Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Kayaking from Highlands to Islands
Pack your sense of adventure and join Backroads in Ecuador on this exclusive trip where high contrasts, diverse terrain, fascinating history and remarkable natural beauty await. Hike and mountain bike through the Andean highlands, stopping in mountain villages to enjoy traditional music, arts and crafts. Then explore the incomparable natural sanctuary of the Galápagos as we sail from island to island, and walk, snorkel and paddle among blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions and marine iguanas. Each day brings new discoveries, and each night offers gorgeous sunsets, local specialties and fabulous accommodations (including four nights on a private yacht). Unique cultural experiences plus fun multisport activities equals a truly one-of-a-kind trip!
Trip Planning Links
- Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide
- Bike through small highland villages, where Otavaleño Indians continue centuries-old traditions
- Connect with the villagers in the highlands
- Snorkel with tropical fish, sea lions and penguins
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 cotacachi
Meet in Quito 
Pedal the countryside around Cotacachi, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and villages Hike the orchid-lined rim of deep-blue Laguna de Cuicocha, set in a volcanic crater Relax with an Andean-inspired body treatment at our hotel’s world-class spa or shop for handcrafted leather goods in the nearby pueblo.
Day 3 san pablo del lago
Bike through welcoming villages in the Otavalo region and sample local fare Enjoy traditional music and meet one of Ecuador's foremost master weavers in his studio Spin past Lago San Pablo with views of Imbabura Volcano.
Day 4 zuleta
Hike through emerald hills to 17th-century Hacienda Zuleta, a working farm rich in pre-Inca and colonial history, and the home of our host Fernando Polanco, grandson of a former Ecuadorian president His grandmother’s recipes must be tasted to be believed—lunch is a feast of Zuleta cheeses, fresh fruit, vegetables and local mountain trout Watch for soaring condors at a condor education and rehabilitation center.
Days 5-9 galapagos
Fly to the Galápagos Islands From our private motor yacht, sail from island to island with plenty of stops for snorkeling, swimming and hiking Accompanied by a park naturalist, go ashore and explore the volcanic islands on foot Marvel at blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, Galápagos penguins, sea lion colonies and marine iguanas in their natural habitats After the days' otherworldly experiences, relax under brilliant starry skies while you're soothed by the gentle rocking of tropical waves Fly back to Quito.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I had an AMAZING time on this trip, as I know the other guests did. All in all, the dynamic of the group and our leaders was wonderful. I couldn't help but rave about the trip to colleagues and friends, and even referred a couple of people to Backroads as a result! Trips, groups and leaders like this are what I think Backroads is about and what will inspire me to continue traveling the globe with you.- Chicago, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport
GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS: Premiere Inns
La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa
Cotacachi (2 nights) This Relais & Châteaux member, where peacocks stroll across the lawn, combines Ecuadorian authenticity with European style. Features include fireplaces in every guest room, a spa with an array of massage services, a swimming pool, hot tub and gourmet dining.
Hacienda Cusin
San Pablo del Lago (1 night) Located in the Ecuadorian sierra, this restored 17th-century Andean estate offers guest rooms with wood-beam ceilings, garden views and Colonial-style tranquility.
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta (1 night) Once home to the former president of Ecuador, this 4,000-acre estate and working farm is now run by his family, who opens the home to select groups of travelers.
Sea Man II*
Galápagos Islands (4 nights) Float in style aboard this modern 90-foot motor catamaran, featuring large comfortable cabins with outside views, a dining room, lounge, library, bar, observation deck, sundeck and a gracious crew including a bilingual naturalist guide.
*With 4 semi-luxury yacht nights on the Sea Man II
Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.1 miles
- 1800 feet elevation gain
- Biking 10, 12 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 16, 20 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 5 Route Options Available
- Walking 5.5, 7.5, 10.2 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 7, 9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Travel to Galápagos Islands
- Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing
Day 6
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 7
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 8
- Santa Cruz Island trek
Day 9
- Wildlife excursion
- Conclusion of trip