Galapagos Classic: Quito & the M/C Alya

Set sail in the Galapagos aboard a small-group luxury catamaran, the M/C Alya
Visit Bellavista in the Mindo Cloud Forest for a day among the hummingbirds and orchids.
Let a private guide take you through Quito, the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stand on the "Middle of the Earth", the line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres.
Relax in hand-picked accommodations in the heart of Quito's Old Town.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,251 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,251 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Boutique & River Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Boutique & River Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Welcome to Ecuador

DAY

Historic Quito & the Middle of the Earth

DAY

Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

DAY

The Enchanted Isles: From Quito to the Galapagos & Cruise Embarkation

DAY

Birdwatching at Darwin Bay & the Lava Cliffs of El Barranco

DAY

Lava Lizards, Pelicans and Penguins at Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

DAY

Visiting Chinese Hat and Mosquera Islet

DAY

Charles Darwin Research Center Visit & Departure from the Galapagos & Ecuador

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Welcome to Ecuador

Transfer

Quito Airport to Quito - Old Town

Your Accommodation

Hotel Patio Andaluz

Hotel Patio Andaluz, located in the heart of the historic "Quito Antiguo", declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. Come and experience the colonial times through the corridors that have witnessed Ecuadorian history since the end of the XVI century. The exclusive restaurant El Rincon de Cantuna specializes in national and Spanish cuisine and classic international dishes.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Historic Quito & the Middle of the Earth

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour of the Middle of the Earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito. Your guide will first take you on a brief journey to visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the Ecuadorian equator, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time, try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and see the unique water dynamics that occur! Back in Quito and after lunch, you will visit the city's impressive colonial center. Quito was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations (alongside Krakow, Poland in 1978), and touring the historic core highlights why it is so widely lauded. First on the agenda is a walk through the Main Plaza, the Plaza de la Independencia, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only five days after the founding of the city. Winding down, you'll enjoy a chocolate tasting experience in the old town at Yumbos; a small artisanal chocolate factory that uses fine Ecuadorian cocoa. During the visit, you will be able to learn the secrets behind making fine chocolate, and soon after, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day Tour

Exploring Colonial Quito & the Equatorial Line

DAY

Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. You will then drive to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, ascending to the top of a mountain and enjoying fabulous views along the way, to arrive at this natural paradise. Greeted by a flurry of hummingbirds, you'll also be welcomed to the reserve by local guide staff, and shortly after set out on a light hike into the forest on one of the reserve's variety of trails. An incredible 170 species of birds have been recorded at Bellavista, and the list continues to grow: Golden Tanager, Masked Trogon, Giant Antpittas, Swallow-tailed Nightjars, Plush-capped Finches, Beautiful Jays, and the White-face Nunbird have all been recorded within the Reserve's limits. Make sure to bring your binoculars! After lunch at the resort lodge, you will be invited to take another hike into the forest. During this walk, your local guide will acquaint you with the cloud forest's exuberant vegetation, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this special environment. Soon after returning to the reserve lodge, you will begin the transfer back to your hotel in Quito.

Day Tour

The Mindo Cloud Forest

DAY

The Enchanted Isles: From Quito to the Galapagos & Cruise Embarkation

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island, a flight lasting roughly two hours and 30 minutes (included). Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago and assist with the transfer to the nearby pier. After getting acquainted with the vessel, it's time to set sail. Dive into your Galapagos adventure at Black Turtle Cove, aptly named for the thriving "Tortugas negras" population or green sea turtles. You'll navigate this natural sanctuary on dinghies, cruising amidst serene mangrove forests and tranquil water channels. Expect sightings of reef sharks, diverse ray species, and a plethora of bird species, including herons, pelicans, and boobies. Remember, this magical cove is a significant breeding ground for turtles and a nursery for various shark species! Activities Today - AM: none, PM: Exploration by Panga

Transfer

Quito - Old Town to Quito Airport

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Baltra Airport

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/C Alya

The Galaxy Alya offers a welcoming and contemporary cruise experience, blending comfort with stylish surroundings. Well-appointed cabins feature modern furnishings, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and large windows or balconies in select categories, creating a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures. Guests can unwind the elegant lounge, savour regional and international cuisine in the restaurant, soak up the views from the spacious sun deck, or enjoy inviting public spaces designed for relaxation and socializing.

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DAY

Birdwatching at Darwin Bay & the Lava Cliffs of El Barranco

Start your day surrounded by the bustling avian life of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher's paradise. As soon as your feet touch the sandy terrain, you're welcomed by a symphony of seabird calls, with frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls soaring overhead or nestled in the foliage. The trail meanders through colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, night herons, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and more. Next stop, El Barranco. Known for its fractured lava cliffs serving as the perfect dwelling for storm petrel colonies, this unique ecosystem draws a significant population of short-eared owls. A trail alongside these cliffs reveals red-footed and Nazca boobies aplenty. Resting in the shadows at the cliffs' base, you may spot Galapagos fur seals and numerous seabirds. Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board and Kayak. PM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board and Kayak

Multi Day Tour

Darwin Bay & Barranco

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/C Alya

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DAY

Lava Lizards, Pelicans and Penguins at Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate, unique textures. The seemingly lifeless landscape gradually unveils a resilience of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and tiny birds emerging on careful observation. Keep your eyes on the shoreline for resident penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers. This afternoon, stand atop Bartolome Island for unparalleled views of the lunar-like landscape, punctuated by scattered volcanic cones, Pinnacle Rock, and the bay of Sullivan. Bartolome is a jewel in the Galapagos crown and home to a vibrant population of penguins. Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride. PM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride.

Multi Day Tour

Sullivan Bay & Bartolome

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/C Alya

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DAY

Visiting Chinese Hat and Mosquera Islet

Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks - an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions. Our afternoon destination is Mosquera, largely a barren sand bar with rocky outcrops and salt-resistant vegetation. Stroll along the beach, observing the playful antics of sea lion pups in the surf and tide pools. Keep an eye out for endemic lava gulls, often spotted in mid-flight hunting for their next meal. Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board & Kayak. PM: Hiking & Snorkeling

Multi Day Tour

Chinese Hat & Mosquera

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/C Alya

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DAY

Charles Darwin Research Center Visit & Departure from the Galapagos & Ecuador

Spend your morning at the renowned Charles Darwin Station. As a nonprofit organization working closely with the Galapagos National Park, the station is committed to the preservation and study of the archipelago's biodiversity. Discover the myriad initiatives underway to safeguard native species and combat invasive threats to the Galapagos ecosystem. This visit offers the unique opportunity to see giant tortoises bred in captivity. This afternoon, your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Today, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador. As you bid farewell to this paradise, take with you the unforgettable memories of one of the world's most extraordinary destinations. Board your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Activities Today - AM: Hiking & Snorkeling.

Multi Day Tour

Charles Darwin Station & Depart

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Quito

Mindo Cloud Forest

Mosquera Islet

M/C Alya

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

City 871Occasional Showers

24°C / 75°F

62mm / 2.5"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,251 Reviews

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Very nice!🥰😘💙❤️🇪🇸🇭🇷Andrea Marić

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We recently traveled to Portugal and had the most wonderful experience. As our first venture overseas, we decided to search online for travel assistance. We happened across Goway Travel and are so glad we did! Michael Keon, our Destination Specialist, is extremely proficient and knowledgeable in his profession. "Thorough" is an understatement. He assisted every step of the way from the moment we stepped on our flights, transfer arrangements, hotel accommodations, train travel and multiple tours/outings tailored to our specific needs/wish list. He provided unparalleled guidance and support during the planning process and was always available to discuss any questions/concerns. His communications were always prompt and concise. Without a doubt, our best trip to date...there will be no hesitation to contact Mr. Keon for future travels. Joanna Lynn Mays Michael Andrew Mays Joanna Mays

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What made this experience great was Cedric Wai. Had a client going to Asia and this is Cedric's wheelhouse since he is from there. Everything was wonderful. Everything went smoothly. The individual tours were wonderful and all the guides were exceptional. A lot of traveling-the flight was very good on Cathay Pacific would highly recommend their airline seats were comfortable and spaced well. Being on an airplane for 16 hours sucks in general, but other than being a little sore from being stuck in one place all was good. Thank you so much for all your help and the trip was wonderful and everything that it should be! Next trip will be much more relaxing, sitting still for a while on a beach somewhere ha ha!Careen Sullivan

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Andrea Paredes helped me plan a last minute Colombia trip for my clients who had never been! They loved every minute of it. The hotels, history, excursions, and flights went very smooth. They were so happy with all their tour guides. Deanna Frisbie Borrego

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My destination specialist, Katie Stephenson was amazing from the onset. Her customer service, communication style and planning skills was so timely and top notch. Our trip was to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, from Aug 4-22, 2026. The way she planned and booked the trip makes the experience convenient and enjoyable. The flexibility of payment makes the decision faster and attractive. Everything we need to know including contacts were readily available within our travel documents itinerary. Overall, I'll say it's money well spent and a lifetime experience particularly for my kids.Festus

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I'm a new travel agent and used Goway to help plan a group trip to the UK. Ani, from Goway was so great! She was very detailed oriented, she had great communication and was very thorough in the planning. I felt confident that my clients would be taken care of. My clients had an amazing trip and loved all of it! SieKye

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Athul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina Gaffoglio

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Isabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey Henry

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.

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Osvaldo Gonzalez

Destination Specialist

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One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province

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Insider Benefits

Galapagos Classic: Quito & the M/C Alya

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Welcome to Ecuador

Historic Quito & the Middle of the Earth

Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

The Enchanted Isles: From Quito to the Galapagos & Cruise Embarkation

Birdwatching at Darwin Bay & the Lava Cliffs of El Barranco

Lava Lizards, Pelicans and Penguins at Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Visiting Chinese Hat and Mosquera Islet

Charles Darwin Research Center Visit & Departure from the Galapagos & Ecuador

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Ecuador

Historic Quito & the Middle of the Earth

Exploring the Mindo Cloud Forest

The Enchanted Isles: From Quito to the Galapagos & Cruise Embarkation

Birdwatching at Darwin Bay & the Lava Cliffs of El Barranco

Lava Lizards, Pelicans and Penguins at Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Visiting Chinese Hat and Mosquera Islet

Charles Darwin Research Center Visit & Departure from the Galapagos & Ecuador

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Osvaldo Gonzalez

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.