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Ecuador: Natural Wonders & Ancient Cultures with Galápagos Cruise 2026
15 days from Quito to Guayaquil
Tour Description:
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. And this Small Group Discovery tour is an adventure of epic proportions—while enjoying inspiring boutique hotels, insightful private tours, incredible culinary delights, indigenous cultures, and ancient ruins. While Ecuador is a small country geographically speaking, it delivers a vast variety of dramatic landscapes spanning a variety of climate zones supporting an abundance of flora, fauna, and fantastic experiences that far outmeasure its borders. Without ever leaving the country, travelers can move in just a matter of hours from jungle-rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and down to the Pacific coast for a breathtaking and diverse array of panoramas and pristine natural wonders. From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment. Go further to explore Ecuador’s extraordinary natural world as you follow the courses of rivers wide and narrow. Rest along the shores of pristine lakes and explore mysterious caves. Sail in the wake of Charles Darwin to discover marvelous plant and animal life adapted over the millennia to the undisturbed and isolated Pacific archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. Here, such exotic residents as the blue-footed booby, marine iguana, and ancient tortoises for which the islands are named, evoke the adventurous spirit of wonder in every visitor. An epic adventure of a lifetime!
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Thursday 16 Jul 26 — Friday 31 Jul 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,298 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 27 Aug 26 — Friday 11 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,698 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 22 Oct 26 — Friday 06 Nov 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,798 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 05 Nov 26 — Friday 20 Nov 26
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $6,648 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingWe’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides with complimentary headsets to hear every word, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes:
•Please note that this tour is designed for all levels of fitness, however one should be in suitable physical condition to fully enjoy the experiences. •Further, maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires small watercraft, walking on cobblestone streets, uneven trails and pathways, and climbing stairs at elevation. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. While much of this tour remains above 8,000 ft above sea level, maximum elevation is 16,610 ft. •In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos is subject to change.
•Please note that this tour is designed for all levels of fitness, however one should be in suitable physical condition to fully enjoy the experiences. •Further, maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires small watercraft, walking on cobblestone streets, uneven trails and pathways, and climbing stairs at elevation. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. While much of this tour remains above 8,000 ft above sea level, maximum elevation is 16,610 ft. •In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos is subject to change.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Hotel Patio Andaluz is an elegant boutique hotel with only 32 rooms, located in a colonial style house built at the end of the 16th-century. This national monument, whose walls contain centuries of history and art, has large arches, balconies, inner courtyards filled with light, and colorful gardens. These unique spaces create a charm and cozy atmosphere for guests and visitors
Day 2
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Stop and smell the roses with a visit to a flower plantation near Quito where this coveted important is in high demand around the world. Learn how Ecuadorian roses produce larger flower buds, fuller blooms, and longer vase life—with every color imaginable, from traditional shades of red, pink, and white, to lavender, purple, orange, and even rainbow-colored. Learn about sustainable farming and the importance of globally recognized eco-certification
Day 3
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION The Samari Spa Resort is a 10-acre ranch turned luxury boutique hotel, with only 37 rooms, full spa with Turkish baths, beautiful gardens, and 300 years of history. Maintaining the old architecture, built with exquisite colonial taste combining carved stone, wood, stained glass and wrought iron. Rustic details, good taste and nature combine to make this resort a true art gallery. The skill of Ecuador's best artisans is reflected in every corner of the resort
Day 4
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Riobamba’s Hosteria La Andalua is a historic ranch declared part of the Cultural Heritage of Ecuador. Poised beneath beautiful views of the Chimborazo Volcano, important historical moments took place here—once inhabited by brave Puruháes, through the expansion of the Inca empire and the Spanish conquest to the formation of the new republic. The soul of Ecuadorian history has been restored for maximum comfort while preserving its historic charm, guests enjoy just 55 rooms, beautiful gardens, a restaurant, games room, and a common area to relax with bar, fireplace, and living room
Day 5
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION Nestled in the historic district of Cuenca, the Hotel San Juan is a large private historic residence restored to a 21st-centruy luxury boutique hotel with only 25 rooms. Decorated in a Republican colonial style, this cozy hotel features well-appointed rooms, a lounge, and courtyard garden. The hotel’s central location allows guests to easily explore Cuenca's historic district, including the famous Cathedral, Calderón Park, and the picturesque Tomebamba River. The city's vibrant markets, restaurants, and cultural sites are all within walking distance from the hotel
Day 6
LOCAL FAVORITE Did you know that the original “Panama Hats” were made in Ecuador? The famous light-colored straw hats reminiscent of suave, well-dressed men and actors in Panama, actually originated and were historically made in Ecuador. The hat’s production began as a cottage industry in the coast of Ecuador in the 1600’s and was weaved from the local Toquilla plant by artisans called Toquilleras. The quality of the hat was judged by the number of weaves per square inch and the best-made hats (called “superfino”) hats were said to be able to hold water and fit through a wedding ring when rolled!
Day 7
SMALL GROUP DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided tour through the cacao plantations of the Cacao Project and learn about the cultivation of the precious cacao fruit and the processes from cacao bean to edible treat. The Ecuadorian cacao is famous around the world for its very high quality and is used to mix a variety of sweet treats. Enjoy lunch at the onsite hacienda, taste some high-quality chocolate, and enjoy authentic Ecuadorian local charm
Day 8
SHIP SPOTLIGHT The M/V Galapagos Legend, with a capacity for 100 guests, has the charm of The Enchanted Islands. With her three different decks, the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing its sense of intimacy. The boat features a restaurant serving fresh international and local cuisine, outdoor BBQ area, a lounge with full bar, 24-hour snack and coffee station, a pool bar, Jacuzzi, pool, boutique, science corner, fitness facility, auditorium, library, glass bottom boat, kayaks, and doctor’s office. On top of the numerous amenities, the Galapagos Legend has the top Naturalists in the archipelago who will lead you on every excursion and bring the islands to life!
Day 9
NATURAL WONDERS In addition to the Nazca and red-footed boobies found nesting on Genovesa Island, you’ll have the happy chance to view the antics of wedge-rumped storm-petrels above the lava fields. Keep your head swivel to catch a glimpse of the short-eared owl who wisely calls the island home
Day 10
NATURAL WONDERS A true rock star of South Plaza Island is undoubtedly the hybrid iguana which is found nowhere else on earth. The island is the breeding ground for both marine iguanas and land iguanas. The breeding season happens to be simultaneous for both species thereby creating this unique population of hybrid iguanas
Day 11
PICTURE PERFECT Warm, gentle waves lap against the glistening sand of Bachas Beach, where life truly is a walk on the beach. Named Bachas as an attempt of locals to pronounce ‘barges,’ the island was once the site of US ships during WWII. Nearby ponds provide a paradise for pink flamingos and coastal birds, including Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls – along with marine iguanas amid the mangrove trees.
Accommodations
Accommodations| Quito | Ecuadorian Amazon | Banos | Riobamba | Cuenca | Guayaquil |
Hotel Patio Andaluz
Moderate First-Class
Calle Garcia Moreno N6-52 Quito Ecuador
The sophisticated boutique hotel Hotel Patio Andaluz is housed in a colonial-style home from the end of the 17th century, a national monument with interior courtyards full of light and vibrant gardens, and walls that preserve centuries' worth of art and history. These distinctive areas give visitors and guests a charming and comfortable ambiance.
Moderate First-Class
Calle Garcia Moreno N6-52 Quito Ecuador
The sophisticated boutique hotel Hotel Patio Andaluz is housed in a colonial-style home from the end of the 17th century, a national monument with interior courtyards full of light and vibrant gardens, and walls that preserve centuries' worth of art and history. These distinctive areas give visitors and guests a charming and comfortable ambiance.
