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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

Ecuador & Galapagos Private Tour

  • Duration
    12 days
  • Tour Type
    Private Tour
  • Price From
    Land Only from $17,720
See the unique and iconic wildlife of the Galapagos up close, discover mysterious Inca sites and revel in 
spectacular Andean landscapes on this unforgettable adventure of epic proportions.

What's Included

  • Domestic transportation
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • 4 night Isabela II Western Galapagos Islands Cruise
  • Island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lectures in English
  • Snorkelling gear
  • Luggage handling
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
Experience one of our most popular itineraries tailored to perfectly suit private travelling parties as small as just two . Exploring the most popular sights in Ecuador with your own private guide, you will be wowed by their abundant knowledge and expertise . Departing on any day you wish this private tour is ideal for those looking for a comfortable relaxing trip through Ecuadors iconic attractions.

Why Choose a Wendy Wu Private Tour?

Complete flexibility

Travel on any day you wish

Expertly crafted itineraries

Tailored for parties as small as two.

You Choose who you travel with

A private trip just for you and your chosen travel party.

Personalised guiding

Enjoy the undivided attention of your knowledgable private guide.

Small is beautiful

Enjoy a more intimate and authentic travel experience.

Private Tour Highlights

Our Ecuador & Galapagos Private Tour tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Experience Ecuadorian Vodka

Discover a diverse array of Ecuadorian vodkas as you are led through the process of distilling, from ingredients to bottle, by your host, all rounded off with a tasting session. 

Pottery workshop

Visit a famous, family-owned pottery workshop and see the artisans at work as they combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs to create exquisite works. 

Island hopping

Board a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to explore the glorious Galapagos Islands. In the company of a naturalist guide, you will hop between islands experiencing different ecosystems and encountering amazing wildlife.

Private Tour Itinerary

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

  • Day 1
    Arrive Quito D
    Day 1: Arrive Quito

    On arrival to Ecuador's capital, Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Day 2
    Galapagos Islands B L D
    Day 2: Galapagos Islands

    The adventure begins with your morning flight to Baltra Island and then a drive to the Itabaca Channel to board a ferry for Santa Cruz Island. After lunch, venture southward to Puerto Ayora on the coast, the largest town in the Galápagos archipelago. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, both pivotal hubs for scientific research and conservation on the islands. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Puerto Ayora's bustling main street before setting sail and enjoying the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner.

  • Day 3
    Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay B L D
    Day 3: Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay

    Kick off the day with an invigorating climb up the staircase that leads to the summit of Bartolome Island's extinct volcanic cone, rewarded by the breathtaking panoramic view at the top. After the hike, embark on a panga ride (inflatable dinghies) around the impressive Pinnacle Rock, hoping to catch sight of Galapagos penguins and other fascinating wildlife. Next visit Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago Island, where a pristine white coral sand beach invites you to take a refreshing swim. Along the shore, a trail meanders through a relatively young lava field, offering a unique opportunity to witness and comprehend the volcanic origins of the Galapagos archipelago.

  • Day 4
    Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands B L D
    Day 4: Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands

    Admire the captivating landscapes of Santa Cruz's Dragon Hill as you disembark to enjoy a stroll by a brackish-water lagoon, a favoured haunt of shorebirds, ducks and flamingos. Move further inland for a unique opportunity to spot land iguanas before a snorkelling adventure on which you might encounter rays, green turtles, and sharks. After lunch, venture to the Santiago Islands and stop at Buccaneer Cove, which teems with marine birds, sea lions and inter-tidal organisms. Here you can see awe-inspiring natural formations like 'Elephant Rock', 'The Bishop' and an impressive natural cave.

  • Day 5
    Punta Vicente & Fernandina Island B L D
    Day 5: Punta Vicente & Fernandina Island

    As Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island lacks a designated landing site, you will explore by dinghy, seeking out the abundant wildlife such as colonies of Galapagos fur seals, nesting sites of Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. Afterwards, sail the Bolivar Channel, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins who are attracted here by the rich waters and plentiful fish. Your final visit is to Fernandina Island, one of the youngest in the Galapagos archipelago and one of the planet's most pristine ecosystems. At Punta Espinoza, dominated by the island's imposing volcano, look out for hawks, penguins, marine iguanas and the flightless cormorant, known for its entrancing blue eyes.

  • Day 6
    Guayaquil B D
    Day 6: Guayaquil

    Your journey ends at Baltra Island where you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On arrival you will be transfer to your hotel.

  • Day 7
    El Cajas National Park B L D
    Day 7: El Cajas National Park

    Today as you journey towards Cuenca, you will explore one of Ecuador's most extraordinary regions, El Cajas National Park. Here, you'll find a range of habitats, including paramos, wetlands, Andean rainforest and polylepis forest which shelter over 40 mammal species and more than 150 bird species. Explore the area around the Llaviuco Lagoon and wander through a stretch of enchanting Andean rainforest, listening out for the melodious calls of Andean toucans. Continue to Cuenca.

  • Day 8
    Cuenca Old Town B L D
    Day 8: Cuenca Old Town

    Discover Cuenca's essence on a full-day journey through this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City. Begin with a panoramic view from the Turi Lookout and explore the historic heart at Parque Calderón. Wander through one of the Americas most beautiful historic centres, marvelling at architectural gems like the Old and New Cathedrals. Explore along the Tomebamba River, discovering lush green spaces, iconic craftsmanship, and warm hospitality as you go.

  • Day 9
    Cuenca Ingapirca B L D
    Day 9: Cuenca Ingapirca

    Begin today exploring the Pumapungo Museum, the sole archaeological site nestled within the city, where Cañari and Inca settlements once thrived. This is the perfect introduction to today's centrepiece, Ingapirca, Ecuador's paramount Inca archaeological site. This extraordinary complex of weathered stones nestled amidst rolling hills, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Inca Empire, despite its relatively brief 72 year presence in the region. Fly to Quito this evening.

  • Day 10
    Cotopaxi B L D
    Day 10: Cotopaxi

    Explore Cotopaxi National Park, strolling through a pine forest before marvelling at the snow-capped Volcano Cotopaxi and its reflection in Limpiopungo Lake, which is also a birdwatcher's paradise. Head to Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, a historic Incan fortress and Augustinian monastery, for a meal amidst Inca masonry and a friendly encounter with llamas in the courtyard. Next visit Vunka Vodka factory, a family-owned distillery offering a unique vodka tasting experience. Sample a variety of flavoured Ecuadorian vodkas, including Andean Potato Vodka, crafted from organic Andean potatoes.

  • Day 11
    Quito Cultural Tour B L D
    Day 11: Quito Cultural Tour

    Experience this UNESCO World Heritage city as a native, beginning at the Panecillo, where you'll enjoy panoramic vistas and encounter the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. Explore the vibrant San Roque neighbourhood, visit markets, meet a medicinal healer, and discover local artisans. Stroll through Independence Square, visit iconic churches, and explore the Casa del Alabado Museum with ancient artifacts. Wander La Ronda street for artisanal shops and local eateries and end the day with a delightful chocolate tasting at Chez Tiff.

  • Day 12
    Depart Quito B
    Days 12: Depart Quito

    After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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Ecuador & Galapagos Private Tour map

Places Visited: Quito (1N) - Galapagos Islands (4N) - Guayaquil (1N) - Cuenca (2N) - Quito (3N)

Download Detailed Itinerary

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