5896 or email us.   
6 Reviews
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Craig & Kathy

Group Traveller

We loved the trip and I title it “Off the Chart” and consider it a great gift and very special memories:))) Loved thew itinerary and places we visited, the flexibility on the guides behalf really did take us to additional places to visit which was great:) We all got in to the adventure of zip-lining, and the canyoning stay and experience the Jungle was “off the Chart” We loved the warm hearts of our Kichwa friends and it was special to really share their jungle and traditions. The activities were all great for diversity and most in our group were able to do them all. It was great to have hte extra guides share their expertise and answer questions, sure it is protocol for the local guides to join in. Our guide was outstanding!!!It’s Obvious he really enjoys his job:) He was great at relating to each in our group, and adapted the schedule accordingly on what he gathered was a good add on for the day. We surely got ht most out of every day and happy we got to see what we thought was a good representation of this respective area. Our driver was a gem and always smiling and must say an amazing driver. They worked well together and his presentation of food at the end of an event was impressiveand delicious! We couldn’t get over all the amazing unique fruits and avocados! We were always happy to see him and the spread at the end of our adventures.Thanks so much for all you do to make these Adventure trips -“ PURE FUN” .

March 10, 2022

Peter Rockwood

Group Traveller

I think I can speak for the rest of the gang when I say the trip was fantastic! The Kichwa Lodge was one of the highlights of the trip. The waterfall hike, including roped climb and descent on the waterfall, along with the blow-dart demo and chocolate fondue-from-scratch breakfast were truly memorable. The raft trip was a ton of fun, as well as the zip line and swing at the end of the world. In retrospect, it was a trip of a lifetime. I believe everyone had a great experience and felt they got what they paid for. And for the record, we all loved our guides – they clearly checked all the boxes of being a great guide. Thank you for all you did to make this trip run smoothly for our group. I look forward to more Pure Adventures in the future!

March 7, 2022

Patricia

Group Traveller

The trip was awesome. Note that I was not in as good shape as most of the others in our group of ten friends, but I still had a good time. Also, I loved our guide – his attitude and his flexibility. Our driver was also awesome and very upbeat. I thought all of the hotels (and meals at the hotels) were wonderful. The food at all of the restaurants was great except the one we went to in San Cristobal.

As far as the specific adventures, I think they were just about the right difficulty for me – challenging. I liked that you could opt out of the bike if it was too hard – but it wasn’t. There was confusion as to the difficulty of the hike on the second day at Llanganates National Park. One of us should not have gone on the hike as the altitude was too much for her, but it was a nice hike. The Kichwa Lodge was wonderful. I kind of slowed things down in the canyoning as I had trouble walking over the rocks, but I still enjoyed it. Loved the rafting. The Hummingbird Preserve was nice. Loved the Papallacta Hot Springs and enjoyed a wonderful massage. Note to let the guide know that you probably need to schedule the massages/spa treatments before you get there as I don’t think everyone that wanted to schedule something was able to do so. I loved everything on the Galapagos.

I would highly recommend the trip to anyone in decent shape, but I will also say that it would not have been the same trip without your wonderful guides.

March 4, 2022

B. Peckler

Family Traveller

We started with the Multisport Ecuador/Galapagos tour and Mar was super helpful in making all the changes we wanted making it the perfect trip for us. I have never been on such a well-planned and fantastic trip. All accommodations were first class. Once we arrived, our local guides made sure we had the time of our lives. The mainland is a must, biking in the mountains, floating through the jungle where the local tribes serve you a fantastic lunch, waterfalls and majestic views everywhere, cave exploring, relaxing at the spa, Ecuador is magnificent! Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, you are off to Galapagos. Every island is so unique I would recommend seeing as many as possible. The must-do list is Santa Cruz, Isabella, and San Cristabel. What the locals have done to preserve the landscape and native wildlife is second to none. You will see wildlife that is found nowhere else in the world. A trip of a lifetime, and I would book with Pure Adventure for my next adventure.

November 10, 2021

Valorie

Group Traveller

We have just returned home from our fabulous trip.  It exceeded our expectations, by far.  The scenery, activities, wildlife, and hotels were all amazing. Our guide did a fantastic job taking care of every detail for us.  His knowledge and caring personality made this one of the most special vacations we have ever had.  I wouldn’t change one single thing. Thank you for all of your assistance during this very difficult time for all. We look forward to many more adventures with you in the future.

June 1, 2021
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