Ecuador: Andes to the Galapagos

October 16-26, 2026

quito, cotopaxi & the galapagos!

Progress bar with five bars increasing in height from left to right, labeled as Difficulty 2 out of 5.

This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 difficulty level. Moderate level activities (i.e. short to medium hikes up to 5 miles, some elevation, intro to new skill/activity that is guided by 3rd party like mountain biking, climbing, rafting, etc.). Activities are included, but optional if outside of your comfort zone.

Embark on an exhilarating 11-day women-only adventure through Ecuador, where every day brings a new thrill! Wander the vibrant streets of Quito, hike the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano and turquoise Quilotoa Crater, and soak in waterfalls and hot springs in the adventure town of Baños.

Then journey by land through the incredible Galápagos Islands, encountering giant tortoises, snorkeling with sea lions, and exploring surreal volcanic landscapes. This is more than a trip—it’s a powerful journey of connection to nature and unforgettable discovery.

Booking Deadline: July 16, 2026. All reservations much be secured by this date. After the deadline, availability cannot be guaranteed and pricing is subject to change. We strongly recommend finalizing your booking well in advance of the deadline to ensure your spot on this trip.

Two blue-footed boobies standing next to each other on a sandy ground with dry grass and small green plants in the background.
A historic white church with two towers illuminated at dusk, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Nighttime sky filled with stars above a mountain peak.
A black land iguana resting on rocky terrain.
Three people riding horses on a cobblestone path in front of a red house with a thatched roof and lush green landscaping.
Person standing on a dirt road in a vast landscape with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Two animals on a sandy beach with water and greenery in the background. One is a seal lying down, and the other is a seal pup sitting upright.
Person standing on a hill overlooking a water body, surrounded by leafless trees and hills, during daytime.
Two women kneeling on grass with a large tortoise in front of them, outdoors in a green park.
Snow-covered mountain against a blue sky with clouds and some bushy plants in the foreground.
A volcanic crater lake with turquoise water, surrounded by rugged mountains and clear blue sky.
A landscape with rolling hills covered in tall grass and a snow-capped mountain in the distance under a cloudy sky.
A historical white church with a tall bell tower, surrounded by green trees and a plaza with people walking, under a partly cloudy sky.
A bird with a red throat and black body perched on green foliage.
Group of wild horses running across grassy plain with mountains in the background under a blue sky.
Close-up of a crab with a colorful shell and bright red claws on rocky terrain.
Three people riding horses on a dirt path through a rural area with a thatched roof hut, green fields, a snow-capped mountain in the background, and a clear blue sky.
Brown and white pelican landing on water with wings spread wide, creating splashes.
People preparing sushi using a mortar and pestle, with various ingredients and cutting boards on a table covered with a blue patterned tablecloth.
Woman in a blue coat and sunglasses and a llama touching noses with a long straw between their noses at a farm with a rope obstacle course in the background.
Two blue-footed boobies resting on sandy ground near bushes
A group of seals resting on a sandy beach with the ocean and rocky cliffs in the background.
A giant tortoise with a large shell and thick, wrinkled legs, walking on green grass. Its head is slightly extended from its shell, and it has a broad, flat face with small eyes.
A baby seal sitting on the sandy beach between rocks, looking at the camera.

ITINERARY

    • Arrive in Quito and private transfer to the hotel. Two group transfers will be provided.

    • Brief orientation after entire group has arrived.

    • Meals: Dinner

    • Cultural city tour in Quito to start the day! Quito’s modern beauty and historical significance earned it the title of the first “Cultural Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1978.

    • After the tour, we’ll enjoy a fun and engaging interactive cooking class. We’ll learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes with the guidance of a local chef.

    • The afternoon/evening is yours to explore. Dinner is at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

    • In the morning, enjoy breakfast before the drive to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Drive time is approximately 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

    • The adventure begins on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano with the Limpiopungo Lagoon Hike. On the trail, we may encounter wildlife such as hares, foxes, falcons, and deer. We will continue down the slopes to Limpiopungo Glacier Lake where the shores are often populated by gulls, ducks, teals, lapwings, and even the occasional high-altitude flamingo.

      • Hike Details: Easy to Moderate - 2.2 mile (3.5 km) loop with elevation gain of 485 feet (148 meters). This is a high elevation hike at 12,467 feet. Takes around 1 hour to complete.

    • Next, we will head to a beautiful Hacienda located at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level, where we will enjoy lunch and settle in for the evening.

    • The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Relax with a hot drink by the cozy fireplace or unwind in the APU Mountain Spa (additional cost).

    • If you want a more active afternoon, choose between an add-on horseback ride or self-guided hikes. The hacienda offers two self-guided walking trails which can be explored at our own pace (free of charge).

      • Add-on experience : Two hour guided horseback ride on a trail with beautiful views wearing traditional Chagra attire, the iconic cowgirl gear of the Andes. This can be arranged with the Hacienda directly.

    • Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, dinner

    • Enjoy an early breakfast before traveling south toward Quilotoa. The drive is around 2.5 hours. Along the way make a stop in the village of Tigua known for its colorful paintings.

    • Take in the views heading towards Quilotoa. Here we will enjoy time to explore the village and take in the views of the crater lake. Before heading on our way, we will enjoy a short walk along the crater rim trail or down to the lagoon if we are feeling up for a challenge.

      • Hike Options: A hike for the group will be chosen by the local tour guide that day.

        Easy to Moderate Option: Crater Rim - Hike a part of the Crater Loop as an out and back.
        Distance: 10 km (~6.2 miles) around the crater.
        Elevation: Ranges from ~3,800 m to ~3,930 m (12,467–12,894 ft)
        Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — mostly flat but with some ups and downs, and parts with loose sand and narrow sections.
        Estimated Time: Around 5 hours

        Moderate to Challenging Option: Descent to Lagoon & Return Distance: ~1.7 km (~1.1 miles)
        Elevation Change: -300 m (-980 ft) descending; then +300 m (+980 ft) on return climb.
        Difficulty: Moderate — the trail is steep and sandy, making the ascent challenging.
        Estimated Time: 2 hours round-trip

    • After it is time to head to our accommodations for the evening in the city of Baños. The drive is approximately 3 hours.

    • Arrive, check in and enjoy free time to explore town. Dinner is at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch

    • After breakfast set off on a short scenic drive to visit the famous Casa del Árbol, perched at an altitude of 2,660 meters. Here enjoy breathtaking views of the active Tungurahua volcano and for those seeking a thrill, the Swing at the End of the World awaits!

    • The next adventure includes wheels and water! After a short safety briefing, we hop on our bikes and begin cycling along the beautiful Baños–Puyo route.

      • Our first stop is the impressive Agoyán Waterfall, a truly awe-inspiring sight. We continue on to the stunning Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where you cross the river by cable car or suspension bridge. Next, we reach the village of Río Verde, where we trade our bikes for a short hike to one of Ecuador’s most spectacular waterfalls: El Pailón del Diablo.

      • Bike Tour: Distance: 17 km / Maximum Elevation: 2,660 m. Not in the mood to cycle? No problem! You can enjoy the entire route comfortably by car. And if you ever need a break during the ride, the support vehicle is always nearby, ready to pick you up.

    • Return back to Baños and enjoy the evening as you’d like. Dinner is at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch

    • After breakfast, we start our journey back towards Quito. Today’s total drive time is approximately 4 hours.

    • On the way visit Latacunga, a charming town of San Felipe. Here we will learn about the traditional process of making máchica, a flour made from ground and toasted barley.

    • Free time to enjoy lunch in town.

    • After the stop, we continue on to our hotel for the evening near Quito to relax.

    • Take time to relax, explore the property, enjoy bird watching, and get ready for the exciting journey to the Galapagos Islands the next morning.

    • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

    • In the morning, our female tour leader will assist us with check-in for our flight to San Cristobal Island.

    • Upon arrival, we will meet our guide and head to the hotel to check in.

    • After lunch and a brief orientation, we’ll head out to visit the Interpretation Center.

    • Next, we will visit Frigatebird Hill, also known as Tijeretas, named after the frigatebirds that nest here. A light hike takes us through beautiful landscapes with breathtaking views.

      • Hike details: Length: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) / Approx. 2 hours

    • Finish the day with free time to explore and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

    • After breakfast, we will board a comfortable boat bound for Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido.

    • Once we arrive, we will set out on a unique snorkeling experience! We may have the chance to see a variety of marine life, including Galapagos sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, hundreds of colorful fish, and vibrant sea stars.

      • This is a full day excursion leaving at 7:30 a.m. and returning around 4:00 p.m. The speed boat ride to Kicker Rock is about 1.5 hours each way.

      • Bilingual naturalist guide, snorkeling gear (mask and fins), towels, lunch, snacks and soft drinks provided. Wetsuits available to rent for additional cost.

      • Scuba diving may be arranged in place. Must hold AOW and have logged a minimum of 50-100 dives in order to dive due to currents and depth.

    • Back in town, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Dinner is at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch

    • Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out on a two-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island.

    • We will arrive at Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the archipelago.

    • From there, we will take a 30-minute transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz. In this lush area, private farms work to conserve pristine, native, and endemic vegetation that serves as a habitat for the famous Galapagos Tortoise.

    • In the late afternoon, we will head to Tortuga Bay Beach. After a 40-minute walk, we will arrive at this breathtaking beach, one of the most beautiful in the Galapagos.

    • Once we reach Mansa Beach, we will have the chance to swim and snorkel in the calm waters. (Snorkel mask and fins provided).

    • Back in town, enjoy free time and dinner at your leisure.

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch

  • ***Today’s adventure is subject to availability. Once we have confirmed our excursion, guests will be notified which option was selected by our local guide after the booking is secured.

    Option 1: Bartolomé Island

    Named in honor of Sir Bartholomew Sulivan of the British Navy, Bartolome Island covers an area of 1.3 square kilometers and reaches a maximum altitude of 115 meters. This island offers some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the Galapagos Archipelago. On our day trip to Bartolome, we will hike to the top of an extinct volcano along a wooden pathway, climbing almost 395 steps. During the hike, we will pass by fascinating geological formations created by the last volcanic eruption, such as small lava tunnels, spatter cones, and scoria cones. It will feel like walking on the moon! Along the way, we may spot endemic vegetation like Lava Cactus and Tiquilia plants, as well as some of the island’s famous Darwin Finches. Once we reach the summit, we’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock, a striking volcanic tuff cone that rises from the water.

    Option 2: North Seymour Island

    North Seymour is a small island in the Galapagos Archipelago, home to a rich diversity of wildlife. It is one of the best places to observe the frigatebirds with their dramatic red balloon-like throats, as well as the blue-footed boobies performing their charming dance. We will also encounter land and marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, fur seals, and various seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, and tropic birds. Our walk on this magical island will take about 2 hours, immersing us in its vibrant ecosystems. After our hike, we will return to the boat for lunch and then sail to Bachas Beach, a key nesting area for sea turtles. Here, we may also spot flamingos in the small lagoon. This day will also include a snorkeling activity, where we may have the chance to swim with sea turtles, rays, white-tip reef sharks, and colorful fish.

    Option 3: South Plaza Island

    South Plaza is located off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. It was formed by uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, yet it boasts some of the densest wildlife concentrations in the Galapagos. We will disembark at a small dock often occupied by sea lions, then continue our walk through a forest of prickly pear cacti adorned with yellow flowers. Along the way, we may see land iguanas waiting for fruits and flowers to fall from the cacti. As we reach the cliff, we will often spot a shoal of the endemic yellow-tailed mullet. The cliff is an excellent vantage point to view seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds, frigatebirds, and pelicans. At the eastern end of the island, bull sea lions gather to rest after losing their territory and regain their strength in hopes of becoming the beach master once again. After this fascinating walk, we’ll return to the boat for lunch and sail to Punta Carrion for another snorkeling adventure. Here, we may encounter sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, sea lions, and a variety of fish. We will return to Puerto Ayora around 16:30, having experienced a day full of unforgettable wildlife encounters.

    After one of these excursions, we will have our farewell dinner!

    Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner

    • Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out and transferring to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

    • Depending on the time of your international flight in Quito, you may wait at the airport or you can arrange an additional night stay at a hotel nearby.

      • Flights from the Galapagos typically arrive in the afternoon. If guests wish to take their international flight on the same day, they should book a departure flight that leaves after 8:30 PM to ensure a smooth connection. This allows enough time for potential delays, baggage claim, to check-in for international departures and clear customs at the airport in Quito.

    • Meals: Breakfast

Two seals resting on the sand, one with its head on the other's back, in a beach setting.
A sea lion resting on rocks among a rocky background with moss.
Close-up of a marine iguana on a sandy beach with a blue sky in the background.
A large black and grey bird perched on a branch, holding a fish in its beak.
Close-up of a giant tortoise with a large shell, looking directly at the camera.
A penguin standing on a rocky surface near water with an island in the background.

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM

  • $5,795 USD double occupancy.

    $6,595 USD single occupancy

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

    Please see special cancellation policy below for this trip.

    • 11 days/10 nights in 3-4 star hotels, haciendas and B&Bs

    • Two group airport transfers on arrival day. Airport transfers to/from hotel for domestic flights.

    • A local female, english speaking guide for duration of trip

    • Private in country transportation with a local driver

    • A female Galapagos naturalist guide on San Cristobal Island and Santa Cruz Island

    • Galapagos round trip flight from Quito

    • Galapagos Transit Control Card and Galapagos Island entrance fees

    • Snorkeling equipment at Kicker Rock and Mansa Beach

    • Inter island speed boat transfer

    • Guided Quito City Tour

    • Cooking class

    • Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee

    • Swing at the edge of the world

    • Waterfall Route bike tour including a visit to the famous El Pailón del Diablo waterfall.

    • Machica making demo

    • Navigable day tour to one of three islands (Bartolome, North Seymour or South Plaza).

    • Visit the giant tortoises and lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island.

    • Meals as noted in the itinerary - included 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners

    • Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

    • Small group of explorers with a maximum of 13 guests, your trip host and local female guide.

  • • International flights to/from Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO).

    • Tips and gratuity for guides, drivers, hotel staff, etc. The value of the tip is at the discretion of the client

    • Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting locations

    • Local transportation outside of times designated for excursions and tours

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks, and meals as noted above as included

    • Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary

    • Visa and entry requirements as applicable

    • Vaccines, immunizations or any pre-travel medical expenses such as Covid-19 testing

    • Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • Meals as noted in the itinerary - included 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners.

    Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

    Please note that once the Ecuador trip is confirmed, the non refundable deposit will increase by an additional $700 above the initial deposit to cover the cost of the domestic flights and Galapagos permits.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.

  • This tour involves a moderate level of physical activity, which may include:

    • Long days

    • City walking tours

    • High-altitude locations

    • Extended travel times

    • Early morning departures

    • Climbing stairs or steep hills

    • Multiple activities each day

  • Please note that guests may be subject to pay for any increases in price over $200 for their Galapagos permit due to potential changes in the Special Law for Galapagos National Park.