WOMEN ONLY TOUR TO Ecuador and galapagos
Ecuador and galapagos at a glance
You won’t be the same after experiencing this off-the-beaten-path tour of Ecuador’s mainland and famous Galapagos Islands. From the heights of the Avenue of Volcanoes to floating down the Amazon basin, and then island hoping in Galapagos, this is truly a trip of a lifetime.
Start in the vibrant city of Quito and pose with the wild horses of Cotopaxi. Be welcomed in the home of a local family and learn ancient culinary traditions before soaking in hot springs and exploring the magic of the Amazon. Blue footed boobies, sea lions, turtles, and white sand beaches await you in the islands where you will snorkel, hike, and learn about the biodiversity from a naturalist guide.
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Highlights
Inclusions
- Stay in 4* and 5* hand-picked accommodation
- Feature stays in a luxury Amazon lodge, community run guesthouse, and hot springs hotel
- 3 domestic flights
- All tips for driver, guide, and included activities
- Arrival airport pickup on day 1
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, commercial airline domestic flight.
- Max 14 solo female travelers in your group
- Twin share rooms
- Expert local guide for the whole tour
Notes
This tour starts in Quito where some travelers may feel the effects of high altitude. Once in Galapagos, this tour includes a lot of snorkeling, so strong swimming skills are required. We will also be traveling by boat, and while waters are often quite calm, if you are prone to sea-sickness, come prepared with motion sickness prevention.
Meet your new BFF.
People often leave our Meetup Tours with friends for life and couches to crash on all over the world.
No math on vacay.
Get your beauty sleep.
Enjoy our hand-picked, premium accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to EcuadoR!
Arrival pick up and solo evening
Today our driver will pick you up from the airport after 8am according to your arrival time. Our first hotel is in the center of the beautiful city of Quito and designed to be the perfect blend between old world architecture and modern style. We recommend you arrive by 3pm to have plenty of time to make it to our 6pm welcome meeting with your local guide. This evening is yours to relax and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby favorite restaurant. Meals: dinner
Day 2
QUITO COLONIAL TOWN
Walking tour of Quito
Our walking tour of Quito will lead us through a whirlwind of geography and astronomy, preserved ancient architecture, indigenous art, and neo-gothic cathedrals. We will visit the old town, Middle of the World Monument, La Compañia Church, and Intiñan Museum. Lunch will give you a taste of some local traditional dishes at a well known restaurant in the center of town. We will then stand at exactly 0° 0’ 0” on the line of the equator! The later afternoon is yours to wander the city center with your new travel mates. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 3
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Hiking and and afternoon of your choice!
Start the day at Avenue of the Volcanoes! We have an easy hike through Cotopaxi National Park admiring the stunning “paramo”, or grassland landscape, with hummingbirds, wild horses, and loads of other wildlife with the Cotopaxi Volcano always lingers in the background. This afternoon choose to either horseback ride or join a cooking class at one of our feature stays, a traditional hacienda. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 4
INDIGENOUS VILLAGES
Visit indigenous village and explore the reserve
Today is one you will never forget – a visit with the people of an indigenous village in the Northern highlands. We especially love this community for all the women owned and operated small businesses making jewelry, embroidery, and more. We will join the community today to help prepare for a very special meal. Panchamanka is an ancestral culinary experience passed down thousands of years and requires everyone to work together. Still practiced today for special occasions, we will help prepare the food and place it underground with hot volcanic rocks. While dinner is cooking, our local guide will show us around the community garden and bring us to see the gorgeous community garden and meet some of the female small business owners. Hours later, dinner will be ready and we’ll eat a big, delicious meal. Tonight, we will stay in the village at multiple small guesthouses to continue to experience the warm hospitality of the community. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
OTAVALO MARKET & PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
Discover the Otavalo Market and soak up in a hotspring
The Otavalo market is an ancient tradition and still is an important social and cultural event. Find music, handmade textiles, clothing, artisanal crafts, and other arts. Take some solo time to explore and shop knowing you’re supporting the locals. Later we will soak in springs naturally heated by the nearby volcano with a view that where you could spot hummingbirds, wild horses, or even a bear! Meals: breakfast
Day 6
COCA TO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST
Travel to the Amazon, join an ecological walk and tuck into homemade dinner
This morning we’ll travel to Coca to begin an incredible 4 day Amazon experience! We will fly if these unpredictable domestic are running, otherwise we will do a roadtrip which is a beautiful experience through the cloud forest past waterfalls and majestic mountains. Once we arrive, we will be welcomed with a glass of wayusa and shown to our rooms all with views of the Amazon Rainforest. This afternoon, explore your new digs in the heart of the jungle and join your expert ecologist guide on a walk looking for wildlife. End the day with an incredible homemade dinner and maybe even a short trek to find some creepy crawlies that only come out at night. Meals: breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner
Day 7
Sacha Lodge
Gentle forest walk, solo time and canoe down a river
Wake up to the beautiful sounds of the Amazon and join your guide for an easy walk as wildlife wakes up for the day. Be on the lookout for monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, sloths, and more! After this, you’ll take your time to enjoy a nice breakfast overlooking the lake and spend some free time relaxing in the lodge. You can lay in the AC, grab a drink at the bar, hang out by the lake pool, or have some tea at one of the Lodge’s beautiful lookout spots. A little later, we’ll take a canoe ride down the river, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Sacha Lodge
Walk across a suspension bridge, go paddling and explore the nearby area.
Today you’ll get to experience some of the many adventures that Sacha Lodge has to offer in the Amazon. Walk across a bridge suspended over the rainforest canopy, paddle through creeks in search of monkeys and river otters, or climb to the very top of a giant kapok tree. Wander through the butterfly house and see hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter from flower to flower. When your adventure-packed day comes to an end, sink into your luxurious bed and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9
Return to Quito
Boat ride and flight to Quito
After a last delicious breakfast with the views of an Amazon sunrise, it’s time to make the journey back to Quito. You’ll take a boat ride for a last glimpse at the forest and then hop on a quick flight, arriving in Quito in time for a group dinner and some leisure time. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 10
SOlo time in quito
Today is your day to sleep in, get a little lost in the old city of Quito, maybe visit a museum and enjoy a cocktail with a view of the city. Relax before our incredible adventure continues in Galapagos. Meals: breakfast
Day 11
flight to Baltra, santa cruz highlands
On to Galapagos!
This morning we will jump on a 3 hour flight to Galapagos. Land in Baltra and start with the beautiful and wildly underrated highlands. We will meet the giant tortoises on a local property where these animals live in their natural habitat roaming freely. This afternoon we’ll learn how one of the islands’ oldest family owned plantations makes sugar cane juice, and aguardiente. Plenty of samples included! Next up is an organic coffee chat with the owner who explains the process from bean to mug. Enjoy a farm to table lunch in the highlands before we check into our hotel. After you settle in, your guide will show you around this lively little town. Eventually you’ll stop by the local fishermen market where you might observe how local fishermen bring in fresh goods. End your first day in the Galapagos with a delicious dinner to kick off an incredible second part of your adventure. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 12/13
cruise days
Santa Fe, Plazas, Bartolome, Seymour
On Days 12 and 13 we will visit some of the other islands by boat. The Galapagos Islands are carefully monitored to protect the incredible bio-diversity, so we will be visiting one or two of four islands each day, depending on the national park’s schedule and the weather. The four islands are Santa Fe, Plazas, Bartolome, and Seymour. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Santa Cruz Island on your own or with fellow travelers. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 14
puerto ayora
Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortuga Bay
This morning we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, whose mission is to preserve the rare species that the Galapagos is known for. During your visit you will be able to learn about the reproduction and releasing of Giant Tortoises and their efforts to increase the numbers of this important species. In the afternoon, enjoy a 45 minute walk to the stunning Tortuga Bay, a white sandy beach with turquoise water home to marine iguanas, pelicans and other seabirds. Meals: breakfast
Day 15
San cristobal
Speedboat transfer and snorkeling in Loberia
Today we jump on a 2.5 boat ride to another beautiful island, San Cristobal. After we check into our hotel, we’ll stroll along the promenade of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy the sound (and smell) of hundreds of sea lions during your walk. We’ll then go to the Loberia, a white sandy beach, to find great quantities of sea lions bathing in the sun or cooling off in the sea. Snorkeling is a highlight here with chances to spot sea turtles. Meals: breakfast
Day 16
San cristobal
Kicker Rock or Lobos Island
Today is all about the incredible sea life the Galapagos is known for. We’ll jump on a short boat ride to snorkel either at Kicker Rock or Lobos Island, whichever has clearer water that day! You might see the graceful and harmless hammerhead shark, turtles, loads of colorful fish, and maybe even play with sea lions in the water. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 17
San cristobal
Tijaretas Hill and solo time
This morning, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, where you will learn about the geological and natural history of the Galapagos Islands. Then, get your camera ready to walk up to Tijeretas Hill, also known as Frigatebird Hill, where you’ll enjoy an amazing view of Kicker Rock and Shipwreck Bay! After that, take some relaxing free time in the afternoon enjoy Puerto Baquerizo. This evening we will meet for a farewell dinner and talk about an amazing week. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 18
Goodbye for now
After breakfast, we will get on a flight back to Quito. Make sure your flight home departs later than 6pm to be sure you have plenty of time. You could also take a few extra days to explore Quito solo and continue your adventure! Meals: breakfast
Hand-picked Accommodation
Our accommodation is hand-picked to give you the best combination of comfort, location, and style. These are photos from our collection of favorite hotels and resorts to give you a sense of the accommodation you can expect with us. All of our accommodation is 4 and 5 star with many beautiful views in prime locations.
Hotel Termas de Papallacta
Think volcano views and lush jungle surroundings. Soak in the hot springs right outside your door and stay warm and relaxed as the fog rolls in. Opt in for some spa treatments and get exclusive access to extra private pools. Call room service for a bottle of red and relax.
Sacha Lodge
A huge highlight of your Ecuador Meetup Tour, this is the Amazonian home of your dreams. Sleep in luxury, with views of the jungle in every bedroom. Imagine walking across a bridge suspended over the rainforest canopy, paddling through creeks in search of monkeys and river otters, or climbing to the very top of a giant kapok tree – Sacha Lodge has it all. The ecologists here are so world renowned that National Geographic photographers stay here and many celebrities including Will Smith (ask you guide about his visit, it will make his day!).
Ikala Hotel, Santa Cruz
We love this hotel for its proximity to ou favorite pizza place, the poolside bar, and spacious rooms. Plus, it’s just gorgeous. Breakfast here is a rooftop feast with views of the sea and the staff are sweet and attentive. You’ll love your stay at this ultra stylist hotel.
Details
ARRIVAL: Quito International Airport (code UIO). We recommend arriving before 4:00pm on our tour start day to be in time for the welcome meeting in the evening, but we will pick you up any time on Day 1.
- We will will have an airport transfer waiting for you at the Quito Airport according to your arrival time. If you arrive a day or two early, an airport transfer is not included.
DEPARTURE: Quito International Airport (code UIO) anytime after 6:00pm on tour end date
- Please note: the group will fly back from the Galapagos to Quito on the last day of the tour. The flight is scheduled to land in Quito at around 4:30pm. Your flight back home needs to depart after this time. Be sure not to book your flight before 6:00pm.
We can help you secure an extra night or two at the hotel before or after the start of the tour if you require it. Simply let us know!
On rare occasions, any domestic flight that we include in this trip may be changed or canceled with little notice. Remember, we cannot control the decisions that airlines make, so sometimes amendments will need to be made to our mode of transportation. Rest assured that if this happens, we will still get you to your destination. Part of the unique experience of traveling in any form is having the flexibility and grace to embrace detours.
If you hold a US passport, you do not need a visa if you plan to visit Ecuador for 90 days or less.
Most other countries are able to visit Ecuador visa free or with a visa upon arrival. Please check the requirements for your specific citizenship.
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
Our domestic flight allows up to 30lbs/15kg check-in luggage. If you bring more weight, there may be a fee at the airport.
Got to see so many different cultures
“I’ve gone on other tours and I feel with SoFe you really get what you have paid for. You’re not on a commercialized tour that herds you on and off of a bus. You get a hands-on cultural immersive experience… A highlight was kayaking in Tortuga Bay and seeing the reef sharks and sea turtles swim next to and around the kayak. I was able to just sit and watch with amazement. It was definitely an experience I will never forget.” Tiffany F. | Galapagos
Such a dynamic country
“The best part about this tour is how packed it was with experiences and places I could never have accessed all on my own. I went to Ecuador, because it was the only country in South America I hadn’t been to, and I learned that it is such a dynamic country. It’s now probably my favorite South American country. Thanks so much for this incredible trip, SoFe!” Anna A. | Ecuador
so much more than a tour
“SoFe does it again. This is my 3rd tour with these ladies, and I loved every bit of it from the awesome group of women, the food, the community visits, and the food…did I say food? Anyway, loved this trip, loved our local guide Daniella, and I can’t wait for my next SoFe tour!” Julie D. | Ecuador
Photos from the road
We love to collect photos from as many of our Meetup Tours as possible. If you want to see more, check out the stories on our Instagram! @solofemaletravel. When you travel with us, tag @sofetravel and you may even get featured!