ECUADOR LUXURY TOUR: AMAZON & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Arrival to Quito, with an English-speaking airport pickup and transfer north to Hacienda Zuleta, a stunning 17th century hacienda and working-farm, set in beautiful Andean scenery. Free time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings, followed by a delicious home-cooked dinner.

A full day to enjoy some of the activities available at the hacienda. You can choose from:

• Visits around the grounds with English-speaking guide: orchard, chapel, cheese factory, historic hacienda building, and/or condor rehabilitation center.
• Horse-riding (Spanish-speaking guide, max carry weight 81kg).
• 2-hour carriage ride (Local guide).
• Horsemanship workshop.
• Biking (along hacienda trails, no guide).
• Hiking (along hacienda trails, no guide).
• Cow-milking.
• Embroidery class.
• Cooking class.

Overnight at Zuleta.

After breakfast, you can enjoy more activities at the hacienda through to lunchtime. In the afternoon you’ll be transported to your hotel in the historic colonial center of Quito, followed by a fine dining tasting menu experience, introducing you to some of Ecuador’s best flavors.

This morning a truly special experience awaits. Visiting the home of the late Oswaldo Guayasamín, the most celebrated artist in the history of Ecuador, we’ll begin with a private tour guided by an art specialist from the museum. This is a unique look inside the life of one of Latin America’s most creative minds over the past century. Next, we’ll head to Guayasamin’s wine cellar, where he entertained some of the 20th century’s most notable people, including Fidel Castro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Francois Mitterrand, the Prince of Monaco, and the King of Spain. Here, you’ll be guided through a comprehensive tasting of six different editions of fine Ecuadorian To’ak chocolate, while learning about different Ecuadorian cacao varieties, terroir, fermentation methods, barrel-aging and how these production variables influence the flavor and aroma profile of each expression of chocolate. In the afternoon, we’ll switch things up by visiting the best sites of Quito’s old town. Your guide will explain more about the history & culture of this famous old city.

Today, you’ll head south down the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with fine views of the snow-capped peaks on a clear day. There’s the opportunity to trek up to the Cotopaxi volcano refuge, as well as a stop at Limpiopungo Lake. We have a very special overnight stay tonight at San Agustin de Callo Hacienda, on the original site of a 600-year old Inca palace. Free time to explore the grand old building and grounds, and an optional cooking class. Overnight in the grandeur of this historic hacienda.

A morning to spend at the hacienda, with a horse-riding activity included to explore the surrounding area, and a visit to a local rose farm. After lunch, there’s still time to relax or trek on the hacienda pathways, before we transport you back to Quito, ready for the next adventure.

A morning flight takes you over snow-capped peaks, deep into the Amazon Rainforest. But, fear not, you’ll be well looked after in comfort! Napo Wildlife Centre is a luxury ecolodge, boasting a privileged location inside of Yasuni National Park. Yasuni is the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet, and a protected UNESCO biosphere site. It was also recommended by National Geographic as one of the top places in the world to visit in 2022! From the town of Coca it’s a 2 hour ride aboard a covered motorized boat into the heart of the Amazon. You’ll then enjoy your first activity in search of wildlife, aboard a dugout paddle canoe, looking out for monkey and bird species such as toucans, parrots, and even macaws. Overnight in a comfortable cabin overlooking the jungle.

The day begins early as we head towards the most accessible parrot salt licks in Ecuador. Here, up to five species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be spotted, including the blue-headed parrot, orange-cheeked parrot, yellow-crowned parrot, dusky-headed parakeet, and white-eyed parakeet. Next, you’ll venture along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Interpretation Center "KuriMuyu," managed by the women of the local community. Here, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kichwa culture, learning about their music, traditions, and traditional use of natural resources. There’s more opportunities for wildlife observation & photography by canoe via the main creek returning to the lodge.

Today we’ll enjoy a different perspective of the Amazon from atop an observation tower in the forest canopy. Not only are the views up here incredible, but you’ll also have access to spot more wildlife up in the trees, including flocks of colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, monkeys, and possibly sloths. After enjoying lunch at the lodge, we will explore a terra firme forest in the afternoon. Walking through lush primary vegetation, we’ll search for more fauna, and your guide will introduce you to some of the medicinal uses of local plants. After the hike, we will explore the nearby lake and streams in a canoe, with high hopes of spotting a family of giant otters on our journey. Tonight, there is also the opportunity to explore the jungle at night, in search of amphibians, insects, and more.

An early start today for the canoe ride back towards Coca town in time for your flight back to Quito. Staying at a hotel close to Quito Airport, you can enjoy a well deserved free afternoon to catch your breath, rest up, and prepare for the next adventure to Galapagos.

An early flight takes us over the Pacific Ocean, towards the volcanic Galapagos Islands, world famous for unique wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Your Galapagos naturalist guide will be waiting to greet you on arrival. The Sirius cruise yacht is a luxury vessel operating at the archipelago, with impeccable craftsmanship, state-of-the-art amenities, and personalized service. You’ll enjoy a 6day / 5night cruise with all activities and meals included. On board the Sirius there are ample social areas to use, including a jacuzzi and sun deck with 360 views. The Galapagos cruise itinerary will depend on your specific dates of travel. You’ll visit different islands each day, with a mix of wildlife spotting, treks, snorkeling, beach time, and kayaking to enjoy. Activities begin this afternoon after lunch.

Day 2 of activities at the Galapagos Islands.

Day 3 of activities at the Galapagos Islands.

Day 4 of activities at the Galapagos Islands.

Day 5 of activities at the Galapagos Islands.

After breakfast aboard the Sirius, there’s time for one more activity, before transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito City. On arrival to Quito, your trip of a lifetime comes to an end.