Ecuador and the Galapagos for solo travellers
Ecuador and the Galapagos for solo travellers
Ecuador and the Galapagos for solo travellers
16 Days Starting in Quito and ending in Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Mindo Valley, Pululagua, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Parque Nacional Cajas, Guayaquil, San Cristóbal Island, San Cristobal, Isla Lobos, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Cruz, Bogota, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1EQ
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$7581 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
With magnificent wildlife, awe-inspiring architecture and striking scenery, Ecuador is an incredible adventure for lovers of natural beauty, history and culture. A place that often goes unsung, Ecuador is an under-appreciated destination with wonders around every corner. Although the Galapagos islands feature high up on most people's bucket list, the mainland is a surprising and fascinating place to visit in its own right. On this inspiring tour, you'll be able to see some of the world's highest volcanoes, buzzy colonial cities, wonder at the beauty of hummingbirds in tropical cloud forests, travel on spectacular trains and stay in historic haciendas - all this before you've even stepped ashore in the Galapagos!Â
We take a drive along the Pan-American highway, probably the longest road in world, connecting Alaska with South American Patagonia. We trail the impressive seven peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, before arriving at Cotopaxi National Park. Here we'll wonder at the striking, snowy Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on the planet.
When we reach the Galapagos, you will be truly spoilt by the sheer sights of natural beauty, well-preserved terrain and exotic wildlife. For years, the only way most people could visit the Galapagos was to sail from island to island on small motor-yachts - a great way to travel, but also very expensive. Our tour avoids this by offering an island-hopping itinerary which means you actually get to stay on two of the most interesting islands. To get the most out of your visit to this extraordinary wildlife destination, it's important to be fully mobile and be able to snorkel so you can discover the amazing marine life, something that even Charles Darwin was never aware of! You will also have the opportunity to explore Santa Cruz at your own leisure, an island famed for sea turtles, giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as the calm, white sand beaches of Tortuga Bay.
These incredible volcanic islands are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, most of which are endemic species. A dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, we will tour both land and sea to witness the sights of this magical archipelago.Â
The cuisine of the region takes natural inspiration from the sea and abundant organic produce of the area. Unsurprisingly, much of the dishes are made up of locally caught seafood, such as tilapia and halibut, and put into viche (soup) and arroz marinero (seafood rice). Be sure to try the famous cerviche, a dish made from fresh, raw fish and served with a refreshing salad of onions and tomatoes. The fruits of the land are strikingly unusual too; with speckled banana passionfruit, tropical cherimoya, tomato-like naranjilla and peanut butter fruit, which is said to taste just like the popular spread.
Whether you are looking forward to the wondrous wildlife, breath-taking landscapes, the colonial charm - or all three and more - this unique destination and its welcoming locals are awaiting your adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Departure
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Quito, via Bogota.
Day 2 : Arrival In Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Quito
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Considered the Cultural Capital of South America, it’s located just south of the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Our tour of the city includes the leafy Independence square, overlooked by the Presidential Palace, cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace. Just a short walk away is the baroque Jesuit church of Compania de Jesus, with its incredible gilded interior. Another of Quito’s gems is the church and convent of San Francisco, the largest religious complex on the continent.
Day 3 : Cross Equator Line
Location: Mindo Valley
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embrace the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing on both the north and southern hemisphere. Here you’ll learn about the interesting history of the Equator line and physics of the location. We then continue to the little town of Mindo, set amidst lush forested hills. We stay for two nights in a lodge, surrounded by the exotic cloud forest and incredible birds.Â
Day 4 : Mindo Cloud Forest
Location: Mindo Valley
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the pristine cloud forests and hike along waterfalls of the area. At an altitude of 1,300m, Mindo lies between Ecuador’s lowlands and highlands and has a year-round mild climate. This, and the plentiful rainfall, mostly between January and April, has created lush forests, perfect for a wide variety of birdlife – with an incredible 140 species of hummingbirds recorded. Our hotel is surrounded by the forest and has several marked trails around the property, ideal for birdwatching. You may also try out the optional zip-line tour or learn about how the famous Ecuadorian chocolate is made.Â
Day 5 : Pululahua Crater
Location: Pululagua, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cotopaxi Pungo Finca Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Heading south on the Pan-American highway we drive along the Avenue of the volcanoes, towards the Cotopaxi National Park. En route we stop at Pululahua, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. From the rim of the extinct volcano enjoy the panoramic views over the green farmland in the base of the crater. Lunch is included today.Â
Day 6 : Cotopaxi And Riobamba
Location: Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Riobamba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hacienda La Andaluza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we reach Cotopaxi National Park for some stunning views, and at 5,900m the highest active volcano in the world. Snowcapped year-round, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone is one of the greatest sights in South America. Lunch is included today. Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of roses and this afternoon we’ll visit one of the many rose farms in the area.Â
Day 7 : Riobamba And Cuenca
Location: Riobamba, Cuenca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Colonial Carvallo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is free for you to relax in the surroundings of your historic Hacienda hotel. Alternatively, you’re welcome to join a visit of the local area to appreciate the fascinating life and culture of this agricultural community. This afternoon, we continue along the Pan American highway, arriving in the amazing colonial city of Cuenca. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 8 : El Cajas National Park
Location: Parque Nacional Cajas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Colonial Carvallo
Meals Included: Breakfast
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cuenca is a treasure-trove of charming colonial churches, mansions and squares, which are all easily walkable. The main square is overlooked by the town’s vast cathedral, said to be modelled on St Peter’s in Rome. The city is also known for its Panama hats, which are in fact hand-made in Ecuador, not Panama! Our included city tour takes in all these sights as well as a visit to a Panama hat factory, and finishes at one of the fascinating local markets, where you can admire the colours of the fresh produce as well as the traditional arts and crafts of the Andes.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore.
Day 9 : Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Unipark Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Cuenca, we cross the spectacular El Cajas National Park and descend to the warm coastal plains and the port city of Guayaquil. El Cajas National Park has 786 lagoons interconnected by small streams within the vast park valley area.
Day 10 : Fly To San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
Location: San Cristóbal Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blue Marlin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we catch the 1hr.50 flight to San Cristobal island in the Galapagos. As the most easterly island in the archipelago, this was the first to be visited by Charles Darwin in 1835.
After we are settled into our hotel, we explore the wildlife along nearby La Loberia’s white sand beach, with a chance to swim or snorkel. You are bound to spot marine iguanas, sea lions and plentiful birdlife.
We stay two nights close to the centre of the island’s small main town of Puerto Moreno. Dinner at a local restaurant is included tonight.
Day 11 : San Cristobal & Isla Lobos
Location: San Cristobal, Isla Lobos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blue Marlin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we board a small boat for the short trip to Isla Lobos, where we explore families of frigate birds and blue footed boobies. Although the path on the island is uneven and rocky in parts, the effort is worth it to see these iconic birds up close. We have lunch on board, and then we have an opportunity to swim or snorkel off the boat in the lagoon, where inquisitive seals may come and swim with us!
In the afternoon we learn about conservation work on the islands during our visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre.Â
Day 12 : Santa Cruz Island
Location: Santa Cruz Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz or Fiesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we catch the speedboat ferry service to nearby Santa Cruz island, which should take between 1hr30 to 2hrs. On arrival, we’ll visit the famous giant tortoises in the beautiful El Chato highland reserve – an unforgettable experience! Within the grounds, you may also explore one of several underground lava tubes, left over from when the island’s volcano was active.
Day 13 : Santa Cruz
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz or Fiesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we have a boat tour of nearby Academy Bay, with an opportunity to snorkel with the Galapagos’ exotic marine life. You may see the likes of sea lions, rays and even sharks. After an included lunch, we continue for a tour of the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will be able to see the remains of ‘Lonesome George’, stuffed and on display. There are also pens where baby giant tortoises are looked after before being released into the wild.Â
Day 14 : Optional Trips: Bartolome Or North Seymour Islands
Location: Santa Cruz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Silberstein Hotel Santa Cruz or Fiesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’re free to enjoy Santa Cruz at your own pace, where you can meander around Puerto Ayora or relax at the unspoilt Tortuga Bay. You can also personalise your trip with a pre-bookable boat trip (£235pp) to nearby Santa Fe Island or Bartolomé island, subject to weather and availability.
Day 15 : Return Home
Location: Guayaquil, Bogota
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say our goodbyes to the wonderful Galapagos Islands and fly home via Guayaquil and Bogota, arriving the next day.Â
Day 16 : Arrive Home
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive in the UK with wonderful memories of a fascinating trip.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights in three to five-star accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
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International Travel
Return flights from/to the UK and checked luggage
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Meals
20 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
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Transport
Touring and coach travel as mentioned in the itinerary
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Hotel porterage of one luggage item per person
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Local accommodation taxes
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Overseas transfers
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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Tipping and Gratuity
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, 18 years and above only
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No, all our solo tour prices are fully inclusive with no single supplement to be added. Whilst hotels generally charge a little more for single occupancy rooms, we never charge you extra for meals, excursions, flights, rail journeys or transfers.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Return scheduled flights
Internal flights as mentioned in the itinerary -
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Saturday
Oct 25, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024Friday - Saturday
Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Friday - Saturday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions