Early this morning, we transfer from our hotel to Quito Airport to board our flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, luggage inspections are carried out and the Galápagos National Park entrance process is completed. From here, our first Galápagos experience begins as we travel across the island towards Santa Cruz.

En route to our hotel on the coast, we journey into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, an area known for its contrasting ecosystems and volcanic formations. We visit the Twin Craters, impressive lava sinkholes now covered in rich vegetation, and continue on to a private reserve where Galápagos giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant in the highlands.

In the afternoon, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important centre for conservation and scientific research in the Galápagos. Here, we gain insight into the work being done to protect the islands’ unique ecosystems and endemic species. After our visit, we transfer to our hotel to check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco-Hotel

Today we set out on a shared navigable day tour to one of the Galápagos’ most remarkable uninhabited islands — North Seymour or South Plaza, depending on National Park regulations and availability.

If visiting North Seymour, we explore a flat, rocky island renowned for its extraordinary birdlife. Walking along marked trails, we observe large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, famous for the males’ striking red throat pouches used during mating displays. The island is also home to land iguanas and a variety of endemic bird species, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Alternatively, South Plaza presents a dramatically colourful landscape, where red and purple sesuvium plants contrast with towering prickly pear cacti. This small island supports a large population of sea lions, hybrid iguanas, and numerous seabirds nesting along its rugged cliffs, including blue-footed boobies and tropicbirds.

Lunch is served on board during the excursion. After completing the day’s activities, we return by boat to Santa Cruz and transfer back to our hotel for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch on board
Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco-Hotel – Standard Twin/Double Room

This morning we enjoy a half-day Bay Tour around Santa Cruz Island, offering an immersive introduction to the Galápagos’ remarkable marine life and coastal landscapes. Travelling by boat with an English-speaking guide, we explore a series of iconic sites within the bay, each showcasing a different aspect of the islands’ unique ecology.

We visit La Lobería, where sea lions gather and often interact playfully in the water, followed by Shark Channel, home to white-tip reef sharks, rays and colourful reef fish. At Playa de los Perros, we observe marine iguanas basking on volcanic rocks amid striking red mangroves. The tour concludes at Las Grietas, a dramatic natural formation of lava walls enclosing crystal-clear pools, ideal for a refreshing swim and snorkelling experience. A light snack is provided during the excursion.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel, explore Puerto Ayora independently, or simply enjoy the coastal surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Finch Bay Eco-Hotel – Standard Twin/Double Room

This morning, we depart Santa Cruz and travel across the Itabaca Channel by ferry before continuing by vehicle to Baltra Airport for our flight to San Cristóbal Island. Upon arrival, we begin our exploration of this distinctive island, known for its dramatic coastlines and abundant wildlife.

This afternoon, we enjoy a privately guided tour introducing us to San Cristóbal’s natural and cultural highlights. We visit the Interpretation Centre, where informative exhibits and displays provide insight into the fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos and the ongoing conservation efforts protecting them. We then ascend Frigatebird Hill, offering panoramic views across the rugged coastline and one of the few places where both Magnificent and Great frigatebirds nest together.

Our tour continues to Carola Beach, a scenic and secluded stretch of coastline popular with surfers and sea lions alike. Those who wish may enjoy a refreshing swim in the Galápagos waters before we transfer to our hotel to check in and relax for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Indigo Hotel – Standard Twin/Double Partial Ocean View Room

Today we embark on a tour to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the most iconic natural formations in the Galápagos Islands. Rising dramatically from the ocean off the northeast coast of San Cristóbal, this towering volcanic rock formation is renowned for both its striking appearance and extraordinary marine life.

Snorkelling at Kicker Rock offers a rare opportunity to explore an underwater world teeming with life. Floating through the narrow channel between the rock formations, we may encounter reef fish, rays, sea turtles and, on occasion, Galápagos sharks. Above the waterline, the cliffs are home to nesting seabirds including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and Galápagos shearwaters. The experience is carefully supervised by our guide and crew, ensuring a safe and memorable excursion.

A boxed lunch is provided on board during the tour. After returning to San Cristóbal, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accommodation: Indigo Hotel – Standard Twin/Double Partial Ocean View Room

This morning, we enjoy a half-day guided visit to La Lobería, a natural sea lion rookery located along the southern coast of San Cristóbal Island. A short drive brings us to the trailhead, where an easy walk leads through coastal vegetation and mangroves to the beach. Along the way, marine iguanas are often seen warming themselves on the black volcanic rocks.

La Lobería is a crescent-shaped coral sand beach shared by sea lions and marine iguanas, offering wonderful opportunities to observe these animals in their natural environment. This area functions as a breeding ground, where sea lion mothers nurse their pups and dominant males establish territories during mating season. Birdlife is also abundant, with Darwin’s finches and yellow warblers frequently spotted.

The afternoon is at leisure, allowing time to relax at the hotel, explore the waterfront, or simply enjoy the island atmosphere at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Indigo Hotel – Standard Twin/Double Partial Ocean View Room

This morning, we transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for our flight back to mainland Ecuador. After bidding farewell to the Galápagos Islands, we fly to Quito, where we are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel.

We return to the elegant Casa Gangotena, a beautifully restored historic mansion located on Plaza San Francisco in Quito’s Old Town. Renowned for its refined style, exceptional service and rich heritage, the hotel provides a sophisticated and comfortable base for the next stage of our journey.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, enjoy the hotel’s surroundings, or take a gentle stroll through the historic streets nearby.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena – Standard Twin/Double Room

This morning, we depart Quito and travel northwest by private transfer to the remote and luxurious Mashpi Lodge, hidden deep within Ecuador’s cloud forest. The scenic journey follows winding country roads and river valleys, gradually transitioning from the Andean highlands into one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, where the Chocó lowlands meet the Tropical Andes.

Upon arrival at Mashpi Lodge, we are welcomed by the lodge team and introduced to this remarkable private reserve. The cloud forest experience is highly personalised, allowing us to choose from a range of guided activities suited to individual interests and pace. On arrival, we meet with the expedition staff to plan our activities and receive an orientation to the lodge and its surrounding ecosystems.

Later in the day, we begin our first guided experience in the cloud forest, which may include a nature walk through lush rainforest trails or a journey aboard the Dragonfly aerial cable car, gliding above and through the forest canopy. As evening falls, there is the opportunity to join a guided night walk to discover the forest’s nocturnal wildlife before returning to the lodge to relax and unwind in this extraordinary setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge – Standard Twin/Double Room

Today is a full day immersed in the extraordinary biodiversity of Ecuador’s cloud forest, surrounded by the pristine landscapes of the Mashpi Reserve. Designed for flexibility and personal choice, the day allows us to select from a range of guided activities, all led by expert naturalist guides and experienced local specialists.

Activities may include guided forest walks to hidden waterfalls, visits to the hummingbird garden, or time spent at the Life Centre observing butterflies and learning about the region’s unique ecosystems. For a truly memorable perspective, we may choose to ride the Sky Bike, pedalling gently above the forest floor, or ascend the observation tower to take in sweeping views across the reserve. Those seeking relaxation may opt to enjoy the lodge’s spa facilities, offering massages, a hot tub and tranquil spaces for rest and reflection.

As evening approaches, we gather for an informative lecture led by one of Mashpi’s naturalist guides or resident biologists, sharing insights into the cloud forest’s wildlife, conservation initiatives and ongoing research projects. It is a day of discovery, learning and deep connection with nature in one of the world’s most remarkable environments.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge – Standard Twin/Double Room

This morning, there is time to enjoy a final experience in the cloud forest, whether it be a gentle walk along the forest trails, a visit to a nearby waterfall, or simply a quiet moment to take in the sights and sounds of this remarkable ecosystem. Surrounded by mist-covered rainforest and rich birdlife, it is a fitting conclusion to our immersive stay at Mashpi Lodge.

After checking out, we depart Mashpi Lodge and return to Quito by private transfer. Upon arrival, we check back in to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, explore the surrounding historic streets, or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena – Standard Twin/Double Room

Today we explore the highlights of historic Quito, beginning with a guided city tour through one of the best-preserved colonial centres in the Americas. We visit Independence Square, where grand civic and religious buildings sit side by side, and continue past the Carondelet Presidential Palace, the former Archbishop’s Palace, and the impressive Church and Convent of San Francisco.

A highlight of the morning is a visit to La Compañía de Jesús, considered the finest example of Baroque architecture in Latin America. Its intricately carved volcanic stone façade and extraordinary gold-leaf interior reflect a rich blend of Spanish, Indigenous, Moorish, Italian and Flemish influences. We then travel to Panecillo Hill, where panoramic views across Quito and the surrounding volcanoes provide a striking perspective of the city.

Later, we visit the Middle of the World, where the Equatorial Line crosses Ecuador. At the Intiñan Solar Museum, interactive experiments demonstrate the unique gravitational effects experienced at the Equator. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided chocolate tasting at KAMM, discovering Ecuador’s world-renowned fine-aroma cacao. This evening, we participate in a hands-on Ecuadorian cooking class, including a market visit and shared dinner featuring dishes we prepare ourselves.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena – Standard Twin/Double Room

Today we depart Quito and travel east along a scenic mountain road through farmland, trout ponds and native polylepis forests to the small Andean town of Papallacta, home to Ecuador’s most renowned thermal hot springs. Set within a former glacial valley, this high-altitude landscape is rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

On arrival at Termas Papallacta, we enjoy access to the semi-private thermal pools area, where a series of hot, warm and cool pools invite relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by mountain scenery, this is a perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the mineral-rich waters. Optional spa treatments and massages are available at additional cost for those who wish to indulge further.

In the afternoon, we explore the surrounding natural environment on a guided walk, taking in the dramatic Andean landscape that provides habitat for native wildlife, including the Andean bear, puma and the endangered Andean condor. After our day of relaxation and exploration, we settle in for the evening at our hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta – Standard Twin/Double Room

Today we journey through the heart of Ecuador’s western Andean range toward one of the country’s most striking natural landmarks, Quilotoa Crater Lake. Formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 800 years ago, this dramatic caldera is filled with vibrant emerald-coloured water and surrounded by rugged highland scenery, sacred rock formations and patchwork farmland.

On arrival, we enjoy time to explore the crater rim, taking in the breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding valleys. Those who wish may choose to hike down toward the water’s edge, while others may prefer to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. Donkeys are available locally for hire for those who prefer not to walk the steeper sections.

After our visit to Quilotoa, we continue to the Cotopaxi region and check in to Hacienda El Porvenir, a traditional working farm and lodge set in a scenic location near Cotopaxi National Park. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the peaceful Andean surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hacienda El Porvenir – Standard Twin/Double Room

This morning, we explore the dramatic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, located in the heart of Ecuador’s central Andes. Dominated by the perfectly symmetrical cone of Cotopaxi Volcano, rising to 5,897 metres, this region offers some of the most striking scenery in the country.

Accompanied by a native guide, we tour the high-altitude plains surrounding the volcano, including a visit to Limpiopungo Lagoon, where the reflection of Cotopaxi can often be seen on clear days. The area is rich in Andean birdlife, with species such as Andean gulls, lapwings, black-chested eagles and, on rare occasions, the endangered Andean condor. We continue upward along the volcano’s slopes, travelling through changing landscapes until reaching the mountaineer’s refuge at 4,630 metres, where there is time to enjoy a warm beverage and take in the sweeping views.

Later, we return to Quito and prepare for a memorable farewell evening. Tonight, we enjoy a ten-course farewell dinner at SOMOS, an immersive sensory experience celebrating Ecuador’s four regions through innovative cuisine, culture and live artistic performances — a fitting conclusion to our Ecuadorian adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena – Standard Twin/Double Room

After breakfast, we transfer to Quito International Airport to board our outbound international flight, marking the end of our Ecuadorian journey.

It has been a pleasure to share this extraordinary adventure through Ecuador and the Galápagos, and we farewell one another with lasting memories of remarkable landscapes, unique wildlife, and meaningful experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A