Welcome to Ecuador!
Ecuador, your host country, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s truly unique, with four different and spectacular regions: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands.
These distinct worlds offer a mind-boggling experience. The Galápagos Islands are like the living laboratory of Darwin's theory of evolution. It's no wonder that 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are native to only these islands.
You can immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem it offers. We will hike, snorkel, and boat across the archipelago as we get to know the wildlife, locals, and beautiful landscapes.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 4:00 pm.
Please book your arrival flight a few hours before this time.
Arrival time is not mandatory but guarantees the included group transportation.
Finish: The trip ends at Mariscal Sucre after Airport (UIO) at 7:00 pm.
Please book your departure flight a few hours after this time.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration; please wait for further instructions before booking your flight.
(Please note that there will be a short layover in Guayaquil, normally about 30 minutes, and you do not have to exit the plane.)
Book with confidence: it's free to switch your trip more than 60 days out.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Ecuador, a 200 USD cash fee to enter the Galapagos Islands, a 20 USD Galapagos Transit Control Card, and a 10 USD cash fee to enter Isabela Island.
-Tour the colonial city of Quito
-Visit three different Galápagos Islands
-Get close to giant tortoises in their natural environment
-Snorkel among brilliant wildlife
-Swim with penguins, sea turtles, sharks & more
-Eat fresh seafood out of the Pacific
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other group members. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Some even make plans to stay together in a location after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll become an official U30X Alumni and part of our large online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We regularly host meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While we plan to adhere to the planned itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it. At times, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximate only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan to participate in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please read your plan’s coverage carefully and choose based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least 1% of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.
We also receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Our cancellation policy is flexible.
If you give us at least 60 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover some of your expenses.
We cannot transfer trips or hold Experience Credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
Moreover, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is a great way to show your appreciation. Though it may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. Thus, if you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Please be eco-friendly
For your luggage, we recommend a travel backpack or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A small day pack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Since space on transportation is limited, you can only bring one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Necessary Packing List
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Ensure you have an updated passport with you, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for more details..
Ensure your passport is not damaged. Conditions that may constitute damage and require you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Tap water in Ecuador is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Quito and Galápagos beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regard to physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Ecuador from the USA, but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating against Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
If you are traveling from South America you will be required to present proof of Yellow Fever Vaccine.
Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Latin America. Please protect yourself by covering exposed skin and using mosquito repellent.
Please be aware that we are often in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons, our Trip Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug, including headache tablets and antibiotics.
More specific health information for travelers to Ecuador can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. Keeping a photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
US Citizens, please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program,” which can contact your family in case of emergency.
The weather in Quito is mild, ranging between 48 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightweight clothing during the day and sweaters or jackets at night are recommended.
On the coast, including the Galápagos Islands, the weather is warm with an average temperature of around 87 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 degrees Celsius. For cooler nights, we recommend wearing light clothing, comfortable and water-resistant shoes, and a sweater or jacket. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses, a hat, bug repellent, and plenty of sunscreen.
Ecuadorian culture is a blend of indigenous practices and European colonial influence. Spanish is the official language, but as tourism grows, you can occasionally find English speakers. In the highlands, Quechua, the ancient Incan language, is spoken by some. Popular leisure activities in Ecuador include soccer and dancing, with various music genres like salsa, bachata, and merengue being Ecuadorians’ favorites.
Key Phrases
Tipping Customs
While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated, especially when you have received great service. You can tip in the local currency (USD) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities are not part of your itinerary, and we don’t guarantee their safety or the quality standard of the operators running them. Please use your own judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and is grounds for immediate removal!
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Always prioritize your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.
Travel exposes you to new cultures. When experiencing a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life. Thus, try to understand and respect these differences.
Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Also, stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason. They want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may lead to removal from your trip with no refund.
Recommended Activities in Quito:
Recommended hotels in Quito:
To avoid missing out on special offers and community updates from Under30Experiences, get our newsletter here.
U30X is such an amazing travel community. Once your trip is over, the experience is not. They keep in touch with their alumni & provide platforms for travel questions, personal development, & community connections in your own backyard! If you're a young person looking to travel I highly recommend U30X!
There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!
Traveling with U30X has been life changing for me. I've made lifelong friends with both travelers and staff. I can't come up with enough good things to say about the company, the people, and the experiences I've had!
Just returned from my second trip with Under30Experiences. My first trip was to the Costa Rica rainforest. My most recent trip was to Iceland. Both trips were such an amazing experience. I loved learning about Iceland and its origins. I enjoy the small groups and I made some great new friends! Recommend them for anyone wanting to travel alone or with a couple of friends.
I was so scared to travel abroad alone and then I came across their website and they made international travel so easy! And the people I’ve met on the trips are some amazing individuals! I’ve done 6 of their trips and plan on continuing to do even more!!
My Hike the Inca Trail trip was beyond amazing, and I couldn't have asked for anything more from a trip. Our leaders made us all feel instantly comfortable, and the group was fantastic. The trip was well planned and the hike was unforgettable. Memories to last a lifetime.
® 2012-2024 Under30Experiences.
All rights reserved.
“Under30Experiences,” “U30X” & all associated proprietary marks are trademarks of Shadow Concepts LLC & its related entities.
Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
