Solo-ish Ecuador & Galapagos

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a delicious lunch and bike ride, the group will embark on a village walk and tour the cacao plantation here. Learn more about the cultivation process and take part in a hands-on chocolate-making experience. This is followed by an included dinner at the lodge.

Today, the group will travel to the Pimpilala Waterfalls for an exciting waterfalls adventure activity. After the waterfalls experience, visit a chacra (traditional farm), where they will learn about local agricultural practices and participate in a chicha-making experience. Chicha is a traditional fermented beverage widely consumed across the Amazon Basin and holds important cultural significance. Finish the day with a group dinner and celebrate your final night in the mighty Amazon.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 Isla Lobos Tour and view incredible marine life like sea lions, 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.

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.

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.