9 or 12 days
The Galápagos Islands are most famous for the profound discoveries of Charles Darwin. Carry on that scientific tradition as you learn about the unique species that call the islands home. On mainland Ecuador, experience the local culture in Quito. Independence Plaza and the Intinan Museum provide social context to the biological wonders of this fascinating country.
  • Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: Quito

    Take a tour of Quito

    With your Tour Director you will see:

    • Independence Plaza
    • Government Palace

    Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus

    Take an excursion to the equatorial line

    Visit the Intiñan Museum and witness the natural forces at work near the equator 

  • Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Baltra Island

    Visit the Twin Craters

    Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island

    Travel by boat to Isabela Island

    Visit a pink flamingo habitat

    Visit a tortoise breeding center

    Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet

    Go snorkeling

  • Day 5: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island

    Hike to Tortuga Bay

    Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa

    Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach

  • Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

    Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

    Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center 

    Hike Tijeretas Hill 

    Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach

  • Day 7: San Cristóbal Island • Quito

    Enjoy free time in the morning on San Cristóbal Island  

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 8: Quito • Otavalo • Depart for home

    Take a day trip to Otavalo

    Enjoy a demonstration from a local artisan

    Explore the local market

    Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi

  • Day 9: Arrive home

Add 3 more days

  • Day 9: Quito • Riobamba

    Travel to Riobamba

    Visit the Devil's Cauldron waterfall

  • Day 10: Riobamba • Guamote

    Participate in a cultural exchange with a local community 

  • Day 11: Riobamba • Quito • Depart for home

    Enjoy a hike through the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

    Travel to Quito

  • Day 12: Arrive home

Interested in learning more about this tour?
  • Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: Quito

    Take a tour of Quito

    With your Tour Director you will see:

    • Independence Plaza
    • Government Palace

    Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus

    Take an excursion to the equatorial line

    Visit the Intiñan Museum and witness the natural forces at work near the equator 

  • Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Baltra Island

    Visit the Twin Craters

    Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to see wild tortoises

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island

    Travel by boat to Isabela Island

    Visit a pink flamingo habitat

    Visit a tortoise breeding center

    Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet

    Go snorkeling

  • Day 5: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island

    Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island

    Hike to Tortuga Bay

    Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa

    Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach

  • Day 6: Santa Cruz Island • San Cristóbal Island

    Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island

    Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center 

    Hike Tijeretas Hill 

    Go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach

  • Day 7: San Cristóbal Island • Quito

    Enjoy free time in the morning on San Cristóbal Island  

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 8: Quito • Otavalo • Depart for home

    Take a day trip to Otavalo

    Enjoy a demonstration from a local artisan

    Explore the local market

    Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi

  • Day 9: Arrive home

Add 3 more days

  • Day 9: Quito • Riobamba

    Travel to Riobamba

    Visit the Devil's Cauldron waterfall

  • Day 10: Riobamba • Guamote

    Participate in a cultural exchange with a local community 

  • Day 11: Riobamba • Quito • Depart for home

    Enjoy a hike through the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

    Travel to Quito

  • Day 12: Arrive home

Interested in learning more about this tour?

Interested in leading this tour?

Your experience includes

  • Airfare & transportation

    Round-trip flights on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach; Internal flights; Boat

  • Hotels

    8 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (11 with extension)

  • Regional-style meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily in Quito; 3 meals daily on the Galápagos Islands

  • Guided sightseeing

    2 sightseeing tours led by your Tour Director

  • Entrances

    Santo Domingo Monastery; Intinan Museum; Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Full-time Tour Director

    Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.

  • Expert Local Guides

    Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.

  • Personalized Learning Support

    Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

  • Continuous Support

    Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.

  • Worldwide Presence

    EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.

  • 24-hour Emergency Service

    Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.

  • Peace of Mind Program

    Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.

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