Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Marvel at the organized chaos that is the Mae Klong Railway Market in Bangkok

Nature & Culture in Thailand: Bangkok to Phuket - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary gives you enough time to enjoy the best of Thailand. First, you'll explore Bangkok, wander through Ayutthaya's ruins, and see the famous Bridge on the River Khwae. Then head north to Chiang Mai, where you'll see elephants and meet local tribespeople, explore the famous Golden Triangle, and wander through spectacular temples. The last leg of your journey will take you to Phuket to explore the surrounding islands by boat, relax on the beach, and watch a Muay Thai fight.

Pass the binoculars to your young explorers as you trek through Guatemalan jungle seeking wildlife

1 Week in Guatemala - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Guatemala, you and your family can take a deep dive into the beauty and culture of Antigua and Lake Atitlán, opting for a highlights tour complete with an El Paredon beach day. For those with young ones eager to learn about Guatemala's history, let their imagination run wild on temples, pyramids, and a wildlife trip that includes two days in Tikal National Park. Or, if you'd like to spend plenty of time in nature, embark on a young explorer's tour and tick off visits to Semuc Champey, Lanquín, and Candelaria.

Spot rare birds like the plate-billed mountain toucan in Mindo's cloud forest

Ecuador's Wildlife, Volcanoes & Rainforests - 12 Days

Bird and nature lovers can observe wildlife like never before on this 12-day trip through the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon. Start in Quito to learn about its rich culture, then head for fresher air in the bird-watching heaven of Mindo's cloud forests, where you'll hike and spot the most elusive feathered creatures in the rainforest. Cross the highlands to hike Cuicocha Lagoon and Cotopaxi National Park, then journey into the rainforest as you explore Archidona's canyons, rivers, and waterfalls.

Drive to Cape Kidnappers for impressive views of the coast and a gannet colony

Ultimate New Zealand East Coast Road Trip: Queensland to Auckland - 13 Days

Embark on a 13-day whirlwind tour of New Zealand's North and South Islands as you follow the east coast. Begin in Queenstown, a southern city known for extreme adventure sports, then make your way up as you visit wine regions like Wanaka and Kaikoura and see glaciers in Aoraki / Mount Cook. Take a ferry to North Island, stopping in Wellington, the capital, before visiting volcanic landscapes and Maori villages in Rotorua. The tour finishes with a tour of Waitomo Caves and Auckland, the country's largest city.

Find your slice of paradise along the Costa Brava

How to Choose the Best Coastal Villages to Visit in the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is dotted with charming and historic coastal villages, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From medieval fortresses to picturesque fishing villages, the Costa Brava has something for everyone who wants to experience authentic Mediterranean life and escape the bustling city. Consider these options when deciding which coastal towns in the Costa Brava are best for you.

Learn about the rich local culture in Sulawesi

Indonesia's South Sulawesi for Families: Tana Toraja, Bira & Makassar - 10 Days

Families seeking an offbeat, culturally-rich adventure in Indonesia will love discovering South Sulawesi, a part of the country that many travelers overlook. Best suited to older kids and teens, this 10-day adventure begins and ends in the city of Makassar as you venture deep into the remote Sulawesi heartland. Along the way, you'll witness fascinating ancient cultures—such as the eerie funeral traditions of the Toraja people—with some of Indonesia's most beautiful rural and coastal landscapes.

How to Choose the Best Medieval Villages to Visit in the Costa Brava

Discover the rich history and culture of the Costa Brava with a visit to one of its charming medieval villages. Each village offers a unique experience that takes you back in time, from fortified castles to quaint cobbled streets.

La Sera walkway and beach in Costa Brava, Spain

How to Choose the Best Beaches in Costa Brava

Costa Brava is home to over 300 miles of coastline, meaning you'll have plenty of beach choices, each offering its own charm and atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a lively scene, complete with restaurants and water sports, or a more peaceful, secluded setting for relaxing and sunbathing, you'll find several options on the Costa Brava.

Cruise through Vietnam's famed Ha Long Bay

Authentic Vietnam - 8 Days

Experience Vietnam like a local with insider tours of its vibrant cities and natural wonders. Explore the backstreets of Hanoi and cycle along the fertile rice paddies of Ninh Binh before cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Then discover Ho Chi Minh City on a Vespa and finish with a speedboat ride along the famous Mekong River.

Enjoy a day trip to Besalú and see it's Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià River

How to Plan Your Trip to the Costa Brava

In northeastern Spain, the Costa Brava offers stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. How you plan your trip can make a significant difference in the quality of your vacation. From the medieval charm of Begur and other towns to the bustling city of Girona and the tranquil fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, there are several options to consider when planning a Costa Brava excursion.

Learn the basics of scuba diving in the Galápagos Islands

Explore the Amazon & Galápagos Islands - 12 Days

Split your time between the Amazon and Galápagos Islands with this adventurous 12-day tour. The trip starts in Ecuador's capital, Quito, where you'll transfer to a lodge in the Amazon, partly by canoe, for several days of guided activities in the rainforest. Then catch a flight to the Galápagos and experience several islands and their unique inhabitants on volcanic land and underwater with a scuba diving course. Spend a day volunteering in a local village on Isla San Cristóbal to round out this distinct itinerary.

Island hop in the Galápagos to see all there is of the landscapes and endemic wildlife

Galápagos Island-Hopping Wildlife Adventure – 11 Days

Sail around the UNESCO-listed Galápagos Islands to spot unique wildlife on this 11-day tour. Visit the top islands in the archipelago, from Santa Cruz and Pinzón to San Cristóbal and Española. Highlights include kayaking among bird-filled mangroves in Tortuga Bay, snorkeling with exotic marine life, and visiting a giant tortoise breeding center. You'll also get to tour the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station.

A Galápagos penguin rests on a lava field outcrop

Galápagos Islands Highlights: Nature & Wildlife - 11 Days

Discover the Galápagos Islands' world-famous nature and wildlife on this 11-day tour. Visit some of the archipelago's top nature sites, from seal-spotted Isla Lobos to the Sierra Negra volcano and the bird-filled mangroves of Tortuga Bay. Along the way, you'll spot rare species of birds, mammals, and reptiles on hikes and snorkeling adventures, visit a tortoise breeding program, and tour the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

Enjoy observing the endearing penguins on Isla Santa Cruz

Explore the Galápagos Islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz & Isabela - 11 Days

Discover the natural wonders of three islands in the Galápagos—San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela—on this 11-day adventure around the archipelago. Highlights along the journey include snorkeling at the iconic Kicker Rock, biking to a historic landmark on Isla Isabela, and hiking at Sierra Negra volcano. Before returning to the mainland, you'll also visit a fourth uninhabited island, home to rare wildlife.

Kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and dive in the Galápagos waters on this adrenaline-pumping itinerary

Galápagos Islands Adrenaline Tour - 12 Days

Get your adrenaline pumping on this 12-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Galápagos Islands. Look out for rare species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and marine creatures as you hike and snorkel your way through the world-famous archipelago. Along the way, you'll kayak among mangroves, go standup paddleboarding, explore pirate caves, and rappel into the depths of the Sierra Negra volcano.

See blue-footed boobies on your adventure in and around Isla Santa Cruz

Galapágos Island Hopping: Isla Santa Cruz - 9 Days

Enjoy the Galápagos Islands while based on Isla Santa Cruz. Explore the island by bike and appreciate the evidence of its volcanic past. Pop over to Isla Floreana for hiking and hear its mysterious history. Venture to untamed, uninhabited islands for swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles and other marine life. Learn about giant Galápagos tortoises and meet them up close. When in doubt, there's always time to laze on the beach or enjoy tropical drinks while watching the sunset.

Observe wildlife as you explore the smaller islands of the Galápagos, like Isla Floreana

Galápagos Small Island Adventures: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Isabela - 9 Days

Get familiar with the small untamed islands of the Galápagos on this nine-day adventure. Discover environment conservation projects in Isla Santa Cruz and get to know giant tortoises and their habitat. Explore smaller islands like Isla Floreana and Isla Pinzón, where you can swim, snorkel along secluded coves, and lounge with sea lions and marine iguanas. Revel in Isla San Cristóbal's diverse landscapes and stunning marine life. Kayak and swim with penguins, sea lions, and rays off Tintoreras Islet.

The Agua volcanoe rises above Antigua's colonial Santa Catalina Arch

Guatemala's Natural Wonders & Local Culture – 9 Days

Explore Guatemala's diverse landscapes on this nine-day tour of its cities, ruins, lakes, and volcanoes. Touch down in vibrant Guatemala City and then escape to Tikal National Park, where you'll discover ancient Maya temples and pyramids. Head on to Lake Atitlán for kayaking and scenic hikes, then tour the UNESCO-listed streets of Antigua. The adventure ends with a day hike to the top of the mighty Pacaya volcano.

A colorful mural in the Lake Atitlán village of San Juan La Laguna

Glimpse of Guatemala: Flores, Lake Atitlán & Antigua - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure will give you a taste of Guatemala's nature, culture, and food. Start off with some fascinating workshops in Guatemala City, then head to Flores to visit the Tikal Maya ruins. Your next stop will be the picturesque Lake Atitlán, where you'll tour local villages by boat. Afterward, get to know historic Antigua as you explore the town on foot, then hike the Pacaya volcano (and even roast marshmallows on its petrified lava). Cap off your adventure with a relaxing hot springs visit.

Enjoy six days of exploring the Galápagos' diving hotspots

Galápagos Diving Adventure - 9 Days

Among the great dive sites in the world, the Galápagos easily ranks among the very best. Over nine days of aquatic adventures, you'll see why on multiple dives around the diverse underwater ecosystems here. During these excursions, you'll swim with tropical fish, sea lions, rays, sea turtles, various species of sharks, and much more.

Sunrise in the Cuchumatanes, Huehuetenango

Hidden Delights of Guatemala: Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango & Lake Atitlán - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure will take you off the beaten path to some of Guatemala's spectacular lesser-known wonders. Enjoy several fascinating workshops in Guatemala City and visit the Maya ruins at Tikal National Park, then head to Huehuetenango for horseback riding or a cenote tour. Move on to Quetzaltenango, where you'll explore traditional villages and visit a hot spring. Next, participate in a Maya spiritual ceremony at Lake Atitlán, before finishing your journey in historic Antigua.

Unspoiled Welsh landscapes in the Brecon Beacons

England & Wales Road Trip: History, Culture & the Great Outdoors - 14 Days

Drive from southern to northern England, taking in Welsh highlights en route, on this scenic two-week road trip through the United Kingdom. You'll start off getting to know London with a food tour and river cruise before heading to the university city of Oxford to go punting. Discover some of England's prettiest spots in the Cotswolds and handsome Bath, cross the border into Wales to see its coast, castles, and rugged national parks, and end your tour in the energetic northern city of Manchester.

Spot plenty of exotic wildlife, including green and orange lava lizards like this one

Best of the Galápagos: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz - 8 Days

See the best of the Galápagos Islands' display of incredible biodiversity. This eight-day itinerary focuses on the "Enchanted Islands" of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, with daily private or small-group tours. Meet giant tortoises, snorkel with sea turtles, kayak among sea lions, and explore beaches of marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. You'll also take a day trip to an uninhabited island to witness a thriving ecosystem untouched by humankind.

Relax on the inviting white-sand beach of Playa Cerro Brujo

Galápagos Islands Highlights - 8 Days

Pack your bags for a brisk eight-day jaunt around a couple of the Galápagos' most famous islands. On Isla San Cristóbal, you'll relax on soft white-sand beaches and go snorkeling at the region's most renowned dive sites. Then, after enjoying nature excursions on uninhabited isles, you'll transfer to Isla Santa Cruz for more boat tours, diving excursions, and wildlife outings.

Explore mysterious Isla Floreana and discover its stone sculptures

Galápagos Island Hopping - 12 Days

Pack your bags for a whirlwind island-hopping tour of the Galápagos Islands, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. You'll visit three different isles, beginning with San Cristóbal, where you'll take boat tours, go snorkeling, and embark on wildlife excursions. Then you're off to Santa Cruz and Isabela for volcano hikes, abseiling, a visit to a coffee farm, and much more.

Meet Galápagos tortoises in the highlands at a breeding center

Peru & the Galápagos Islands - 13 Days

Explore two of the grandest highlights of South America: Peru and the Galápagos Islands. In the former, you'll follow the ancient Incas' footsteps as you tour Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu. Then jet off to the famous Galápagos Islands for eight days of adventures that include wildlife tours, diving excursions, boat trips, uninhabited islets, and much more.

Dive, swim, and snorkel the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands

Galápagos Under the Sea Adventure - 8 Days

Experience the highlights of the Galápagos Islands both above and below the water on this eight-day adventure. It begins on Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll meet the local wildlife on dive tours and at the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. After enjoying kayak and boat tours, hop over to Isla Isabela for snorkeling and wildlife excursions before returning to Santa Cruz for some downtime before heading home.

Swim, kayak, and hike the rugged islands of the Galápagos

Land & Sea of the Galápagos & Guayaquil - 13 Days

Experience the best of the Galápagos Islands by land and sea on this 13-day grand tour. You'll begin in Guayaquil, on mainland Ecuador, before jetting off to the "enchanted islands," where the adventure kicks off with wildlife excursions on Isla Santa Cruz and snorkeling at Kicker Rock. Continue to Isla Isabela, where you'll take boat tours, hike volcanoes, kayak off the coast, and much more.

Kayak to the sea lions or let them come to you on your Galápagos holiday

Active Galapágos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 13 Days

Get ready for 13 days of active excursions and wildlife outings across three major Galápagos Islands. You'll hop around the most popular sites on this volcanic archipelago as you enjoy snorkeling adventures, cycling, and encounters with exotic wildlife. Tour a coffee farm on Isla Santa Cruz, rappel into a dormant volcano on Isla Isabel, and continue to San Cristóbal for more diving, kayaking, and outdoor fun.

Hop between three islands in the Galápagos

Complete Galápagos & Quito - 12 Days

Discover the best of the Ecuadorian capital before jetting off to the Galápagos Islands during this complete 12-day adventure. Explore Quito by bike and eat your way through its markets and signature dishes. Then fly to Isla Santa Cruz to learn about giant tortoises, observe unique wildlife on an uninhabited island, and pose with marine iguanas along Tortuga Bay. Bike and kayak on Isla Isabela, followed by snorkeling and paddleboarding off Isla San Cristóbal's rugged coastline.

See red-bellied frigatebirds on a visit to Las Tijeretas Hill

Galápagos Islands Highlights: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela & Isla San Cristóbal - 11 Days

Explore the many facets of the Galápagos Islands during this 11-day trip that focuses on three key islands. Start on Isla Santa Cruz to mingle with giant tortoises and kayak with lighthearted sea lions. Explore Isla Santa Cruz by bike before a wildlife tour of Isla Isabela. Hike Sierra Negra volcano and snorkel near Los Túneles. Witness the wildlife at Isla Isabela's wetlands before speedboating to Isla San Cristóbal for sun, swimming, and fun.

Spot diverse wildlife, like playful (and napping) sea lions on your rugged Galápagos adventure

Rugged Galápagos Islands Adventure: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 6 Days

Spend six days in the Galápagos Islands to enjoy all its natural beauty. Start on Isla Santa Cruz to learn about its star resident, the giant Galápagos tortoise. Island hop to Isla Isabela to go snorkeling at Los Túneles for breathtaking rock formations. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano to witness its stunning lava landscapes. Lounge on lava rocks as you rub shoulders with sea lions at Tintoreras Islet. Explore Puerto Villamil by standup paddleboard before lazing on nearby sandy beaches.

Admire the wildlife characters you happen upon on your island hopping Galápagos adventure

Best of the Galápagos: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz - 6 Days

Explore the Galápagos by land and sea with this quick trip that focuses on the archipelago's endemic wildlife. Start on Isla San Cristóbal to go bird-watching and snorkel near iconic Kicker Rock, then cruise around the island by boat to enjoy secluded sandy beaches and observe marine life. Hop over to Isla Santa Cruz next to mingle with giant tortoises and witness remarkable biodiversity on a day trip to an uninhabited island.

Cruise to Kicker Rock off the shores of Isla San Cristóbal for excellent snorkeling

Galápagos Island Hopping: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz- 11 Days

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galápagos on this 11-day itinerary, where you'll discover endemic wildlife as you speedboat between two major islands. Start on Isla San Cristóbal to spot rare birds, snorkel alongside tropical fish, and relax on beautiful sandy beaches. Pose with marine iguanas on a day trip to Isla Española, then hop over to Isla Santa Cruz to mingle with giant Galápagos tortoises in the highlands and explore Tortuga Bay by kayak.

Marine iguanas pause for their close-up on Tortuga Bay Beach

Gems of the Galápagos Islands & Quito: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Your eight-day holiday begins in Ecuador's capital, Quito, where you'll get a dose of culture as you visit its key landmarks. Next, jet off to Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands to observe giant tortoises and various bird species. Take speedboat rides as you island-hop with grand ocean views, and go snorkeling off Isla Isabela to spot penguins and whitetip sharks. Finally, laze on the beach alongside playful sea lions and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Settle into island life on the beaches of Isla San Cristóbal amid the fur seals at Punta Carola

Island Life in the Galápagos: Quito, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz - 6 Days

Get the full experience of exploring the Galápagos Islands on this compact six-day tour. Enjoy a dose of culture as you discover Quito and its history. Then it's off to the islands, where you'll start in San Cristóbal and visit its Interpretation Center. Linger on the beach and get close to marine life as you snorkel near Isla Española. Meet the giant tortoises at the Santa Cruz highlands to learn about these fascinating creatures. Fully enjoy the beach life on an uninhabited island with great views.

Spot 10-legged, brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs against the black lava rock of the Galápagos

Galápagos Islands in Darwin's Footsteps: Quito, Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Soak up a little culture in Ecuador's capital before heading to the Galápagos Islands and enjoying all the wild archipelago has to offer. Start in Quito, where you'll visit key colonial highlights; then, it's off to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll mingle with and learn about giant tortoises. Explore uninhabited islands and rub shoulders with blue-footed boobies before hiking Sierra Negra volcano and snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking near Las Tintoreras and Garrapatero Beach.

Hike through prickly pear forests to reach Tortuga Bay

Jewels of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Enjoy a week-long escape from civilization as you explore the Galápagos Islands. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station and learn all there is to know about giant tortoises and their conservation. Explore an uninhabited island and snorkel to discover an underwater world where you'll swim with fish and sea turtles. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano and bike along the coast of Isla Isabela. Learn about the islands' coffee and enjoy the sea breezes of Tortuga Bay.

Snorkel, surf, or lie out on the white sands of Isla San Cristóbal's Puerto Chino Beach

Highlights of the Galápagos: Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Santa Cruz - 9 Days

Experience the natural wonders of the Galápagos on this nine-day journey. Begin on Isla San Cristóbal. There, you'll spot colorful frigatebirds, sea lions, turtles, and marine life, as you go hiking on Tijeretas Hill, enjoy snorkeling at Kicker Rock, visit nearby Isla Española, and explore local beaches. Try standup paddleboarding and visit a crater lake, then transfer to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises, watch for wildlife on an uninhabited island, and enjoy more spectacular snorkeling and beaches.

Meet Galápagos sea lions on your Galápagos island adventures

Galápagos Wildlife Encounter - 12 Days

Encounter epic wildlife on the Galápagos Islands during this 12-day tour. Hop around the UNESCO-listed archipelago, spotting exotic species of birds, reptiles, and sea creatures, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. You'll visit tortoise breeding centers, hike through uninhabited islands, and tour the Charles Darwin Research Station. There's plenty of time for watery adventures too, from standup paddleboarding to snorkeling with rays, sharks, and sea lions.

Sunset along the waterfront on Isla San Cristóbal

Galápagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 8 Days

On this eight-day trip, get to know the unique and extraordinary wildlife of three Galápagos islands. You'll begin on Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises, go kayaking, and tour the island's scenic bays. Then head to Isla Isabela for snorkeling, a volcano hike, and more wildlife spotting. Finish your journey in Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy more snorkeling, and keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays.

Day trip to Isla Floreana from Santa Cruz in the Galápagos

History & Adventure in the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

This 11-day journey around the Galápagos Islands offers a mix of cultural history and outdoor adventure. Begin the trip by encountering giant tortoises and learning about the archipelago's past. Then kayak in Tortuga Bay, hike around Sierra Negro volcano, and hear the legends of Isla Floreana. Finish the tour on Isla San Cristóbal with an unforgettable dinner by the sea.

Discover the Galápagos island of Santa Cruz, starting with Puerto Ayora

Highlights of Quito & Isla Santa Cruz - 9 Days

On this exciting nine-day trip, you'll discover some highlights of mainland Ecuador in Quito and Otavalo before departing for Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands. Spend the next five days taking in the island's unique flora and fauna. You'll visit a coffee farm, go kayaking, explore uninhabited islands, visit a tortoise breeding center, and get to know Santa Cruz's beaches and bays. Finally, return to Quito and enjoy one last tour of the city.

Enjoy a morning in the inviting waters of Tortuga Bay, Isla Santa Cruz

Best of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 9 Days

Explore the stunning Galápagos archipelago with this nine-day itinerary. Begin in Isla Santa Cruz and visit a research station to see giant tortoises, then head to an uninhabited island. Go kayaking, learn how coffee is made at an organic coffee farm, and take a day trip to a nearby island before transferring to Isla Isabela for snorkeling, volcano hiking, and biking. Keeping an eye out for the islands' unique flora and fauna along the way, you'll return to Isla Santa Cruz for one last beach visit before your departure.

Travel at your own pace and make as many swim stops as you'd like

Southern & Eastern Australia Road Trip - 15 Days

Enjoy an epic 15-day road trip to the most incredible cities, towns, and landmarks throughout the south and east of Australia. It starts in Melbourne, the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, and from there you'll drive north, stopping at wildlife reserves and coastal towns along the way. In Sydney, you'll hit the highlights before continuing to gorgeous beach areas like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

Explore red rock and desert landscapes in Australia's Northern Territory

Self-Guided Australia Adventure: Sydney & Northern Territory - 12 Days

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this exciting 12-day itinerary highlighting a lesser-explored area of Australia. But first, you'll start with two days in Sydney, checking off famous attractions like the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. From there, fly to the tropical city of Darwin in the Northern Territory to begin a self-guided road trip through national parks and stunning gorges while partaking in fishing, hiking, and swimming in crocodile-free waterfalls.

Hike to the crater rim of Sierra Negra on Isla Isabela

Outdoor Adventures in Guayaquil & Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

This 11-day journey around Guayaquil and the Galapágos Islands is packed with outdoor activities and wildlife experiences. Start in Ecuador's largest city, touring Guayaquil before catching a flight to the Galápagos archipelago. You'll island-hop by boat, snorkel around incredible rock formations, hike to a crater volcano, and see giant tortoises up close. Head back to the mainland for the final night of the trip.

Enjoy a day in Guayaquil before you set off on your Galápagos Island adventure

Discover Peru & the Galápagos Islands - 15 Days

See the best of Peru and the Galápagos Islands on this epic 15-day adventure. Spend the first week exploring Lima's coastline, the charming streets of Cusco, the famous Machu Picchu, and the Inca monuments of the Sacred Valley. Then fly to Ecuador, where you'll have a day in colorful Guayaquil before continuing to the Galápagos for a week of hiking, snorkeling, boating, and wildlife spotting.

Discover landmarks like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in colonial Cuenca

15 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in Ecuador, you can visit 5-10 destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights on the Discover Ecuador or the Andes & Galápagos Islands tour. Groups will appreciate the range of activities, including surfing in Montañita and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve hikes, on the Pacific Coast to the Andes & Amazon tour, while outdoorsy travelers will enjoy exploring national parks on Uncover Ecuador. Meanwhile, ambitious travelers will love the fast pace and variety of the Grand Ecuadorian Adventure.

Spend time discovering the endemic wildlife on the edge of civilization in the Amazon's Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

13 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 13 days in Ecuador, you can cover a lot of the country. Most itineraries begin in Quito and head south to Cotopaxi, Baños, and Cuenca. Then, from Guayaquil, fly to the Galápagos to island hop and observe endemic species. Consider focusing on national parks and volcanoes or spending more time in the Amazon rainforest. Head west to explore Mindo's cloud forest, south to the Pacific coast of Ayampe to observe birds and marine life, or immerse yourself in the culture of Andean towns.

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