Ecuador and Galapagos

  • A varied journey to the natural and cultural gems of the equatorial country of Ecuador
  • Hiking tours with views of volcanoes, lagoons and beautiful nature
  • The colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca – UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • The most important local Inca monument – the Ingapirca site
  • Local culture and traditions, Ecuadorian gastronomy
  • Visit to the unique Galapagos archipelago
  • Czech guide
  • Tour dates: 6.-21.1.2026

Join us on a journey through Ecuador. A country that is not large in size but offers everything you expect from a Latin American destination. You will see Andean peaks such as Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, the active volcano Cotopaxi and many more. You will visit national parks with lakes, flooded volcano craters, the edge of the Amazon with waterfalls rushing into lush vegetation. You’ll learn about the life of the indigenous people, visit local markets, admire Spanish colonial buildings, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All our senses will be satisfied, Ecuador promises great cuisine, coffee and good wine. The second part of the program is a visit to the unique volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, famous for its endemic – often prehistoric-looking – animal species (turtles, lizards, iguanas, terriers and more).

 

Tour program:

DAY 1: BY AIR PRAGUE – ECUADOR

By air from Prague to the capital of Ecuador – Quito.

2. DAY 2: TOUR OF QUITO, TELEFÉRICO

The gateway to Ecuador is Quito, a city located at 2850 m above sea level. You’ll begin your visit to this historical gem (Quito is the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a view from above. We’ll take a cable car up to 3,945 m above sea level, from where, if the weather is good, you’ll be able to see not only the city itself, but also the surrounding volcanoes (Pichincha, etc.). In the afternoon, you will get to know Ecuadorian cuisine, with a cooking demonstration of a typical Ecuadorian dinner (you can even try it yourself).

3. DAY 2: CROSSING THE EQUATOR AND TRIP TO THE LAGOON OF CUICOCHA

Today, you will head to the equator itself, at which you will stop(Mitad del Mundo) and visit the Intiñan Museum, which is dedicated to the curiosities and anomalies related specifically to the equator. Hike at the Cuicocha lagoon, along the crater rim, observing orchids and other Andean flora with views of the lake.

4. DAY 4: MARKETS AND THE TOWN OF OTAVALO, TRANSFER TO NP COTOPAXI

Sightseeing tour of Otavalo, visit the local famous colourful market, buying gifts and souvenirs. Then transfer to Cotopaxi NP and stop en route to learn about the production of local musical instruments.

5. DAY 5: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Visit to Cotopaxi National Park, walking around Lake Limpiopungo with beautiful views of Cotopaxi. After the walk, transfer to the lowlands on the edge of the Amazon – to the town of Baños.

6. DAY 6: BAÑOS TOWN

The town of Baños, famous for its thermal baths, is often called the gateway to the Amazon jungle. Today, you can choose from a walking tour to a bike tour along the so-called waterfall trail (the famous Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo waterfalls), a tour of the misty rainforest. In the surroundings of Baños there are other activities such as canopying, rafting on the Pastaza River, canyoning through the Shamana waterfall or cable car across the Pastaza River. At the end of the day, you will be glad to take the opportunity to relax in the thermal baths.

7. DAY 7: NP CHIMBORAZO, RIOBAMBA

At 6,310m,Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador, with its peak being the furthest point in the world from the centre of the earth. You’ll approach the spot from where you’ll have the Ecuadorian giant in the palm of your hand, watching the agricultural landscape and wild vicunas along the way. Transfer to the town of Riobamba.

8. DAY 8: ECUADOR’S MOST FAMOUS INCA MONUMENT, INGAPIRCA

The famous Incas expanded as far as Quito, Ecuador during their heyday. Ingapirca is a reminder of Inca history as we know it, for example from a visit to Peru. After this visit, you will head to the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca. On the way, stop at the Pistishi viewpoint.

9. DAY 8: CUENCA – UNESCO

A tour of this city that will be appreciated by all lovers of colonial architecture. Today, when you get tired of all things Ecuadorian, after you’ve seen the old and new cathedral, the flower market or the hat factory, you can grab a Czech beer at a local Czech restaurant.

10. DAY 11: WALK IN THE CAJAS NATIONAL PARK

The icing on the cake of your journey through Ecuador will undoubtedly be the land of crystal lakes and beautiful mountains, Cajas National Park. Here you will have an easy hike. You will then continue on to Guayaquil, the most populous city in Ecuador. The city lies on the Guayas River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean and is the most important port in the country. Not for nothing does it bear the nickname “Pearl of the Pacific”.

DAY 11 – 15: GALAPAGOS

The unique archipelago of Galapagos is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km west of the coast of Ecuador. Due to the specific climatic conditions and isolation, unique animal species have evolved here. These include iguanas, giant elephant tortoises, blue-footed terriers, flightless cormorants and many marine species. These volcanic islands have been declared a national park and tourism is restricted to protect them, but they are nevertheless a place where people can get close to the animals.

During a five-day visit you will discover several islands(Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, Bartolomeo/Seymour Norte and the adjacent islets of Las Islas Tintoreras, Isla Roca Unión). You will always stay on the mainland in nice hotels and from there you will go on excursions. Between the islands we will travel by boat, the main local means of transport. Apart from the excursions, you will also go snorkelling, relaxing and swimming.

11. DAY 11: In the morning you will transfer to the airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands to Baltra. The local airport boasts the title of the world’s first eco-friendly airport, and from here you’ll take a short shuttle to the harbour to take the ferry to Santa Cruz Island, which will be your main exploration destination this day. Already here you’re likely to spot the first iguanas, crabs, gulls or pelicans or sea lions resting lazily in the harbour. You’ll pass through Santa Cruz Island from north to south to the island’s main town, the touristy and lively Puerto Ayora. All around you will see the unique nature, the volcanic craters – Los Gemelos, learn about the formation and evolution of the Galapagos Islands and begin to understand more about their uniqueness. There will also be a stop at the elephant tortoise breeding station – where you will observe the tortoises up close in their natural habitat. You’ll also visit one of the many local lava tunnels, which were created by the hot lava solidifying faster on the surface than in the lower layers. At the end of the day, you will visit Tortuga Bay and its white sand beach (if there is enough time).

DAY 12: Full day boat trip to Bartolomé Island or Seymour Norte (depending on the decision of the local administration – cannot be influenced). Bartolomé Island is a very photogenic island known for its rock pinnacle – Pinnacle Rock. There is also a beautiful beach where there will be room for swimming and snorkeling, during which, if you are lucky, you will encounter a Galapagos penguin. An alternative is to visit Seymour Norte Island, which is a haven for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions. Snorkelling and a beautiful beach await you on this trip too. The price of the excursions includes a packed lunch.

DAY 13: In the morning, you will reach the port and cross the sea to Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands, to the settlement of Puerto Vilamil, your home for two nights. Immediately upon arrival you will visit the turtle breeding station. Pink flamingos can also be spotted in this area. After lunch, you’ll take a trip to the nearby uninhabited islets of Las Tintoreras, another Galapagos experience. The specific dry landscape with tall cacti, lava tunnels or bridges combined with the azure blue sea will be unforgettable. The landscape is enhanced by the local inhabitants – blue-footed boobies, turtles and many aquatic animals. When snorkelling, which is part of the trip, if you are lucky you can see turtles, sharks (nothing to be afraid of), seahorses or starfish, crawfish or many species of colourful fish. What isn’t here, however, are colourful corals, but this is due to the fact that the Galapagos are geologically young islands and corals are generally nowhere to be found.

DAY 14: Today will be dedicated to exploring Isabela Island. You will sail to the adjacent islands of “Isla Roca Unión” and “Los Túneles“. You will have the chance to learn about the life cycle of iguanas or watch sea lions playing in one of the local bays. Pelicans also live in this area. Two sites are designated for snorkelling. The trip includes a packed lunch.

After returning from the trip, it is optional to rent bicycles and take a bike ride along the coast – for example, to a former penal colony, or relax on one of the beaches together with the iguanas.

DAY 15: Sadly, all adventures come to an end, so today you’ll head across the sea and across Santa Cruz Island to Baltra Airport again, where it’s time to say goodbye to the Galapagos. From here you will fly back to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and continue on to Europe.

DAY 16: FLY BACK TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Arrival back to the Czech Republic, according to the current flight schedule.

Further information

Included in the price:

  • Entrances to national parks – within the program on mainland Ecuador
  • entrance fee to the Ingapirka monument
  • services of a Czech guide
  • accommodation: 14x hotel (level 3-4*), double room
  • 14x breakfast, 2x lunch package
  • transport by rented private minibus, in Galapagos by boat
  • excursions according to the program (in Galapagos in shared groups)
  • CK insurance against bankruptcy

Not included in the price:

  • international airfare from Prague to Ecuador, flight to Galapagos and back – optional activities
  • other admissions to sights
  • other meals
  • insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we will be happy to arrange)
  • entrance fees to Galapagos (230 USD)

Organiser: CK Enjoy Travel

Note: In the event of a worsening epidemiological situation, the tour company reserves the right to change the tour dates.

Price from:
80000 CZK
Accommodation:
hotel (úroveň 3-4*)
Trip type:
sightseeing, Tourism, monuments, with Czech guide
Dining:
snídaně, 2x obědový balíček
Tour dates:
6.-21.1.2026
Number of days:
16
Flight ticket:
40 000 CZK/ os.
Visa:
Tour guide:
česky mluvící
Remark:
Remark:

Tour request

Do you have any questions? Contact us!

Phone: +420739632819

Do you have any questions? Contact us!

Phone: +420739632819