Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels*
Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels*
2025: Jan-Mar, May, Dec2026: Jan-Mar, May
Ecuador's Magical Wildlife, Islands & Peaks
As you delve into pre-Inca history, rub shoulders with Andean indigenous peoples, commune with condors, hike a volcano's rim, snorkel with sea lions, and encounter blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, you'll realize that something has happened. You've been forever changed by Ecuador's amazing Andes and incredible islands.
Highlights
- Walk along a caldera rim in the Andes with spectacular views of mighty volcanoes and deep-blue lakes
- Bike to coffee and sugarcane farms on the islands and explore highland villages with centuries old-traditions in the Andes
- Experience close encounters with extraordinary Galápagos wildlife alongside an expert local guide
- Kayak and snorkel amid tropical fish, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies
Start/End Quito
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
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
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)
Days 4-5
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 • Visit a local coffee and sugarcane farm • Spend the day at Tortuga Bay, with a chance to see sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks.
Nights 4-5
Designed to complement its lush highland surroundings, this serene hotel features a natural lava tube on its grounds. (pool)
Days 6-8
Boat from island to island, stopping to paddle, hike and swim with fluorescent fish, sea lions and eagle rays • Marvel at blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, magnificent frigate birds and lava lizards • Hike through rich scalesia forests and witness giant tortoises wallowing in mud puddles • Late afternoon, kick back at our lodges or stroll in laid-back port towns.
Nights 6-7
Set on Playa de Oro beach, this eco-friendly hotel features a modern touch that blends with its natural surroundings.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Please note that there's an ample amount of travel time on this trip, and we may have earlier mornings than you're used to on Backroads trips—including as early as 4 am—due to our flights between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galápagos Islands. We'll be flying on commercial flights with Avianca or LATAM Airlines aboard twin-jet planes. Note that while the roads in the Andean Highlands are safe, they're not high-speed motorways. Once in the Galápagos, the main form of travel is by boat, so be prepared for occasional wet windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it. Also, in summer months the waters can be a bit rougher.
The Galápagos Islands are subject to national park regulations. Mid-trip itinerary changes are quite common. If we encounter changes to our planned activities, your Trip Leaders will find alternate activities that you're sure to enjoy.
Some hikes on this trip are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won't see our vehicles along the route. Significant trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
This trip includes travel on a commercial flight so that we can explore the best of your destination. Please note that flight schedules can change with little advance warning, which may require us to adjust our activities on a travel day. Your Trip Leaders will provide more details on any changes should this occur.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-3
Premiere 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)
Nights 4-5
*Deluxe Hotel
Designed to complement its lush highland surroundings, this serene hotel features a natural lava tube on its grounds. (pool)
Nights 6-7
Premiere Hotel
Set on Playa de Oro beach, this eco-friendly hotel features a modern touch that blends with its natural surroundings.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
