Solo-ish Ecuador & Galapagos

Solo-ish Ecuador & Galapagos

• Trip code: 417X037
• Dauer: 15
• Stil: Solo-ish Adventures

Ecuador is an outdoor lover’s dream, and this 15-day Solo-ish adventure takes you from the mainland’s breathtaking landscapes to the wild beauty of the Galápagos — all with new travel pals by your side and time to explore solo. Stand on the equator at the Intiñan Museum, take in snow-capped Cotopaxi, wander through the cloud forest, soak in Baños’ hot springs, and relax at a jungle lodge in the Amazon. Then, jet off to the Galápagos for unforgettable encounters — snorkel with marine wildlife, enjoy a farm-to-table meal supporting the locals on Floreana, and visit Las Tintoreras, where Whitetip sharks glide through clear waters and iguanas bask in the sun. This is solo group travel, reimagined — with adventure, connection, and community at its heart.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (12 nts) on a twinshare basis and Amazon Jungle Lodge (2 nts). If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option

Checklist

Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

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

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg. 14

Highlights

Indulge in a lively dinner party in Quito with fellow travellers while savouring traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, Stand on the equator at the Intiñan Museum and test out fascinating hands-on science experiments, Hike through Cotopaxi National Park and take in stunning views of Limpiopungo Lagoon, Cycle through lush jungle landscapes on the G for Good Shandia Biking experience en route to the Amazon, Kick off your Galápagos adventure with a sunset cocktail and a lively local dinner party featuring ceviche, Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters off Garrapatero Beach and spot incredible native marine life, Watch Whitetip reef sharks glide through the shallow waters of Las Tintoreras

Introduction

Ecuador is an outdoor lover’s dream, and this 15-day Solo-ish adventure takes you from the mainland’s breathtaking landscapes to the wild beauty of the Galápagos — all with new travel pals by your side and time to explore solo. Stand on the equator at the Intiñan Museum, take in snow-capped Cotopaxi, wander through the cloud forest, soak in Baños’ hot springs, and relax at a jungle lodge in the Amazon. Then, jet off to the Galápagos for unforgettable encounters — snorkel with marine wildlife, enjoy a farm-to-table meal supporting the locals on Floreana, and visit Las Tintoreras, where Whitetip sharks glide through clear waters and iguanas bask in the sun. This is solo group travel, reimagined — with adventure, connection, and community at its heart

Meals Included

14 Frühstück, 8 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD235-305 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Baños
- Heiße Quellen (4USD pro Person)
- Reiten (25USD pro Person)
- Wanderung (Gratis)
- Baños Canyoning
- Visit Casa del Arbol
- Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit
- Wildwasser-Rafting (30USD pro Person)

Isabela Island
- Schnorcheln (140-150USD pro Person)
- Hike to the Sulfur Mines
- Ausflug zur Flamingo Lagune

Kicker Rock
- Schnorcheln (Kicker Rock) (140-160USD pro Person)

San Cristóbal Island
- San Cristobal Island 360 Experience (180-220 pro Person)

Start / Finish

von Quito

Transport

Private vehicle, motorboat, bicycle, walking, ferry

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Erlebnis & Radtour, Shandia
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dinner Party: Flavours of Ecuador Cooking Experience, Quito
We Day: Minca Community Chocolate Tasting, Quito
G Day: The Wild Landscapes of Cotopaxi & Baños, Cotopaxi National Park
Me Day: Baños Me Day, Baños
Dein Wellness-Moment: Besuch der Thermalquellen von Papallacta, Papallacta
Dinner Party: Galapagos Waterfront Dining Experience, Puerto Ayora
We Day: Wildlife & Sustainability of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island
G Day: Snorkelling & Hiking on Isabela, Isabela Island
Me Day: Isabela Me Day, Isabela Island. Complimentary arrival transfer. Shandia Community Walk, Cacao Plantation Visit, & Chicha Tasting. Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit. Papallacta hot springs visit and soak. Visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Charles Darwin Research Station tour. Ceo-led activity to visit the Breeding Center and Flamingo lagoon. Black Beach visit and hands-on cocktail activity. Visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre. Free time in Baños, the Amazon, Isabela, and San Cristobal. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age 18+

The minimum age for this trip is 18 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Dinner Party: Quito

Enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Quito where you will attend a welcome briefing with your newest travel companions. Then, head out on foot through the city streets to your hands-on cooking experience with the entire group. Listen to instructions from a talented local chef and enjoy stories throughout the lesson about the various ingredients and dishes you are working on creating. Witness the joy of sharing a meal prepared together and come away with new knowledge of Ecuador’s culinary tastes and traditions

Day 2 We Day: Quito

Today is all about the landscapes and communities of Ecuador. Start the day with a city tour of Quito and walk past important sites like the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito. Then dive deeper into the meaning of community with an intriguing chocolate tasting experience through a locally-owned establishment that prioritizes the values of Minka, a tradition of collective labour that supports many social and infrastructure projects. Enjoy an included lunch afterwards featuring many traditional local dishes and continue to the Intiñan museum to explore the scientific riches only found on our planet’s equatorial line. Enjoy a free evening back in Quito

Day 3 G Day: Cotopaxi & Baños

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an epic adventurous day in Cotopaxi National Park with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Depart from Quito in the morning and enjoy a day immersed in the wilds of this high Andean ecosystem. Highlights include a visit to Limpiopungo Lake featuring picturesque views of the Cotopaxi volcano. If feeling up for it, travellers can hike up to the refuge at 4800m to get closer to the volcano, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the lagoon. On the way out, visit an old military fortress built on a hilltop and offering 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. From here travel to Baños for an orientation walk through the abundantly green surroundings, and be on the lookout, for an unexpected surprise to cap off G Day

Day 4 Me Day: Baños

It’s time for a day that belongs to you! The choice really is all yours. From spending the day doing an array of optional activities available like hiking to the Pailon del Diablo or soaking in the local hot springs. You’ll also have the option of joining your CEO for a visit to the famous Casa del Arbol perched on a hilltop overlooking epic views of the Tungurahua volcano on a clear day. Dinner will be on your own this evening amid the lush scenery of Baños

Day 5 Baños/Tena

Travel away from the misty green foliage of Baños to the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Here, you’ll enjoy the hospitality of the local indigenous people of Shandia and experience life in the jungle firsthand. Once you arrive the group will cycle through the community and discover the beauty of the area with a local member as your guide. Your lodge stay is operated by the people of Shandia, who are committed to providing guests with a sustainable and authentic experience. After the bike ride and delicious lunch, the group will embark on a village walk and tour the cacao plantation here. Learn more about the cultivation process and the traditional chicha drink, which you can try a taste of. This is followed by an included dinner at the lodge

Day 6 Tena

Enter into the rainforest today during a jungle walk led by a member of the lodge’s community. Learn more about the plants and animals found in this region and how the indigenous people have been using them across generations. Finish the walk with a visit to the Pimpilala Waterfalls where you can choose to take a quick dip into the natural pool at the base if time allows. Travel back to the lodge for an included lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore the property on your own. You can also choose to participate in any number of the other activities offered onsite. Come back together for a group dinner and celebrate your final night in the mighty Amazon

Day 7 Tena/Quito

Enjoy one final breakfast at the Amazon lodge before transferring to Papallacta. Here, take some time to relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views before travelling back to Quito. Once in the city there will be free time to explore and relax. Opt to find a local restaurant for dinner this evening

Day 8 Dinner Party: Puerto Ayora

Fly to the Galápagos Islands and on arrival travel up into the highlands of Santa Cruz for an included lunch at a private eco reserve. While here, the group will have the chance to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and enjoy the panoramic views of the other islands from this elevation. Then, explore the lava tunnels, which offer a unique opportunity for travellers to walk through the large, naturally formed underground tunnels created by ancient lava flows. This is an excellent way to experience the volcanic history of the islands and observe a unique ecosystem not found elsewhere. Later, the group will board a water taxi to The Point, a waterfront restaurant offering views of sharks, rays, and seals as you dine. Here, partake in a hands-on cooking experience led by a local chef who will explain the importance of fresh ingredients throughout the islands and share some tips on how to master the preparation of ceviche. Sit down together afterwards to enjoy the fruits of your labour and get to know one another

Day 9 We Day: Santa Cruz

Today is all about immersion into the wildlife and sustainable farming practices of the Galapagos. First, fill up on breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Garrapatero Beach, known for its pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and nearby brackish lagoon. It’s one of the best spots within all the islands for viewing unique wildlife in a paradise setting. Enjoy time to snorkel secluded amid the calm waters, escape from the crowds, and feel as if you have a piece of this island to yourself. Then, travel to a local organic coffee farm where you’ll learn about the plantations, the process involved in the cultivation of the product, and hear about the sustainable efforts being taken to protect the landscape and continue growing produce. An included lunch will be enjoyed onsite before your afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Observe the giant Galapagos tortoises here as you learn more about their journey from captivity to the wild. Finish off the day back at the hotel where there will be free time for some sightseeing and dinner on your own

Day 10 G Day: Isabela

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an epic day in Isabela with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. After breakfast the group will transfer from Santa Cruz to Isabela. Upon arrival you’ll visit "Tintoreras" or Shark Alley to observe the whitetip reef sharks found swimming in the channels between the rocks. Enjoy time to snorkel for a closer look at the wildlife below the surface, and view pelicans, frigatebirds, and diving blue-footed boobies above water. Sit down for an included group lunch at a local restaurant on the island, and then hike the trails through the Humedales. This significant wetland area is home to island wildlife including flamingos, marine iguanas, different bird species, and all four native Galapagos mangrove species. Spend the day exploring the allure of Isabela and keep an eye out for a special surprise!

Day 11 Me Day: Isabela

The key to a well-rounded solo experience is time to do your own thing. It’s built in here with a free day in Isabela that belongs entirely to you. Choose to visit Los Tuneles for a truly remarkable underwater snorkeling experience through the natural arches and tunnels made from volcanic lava formations or hike to the sulfur mines located within the crater of the active Sierra Negra volcano for a unique experience. In the afternoon your CEO will be leading a visit to the Breeding Centre and Flamingo Lagoon. Choose to join, or continue exploring the island of Isabela on your own

Day 12 Isabela to San Cristobal via Floreana

In the morning board the boat to Floreana Island where you will enjoy lunch at the G Adventures-supported community restaurant there featuring local favorites and prepared by those who have spent up to three generations living on this island. Your meal contributes to the self-sufficiency of this project and supports members of this community. Afterwards, take a short walk to the nearby Black Beach to learn more about the support being provided here to the local residents through the restaurant and guesthouse while you also make your own cocktail beachside. From here the group will board the second boat of the day and travel to San Cristobal and enjoy free time for dinner and relaxing at the hotel

Day 13 San Cristóbal Island

Take advantage of a free morning on San Cristobal and perhaps choose to visit Kicker Rock, a renowned snorkelling and diving spot in the narrow channel created by a towering volcanic rock split in two, or opt to book the San Cristobal Island 360 Experience and view incredible marine life like sharks, rays, sea turtles, and colourful tropical fish, as well as seabirds. In the afternoon stop by the Interpretation Centre on the island which provides visitors with a comprehensive educational experience about the history, geology, and unique wildlife of the Galapagos. Coupled with exhibits on Charles Darwin’s visits and stunning island views, this stop is an ideal location to honour the natural beauty and protection of this archipelago. Attend an optional dinner this evening with your fellow solo-ish travellers

Day 14 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Say goodbye to your solo-ish adventure on the Islands and take a flight back to the mainland from San Cristobal. Upon arrival the group will transfer to their nearby hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax, explore some of Quito on their own, or grab a bite to eat with your newest friends and debrief about your experiences. It’s the perfect way to wind down in preparation for returning home

Day 15 Quito

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Dinner Party: Quito

Please ensure your arrival flights land prior to 3pm

Day 2 We Day: Quito

Day 3 G Day: Cotopaxi & Baños

Day 4 Me Day: Baños

Pre-book the Baños Canyoning Adventure to enjoy the stunning scenery in Sangay National Park

Day 5 Baños/Tena

Day 6 Tena

Day 7 Tena/Quito

Day 8 Dinner Party: Puerto Ayora

Day 9 We Day: Santa Cruz

Day 10 G Day: Isabela

Day 11 Me Day: Isabela

Day 12 Isabela to San Cristobal via Floreana

Day 13 San Cristóbal Island

Day 14 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Day 15 Quito