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 breathtaking views.
Days 4-8 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 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.
Trip Highlights
- Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Bike through small highland villages, where Otavaleño Indians continue centuries-old traditions
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide
- Condor Huasi, a center that reintroduces Andean condors into the wild
- Snorkel and kayak with tropical fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks
Casual Inns
Hacienda Cusín (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 (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.
Aventura Lodge (2 nights): A beautiful waterfront lodge nestled into the mangrove forest.
Isabela Lodge (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.
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.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Biking | 5* | 200 | ||||||||
| Biking | 13 | 700 | |||||||||
| 2 | Walking | 4.9* | 1300 | 7.7* | 1600 | 10.2 | 1600 | ||||
| 3 | Biking | 8 | 200 | ||||||||
| Walking | 3.2 | 800 | 5.1 | 1500 | |||||||
| Other | Optional hiking, horseback riding or visit to Hacienda Zuleta`s embroidery shop | ||||||||||
| 4 | Kayaking | And snorkeling in Academy Bay (3 hours) | |||||||||
| 5 | Walking | 1.5 | 100 | ||||||||
| Other | Snorkeling and wildlife viewing (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | Walking | 1.2* | 100 | ||||||||
| Other | Snorkeling and wildlife viewing (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 7 | Walking | 7.5 | 400 | 11.2 | 700 | ||||||
| 8 | Other | Conclusion of the trip | |||||||||
On this trip, we'll be using titanium mountain bikes that are just right for the non-technical dirt road riding as well as the paved riding. (approximately 55% dirt and 45% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/6-13 Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $680
- 8/17-24 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $680
- 12/21-28 Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 12/31-1/7 Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/12-19 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 1/26-2/2 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 2/9-16 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 2/23-3/2 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 3/2-9 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 3/19-26 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 3/30-4/6 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 4/13-20 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 5/18-25 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 7/6-13 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $950
- 8/17-24 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $950
- 9/14-21 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 9/28-10/5 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 12/20-27 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
- 12/30-1/6 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1200 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $630
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
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
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
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!- Fishers,IN
Of the 12 Backroads trips I've done, Ecuador was absolutely one of my very favorites!- Loveland, CO
This was an unforgettable experience--half of which was the beauty and hospitality of Ecuador while the other half was the care and planning of the Backroads team. From making my reservation with Heidi to taking our final photos with Rliey and Felicia, your service and expertise is unparalleled. Thank you for giving me 8 life-changing days and new friends I hope to cherish for years to come. Hope to see more of the world with Backroads in the near future (like Iceland...with Felicia and Riley...just a suggestion). :)- New York, NY
We had very high expectations after our first trip with Backroads to South Africa, and this turned out to be another outstanding experience! The combination of the Andes and the Galapagos was great - a good contrast that felt like two trips in one. Also, the combination of exercising, cultural opportunities, and geography was fantastic. So much was packed into each day, but I never had the feeling that it was too much. It was really the trip of a lifetime!- Amsterdam, Netherlands