Luxury Galapagos & Ecuador Tailor Made Holiday

Day 1: Arrival in Quito – Casa Gangotena

Arrival transfer into the heart of Quito, staying at the stunning Relais & Chateaux Casa Gangotena. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies on the slopes of the Andes’ mighty Pichincha volcano in the Guayllabamba river basin. The city’s Old Town is its main attraction – one of the most well preserved in Latin America and the first-ever UNESCO heritage site. Wander among ancient, colourful streets; pop into glorious historic churches; or spend an afternoon browsing the vibrant Mercado (markets) and learning about the unique, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture. Numerous gorgeous public parks and a thriving and exciting culinary scene complete the package.

Day 2: A Taste of Old Town Quito – Culinary and Cultural Tour

Experience a culinary journey through Quito, tasting its most popular flavors and traditions with our Taste of Old Town Quito tour. This full-day tour takes you to the most iconic food spots and cultural experiences, perfectly showcasing the heritage of the city, with a focus on Ecuadorian cuisine.

Day 3: Wild Cotopaxi – Volcano and Hacienda Exploration

Wild Cotapaxi. Embark on an incomparable full day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Cotopaxi. Encounter one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, explore an hacienda with a history that dates back six centuries, and enjoy a unique vodka tasting afternoon.

Day 4: Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve – Into the Cloud Forest

Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve Located in the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve stands out as a unique and extraordinary destination. Encompassing an expansive area of 2800 hectares, this reserve encompasses both cloud forest and rainforest, contributing to the globally-significant Choco biodiversity hotspot. Recognised as one of the most important eco-lodges in Ecuador, this immersive and active experiencce really is something special.

Day 5: Mashpi Lodge – Tailored Adventures and Relaxation

Mashpi Lodge does not have a set programme and the expert guides will organise the day around your preferences. You could start at sunrise on the panoramic terrace, watching -and hearing- a flock of birds flying around the lodge. After breakfast, you can walk to a waterfall, bathe in the dramatic water jet, and then head to the Hummingbird Garden. Another option is to discover the wonderful butterflies at the Life Center. After lunch, you can cycle between two points in the forest about 200m apart on the Aerial Bike, followed by reaching and climbing the Observation Tower to enjoy the Reserve in its entirety and watch the sun set behind the mountains and clouds…

Day 6: Puembo – Rest at La Palma Polo Club

Puembo Depart the cloud forest and return to a pleasant suburb of Quito for a relaxing night at La Palma Polo Club

Day 7: Galapagos Adventure – South Plaza Island

This morning, take the early flight to Baltra Island where your Galapagos adventure will begin onboard the beautiful midsize yacht, La Pinta. Launch straight into your adventure with a short hike with your resident biologists on South Plaza island. This stunning island offers a perfect introduction to the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos archipelago.

Day 8: Santa Fe Island – Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat

Explore Santa Fe Island, part of the “Humboldt quartet” of islands in the Galapagos. It’s a hotspot for genetic diversity and home to unique species like the Galapagos hawk and the elusive Santa Fe land iguana. Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and coastal exploration in the morning for a memorable visit. After a fulfilling lunch, we visited Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos Islands. We then drove to Cerro, Colorado, to see the breeding center for giant tortoises in a captivating deciduous forest.

Day 9: Punta Pitt – Cerro Brujo, San Cristobal Island

After arriving at Punta Pitt on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, you can enjoy a coastal trail with views of frigates and sea lions. Look out for various species of boobies. After, you can take a panga ride or go snorkeling to explore the marine life further.

Day 10: Punta Suarez – Gardner Bay, Española Island

Explore Punta Suarez in the morning to see unique lava terrain and remarkable seabird colonies. Keep an eye out for waved albatrosses, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the stunning “blowhole” lava formation against the backdrop of the Humboldt Current. Look for colorful marine iguanas. This visit promises unforgettable encounters. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Gardner Bay’s pristine white coral beach. Here, you can observe playful sea lions, graceful mockingbirds, and charming finches or enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or a glass-bottom boat ride to explore marine life.

Day 11: Charles Darwin Research Station – Finch Bay Hotel

Depart the yacht this morning. We visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise captive-rearing program, then transfer to Finch Bay hotel. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town or relax at the hotel.

Day 12: Island Exploration – Day Charter Yacht Adventures

Board the hotel’s day charter yacht to visit nearby islands and encounter more of the amazing Galapagos residents not already sen.

Day 13: Tortuga Bay – Half-Day Beach Adventure

A stunning adventure… Embark on a half-day journey and immerse in the breathtaking beauty of Tortuga Bay, renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Begin your adventure with a scenic walk along a picturesque trail leading to this stunning beach, where the sands feel as soft as talcum powder beneath your feet, contrasting beautifully with the deep turquoise of the sea. As you arrive at the beach, marvel at the captivating views of Playa Brava, famous for its powerful waves and as a habitat for iconic Galapagos wildlife. Keep an eye out for sightings of herons, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions basking in the sun along the shoreline. Take a leisurely stroll to Playa Mansa, a serene bay with calm waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Here, you can observe marine species such as iguanas, sharks, turtles, and rays from the comfort of the shore. Spend your morning or afternoon exploring the wonders of Tortuga Bay, where every step reveals a new vista of natural splendor and adventure.

Day 14: Return to Quito – Historic Hacienda Stay

This morning, take a flight back to Quito and spend the evening at a historic hacienda, where you can indulge in a massage or wander the hotel’s pitcturesque gardens.

Day 15: Departure – Quito Airport

Depart from Quito Airport this morning.