Copy My Trip: Exploring Ecuador and the Galápagos with Elsewhere

17.06.2024 - 20:25 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Lonely Planet writer, Chamidae Ford, just returned from a 10-day adventure through Ecuador with the help of Elsewhere. Here, she shares a killer first-timer itinerary and tips for experiencing the most of this varied destination.

Elsewhere by Lonely Planet is a planning service that connects travelers with locally based experts who craft and book personalized travel itineraries. My mom and I used it to arrange our recent 10-day visit to Ecuador. Living on opposite coasts of the US, I have to say, this has been my favorite meeting point so far. From Quito to the Galápagos Islands to Cotopaxi, we experienced some of the country's most beautiful sights.

We touched down in Quito, where we spent two nights. This mountainous city was the perfect introduction to Ecuador. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, I had never seen heights so high or mountain peaks devoid of snow. Led by our exceptional on-the-ground tour guide, Santiago, we climbed to the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional and watched the Virgin Mary look over Quito's rolling hills. 

In the Galápagos, we learned that wildlife runs the town — from sea lions jumping into your boat for their afternoon nap to the evening swarm of pelicans when the fishers return from a day on the water. We spent our five days there dodging the lizards and crabs weaving between our feet and watching cars wait for iguanas to cross the street on their way to the beach. I hadn't anticipated the way nature is woven so visibly into daily life.

We finished our visit with three days in the Andes Mountains at El Hacienda Provenir. This multigenerational, family-run hacienda acts as an oasis in the heart of four surrounding volcanoes. We rode horses, relaxed at the spa, braved a ropes course, and planted trees to support local conservation efforts.

We booked everything in advance with the help of Maria Augusta, an Ecuador-based travel expert at Elsewhere. She spoke with us after we made our trip request to gauge what kind of travelers we are and what we were hoping to do and see. She went on to craft an unforgettable itinerary that balanced what my mom and I wanted from our trip. With plans in place for each day and all of our transfers organized, all we had to do was be ready on time for pick-up, making it the most carefree travel experience I ever had. 

Let me be clear: I have snorkeled many times, but never like this. Seeing colorful fish up close is one thing, but the Galápagos’ extensive wildlife takes it to a whole new level.

We snorkeled around Tintoreras, an islet off the coast of Isabela Island. Wearing fins and goggles we watched sea lions zip past, twirling in the water. You can’t help but laugh at these playful and mischievous creatures. 

Penguin