Trip Highlights

  • Swim with sea turtles, playful sea lions, and colorful tropical fish in the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Galápagos—perfect for snorkelers of all ages.
  • Walk beside giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and keep your eyes peeled for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and other iconic island wildlife.
  • Explore ancient lava tunnels and volcanic craters, uncovering the dramatic geological history that shaped these enchanted islands.
  • Feed llamas and unwind in the Andes at a peaceful countryside lodge outside Quito, surrounded by fresh air, flowers, and mountain views.
  • Learn from expert naturalist guides, who make science come alive through engaging stories, games, and interactive wildlife encounters for the whole family.
  • Slow down with seaside dinners and island time, creating space to relax, reconnect, and make memories that last far beyond the trip.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival in the Andes

  • Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s lively mountain capital, perched at over 9,000 feet above sea level and framed by snow-capped volcanoes. A Heart of Travel team member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel with a smile.
  • Check in to Casa Gardenia, a charming boutique stay in the heart of the city’s historic center. With panoramic rooftop views, cozy rooms, and local art touches, it’s the perfect home base to ease into the journey.
  • Take some free time to rest, unpack, or explore, whether that means wandering the nearby cobblestone streets or relaxing with a cup of tea while taking in the highland breeze.
  • In the evening, gather for a warm welcome dinner at Bizi Bizi, a stylish yet relaxed restaurant where Ecuadorian ingredients meet global comfort food. Whether you’re a curious eater or a picky one, there’s something delicious waiting on the table as you meet your fellow travelers and kick off the adventure.

Day 2: Culture & Coordinates

  • Kick off the day with a visit to a colorful local fruit market, where the stalls are piled high with wild-looking fruits like granadilla, naranjilla, and uvilla. Taste your way through sweet, tart, and tangy flavors while learning the quirky names and fun stories behind them.
  • Head to the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument, where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern. Snap a family photo at the equator and learn about the science—and myths—of this unique spot.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Claroscuro, a restaurant that blends traditional Ecuadorian ingredients with a touch of modern flair, served in a warm and welcoming setting.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Quito’s colonial center on foot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with grand cathedrals, lively plazas, and cobblestone streets. Your guide will bring the city’s layered history to life with engaging stories and hidden corners.

Day 3: To the Galápagos

  • Fly from Quito to Baltra Island, where your Galápagos adventure officially begins. Feel the air shift from cool Andean breezes to warm island sun as you step into one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
  • Stop at Los Gemelos, a pair of dramatic volcanic craters surrounded by highland forest. Walk along scenic trails while spotting native birds like the woodpecker finch and vermillion flycatcher flitting through the trees.
  • Visit Rancho Primicias, a private reserve where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Walk quietly beside these slow-moving giants, some over 100 years old, then head underground to explore a naturally formed lava tunnel, a reminder of the islands’ fiery origins.
  • Take in the lush highland landscapes of Santa Cruz Island—green pastures, misty trees, and the occasional tortoise crossing—before heading into town.
  • Check in to your Santa Cruz hotel, unwind, and settle into the relaxed rhythm of island life as the sun begins to dip over the Pacific.

Charlie, Ecuador's Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to local boat captains and family-run island stays, every detail is designed to connect you with Ecuador’s soul and reflect our commitment to community and purposeful travel.

Meet Charlie

Ecuador's Regional Director

Charlie co-designed this journey through Quito and the Galápagos Islands to share Ecuador’s cultural depth, ecological wonder, and the quiet clarity that comes from close encounters with nature.

Some of his favorite highlights include:

  • Watching morning light spill through the volcanic craters of Los Gemelos
  • Savoring lunch surrounded by giant tortoises at a highland ranch on Santa Cruz
  • Walking through a vibrant fruit market in Quito, guided by scent and color
  • Swimming alongside sea turtles and reef sharks in the marine sanctuaries of Los Túneles
  • Sharing a final meal at a nature lodge on Quito’s outskirts

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Gustavo Cabezas

Gustavo Cabezas

Ecuador Operations Director & Lead Guide

Gustavo is a seasoned guide, storyteller, and logistics mastermind with decades of experience leading travelers through the Galápagos, the Amazon, and every corner of mainland Ecuador. He’s been with us since the very beginning of Heart of Travel and remains our most trusted partner in the region. Whether managing complex itineraries or sharing stories that bring Ecuador’s culture and ecosystems to life, Gustavo is the heart behind the scenes—a steady, joyful presence and a true wealth of local knowledge.

Julio Pulluguari

Julio Pulluguari

Lead Naturalist, Isabela Island

Julio is our expert guide on Isabela Island, where his calm, grounded presence mirrors the peaceful rhythm of the island itself. Originally from the Ecuadorian Amazon, he’s spent much of his life exploring and protecting the Galápagos, and his deep knowledge of local flora and fauna is unmatched—there’s truly no question he can’t answer. With Julio, every walk becomes a quiet discovery, every snorkel a deeper dive into the natural world. He’s not just a guide; he’s a living bridge between ecosystems, stories, and the wonders of Isabela.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Hear What People Are Saying

- Sarah O, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

One in a lifetime experience. I would not return to the Galapagos only to give other people the opportunity to visit as the Ecuadorian government wisely limits the number of annual visitors. The guides' knowledge of the flora and fauna as well as the history was encyclopedic. Logistics seamless. Great food and good company of 12 strangers who parted friends.

- Sarah O, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

- Richard L, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

This was a well-planned trip with enough time to see a bit of Ecuador and a great deal of the Galapagos Islands. The Heart of Travel guides (Chiva and Charlie) were knowledgeable, accommodating, empathetic, and gracious hosts who consistently made the trip excellent. When there was an airline glitch at the Quito airport for our boarding passes to the Galapagos, Chiva and Charlie worked tirelessly to ensure that all of us guests made the flight (they had to wait to join us 3 days later, but HOT had fully competent guides at the Galapagos end so we didn't feel lost at any time). When a few of us expressed concern about insufficient time at the Darwin Research Center the first day, they listened and responded by arranging extra tour time there the last morning we were on Santa Cruz Island. They made good restaurant, shop, and museum recommendations for the occasional times we were on our own. Several of us had food allergies and/or preferences and they worked with all the restaurants we visited to make those known with menus adjusted as necessary for us as individuals and without affecting the group in general. My wife and I had a full extra day in Quito due to a flight at 11 pm and HOT arranged a special outing to Otavalo with Gustavo, who was also a great day guide early in the trip. His itinerary with us that last day was fascinating and a great experience and I'd strongly recommend this as an add-on to anyone going to Ecuador. Our group size of 13 travelers and 2 guides was a good number and allowed for fun interactions with people from across the United States. We've been fortunate enough to travel to a number of countries both on our own and with several tour companies and I would recommend the Heart of Travel trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos without hesitation.

- Richard L, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

- Samantha E, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

This trip was beyond expectations and absolutely phenomenal. Ecuador was a beautiful and vibrant city; it was a blast exploring the market and the magnificent churches. The Galapagos was breathtaking and we went at a perfect time as the sea was calm and the animals abundant. I would highly recommend this trip for people who love animals and the sea as it is the foundation of the Galapagos. Snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions and PENGUINS was a once in a lifetime experience. Chiva, Charlie, and Gustavo went above and beyond as our tour guides. If we had feedback, they went were able to accommodate us and truly helped make this trip wonderful.

- Samantha E, Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise 2025

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

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