Lands of Lava
This independent trip begins in Ecuador and takes you into the majestic Northern Andes, past the Cayambe volcano and through the historic market of Otavalo, before boarding a flight to the Galapagos Islands: a modern-day Eden with an unmatched amount of exotic endemic wildlife. Here, you will spot sea lions sharing the beach with marine iguanas, explore archaic volcanic tunnels, walk alongside the storied Wall of Tears, and yes, cross paths with giant tortoises. This inimitable adventure is sure to provide your family with memories they’ll treasure forever.
B&R’s newest way to travel! This itinerary is one of our new locally-supported, private trips. They use the hallmarks that we’re known for: great hotels, friendly and talented local guides plus memorable experiences but it’s just your group and on the dates that work best for you.
Trip Details
Easygoing to Moderate
Quito to Quito
11 Days / 10 Nights
Price per person from: $7,995
Request your date for exact pricing
Best Time to Visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Day by Day
After being picked up from the airport and checking into the kingly Plaza Grande hotel, you will have the first night to explore Quito on your own.
Check out the Art Workshop School, peruse La Ronda Street (considered the oldest in the city) and visit the house and private art collection of painter Oswaldo Viteri.
Enter the Northern Andes, passing by the valleys of the Cayambe volcano and visiting the ancient Indian market of Otavalo, famed for its textiles and tapestries.
Enjoy the Hacienda Zuleta and its surroundings: from a condor rookery, cheese factory and organic garden to onsite embroidery workshops and horseback riding.
Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, where you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and unwind on Tortuga Bay's white sands.
Embark on a sweeping, full-day boat tour to the unforgettable islands of either Bartolome or South Plaza accompanied by your own certified naturalist guide.
Take a mid-morning tour of the Santa Cruz Highlands, explore the ancient lava tunnels beneath your feet, and and visit the twin craters in the Scalesia forests.
Fly to Isabela Island to explore the lava-brick Wall of Tears and swim with a colony of white tip sharks in the cooled lava floes of Las Tintoreras.
Hike the highlands of Isabela Island arriving at the rim of Sierra Negra volcano. Continue hiking into the caldera of Volcan Chico and explore incredible lava formations and puffing fumaroles.
Fly from the Galapagos Islands back to Quito, Ecuador to enjoy a night on your own exploring the vibrant city.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast at the hotel, get in some last-minute shopping and board your flight home.
Hotels
Hotel Plaza Grande, Quito
Located on Plaza de la Independencia, Quito´s central square, the hotel features colonial architecture with 15 luxurious suites, three different restaurants and a wellness spa. All suites have marbled bathrooms, a Jacuzzi and a separate lounge area with a sofa. View hotel website »
Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo
Boasting antique gardens, the Hacienda is beautifully decorated and every bedroom has a fire place. Delicious Ecuadorian cuisine is offered daily, prepared with organic vegetables, trout and dairy products produced on the Hacienda. View hotel website »
Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa Cruz Island
This eco-luxury tented camp borders the National Park in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island’s "transition zone" and is close to the tortoise reserve. Located on 55 hectares with magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean and the famous Western & Northern islands of Isabela, Santiago, Pinzón, Baltra, Rabida, Guy Fawkes & Daphne. View hotel website »
Hotel Iguana Crossing, Isabela Island
The Iguana Crossing Boutique sits on the waterfront of the most beautiful beach on Isabela. It is surrounded by the national park wetlands and overlooked by the six majestic shield volcanoes on the island. The hotel has been constructed with native materials and by local craftsmen so as to be in harmony with the island. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Easygoing to Moderate
This walking trip features plenty of uneven footing and dirt trails—but its focus is not on covering distance. Transportation to and from the day’s event is provided in most instances. The change in elevation (Quito is 2,800 metres above sea level) may interfere with the breathing of some travellers. The activities on this trip are geared for children 6 years old and up. If you will be travelling with smaller children, let us know and we can revise the itinerary to suit your group.
Gear
Lands of Lava
This independent trip begins in Ecuador and takes you into the majestic Northern Andes, past the Cayambe volcano and through the historic market of Otavalo, before boarding a flight to the Galapagos Islands: a modern-day Eden with an unmatched amount of exotic endemic wildlife. Here, you will spot sea lions sharing the beach with marine iguanas, explore archaic volcanic tunnels, walk alongside the storied Wall of Tears, and yes, cross paths with giant tortoises. This inimitable adventure is sure to provide your family with memories they’ll treasure forever.
B&R’s newest way to travel! This itinerary is one of our new locally-supported, private trips. They use the hallmarks that we’re known for: great hotels, friendly and talented local guides plus memorable experiences but it’s just your group and on the dates that work best for you.
What's Included
- All accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
- Most meals
- All entrance fees and tours
- All transfers and baggage handling
- All internal flights
- All the local experts and specialists
- Services of a local guide(s)
- All special events and on-trip surprises
- All gratuities to porters, drivers, restaurants and other service staff
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“We had high expectations for this Galapagos trip and were blown away with how 'other worldly' and incredible it was. Cannot wait for our next B&R trip!”
— Donald Holzworth,
Galapagos By Sea 2010
Notes from the Road
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