Group Trip · Ecuador
Gay Group Trip: 8 Days in Ecuador & the Galapagos
Fixed departures
Dates and itinerary set, organised end to end. Tailor-made available too.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Enjoy eight days in Ecuador's highlands and the Galápagos archipelago, designed for LGBTQ+ travelers who want the real thing. Start in Quito at 9,350 feet where the colonial center sprawls beneath Cotopaxi volcano.
You'll stand at the Equator, explore centuries-old Spanish architecture, then fly out to a private yacht that carries just 16 passengers through some of the world's most remote islands.
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This isn't a floating resort or a crowded tour boat. Your naturalist guide chooses landing sites based on wildlife behavior and crowd patterns, not convenience.
You'll snorkel with Galápagos penguins on Fernandina, hike volcanic rims on Isabela past sun-bathing marine iguanas, and watch albatrosses on Española that rarely see humans. The channels around these islands concentrate hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, and sea lions that don't flee at first sight.
Day by day
Group departures follow a set route so everyone travels together. The nights and the order are fixed, but your specialist can add time either side. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1 - Quito
On the first day of your journey, arrive in Quito, a captivating capital set high in the Andes where colonial charm meets panoramic mountain views. You will have time to unwind, adjust to the altitude and connect with fellow travellers. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Ecuadorian flavours, offering a relaxed introduction to the days ahead. With its rich heritage and crisp mountain air, Quito is the perfect setting to begin this epic adventure.
Day 2 - Mitad del Mundo and Quito
Today offers a beautifully guided introduction to Quito and beyond. Explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, ride the Teleférico up Pichincha Volcano for panoramic Andean views, and stand at the Equator in Mitad del Mundo. After a morning of culture, scenery and discovery, return to Quito to unwind before your Galápagos adventure begins.
Day 3 - The Galapagos: Isla Santa Cruz
Today, you will leave the Andes behind as you fly from Quito to the iconic Galápagos Islands. Landing on Isla Santa Cruz, begin with a journey into the lush highlands, where volcanic tunnels and native wildlife await. Walk through ancient lava formations, enjoy lunch surrounded by unique birdlife, and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, head to the port and board your stylish small ship, your home for the next few days, with time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 4 - The Galapagos: Isla Espanola
Today begins with breakfast on board before landing at Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach home to a lively sea lion colony. Enjoy the chance to swim or snorkel alongside these playful creatures and spot curious Española mockingbirds along the shore. In the afternoon, visit Suarez Point, one of the Galápagos’ most remarkable wildlife sites.
Walk among blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and observe the world’s largest colony of waved albatrosses in their natural habitat. A dramatic blowhole adds to the spectacle, sending sea spray into the air as waves crash below. Between excursions, return to the ship for lunch and rest. As evening falls, take in the sunset from the deck and enjoy dinner at sea.
Day 5 - The Galapagos: Isla Santa Fe and Isla Plaza Sur
Begin your day with breakfast on board, anchored off the scenic coast of Santa Fé Island. Choose between a hike to a panoramic cliff-top viewpoint or a gentle walk through a forest of giant prickly pear cacti. Keep an eye out for unique species such as land iguanas and the towering Opuntia cacti. After the morning excursion, return to the ship for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, explore South Plaza Island, known for its vivid red and yellow iguanas, colourful ground cover and a large sea lion colony. As the day ends, enjoy dinner on board and a peaceful night at sea.
Day 6-8 - The Galapagos: Isla Santiago, Isla Santa Cruz & Quito
Today begins with a visit to Isla Santiago, where volcanic landscapes reveal a striking history shaped by ancient lava flows. Walk along the coast to explore tide pools filled with marine life and spot fur seals resting on the rocks. In the afternoon, continue to Isla Santa Cruz and travel into the highlands to visit a reserve where giant tortoises roam freely. Observing these iconic creatures in their natural habitat offers a quiet moment of reflection and a memorable connection to the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos.
You will then fly back to Quito on day seven.
Today marks the end of your journey, with departures available at any time. If you have extra hours, consider exploring Otavalo’s market or visiting nearby natural spots like Peguche Waterfall or Cuicocha Lake.
Departures
Prices are per person sharing. A single supplement applies to solo travellers and your specialist will confirm it with your quote.
Further information
Your Options
This journey is available in two beautifully curated styles. Choose to explore the Galápagos aboard an elegant yacht, waking each day in a new location, or opt for a land-based itinerary, staying in handpicked island accommodations throughout.
Each version offers a distinct departure dates to suit your travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Speak To Us About This Group Trip
Tell us which departure interests you and one of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will confirm availability and talk you through the trip, including any tailor-made extensions you would like to add before or after the group dates.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.