Galapagos & Andes Multisport
- Hike and bike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide
- Condor Huasi, a center that reintroduces Andean condors into the wild
- Overnight on rarely visited Floreana Island and meet one of the first families to settle here
- Snorkel and kayak with tropical fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks
Ancient Culture & Wondrous Wildlife in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
It doesn't take a PhD to know that whatever comes to the Galápagos is forever changed. But the Andean highland arts and culture, mountainous landscapes and pre-Inca history have a similar effect. And as you rub shoulders with indigenous Otavaleños, commune with condors, hike along the rim of a volcanic crater, snorkel the famous waters, encounter blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, and watch the sun drop into the Pacific from your beachside lodge, you'll realize that Ecuador and its islands have done it again. You're forever changed.
Days 1-2 Bike and hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains 
Visit the studio of master weaver Miguel Andrango Fernando Polanco, grandson of an Ecuadorian president, welcomes us at Hacienda Zuleta, a 4,000-acre working farm set amid volcano vistas and pre-Inca ruins.
Day 3 Condor Huasi, a center reintroducing endangered condors into the wild Hop in the saddle of your mountain bike - or horse! - and follow winding roads through the lush pastureland of the Zuleta Valley Hike high above the valley floor to gain a new perspective and spectacular views.
Days 4-5 Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos Islands, an isolated sanctuary for a stunning array of unique plants and animals Naturalist at your side, marvel at blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, white-tipped reef sharks, fluorescent fish, sea lions and lava lizards On rarely visited Floreana Island, one of the first resident families hosts us for dinner Learn about this isle's unsolved mysteries.
Days 6-8 Boat from island to island, stopping to snorkel, kayak, hike and swim Explore the rim of Volcán Sierra Negra's expansive caldera - at nearly 6 miles across, it's the second largest in the world Ever seen expert sunbathers? Marine iguanas bask on warm rocks, unfazed by the Sally Lightfoot crabs that scurry across them Late afternoon, kick back at our lodges or stroll in laid-back port towns.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I had high expectations and they were exceeded in every respect. The Backroads staff were terrific, the accommodations were excellent and we went to interesting and beautiful places I am sure I would not have visited without Backroads' intimate knowledge of the region. Generally I have not traveled with tour companies or outfitters, but I am a convert. Backroads provided a memorable, authentic and rich experience that would be hard, probably impossible, to create on your own. Excellent!- Larkspur, CA
I had an AMAZING time on this trip, as I know the other guests did. All in all, the dynamic of the group and our leaders was wonderful. I couldn't help but rave about the trip to colleagues and friends, and even referred a couple of people to Backroads as a result! Trips, groups and leaders like this are what I think Backroads is about and what will inspire me to continue traveling the globe with you.- Chicago, IL
Fabulous! I took a Backroads Trip over 10 years ago to the Loire Valley and have been wanting to take another for years. My husband NEVER participated in organized tours but after our experience in Ecuador he asked if Backroads has a trip to Botswana or Alaska! I am delighted that Backroads has maintained its standard of excellence as it has grown over the years.- San Geronimo, CA
Casual Inns*
Hacienda Cusín
San Pablo del Lago (1 night) Located in the Ecuadorian sierra, this restored Andean estate traces its history to 1602, when the land was purchased from the King of Spain.
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta (2 nights) Once home to a former president of Ecuador, "This beautiful late-17th-century hacienda is much more than a place to stay; it's a full cultural-immersion experience," according to Condé Nast Traveler.
* Premiere Inn
Aventura Lodge
Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos (2 nights) A beautiful waterfront lodge nestled into the mangrove forest.
Floreana Lodge
Floreana Island, Galápagos (1 night) Simple cabins, each with a front porch, sit atop black lava and face the ocean on the least populated island of the archipelago.
Isabela Lodge
Isabela Island, Galápagos (2 nights) Take in stunning sea views from the large deck or rooftop terrace of this lodge, separated from the ocean by a white-sand beach and palm trees.
Costa Rica Biking New!
Through the Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Costa Rica Multisport
An Adventurer's Playground from the Pacific Coast to Nicoya Peninsula
Classic:
Costa Rica Multisport
Biking, Walking & Kayaking to Arenal Volcano & the Pacific Coast
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 5, 13 miles
- 200 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Walking & Hiking 4.9, 7.7, 10.2 miles
- 1300 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 to 3 5 Route Options Available
- Biking 8 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
- Walking & Hiking 3.2, 4.3, 5.1, 9.4 miles
- 1100 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Flight to Galápagos 2 hours
- Kayaking & Snorkeling 3 hours
Day 5
- Walking, Snorkeling & Wildlife Viewing
Day 6
- Walking, Snorkeling & Wildlife Viewing
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 7.5, 11.2
- 300 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of trip
More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Ecuador tour experts. See our award-winning Latin America multisport tours, Latin America biking tours and Latin America walking and hiking tours.
