Galapagos Island Hopping

This escorted tour with Travelsphere begins in Quito, where time is given to adjust to the altitude before heading north to the Otavalo market, renowned for colourful textiles and leatherwork in Cotacachi. In the cloud forest around Mindo, hummingbirds hover close enough to hear their wings, while a chocolate farm offers a less usual side of Ecuador.

Then it’s on to the Galapagos Islands, first the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to roaming giant tortoises and the Galapagos mockingbird. From here, a boat transfer takes you to Isabela Island where snorkelling in sheltered bays might bring encounters with sea lions and tropical fish. A walk on the lava islet of Tintoreras reveals nesting marine iguanas, presumably unconcerned by their curious visitors.

The tour includes visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station on San Cristóbal and a hike around the Sierra Negra volcano crater on Santa Cruz, offering wide views of this active volcanic island. The last day allows some free time back in Quito before the return flight. It’s a thoughtful pace, suited to taking in the details rather than ticking off the usual highlights.