Welcome! I’m so very glad you landed on this page and are considering this special trip. In general, every trip we lead is focused on two main experiences: the best sightseeing in the country and connecting with women.
Our love of sightseeing means an itinerary that is as full of local culture as we can fit into an intimate, fun, and experiential trip. We want to see everything that is well-known in that country, when we can, and we also want to make sure there are some small and special experiences that leave us touched and connected with that country in surprising ways! We want to see the “must-sees,” but it’s also crucial to us to get off the beaten track and really connect with locals and their lives. To support that, we want all of our travel to live up to the highest standards of sustainability and ethical travel, so we place special emphasis on meeting the locals, supporting their causes, and making sure we frequent their businesses/hotels/restaurants to ensure our money is reinvested back into those who live wherever we visit. Plus, we've got our eye on adding the "little things" that really make a trip feel special: making your own perfume scent at a perfumeria, visiting a local spa, arranging for beautiful walks and hikes, attending rooftop concerts, sampling artisan chocolate, etc.
And when it comes to connecting with women, every trip is first and foremost about us supporting and connecting with the other women in our group, but is also about us connecting with women in our destination country. We will have a female guide and put special emphasis on meeting local women—learning about the causes that most affect them, being inspired by the contributions they’re making in their communities, and hearing about what life is like for women in their country. To that end, we will inevitably visit a couple of nonprofits that serve women, shop at co-ops to buy handiwork made by women, and have opportunities to interview local women. Our hope is that you feel more connected to women around the world and also feel like you made new friends!
So if you love travel and want an incredibly special curated trip with a group of amazing women you're invited to join us! xoxo
Ecuador is an adventurer’s dream, offering a vibrant mix of culture, history, and some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty on Earth. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and the iconic Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is packed with unforgettable experiences. Known as the “Middle of the World,” it’s the only place where you can stand with one foot in both the northern and southern hemispheres. As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Ecuador boasts incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich indigenous and colonial history. Whether it’s exploring ancient Incan ruins, wandering colorful markets, or strolling through Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this trip promises adventure, culture, and lasting memories.
Our 11-day/10-night TravelCircle adventure focuses on the magical Galapagos Islands, where we’ll spend 6 days snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and boating through one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. As the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos offer you the chance to witness species found nowhere else on Earth—like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies—in their natural habitat. Whether you’re swimming with sea lions or hiking volcanic craters, the wildlife and scenery are second to none.
Before and after the Galapagos, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Quito, one of Latin America’s most beautifully preserved cities. You’ll stand on the equator, explore historic Old Quito, visit the legendary Otavalo market, and connect with locals to learn more about Ecuador’s indigenous peoples. It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, and connection to locals.
If you love fun activities, breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a dash of history, this trip is for you! Plus, with our carefully planned day trips, you’ll enjoy all the adventure without constantly packing up, giving you a more relaxed and settled vacation.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Visit the Equator on a tour of the Middle of the World Monument and stand on the divide of the northern and southern hemisphere
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Enjoy a guided walking tour of Old Quito and view major colonial sites
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Connect with local women through a women’s panel, featuring a Superior Court Judge and youth speaker
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Shop around South America’s largest market
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Enjoy an easy hike around the Peguche waterfalls, a sacred place in the culture of the indigenous people of Octavalo
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Experience a water purification ceremony with a local Kichwa Curandero/ Shaman
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Adventure to one of the best snorkel sites in the Galapagos
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Visit sea turtle nesting sites
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Boat to the island of Isabella, a volcanically active island famous for its wildlife
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Get up close to giant tortoises during a hike through the Galapagos mangroves
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Experience a hike around the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world
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Kayak through the Bay of Puerto Villamil and observe penguins, sea iguanas, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and more
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Snorkel and explore Concha Perla and swim with fish and sea lions
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Relax on the island of Santa Cruz and explore lava tubes and tunnels
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Visit the Charles Darwin Research Institute and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts in the Galapagos
YOUR TRAVELCIRCLE COMMITMENT:
Hey beautiful traveler! Before you pack your bags and your big, brave heart, here’s what you’re saying yes to when you say yes to a TravelCircle adventure. These trips are magic — but they only work when we’re all on the same page about how we show up for ourselves, each other, and the journey.
Think of this as your warm, heartfelt handshake with the circle: I’m in!
Physical Expectations
Our trips aren’t boot camps — but they are active adventures.
You can expect:
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Standing for up to an hour or two on guided tours.
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Walking several miles at a comfortable pace — think city streets, cobblestone alleys, or short scenic trails.
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Climbing in and out of buses, boats, or local transport.
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Weather that might include sun, heat, wind, rain, or all of the above in one day.
If your body’s ready and able to keep up with these activities — wonderful! If you need accommodations or aren’t sure, let’s chat before you book so we can help you decide if this is the right fit.
Relational Expectations
We don’t just travel to see the world — we travel to see each other.
TravelCircles are built on connection. We believe that the real souvenirs are the friendships we carry home. So while you don’t have to become everyone’s new BFF, you do need to come ready to:
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Share stories, laughter, meals — and maybe a tear or two.
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Be open to conversation and curiosity.
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Respect everyone’s space, while also leaning in to connect.
If you’d rather travel solo or keep to yourself, that’s totally valid — but this probably isn’t the right circle for you. We’re here to build memories together.
Travel Style Expectations
We are not Rick Steves. We are not Rhodes Scholars. We don’t run the same cookie-cutter itinerary for the 84th time this season. We are TravelCircles: we craft one-of-a-kind trips with unique experiences, local surprises, and beautiful detours. This means:
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Flexibility is our secret sauce. Plans might shift. A street festival might pop up. A local might invite us into their garden for tea. We’ll say yes! when it feels right.
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We’re organized and intentional — but not rigid.
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If you need every moment to run like clockwork… you might find us a little too delightfully spontaneous.
We promise you’ll feel taken care of — just pack your flexibility along with your passport!
Attitude & Energy Expectations
Here’s the truth: we can plan the most beautiful itinerary in the world — but how we travel together has the greatest impact on whether this becomes one of the best trips of your life… or just another getaway.
Travel is full of surprises — a sudden downpour, a late bus, a menu that’s not quite what we expected. Things won’t always go perfectly (that’s part of the adventure!). But how each of us responds? That’s the magic-maker or the deal-breaker. Our travelers tell us, time and again, that the quickest way to drain the joy from a group is complaining. So in this circle, we:
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Catch ourselves before we slip into constant grumbling.
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Pivot to curiosity, flexibility, or humor instead — together.
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Remember we’re all co-creating this vibe: every kindness, every laugh, every “let’s roll with it” makes the trip brighter for everyone.
If you know you like to process by venting, or tend to dwell on the hiccups — that’s human, but this might not be the best match for that style. We don’t do perfection. We do presence, perspective, and shared adventure.
Our attitude is the secret ingredient — let’s protect it together.
Ready to Circle Up?
If you’re reading this and thinking yes, yes, yes! — welcome in! We can’t wait to explore, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Got questions? Let’s chat — we want you to feel excited and clear before you commit.
Your next adventure — and your next circle — is waiting. ✈️💛✨
We are a proud partner of Altruvistas, the socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that is organizing all our details. We are thrilled to have Malia and her team overseeing our trips to ensure that our itinerary is as authentic of an experience as possible while making sure that our money is spent in an eco and socially-conscious way. Malia and her team will work with you one-on-one to make sure you are all ready for our amazing adventures.
If you have questions about this trip, please email malia@altruvistas.com