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Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport

Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport

Pack your sense of adventure and join Backroads in Ecuador, a country of high contrasts, diverse terrain, fascinating history and remarkable natural beauty. Here, cultural encounters and wildlife sightings are part of the everyday milieu, and the impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes and pristine Galápagos Islands present the ideal playground for active explorations. In the Andean highlands, enjoy local music and handicrafts as you pedal through mountain villages. Then, sail from island to island in the marine sanctuary of the Galápagos, where giant tortoises, sea lions and iguanas make their home. This Ecuadorian adventure is truly one of a kind.

Days 1-2 cotacachi

Meet in Quito Pedal the countryside around Cotacachi Hike the lupine- and orchid-lined rim of deep-blue Lago Cuicocha, set in a volcanic crater  Relax with an Andean-inspired treatment at our hotel's world-class spa or shop for handcrafted leather goods in the nearby pueblo.

Days 3-4 lago san pablo

Bike through welcoming villages in the Otavalo region, sample local fare (guinea pig!) and visit the homes of traditional weavers and musicians Hike through emerald hills to 17th-century Hacienda Zuleta, a working farm rich in pre-Inca and colonial history and the home of our host Fernando Polanco, grandson of a former Ecuadorian president   His grandmother's recipes must be tasted to be believed—lunch is a feast of Zuleta cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables and local trout.

Days 5-6 lasso

Mountain bike across the magical windswept páramo (high plateau) at the foot of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano Pedal quiet roads to the Saquisilí market, an authentic hub of local trade bursting with life and color.

Days 7-11 galapagos

Fly to the Galápagos Islands From our private motor yacht, sail from island to island with plenty of stops to snorkel, sea kayak and swim Accompanied by a park naturalist, go ashore and explore the volcanic islands on foot  Marvel at blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, Galápagos penguins, sea lion colonies and marine iguanas in their natural habitats.

big map Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport

GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS : Premiere Inns

La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa (2 nights): A Relais & Châteaux retreat with exquisite cuisine, spacious suites with fireplaces, a pool, elegant spa and gardens complete with resident peacocks.

Hacienda Cusin (2 nights): “Don't miss Hacienda Cusín,” says Travel+Leisure of this 17th-century garden estate, where guest rooms are decorated with local textiles and restored antiques.

Hacienda San Augustín de Callo (2 nights): A welcoming hostería in the foothills of Volcano Cotopaxi, where a Spanish courtyard rubs elbows with ancient stonework, and meals are served by candlelight in a 500-year-old Inca hall.

Chartered Yacht (4 nights): Travel between wildlife-filled islands on a private yacht fully outfitted for comfort and watersports.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

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Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

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.
Jennifer D. - 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.
Caryl Rosner - San Geronimo, CA
What a great trip! So much to do and see! As many activities every day as you wanted. The trip leaders were so supportive and accommodating!
Lynn K.—Fishers,IN