Self-Drive Ecuador Exploration & Galapagos Island Hopping
Your own guide, your own vehicle, and an itinerary shaped entirely around you.
15 Days / 14 Nights Up to 56 Guests Free Itinerary Changes Local Expert Guide
Home/Tours/Self-Drive Ecuador Exploration & Galapagos Island Hopping
About This Tour
A guided start in Quito, a week of self-drive exploration through the Andes, Amazon-edge, and southern colonial cities, then five days island-hopping the Galapagos. Adapted from a self-drive itinerary — the original trip includes seven days of rental car self-drive across mainland Ecuador. Voyzo runs this route with your own private driver and vehicle instead, so you can enjoy the scenery without navigating mountain roads yourself. The whole trip stays within Ecuador, mainland and Galapagos.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A private guide, driver, and vehicle for the entire trip, with hotels pre-arranged at every overnight stop — the pace and any optional stops can still be shaped around your group.
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Arrival
Arrival pickup at Quito's international airport.
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Day 1 — Quito
Airport arrival and hotel transfer.
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Day 2 — Quito
A UNESCO heritage walking tour, colonial sites, and Mitad del Mundo.
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Day 3 — Quito
Free exploration of Quito, Otavalo, or Cotopaxi with your private vehicle and driver.
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Day 4 — Quito to Ahuano
Papallacta thermal springs, then arrival in the Amazon via motorized canoe.
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Day 5 — Ahuano
Amazon exploration with a local guide, including wildlife and river activities.
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Day 6 — Ahuano to Riobamba
A visit to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, then arrival in Riobamba.
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Day 7 — Riobamba to Cuenca
The Church of Balbanera and the Ingapirca archaeological site.
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Day 8 — Cuenca
A walking tour of the UNESCO historic centre and the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures.
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Day 9 — Cuenca to Guayaquil
El Cajas National Park, a hacienda lunch, and a cocoa-making demonstration.
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Day 10 — Guayaquil to Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
A flight to the Galapagos, a giant tortoise ranch visit, and lava tunnel exploration.
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Day 11 — Bartolomé Island
Volcanic landscape exploration, the Pinnacle Rock summit hike, and snorkeling.
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Day 12 — Puerto Ayora
A free day, with an optional full-day Tortuga Bay excursion.
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Day 13 — Santa Fe Island
Island exploration, birdwatching, and the Playa Escondida beach.
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Day 14 — Puerto Ayora
A free day, with an optional visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
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Day 15 — Puerto Ayora
Breakfast and airport transfer for your departure flight.
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Departure
The trip ends in Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, with an airport transfer for your departure flight.
What's Included
A private vehicle and driver, just for your group
A professional, knowledgeable local guide
Hotels and transport arranged for every day of the trip
Pacing and optional stops shaped around your group
All tolls, parking, and fuel
What's Not Included
Attraction admission tickets, unless noted as included
Meals and snacks
Gratuities for your guide or driver
Personal expenses
Why Book a Private Tour With Voyzo?
Your group only — never combined with strangers
Crowded 50+ seat group buses
Fully custom stops, built around you
A fixed script with no flexibility
Door-to-door pickup, wherever you're staying
Meeting at a fixed public meeting point
Direct, transparent pricing — no marketplace markup
Third-party booking fees
Important Information
Know Before You Book
Group size can range from 1 to 56 guests — we match the vehicle to your party.
Pricing depends on group size, vehicle, and tour length, and is confirmed after your quote request.
Tour duration is flexible — the times shown are a typical starting point.
Know Before You Go
We'll confirm your exact pickup time and vehicle details after booking.
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers.
Your arrival flight details are required to confirm the itinerary.
Special Requests
Mobility needs, dietary notes, or accessibility requirements? Let us know when requesting your quote and we'll arrange accordingly.
Traveling with young children or larger groups — just tell us, and we'll recommend the right vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — this itinerary is adapted from a self-drive rental-car route. Voyzo runs the same days and stops with your own private driver and vehicle instead, so the mainland leg is fully chauffeured.
Once you fly to Puerto Ayora on Day 10, the trip switches to island-based excursions by boat and on foot with a naturalist guide, since there's no driving involved in the islands.
Day 3 in Quito is intentionally open — you can choose between more time in the city, an Otavalo market visit, or a Cotopaxi day trip.
Accommodation, select meals, guided excursions, and admission fees; the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and international/domestic flights are not included.
Once your quote is accepted, we'll confirm your exact pickup time, vehicle, and driver details by email ahead of your tour date.
Yes — reach out to our team any time before your tour and we'll do our best to accommodate itinerary or schedule changes.
Not quite what you're looking for?
Every Voyzo tour is a starting point — tell us what you have in mind and we'll build it.