Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Cruise
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Venture into the heart of Ecuador’s societal and natural heritage.
Ecuador puts new meaning behind the saying, “good things come in small packages.” In terms of flora, fauna, and opportunities for viewing unique local wildlife, this South American country runs the gamut. Journey to Quito for a taste of Ecuadorean culture and Spanish colonial history. Then, island hop through the Galápagos, where you’ll move from mangrove swamps to lava flows to sunny shorelines, encountering scores of exotic creatures along the way. End in the indigenous city of Otavalo, famous for its colorful market.
Special departures of this itinerary
Your tour package includes
- 4 nights in handpicked hotels
- 4 nights aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend cruise ship
- 8 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners
Included highlights
- Cerro Panecillo
- Old Quarter Quito
- La Compañía
- Rábida Island
- Snorkeling with sea turtles
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryAfter your flight, arrive late this evening in Quito and settle into your hotel.
Today, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Quito.
- Drive up Cerro Panecillo hill for views of the city and surrounding volcanoes
- Sit down to enjoy an included welcome lunch
- Marvel at the neo-Gothic Basilica of the National Vow
- Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, passing by the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
- Enter La Compañía, the city’s Baroque church, to view its gold leaf interior
- Step inside the 16th-century Monastery of San Francisco
Enjoy a free day in Quito or add an excursion.
Antisana Ecological Park & Hacienda Lunch
From $109 per person
This morning, fly to the small island of Baltra to board your cruise.
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
- Make a wet landing on Mosquera Islet, which is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island and is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos
- Walk along the island’s sandy, barren lava rock covered terrain
- Relax on the beach or snorkel in the water
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
After a wet landing, you’ll enjoy the western portion of Santiago Island before continuing to Rabida Island.
- Spend the morning exploring the extensive lava flows and swimming or snorkeling in volcanic rock pools
- Look for yellow-crowned night herons, starfish, marine iguanas, and fur seals
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
- Transfer to Rabida Island, where the volcanic geology creates red sand beaches
- Take a dinghy ride along the cliffs to snorkel and observe nesting seabirds
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
After a wet landing, begin your exploration of Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos archipelago.
- Snorkel with the sea turtles that swim just off the shore of Urbina Bay
- See the giant tortoises that live on the slopes of the nearby Alcedo Volcano
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
- Tour Tagus Cove and see the blue-footed boobies that nest there
- Go on a dinghy ride and enjoy the option of deep sea snorkeling
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Today’s dry landing is at Espinosa Point, formed by lava flows over thousands of years.
- View the area’s marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and the fearless Galápagos hawk
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
- Take a dinghy ride to Vicente Roca Point and the Bolivar Channel, where you can snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins
- View dolphins and whales that are attracted to the Bolivar Channel by the cold waters of the Cromwell Current (seasonal, June to September)
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Disembark the ship to further explore Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos.
- Journey to the Santa Cruz highlands, northwest of Puerto Ayora, to visit a giant tortoise nature reserve
- Walk through the humid forest landscape to see these slow-moving reptiles in action
- Return to Baltra and board your flight back to Quito on the mainland
Make your way to Otavalo, a market town in the Andes Mountains, and celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.
Visit the Otavalo market to browse the stalls, shop for indigenous crafts, and attend a local weaving demonstration. Then, stop to view the Quitsato Sundial, a monument located on the equator, where you’ll view a demonstration of equatorial effects.
Afterward, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Please note: If you’re traveling on the tour extension to Peru, you will overnight in Quito.
Please note: Due to varying flight schedules, some travelers may depart on the morning of day 10, arriving home later that evening.
After your visit to Otavalo market, enjoy a free afternoon in Quito.
Fly to Lima, Peru this morning and get settled in to your hotel.
Fly to Cuzco and spend free time getting acclimatized to the city’s high elevation.
Tonight, get a taste of Peruvian cuisine during an included dinner as you watch a traditional folklore show featuring indigenous dances from around the country.
Set out on a sightseeing tour of Cuzco, the UNESCO-recognized ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
- Stroll through ruins at Kenko, the “red fortress” of Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman, which was once completely covered in gold
- View the towering Cristo Blanco statue, a thank-you gift from the Palestinian refugees who took shelter in the city during World War II
- Stop at the colonial-era Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral
- Walk through the city center and step inside the Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the Spaniards where the Inca temple of Koricancha stood
Spend a free evening in Cuzco or add an excursion.
Peruvian Cooking Demonstration & Dinner
From $125 per person
Today, you’ll transfer to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. First, make a stop in the Sacred Valley to see the sights.
- Peruse the colorful stalls of the wide-open Pisac Market, where you’ll find local fare and traditional crafts on display
- Enjoy an included lunch in Urubamba
- Continue to the ancient Ollantaytambo ruins to explore still-standing Incan homes
- Board a train to Aguas Calientes
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Please note: Travelers must submit full passport details by Tour Finalization Date or risk being denied entry to Machu Picchu due to scarcity of tickets and daily entrance restrictions.
On today’s guided tour, you’ll uncover the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the entire South American continent.
- Tour the ruins of the ceremonial center, cultivation terraces and guard house
- Visit Funeral Rock, the Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Chamber of Ornaments, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun, the Rock Quarry, the Ritual Fountains and the Condor Temple
- Enjoy an included lunch before taking a scenic train ride back to Cuzco for the night
Please note: There are several circuits through Machu Picchu. The one your group will take is subject to availability.
Fly to Lima this morning. Then, enjoy a farewell lunch before setting out on a guided tour, which highlights Lima's modern and colonial quarters.
- Visit the Miraflores district and Parque del Amor
- View Plaza Mayor and the Municipal Palace in Lima’s historic center
- Enter the Cathedral of Lima and descend into the catacombs below the Church of San Francisco
Later, relax in a dayroom before boarding your overnight flight home.
Arrive home.
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Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.7 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
This has been my childhood dream to see the Galapagos and Machu Picchu... and let me tell you, this tour did not disappoint. I am so glad that I picked Go Ahead Tours. we have traveled with them now four times, and each time our tours have been amazing... I can't say enough about the guides, Rocio a...
5 out of 5 stars
Everything about the trip was fabulous.. From the tour guide Rosio!! To all the hotels we stayed at!! Galápagos Islands we incredible.. all the staff on the ship we the best.. We also did the extension to Peru.. All I can say is WOW!! Incredibly beautiful! A must see.. Leo our guide was the best an...
4 out of 5 stars
Great tour with a lot of information - packed days full of activities that gave us a well rounded view of the islands Tour guide was wonderful and kept us well informed Naturalist had a wealth of information and a great sense of humor Ship was accommodating. Dinners were a little tough getting the...
Hi Sandra, Thank you for sharing your feedback wi...
Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This contemporary hotel is located in La Mariscal district of Quito. Guests enjoy two restaurants, a wine bar, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearb...
This boutique cruise ship sails in the waters around the Galápagos Islands. Guests enjoy a pool and jacuzzi, gym, and stargazing area. Nearby, you’ll ...
An hour and a half north of Quito, Hacienda Pinsaqui is ideally located at the foot of Imbabura volcano and in the heart of the province of lakes in E...
This contemporary hotel is located in the Tababela neighborhood outside of Quito. Guests enjoy a fitness center, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll f...
This comfortable hotel is located by the University of Piura. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a gym, and outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find Parque Central de ...
This contemporary hotel is located in Santa Ana. Guests enjoy courtyard yoga, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour market. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Armas, Quirika...
This contemporary hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a bar, and laundry service. Nearby, you'll find Machu Picchu, Phuyupatamarc...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- An expedition ship that offers a luxurious sailing experience, the M/V Galápagos Legend brings a bit of elegance to adventure cruising. Onboard experts, trained at the Darwin Center, help you get an intimate yet environmentally safe look at the islands. Download a detailed summary of the ship’s amenities and available cabins [PDF].
- While on the ship, you'll have the opportunity to follow expert naturalists to discover the unique beauty of the Galápagos Islands. These knowledgeable guides lead excursions ranging from snorkeling to bird-watching, giving you the chance to get closer to the incredible animals that make the Galápagos their home.
- In order to enter Ecuador (and Peru on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- Upon arrival in Peru on the tour extension, you will receive an Andean Immigration card that you will need to present when visiting Machu Picchu. In order to secure your entrance to Machu Picchu, travelers are required to confirm their full passport details with Go Ahead Tours no later than 45 days prior to your departure date.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- On the tour extension, entrance tickets into Machu Picchu require full passport information. Travelers must enter these details via your online account, mobile app, or by giving the Traveler Support Team a call by your Tour Finalization Date or risk being denied entry into Machu Picchu due to scarcity of tickets and daily entrance restrictions.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ECU.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Quito (or Lima on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Quito, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Varied transportation including motor coach, boats, planes
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 3-5 miles per day over varying terrain - this includes city streets, cobblestones, rocky or slippery paths, uneven stairs, and steep hills.
- While on the cruise, there will be instances where travelers will need to disembark from small boats directly onto the beach or in shallow water. These are known as “wet landings.”
- Wet landings require balance and stability as the boats are often still rocking as travelers disembark.
- On the tour extension, visit to Machu Picchu requires minimum of 2 miles walking with many stairs, hills and uneven terrain.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect year round temperatures in the 60Fs-40Fs.
- Dry season is typically from June-September, where days are mostly sunny and rain is less common.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 9,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including boat and private motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Round-trip flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands are included in the price of your tour (the tour extension also includes flights from Quito to Lima, Lima to Cuzco and back to Lima).
- A four-night Galápagos Islands cruise and other boat rides are also included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, trains and included flights.
- A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding trains.
- On the tour extension, travelers will bring only a carry-on sized bag with them for the night in Machu Picchu. The main luggage will remain in Cuzco, so a small overnight bag or backpack is recommended.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing, a lightweight jacket, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.
- Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for daily activities.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
- Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions for the days spent on the cruise.
- When visiting Machu Picchu on the tour extension, there are restrictions in place for backpacks, food, umbrellas, and camera tripods.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Ecuador operates on 120 volts and uses Types A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
- The cruise ship operates on 110/220 volts. Both European and American outlets are available on the vessel. The frequency is 50 Hz.
- On the tour extension, Peru operates on 220 volts and uses Types A or C plugs with two flat pins or two round pins, respectively.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your healthcare provider regarding any potential health risks.
- Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with preexisting medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- Seasickness while on board the cruise ship is uncommon, but medication will be available if needed. If you are particularly prone to seasickness you may want to bring your own medication and take it at least 24 hours before the cruise starts.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth. Ice on board the cruise ship is made with purified water.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ECU.
- This tour includes five lunches and five dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea. Alcoholic drinks will not be included while on the cruise ship.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the availability of ingredients across the country. At higher elevations, meat-based dishes are more popular, while along the coast you’ll find seafood in abundance. Traditionally, meals are served with soup and rice, and many feature starches like potatoes and yucca root. Bananas and plantains are also a major Ecuadorian export, appearing in many recipes. You might try patacones, a fritter made with mashed plantains, which is a popular Ecuadorean side.
- On the tour extension, Peruvian cuisine reflects both the country’s indigenous cultures as well as European colonial and Pacific Rim influences. Staples include grains such as quinoa, maize, and rice, as well as beans, potatoes, and meat. Ceviche, traditionally raw sea bass marinated with lime and chilies, is a national dish. Adventurous eaters may want to try cuy, or roasted guinea pig that’s cooked over an open fire. You can also raise a toast with Peru’s famous pisco, the delicious (and sour) white-grape brandy.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- On your cruise, tipping your waiter, busser, and cabin steward at the end of the voyage is customary if you're pleased with the service. We recommend $15USD to $20USD per traveler per day, to be divided among the crew on the cruise ship.
- Separate tips are recommended for the naturalist guides. We recommend $10USD per traveler per day.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the U.S. dollar in Ecuador (and the Peruvian sol in Peru on the tour extension).
- Please note that U.S. bills in denominations higher than $20 may not be accepted in some areas of Ecuador.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey in Ecuador.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Peru than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Mainland Ecuador (and Peru on the tour extension) is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the same as Eastern Time (ET). Ecuador and Peru do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- The Galápagos Islands are six hours behind GMT, but your cruise ship will operate on Ecuador’s mainland time.
- From November through March, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s noon in Ecuador and Lima on the tour extension. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 11am in Ecuador and 11am in Lima.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics. Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Animal Welfare: Take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart during included tour activities and your free time. Do not touch, do not feed, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Wild animals encountered on tour should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior. If you feel we are not meeting these commitments, please share your feedback with us.
- Animal Welfare: Avoid buying any exploitative wildlife products such as tortoise shell or shark fin soup.
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4.7 out of 5 stars