Galapagos Islands & Quito, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands provide a window on time. In a geologic sense, the islands are young, yet they appear ancient.
- More about your Oliver Guide: Stacey Silver
- Trip type: Family, Beach, City, Mountains
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: TWO WEEKS- 10 DAYS FOR GALAPAGOS AND A FEW DAYS IN QUITO AND SURROUNDING TOWNS (+ 1 FULL DAY OF TRAVEL ON EITHER END) .
to & from
From the West Coast fly through Miami or Houston to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. Spend the night and then take a plane to Galapagos where you board your ship.
Where to Stay
- For the Galapagos, I recommend a sea-based tour. We spent a week with National Georgraphic/Lindblad and the accommodations were perfect. The guides are very knowledgable and great with kids. You have access to many of the more remote islands in the Galapagos.
- In Quito, I recommend Casa Gangotena located in the heart of old city Quito (a Unesco World Heritage City). The hotel is a converted hacienda with with elegant rooms, a beautiful atrium where they serve high tea and a delicious restaurant.
Where to Eat and Drink
- In Quito, great sushi at Noe Sushi
- Cedron in Casa Gangotena - classic Ecuadorean dishes with modern twist
- Ceviche - served with popcorn and corn nuts! Shrimp ceviche is Ecuadorean specialty.
- Snack on the fried plantain chips!
What to Do
- Snorkel amid sea turtles, quirky penguins, and playful sea lions; observe decades old giant sea tortoises; discover marine iguanas (that only exist in the Galapagos).
- Meander along the cobble stone streets of Old Quito and visit Baroque Style churches from the 16th century.
- Visit a master weaver and see how the magic happens on the loom.
- Visit the volcano in Cotopaxi - a beautiful snow capped volcano outside Quito.
- Marvel at the gold interior of Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus - built by the Spaniards when they settled in Quito.
- Enjoy the views of Quito and take the cable car Teleferico Quito to view the city from above
- Taste some of the world's best chocolate at Pacari in Quito.
Inside Scoop
Bring an extra duffle bag for the Otavalo market – you will want to bring home blankets and scarves for everyone!
More...
For more info on the Galapagos by boat, check out Caren Orum’s guide.
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