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Ecuador to Galápagos: Jungle Beats & Island Heat

17 days, Quito to Quito

We have multiple itineraries for this trip.Please select one for correct pricing and itinerary.

17 days

Quito to Quito

From$3129USD
Valid on Mar 8 2026
Trip Code: SEQP

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg. 14.

Age requirement: 18-39

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17 days

Quito to Quito

From$3129USD
Valid on Mar 8 2026
Trip Code: SEQP

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 17

Map of the route for Ecuador to Galápagos: Jungle Beats & Island Heat

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Quito

Arrive at any time and prepare for an epic adventure through Ecuador’s highlights and hidden gems. It will be 1000% better than watching reels of these beautiful places! Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and then choose to hang out with the group afterwards for an optional dinner in Quito. Break the ice, get to know each other, and share your best travel stories before making new ones together over the next nine days.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Quito/Tena

Hop on a bus and travel into the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Learn about local food production and everything there is to know about cacao. If in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants. At the end of the experience, the group will enjoy a taste of this sweet treat amid the sounds of the forest. It is here you will experience life in the jungle firsthand and connect with the local indigenous culture. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with the Amazon you have been learning about since you were younger.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Shandia Community Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Tena

Put the pedal to the metal on a cycling excursion to the Indigenous Shandia community. This rural village is surrounded by rivers and the fertile Amazon landscape. Take in the beauty as you ride through the jungle. And take pride in being able to help support the preservation of the community’s indigenous culture. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge and choose to enjoy some of the activities available to visitors. Choose to walk to the nearby beach along the river and try to spot wildlife in the jungle. Later go on an included walk to the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Group selfie, anyone?

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Shandia Biking & Community Experience| Your G for Good Moment Shandia Community Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Tena/Baños

Experience a slice of local life on a public bus ride between Tena and Baños. Download those road trip playlists and stare at the passing scenery. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled. The town is surrounded by lush cloud forest and has an abundance of outdoor optional activities for travellers to indulge in. Maybe soak in the nearby hot springs to relax after bumping along on the bus. But rest up because you’re in the adventure capital of Ecuador and tomorrow there’s no time to waste.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Baños

Discover your adventurous spirit on this full free day to enjoy the epic outdoor adventure activities in Baños. Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this town is a gorgeous place to hangout for the day. From ziplining to canyoning and visiting the famous Casa del Arbol, you won’t have time to worry about what to do next. And maybe end the day with a group dance party to see if you can make the next viral Tik Tok.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Baños/Quilotoa

Leave Baños behind to travel to Quilotoa and its stunning caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the route the group will stop for a visit to an art workshop and gallery that celebrates the indigenous art of the region, showcasing the breathtaking works of Julio Toaquiza, a pioneer in Tigua's artistic community.Here, you can meet local artisans, learn about their techniques, and even participate in workshops to create your own piece of art. Upon arrival to the town of Quilotoa the group will hike down to the lake in the centre of the crater to enjoy the dramatic surrounding landscape and turquoise coloured water. Check-in to your eco-friendly accommodations in the evening located high in the Ecuadoran Andes at over 10,400 feet in elevation (3200 meters above sea level) with views that will make you fall in love. Who wants to move here and stay forever?

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Quilotoa

Feel the warmth and impact of community connection today on a visit to the Guayama Community project nearby. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area’s indigenous peoples while supporting the sustainable development of this project. Enjoy time at the bee farm where you will learn about the honey extraction process, and discover the ceramic art and culture project led by the local population. Lunch will be had on your own at the on site restaurant. You’ll be welcomed into their indigenous community with open arms and leave with a deeper love of this region and its people. Later, relax back at your accommodations in Quilotoa, play some cards, swap travel stories, and laugh together as a group.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Quilotoa/Quito

After breakfast, travel back to Quito swapping stories with your travel crew on the ride back. Take some time to grab lunch on your own, maybe find some potato soup, or fried cheese empanadas, or fresh ceviche. Then, come back together with everyone for an orientation walk at La Carolina Park with its natural oasis within the city. The night belongs to you and it’s time to let loose. Find somewhere to dance your heart out and let the beat move your soul.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Quito

Get those legs moving on a full free day in Quito. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and highest constitutional capital in the world. Choose to check out the equator and visit the museum there or simply walk to a local park and chill out with some good food from a delicious café. No judgement, the choice is all yours.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Wheels up! Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Transfer across Santa Cruz island to town and take a guided visit in the afternoon to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island

Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Isabela Island

Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island

This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a place to grab a drink with friends in a local place and watch the sunset, continue on to another bar or to get your drink (and dance!) on.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment - San Cristóbal Island

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15San Cristóbal Island

The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Say "Adios!" to the Galapagos Islands and board a morning flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel to kick back and relax before enjoying the last night in the capital city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Quito

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Discover Moment: Baños
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Quito
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: - San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Island
  • Cacao and Chocolate Experience
  • Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit
  • Community Artisan Workshop Visit
  • Guayama Community Project Visit
  • La Carolina Park Orientation Walk
  • Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island)
  • Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal)
  • Concha de Perla snorkelling excursion
  • Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island)
  • Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Isabela Municipal Tax
  • Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters
  • Internal flights
  • Free time in Tena, Baños, Quilotoa, & Quito
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (12 nts), Community Lodge (2 nts), Eco-friendly Inn (2 nts, multi-share).

Meals

16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, private vehicle, taxi, plane, public speedboat

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local G Adventures Representative in Quito, local community guide.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $359.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Ecuador to Galápagos: Jungle Beats & Island Heat

| 17 days - Quito to Quito - from $3129 USD