Solo-ish Ecuador & Galapagos

Arrive at any time. 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.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive cooking class led by an expert resident chef in Quito. Upon arrival to the class space there will be a brief explanation of what’s to come and then the group will rotate between three different prep stations. Signature dishes made will depend on the ingredients available, but some options might include shrimp ceviche, tamales, soups, and incorporate fresh local fruits throughout. Learn about the local history and preparation of these delicious foods, and sit down for a family-style meal of your tasty creations. You’ll leave with full stomachs and heads abuzz with new culinary knowledge to bring back home.

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.

ACTIVITY: Take a tour of Quito to learn more about this beautiful city and its local culture. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city.

ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. After your Quito city tour, the group will dive into the community concept of Minca at a family-operated gourmet chocolate establishment working to benefit locals with social and infrastructure initiatives. The chocolate here is among the richest and most flavourful in the world. The group will gain an understanding of the manufacturing process and taste cacao as it goes through various stages to reach the chocolate most are familiar with. Learn the history of Ecuadoran chocolate and how it is steeped in tradition. Minka focuses on honest and committed work allowing you to witness the community spirit that embodies this very enchanting region.

ACTIVITY: Stop at the 'Middle of the Earth' to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named. Visit the tall stone monument with a viewing platform and on-site museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures, as well as a small planetarium and a craft beer museum.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Quito and the Intiñan Museum. It will take about an hour each way.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening in Quito. Find a local spot to grab dinner on your own, or choose to relax and unwind at the hotel.

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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Prepare to fall in love with the untamed landscape of Cotopaxi National Park. If weather allows, enjoy a clear reflection of the volcano from Limpiopungo Lagoon. Travellers feeling extra adventurous can hike to the refuge at 4800m. Then it's time to jet off to the sights and sounds of Baños' subtropical highland climate at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Keep a lookout for wildlife and your surprise G twist along the way.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way for travellers to enjoy an included lunch between Cotopaxi National Park and Baños.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy an orientation walk in Baños with your CEO. Baños is a city in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, considered the gateway to the Amazon Basin and known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and active volcano to the south. Walk about the town, pass by The Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, and get the lay of the land.

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.

ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

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 the bike ride and delicious lunch, the group will embark on a village walk and tour the cacao plantation here. Learn more about the cultivation process and the traditional chicha drink, which you can try a taste of. This is followed by an included dinner at the lodge.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend an hour and 45 minutes cycling from Pimpilala village to Shandia stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Your time spent here is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk through the community Shandia and a visit to the cacao plantation here further connecting travellers to the local indigenous people and surrounding nature. While here you'll learn about the fermented drink known as chicha. This beverage is an important social drink throughout the Amazon Basin and is consumed in many parts of South America. It's often served at festivals or parties, and is also used in religious ceremonies. Try a taste after your walk through the area.

ACTIVITY: Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Learn about their cultivation of cacao and traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Enter into the rainforest today during a jungle walk led by a member of the lodge’s community. Learn more about the plants and animals found in this region and how the indigenous people have been using them across generations. Finish the walk with a visit to the Pimpilala Waterfalls where you can choose to take a quick dip into the natural pool at the base if time allows. Travel back to the lodge for an included lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore the property on your own. You can also choose to participate in any number of the other activities offered onsite. Come back together for a group dinner and celebrate your final night in the mighty Amazon.

ACTIVITY: Head into the jungle today where you will see a variety of plants (medicinal, timber, and fruit), and animals including birds, monkeys, and insects. As you walk learn more about the uses and relationships between these plants and the indigenous people in the area. The group will also visit the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Return to the lodge just in time for an included lunch.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of a free afternoon to relax in the jungle or choose to try some of the other community activities available through the lodge. Choose to walk to the nearby beach area along the river for local culture displaces like, the Yachak Ritual.

ACTIVITY: Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Watch a chocolate making demonstration and learn about their cultivation of cacao and their traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: Spend free time in Quito, get to know the city on your own, and choose to be as adventurous or relaxed as you like.

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.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.

ACTIVITY: Head to Santa Cruz’s verdant highlands. This is a perfect place to hike through the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savouring an included lunch.

ACTIVITY: Check out Santa Cruz's lava tunnels, massive underground lava tubes found throughout the island that, in some places, extend several kilometres.

ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive cooking class with an expert local chef at a waterfront restaurant boasting stunning sunset views and the opportunity to see sharks, rays, and seals swimming as you dine. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration with a local chef, who will discuss the importance of fresh ingredients throughout the islands and lead the group in making a delicious ceviche among other locally popular dishes.

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.

ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Immerse yourself in the wildlife and sustainability efforts of an organic farm on Santa Cruz Island. Start by snorkelling through the crystal clear waters and coves near Garrapatero Beach. The group will travel here from Puerto Ayora and take a short walk along a trail past the small lagoon to the water. Once here, spend time observing the underwater wildlife, swimming, and relaxing in the white sand. Then, visit an organic farm where you will learn more about the economy of the Galapagos and how hydroponic crops are helping to protect the environment in order to reduce the consumption of water within agriculture. As you walk through the property you will also learn about the other organic produce grown throughout the islands like coffee, cacao, and vegetables. During the experience, the group will also try different endemics plants like, pinneaples, Scalesias, and figs.Finish the experience with lunch at your host's home featuring empanadas and local coffee.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. Walk around the grounds and visit the exhibition hall to learn more about this important and historical organization.

FREE TIME: EVENING Take advantage of a free evening in Puerto Ayora. Sightsee, relax at the hotel, and grab some dinner in town 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!

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.

ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Start off with snorkelling at the islet Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil – it's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water’s surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay to look for the whitetip reef shark, which are fairly common in the archipelago. (The sharks are called Tintorera in Spanish, which is where the site gets its name.) Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays as well as the sharks. Follow this up with lunch at a local restaurant on the island before a hike to the Humedales. This special wetland area is home to a diverse ecosystem and a variety of unique wildlife including flamingos, marine iguanas, and different bird species. Walk along the well-maintained paths and learn about this vital habitat for many species within the archipelago. Throughout the day be on the lookout for your surprise G twist!

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.

ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a memorable activity, or take the time for yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

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.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.

ACTIVITY: To further benefit the community on Floreana island G has provided training to residents for all aspects of tourism, including food preparation and service. The community will provide your meals while staying on this small island. The meals are rotated amongst different community members in order to spread out the benefits of tourism. While eating at the community restaurants you will be contributing to the self-sufficiency of the first community tourism operator in the Galápagos.

ACTIVITY: Visit the historical Black Beach where the first settlers to the Galapagos were said to have disembarked. Here, enjoy a hands-on cocktail demonstration (non-alcoholic option available) and listen to an explanation about the Floreana Guesthouse a G Adventures-supported initiative while spending time in a picturesque location.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.

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. View incredible marine life like sharks, rays, 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.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy a free half day to explore San Cristobal on your own. Perhaps choose to book the Kicker Rock snorkelling excursion for a truly thrilling experience in an iconic Galapagos location. Plus, plenty of opportunities to witness the unique wildlife that call these islands home.

ACTIVITY: Pay a visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn everything you wanted to know about the Galápagos from the islands' natural history to their ecosystems and flora and fauna.

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.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening in Quito and explore a bit on your own. Choose to relax at the hotel, go for a walk through the city, or find a place to grab some local staples with your new travel pals before heading 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.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.