Join Detours on a gay Ecuador and Galapagos Land & Sea Tour. Prepare for an extraordinary 8-day journey through Ecuador, a land known as the “Four Worlds” for its unmatched natural and cultural diversity within a surprisingly compact territory. Perfectly tailored for first-time visitors, this itinerary combines rich history, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters – all enhanced by the comfort of a beautiful, privately-chartered modern small-ship cruise with all-inclusive meals and drinks onboard.

You begin in the capital of Quito, where colonial elegance meets Andean vibrancy. You’ll wander through its UNESCO-listed historic center, discovering centuries-old churches and bustling plazas. Just north, stand with a foot on each side of the equator at the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument, a uniquely Ecuadorian experience that bridges hemispheres.

After an included flight from Quito, the highlight of the journey takes place aboard a stylish, intimate ship as you cruise the legendary Galapagos Islands. For four nights, enjoy superb service, gourmet cuisine, and refreshing drinks as you sail between islands teeming with fearless wildlife. From giant tortoises to playful sea lions, and iconic blue-footed boobies, each stop offers close-up encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes. Snorkel with penguins, float beside sea turtles, and marvel at marine iguanas in this living museum of evolution. This immersive, seamless adventure delivers not only comfort and wonder – but also memories to last a lifetime.

Note: Detours offers two versions of their Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary.  While both are the same length and general itinerary, the version on this page spends nights in the Galapagos on a privately chartered ship.  Their alternative itinerary, which is land-based, can be found here.  Find out more about the differences of a Galapagos trip by land or sea on their blog post here.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Welcome to Quito, a vibrant city high in the Andes where colonial charm meets breathtaking mountain views. We’ll begin our journey here with a couple of nights to unwind, adjust to the altitude (9,400 ft / 2,850 m), and connect with your fellow travelers.

On your first evening, your group willl come together for a welcome dinner, enjoying authentic Ecuadorian cuisine while sharing stories and setting the tone for the exciting days ahead. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and crisp mountain air, Quito offers the perfect introduction to our adventure. You’ll take it slow on this first day to acclimate, giving yourselves time to settle in, explore a bit, and soak up the unique atmosphere of one of South America’s most captivating capitals. It’s the ideal place to begin our unforgettable journey together.

Day 2 Mitad del Mundo and Quito

Today, you’ll embark on a 6-hour journey that showcases the best of Quito and beyond. You’ll begin in Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a beautifully preserved colonial center filled with cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and grand churches like La Compañía and San Francisco. You’ll stroll through historic plazas, learn about the city’s rich past, and take in the charm that makes this one of South America’s most captivating capitals.

Next, you ride the Teleférico – Quito’s famous funicular – up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to over 13,000 feet above sea level. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular, offering a sweeping look over the city and the surrounding Andes.

From there, you head north to Mitad del Mundo, the “Middle of the World.” Here, you’ll stand with one foot in each hemisphere, visit the equatorial monument, and explore interactive museums that dive into Ecuador’s cultural and geographic uniqueness.

After a full morning and early afternoon of discovery, you return to Quito in comfort, giving you time to relax before the next morning’s adventure out to the islands!

Day 3 Galapagos: Isla Santa Cruz

Wave goodbye to the Andes and the big city of Quito as you take to the skies, flying from Quito to the legendary Galapagos Islands, a realm of unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonder.

Your extraordinary journey begins on Isla Santa Cruz, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the lush highlands. Here, deep green Scalesia forests contrast strikingly with the arid lowlands below. You’ll explore massive underground lava tunnels, some stretching over half a mile, offering a surreal, unforgettable walk through the island’s volcanic past.

You’ll enjoy lunch in the highlands, a region shaped by unique geological formations and home to native bird species like Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, and the striking vermilion flycatcher. It’s a fascinating first glimpse into the islands’ volcanic origins and extraordinary biodiversity. Here, you’ll also encounter some of the Galápagos’ most iconic residents – giant wild tortoises, roaming freely and in abundance across the landscape.

From here, you’ll head to the port to board your beautiful floating home for the next several days.  You’ll be introduced to our crew and shown to our cabins with time to wind down after a long and exciting day.

Day 4 Galapagos: Isla Española

Your unforgettable day begins with a delicious breakfast on board before heading out to Gardner Bay, where you’ll step onto a pristine white-sand beach. Here, you’ll immerse yourselves among a bustling sea lion colony, with the incredible chance to swim and snorkel alongside their playful pups in the clear waters. Keep an eye out for the unique Española mockingbirds that may curiously approach.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues to Suarez Point, a true wildlife spectacle. This incredible trail offers opportunities to spot vibrant blue-footed boobies, impressive Nazca boobies, and the world’s largest breeding colony of waved albatrosses. Witness these magnificent birds launching gracefully from dramatic cliffs. You’ll also experience the awe-inspiring blowhole that powerfully spurts seawater high into the air, creating spectacular photographic moments against the rugged landscape.

Between your morning and afternoon adventures, you’ll have time to return to your boat to relax, enjoy some lunch, and rest up for the following adventure.  In the evening, you’ll enjoy a sunset while moored at sea and a delicious dinner as you wind down the day together.

Day 5 Galapagos Isla Sante Fé and Plaza Sur

You’ll wake to breakfast aboard our ship, moored in a picturesque bay off Santa Fé Island’s northeast coast. From here, you’ll explore one of two trails – either a climb to a scenic cliff-top viewpoint with sweeping panoramas, or a gentle walk from a small beach into a forest of towering prickly pear cacti. It’s an ideal spot to encounter unique flora and fauna, including the giant Opuntia cacti and land iguanas. After the hike, you’ll return to the boat for lunch and a short rest before your next adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit South Plaza Island, a small but vibrant landmass formed by uplifted lava. Home to one of the Galápagos’ largest sea lion colonies, it also hosts striking yellow and red land iguanas. The landscape is carpeted with Sesuvium plants, which shift from greenish-yellow in the rainy season to vivid red during the dry season, an unforgettable splash of color.

As the sun sets, you’ll return to your floating home for dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep rested and ready for another unforgettable day at sea.

Day 6 Galapagos: Isla Santiago and Isla Santa Cruz

Your Galapagos adventure continues with a fascinating visit to Isla Santiago, showcasing dramatic volcanic landscapes sculpted by ancient lava flows. Explore fascinating tide pools teeming with diverse marine life and observe colonies of playful fur seals basking in the sun. In the afternoon, you sail to Isla Santa Cruz, home to the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. Journey into the lush highlands to a natural reserve where these ancient, gentle giants roam freely in their natural habitat.

This humbling experience provides a profound connection to the islands’ most famous inhabitants and their incredible longevity, a true highlight of your journey.

Day 7 Isla Santa Cruz and Quito

Savor your final precious moments in the magical Galapagos Islands as you conclude our cruise on Isla Santa Cruz. You’ll have one last chance to immerse yourselves in the island’s unique atmosphere, perhaps a final stroll along the waterfront, before heading to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Quito. As you soar over the vast Pacific Ocean and then the majestic Andean peaks, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters, pristine natural beauty, and profound sense of wonder you’ve experienced.

You’ll carry with you memories of a truly unparalleled journey, already dreaming of a return to these enchanted islands.

Day 8 Quito

Your final day in Ecuador is departure day and you’re welcome to book a flight at any time this day.  If your departure happens to be later in the day, don’t worry as there are attractions in the Quito area that you can fill your time with.   We’d suggest a journey north from Quito to the vibrant town of Otavalo, home to South America’s most famous indigenous market. Or maybe visit the serene Peguche Waterfall or the mystical Cuicocha Lake (Lake of the Guinea Pig), a stunning crater lake, before returning to Quito.

Accommodations

Detours doeson’t like staying in smelly shacks on their vacations and they’re pretty sure you don’t either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. Detours puts a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous Wi-fi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, they’ve narrowed down their favorite properties. Check out their approved accommodation to see where they’ve stayed in the past and where you’ll likely be staying on your trip.

QUITO: Le Parc Hotel

Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars, is a beautiful boutique hotel situated in Quito’s financial district. It boasts elegantly designed suites, a fully equipped spa and gym, and gourmet dining options. Renowned for its personalized service and modern aesthetic, Le Parc offers a sophisticated and comfortable experience in a great area with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping.

GALAPAGOS: Galapagos Angel

One of the newest and most beautiful first-class yachts in the Galapagos, having launched in 2023 after being built in the Netherlands. At 35 m long, it accommodates 16 guests in spacious suites and convertible cabins with panoramic windows. The ship features a Jacuzzi, Wi‑Fi, stabilizers, sun deck, and fabulous dining onboard – offering a luxurious and stable cruising experience through the Galapagos Islands.  Check out the ship’s full details here (They’re using the ‘5 days C‘ itinerary).

*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all Detours trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels.

Pricing/Notes

$4,980 a person

Pricing is per-person, based on two travelers per room. Solo traveler? Given the unique charter nature of the ship, single-occupancy accommodation on this trip is an additional $3280 USD. Suite is additional $300 USD per person.

What’s included? • All taxes • All group transfers within Ecuador & Galapagos • Accommodations for your 8-day Detours experience • Local Ecuadorian naturalist guide and Detours trip leader through full itinerary • 6-hour guided Quito regional tour • All-inclusive (meals and drinks) 5-day Galapagos cruise • Multiple snorkeling trips and island visits, as shown in the itinerary • Unlimited use of kayaks, snorkels, fins, masks, and wetsuits • All full breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners • Group travel within Ecuador •

What isn’t included? • Arrival/Departure airport transfers • Meals and drinks outside of those listed above • Activities outside of the those listed above • International Airfare • Optional gratuities • $200 USD Galapagos Islands park entry fee

Additional spending budget?  Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you’ll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but Detours suggests expecting to spend an additional $700 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1000 USD at the higher end for the splurgers.  They suggest arriving with approximately 300 USD in cash for those items that are more cash-friendly.

Pricing, availability, accommodations and itinerary for this all gay Ecuador and Galapagos land & sea tour are subject to change. Neither Purple Light Vacations nor Detours is responsible for any inaccuracies.

Please review Detours’ Terms and Conditions before contacting us to book this all gay Ecuador and Galapagos land & sea tour