Best of Ecuador & The Galapagos Vegan Tour

From the vibrant and veggie-friendly streets of Quito to the untouched beauty of the Galapagos, this vegan tour is packed with adventure, wildlife, and meaningful cultural experiences! We kick off in Ecuador’s historic capital, where colonial charm meets Andean culture, then step off the beaten path with a unique community tourism experience in Yunguilla. Here, you’ll connect with locals, learn about their eco-friendly initiatives, and gain a deeper understanding of life in rural Ecuador.

Next, set off for the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll uncover an extraordinary world of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, and marine iguanas. Snorkel alongside sea turtles, trace Darwin’s footsteps, hike volcanic landscapes, and soak up the magic of this one-of-a-kind destination — all with a group of like-minded travelers and a knowledgeable local guide leading the way.

You ready to go…? Scroll down to reserve your spot!

Trip Length: 10 days / 9 nights

Start Location: Quito

End Location: Quito

Group Size: max 16 ppl

Meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, & 8 dinners

Accommodations: Hotel & homestay

Trip Dates: Aug. 15 – 24, 2026

Trip Price: $4,434 (USD)

Single Supplement: $656 (USD)

Trip Deadline: May 11, 2026

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Loads of amazing activities: veganized Ecuadorian cooking class, eco-focused homestay in the Yunguilla community, Galapagos island hopping, snorkeling, and more (you can view the day-by-day itinerary below)!
Transportation throughout Ecuador & the Galapagos; including a round trip flight from Quito to the Galapagos (International airfare and airport ground transportation are not included).
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee and transit control card are included.
Private tour leader and naturalist guide for the Galapagos
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, & 8 dinners are included.
Trip activity level: This trip involves a lot of walking, though not much of it is overly strenuous. The trip is recommended for those with a moderate level of fitness but there are also a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable for hiking.

Have questions about the trip? Book a quick 15-minute call to get them answered!

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Travel Responsibly, Impact Positively

Not only can you rest assured that this trip aligns with your desire to support cruelty-free activities, but you can also feel good knowing that the carbon created from the land-based portion of the itinerary will be offset and we’ve prioritized working with local businesses so more of your dollar stays in the destination. A portion of the profits from this tour will also support a local charity.

Had a great time on the Costa Rica tour! Everything was taken care of and we always had something fun to do: relaxing on the beach or paddleboarding in front of a volcano. Really enjoyed the restaurants and made new friends within the group. Highly recommended.

– Lawrence

two blue footed boobies standing on a rock on a sunny day in the galapagos

rugged coastline of a deserted island in the galapagos

a single sea lion posing next to a teal boat on a dock in the galapagos

Tour Itinerary

Check out the daily activities for this exciting itinerary. Please note, the itinerary is subject to change. We always have to remain flexible for weather, closures, and random things that are out of our control!

Day 1: Bienvenidos a Quito!

Meals included: Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural highlights.
Get ready to explore the best of Quito and Galapagos islands in the following days. We will have a welcome meeting in the evening, but until then, the day is yours to enjoy and get settled!

Accomodations: Patio Andaluz Hotel

Day 2: Quito & Yunguilla

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Wake up to your first day in Ecuador! Today you will enjoy a memorable city tour in the colonial part of Quito.
Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is renowned for its well-preserved colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
featuring beautiful architecture, historic churches, and vibrant plazas. Nestled in the Andes at an elevation of 2,850
meters, it offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish cultures. Key attractions include
the stunning Basilica del Voto Nacional, Compañia and Catedral churches and the bustling La Ronda street known
for being Quito’s oldest street, you’ll explore the Old Town with its countless churches, rich history, and wonderful
museums; another highlight is Panecillo Hill, topped with the iconic Virgin of Quito statue, offering panoramic
views of the city.

At midday, you will take part in a unique cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian dish. Taste local flavors and enjoy a memorable lunch.

After lunch, you’ll head to Yunguilla community, located in a valley northwest of Quito in the Chocó Andino cloud
forest. Yunguilla is a vibrant village known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. Upon your arrival,
members of the community will be waiting to welcome you into their homes and give you a glimpse into their lives.
This evening, enjoy a traditional homemade dinner and a chance to get to know your host family.

Included Activities:
Quito – City tour
Quito – Cooking class
Yunguilla – Local community experience

Accommodations: Yunguilla community homestay

Day 3: Yunguilla & back to Quito

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Early this morning, you’ll be immersed in the local way of life as you spend the half day alongside your host family.
You can engage in various hands-on activities such as organic farming, traditional handicrafts, or reforestation
projects and you might even learn to make jam. Whatever you get up to, the best part of today is simply spending
time with the local family, getting to know their way of life, learning about their culture. This is your chance to feel
like a local and immerse yourself in the customs and cultures of this sustainable community high in the hills of
Ecuador.

Later today, you’ll return to Quito but first, you will stop to visit the Middle of the World monument, which was built
by the French in the 17th century at the precise location of the equator. You’ll also visit the local Inti Ñan Museum,
featuring interactive exhibits showing how the Incas determined this was the middle of the earth.

Included Activities:
Yunguilla – Local community experience
Quito – Interactive exhibits on the Equator

Accommodations: Patio Andaluz Hotel

Day 4: Depart for the Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands (2 hours approx.).
Once you arrive and fresh-up in your hotel, you’ll head to the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. The research station plays a crucial role in the conservation and preservation of the Galápagos Islands’ delicate ecosystem. Here, you’ll learn about ongoing research projects, breeding programs for endangered species, and the conservation efforts to protect the islands’ biodiversity. One of the main highlights of the Charles Darwin Research Station is the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. You’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts to protect and reintroduce them to their natural habitats.

Included flight:
Flight from Quito to San Cristobal

Included Activities:
Educational experience

Accommodations: Lobo de Mar Hotel

Day 5: Galapagos

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

After breakfast we will head to one of the uninhabited islands of the Galapagos. Each island offers unique wildlife and landscapes. Explore the island’s trails and coastlines, keeping an eye out for endemic species each island have to offer. Enjoy lunch onboard, surrounded by the breathtaking natural scenery.

Included activities:
Snorkeling
Hiking

Accommodations: Lobo de Mar Hotel

Day 6: Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island)

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

In the morning, you will visit the Highlands of the Island where you can observe the giant tortoises roaming in a natural habitat, great picture opportunities with this endangered species, endemic to the Galapagos. You can enjoy a healthy lunch at the location and continue to your hotel in Puerto Ayora to prepare yourself for the next adventure.

Tortuga Bay boasts some of the finest, powdery white sand on the Galápagos Islands, providing a picturesque and
serene beach setting. Walking the path is an experience in itself (about 45 minutes per way). You might see lava lizards
and a number of birds including a yellow warbler and a Galapagos mockingbird, while enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Once you get to the end of the path, you’ll come to Playa Brava. Swimming is prohibited at this beach because of dangerous currents. You’ll need to walk (to the right) along this beach until you come to a path through
the mangroves that takes you to Playa Mansa a protected bay where you can swim and enjoy the shade of the
mangroves.

Included Activities:
Tortoise encounter
Swimming and beach time.

Accommodations: Lobo de Mar Hotel

Day 7: Galapagos (San Cristobal Island)

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Early in the morning you will head to San Cristobal Island (2 1⁄2 hours ride approx.) via speed boat. Upon arrival, you will enjoy breakfast and then the rest of the morning is free to explore the town on your own pace. Later, you’ll have an excursion to Loberia, a scenic beach filled with large colonies curious Sea-lions, Marine Iguanas, Frigate birds and more. The waters around La Lobería are teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, colorful fish, rays, and occasionally reef sharks, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.

Included Activities:
Swimming and snorkeling

Accommodations: Casa de Nelly Hotel

Day 8: Galapagos (Lobos Island)

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Your day kicks off with a brief 5-minute stroll to the port where a speed boat awaits. The boat has both indoor and outdoor social spaces, and a restroom. Onboard you will find water, coffee, and tea to keep you refreshed throughout the journey. Following a thrilling 45-minute cruise, you’ll arrive at Isla Lobos, stepping onto its shores to commence a guided walking exploration. The island’s main attractions are the iconic colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigates, emblematic bird species of the Galapagos.

Your hike’s duration is flexible, typically spanning about an hour, walking through rocky and sandy terrain that reveals the island’s unique wildlife. Returning to the boat, a security briefing precedes an exhilarating snorkeling session with the island’s playful sea lions. All necessary gear—masks, fins, snorkels, and life jackets for non-swimmers—is provided, ensuring a safe and immersive experience in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by these majestic creatures.

Later, as you savor a tasty lunch aboard the boat, you’ll cruise through the awe-inspiring Galapagos archipelago toward your next destination, Playa Ochoa. Travelers prone to seasickness are advised to carry necessary medications for comfort.

Included Activities:
Guided wildlife trek
Snorkeling

Accommodations: Casa de Nelly Hotel

Day 9: Galapagos to Quito

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Your last day in San Cristobal includes the visit to the Interpretation Center, which takes you through the history and
settlement of the islands. Visitors can enjoy expositions on natural history, human history and conservation via
panels in English and Spanish, as well as smaller exhibits and old photographs.

The natural history explains the different natural facts, such as the volcanic origin of the islands, the distance
between the mainland, its currents, the special climate, the arrival of different species, etc. The exposition room of
Human History gives a chronological overview of the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos. The Human
History exhibit narrates chronologically the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the
Galapagos.

The second section describes the reality of today’s Galapagos: the problems and the struggle of several institutions
and individuals to conserve Galapagos. The Center also has an outdoor theater and a cinema.

Then you will head to the airport for the flight back to Quito (2 1⁄2 hours approx.) reviving the memorable moments that you had during your dream-trip to the Galapagos paradise.

Included Flight
Flight San Cristobal to Quito

Included Activities
History and evolution of the Archipelago at the Interpretation Center

Accommodations: Patio Andaluz Hotel

Day 10: Adios!

Reserve Your Spot

Trip FAQ’s

Why Travel with Veggies Abroad?

Traveling with Veggies Abroad offers a unique and responsible travel experience, prioritizing sustainable and vegan-friendly practices. We partner with local companies on every trip who know the destination and are able to create an authentic and immersive experience for you! Currently, all of our itineraries are created in partnership with the Certified B Corp., Intrepid Travel, which offsets the carbon for the land-based portion of the itinerary.

Each itinerary also supports eco-friendly and vegan accommodations (when possible), ethical animal experiences, local guides, and community-integrated activities, emphasizing the importance of responsible spending. Travelers will enjoy vegan meals and diverse activities, all designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destinations while supporting businesses dedicated to ethical travel.

At Veggies Abroad, we’re dedicated to using travel as a tool for good and hope to inspire you to do the same!

I’m solo, is there a single supplement?

Yes, the single supplement is $656. We can also try and room you with another single passenger if you’d like to save you some cash.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage. It’s also a good idea to take out the policy right after making the trip deposit. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

I have a friend who wants to come but they aren’t vegan. Will there be non-vegan food options?

We prioritize ensuring that vegan options are the focus for all included meals. Many places will have non-vegan options but those would be available to them at an additional cost. There are also a few meals that aren’t included and your friend could choose whatever they like then!

Do I need a visa to enter Ecuador?

Americans, Australian, Belgians, British, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders and South Africans do not
currently require a visa for Ecuador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with
the Ecuador consulate in your home country.

What’s the trip activity level?

This is an active trip! This trip involves a lot of walking, though not much of it is overly strenuous. The trip is recommended for those with a moderate level of fitness but there are also a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking.

What is the Yunguilla community?

Yunguilla is a community located in Ecuador’s Chocó Andean Cloud Forest, approximately an hour north of Quito. Since 1995, its residents have been dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development, leading to the establishment of the Yunguilla Conservation and Sustainable Use Area.

The community has implemented various eco-friendly projects, including organic orchards, fruit processing facilities, and reforestation efforts. These initiatives aim to improve local livelihoods while preserving the environment.
Yunguilla offers authentic tourism experiences that immerse visitors in daily community activities. Visitors can participate in jam production, organic gardening, traditional crafts, hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the biodiversity of the cloud forest.

Visiting this community means supporting local sustainable tourism and their micro businesses.

What is the deadline to reserve my spot?

A non-refundable deposit of $400 (if you cancel it can be moved to another tour), is due by May 11, 2026 and final payment for the trip is due June 1, 2026.

What’s not included in the tour price?

– Round-trip international airfare
– Airport ground transportation
– City taxes; sometimes, these are assessed at the hotels.
– Additional activities that aren’t included
– Additional meals that aren’t included
– Beer/wine/cocktails
– Gratuities for our guides
– Travel insurance (optional, but recommended)

Are kids allowed on the tour?

Unfortunately, this itinerary isn’t suited for young kids. The age requirement is 16 years old and up.

Are Covid-19 or any other vaccines required?

The CDC suggests that you’re up to date on all routine vaccines and there are additional vaccines you may want to consider getting before arriving. It’s best to consult your doctor before departing.

Are there things I should keep in mind before booking a trip like this?

Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind!
– The itinerary covers a lot of ground in 10 days which is fabulous but does mean there will be early mornings and long days.
– This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness,
regardless of age or physical health. It’s best to consult your doctor for ways to mitigate issues if you’re sensitive to altitude.
– Some of the accommodations, especially on the islands, are a little more basic. They will always be clean and safe but if you’re looking for The Four Seasons, this might not be the right experience for you!

How many people are in the group and is there a minimum?

This will be a small group of only 16 passengers plus a guide(s) throughout the trip. Yes, there is a minimum, we must have at least 7 passengers for the trip to be confirmed; in order to keep the current pricing.

What are the booking terms?

Final Balance:
Final balance payment is required by June 1, 2026

Cancellation by the traveler:
Cancellation prior to June 1: we will hold the deposit amount as a credit.
Cancellation after June 1 will incur 100% cancellation fees
No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur 100% cancellation fees.

Cancellation by Intrepid/Veggies Abroad
Please reach out for full conditions.

Need Other Travel Help?

I can help! If this gorgeous trip to Thailand doesn’t work for you but you’d like help creating your own adventure, reach out! I offer vegan-friendly and sustainable travel planning services.