Ecuador Expedition

Galapagos Islands and Mindo Cloud Forest

Trip Details

Galapagos sally lightfoot crab in the sand

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

  • Wildlife galore: Some of the world’s finest and most unique wildlife viewing in the Galapagos Islands and Mindo Cloud Forest
  • Exceptional lodging: Lodges in the most enviable locations – on a yacht, in the heart of the cloud forest, and in Quito’s Old Town.
  • Activity rich: Opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, ziplining, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and – of course – wildlife viewing.
  • Interpretive guides: Expert local guides are at your fingertips as you explore the islands and cloud forest, interpreting the exotic landscape and wild things that surround you.

Ecuador Expedition

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: South America

Region: Ecuador

Trip Price: $11,550

Duration: 12 days/11 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Quito, Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador

National Parklands:

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

Energy Index Spectrum

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Ecuador Expedition

Ecuador Expedition - Energy Index

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight in Qutio

Arrive in Ecuador this evening, spending the night in Quito’s historic center. Rest up after this day of travel, and prepare to embark on a Galapagos cruise! 

Days 2-7: Cruising the Galapagos Islands

This morning, fly to the Galapagos Islands to board a fully staffed, amenity-rich, small yacht. This week will be one to savor and remember, taking you from island to island, to see the amazing wildlife and natural features found on each. Not only are there wildlife and plant species endemic to the Galapagos Islands, but some are even native to specific islands. Over the course of the week, there will be time for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and lots of wildlife viewing! Onboard dining is excellent, and sweet dreams are to be expected! 

Day 8: Overnight in Quito

Return to Quito for another night in the heart of the historic district, with time to explore Quito’s “Old Town,” a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, plazas, cathedrals, and public buildings. 

Days 9-11: Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

The amazing cloud forest awaits! For the next three days, immerse into the heart of the Mindo Cloud Forest, one of the planet’s most important hot spots for biodiversity. Lodging is at Mashpi Lodge, a sophisticated and contemporary property, and a springboard for exploring the Mashpi Reserve. These days of active exploring include wildlife and bird watching, hikes to waterfalls, taking in the canopy from the observation tower, and a ride on the unique “sky bike,” for an intimate look at the life in the cloud forest. Delicious meals and relaxing evenings round out active days. 

Day 12: Fly Home from Quito

Return to Quito for one more night in the Old City, before flying home tomorrow. 

Start Planning My Trip

Lodging

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