ECUADOR LUXURY TOUR: MAINLAND & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Arrival to Quito, with an English-speaking airport pickup and transfer to a comfortable boutique hotel in the colonial center of Quito. Free time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings, 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 some artist workshops where traditional local crafts are still practiced in La Ronda district.

Early morning, we’ll head out of Quito, heading north-west into the cloud forest towards the famous Mashpi Lodge. On route, you’ll make a stop at the Tulipe archeological site to learn about the ancient cultures of the region. Around midday, you’ll arrive at the lodge for a welcome cocktail and lunch buffet. Afterwards, it’s time to learn more about the lodge, and to choose your activities for this afternoon and the coming days, from forest hikes to bird watching, air-biking, spa treatments, and night walks.

A full day to enjoy at award-winning Mashpi Lodge, with 3 meals included, and your choice of activities to explore the pristine forest.

Your last day at Mashpi has time for one final activity in the morning after breakfast. Then, it’s a 3,5 hour transfer back to your Quito Hotel, and time to relax before your next adventure.

A day tour north to the indigenous town of Otavalo, famous worldwide for its handicrafts market. As well as time for shopping & bargaining at the market stalls, you’ll visit local La Calera community for a traditional Andean lunch, and an introduction to the Quichua indigenous daily lifestyle with demonstrations including embroidery and agriculture. Back to Quito for a comfortable overnight stay.

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, relax, or trek on the hacienda pathways. Taking a packed lunch with us, we head on to Banos town, stopping at a rose plantation on route. Overnight at a comfortable spa resort high in the mountains looking over town, with hot springs at your disposal.

Banos is renowned for its lush green mountains and spectacular waterfalls. A morning visit takes you out to explore the Valley of the Waterfalls, including the famous Pailon del Diablo. The afternoon is a welcome relax at the resort hot springs, and time to indulge in a luxury spa package.

Leaving Banos behind after breakfast, it’s a long drive south towards Cuenca City. On route, we’ll stop off for a guided tour of Ingapirca, the most complete Inca ruins in the country. Overnight in the pleasant cobbled street old town area of Cuenca.

A full day to explore the UNESCO city of Cuenca. In the morning your guide will introduce you to the historic center, colonial architecture, and main landmarks. The afternoon offers the choice between a ceramics of jewelry workshop (Cuenca is famous for arts & crafts), as well as free time to wander the cobbled streets by yourselves.

Leaving Cuenca behind, you’ll enjoy an excursion to El Cajas National Park, with time to explore its stunning Andean valleys, lakes, and páramo ecosystem. Enjoy short walks, photo opportunities, and time to appreciate the unique flora and fauna of this protected area. The afternoon is a descent towards Ecuador’s coast, passing by plantations of banana, rice, and cocoa along the way. Overnight in Guayaquil City.

An early flight takes us over the Pacific Ocean, towards the volcanic Galapagos Islands, world famous for unique wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Your lodging at Galapagos is at Pikaia Lodge, the most exclusive accommodation available at the Galapagos Islands & a Relais & Chateaux brand hotel. In the afternoon, free time to relax and familiarize yourselves with the Lodge’s facilities and beautiful surroundings. We recommend having a therapeutic treatment at the Sumaq spa, swimming in the infinity pool, or trekking / cycling within the 31 hectares of private grounds located in the heart of a giant tortoise reserve.

Today you have the opportunity to discover one of the uninhabited Galapagos islands on a navigable excursion. The tour includes a guided hike on the island and some time for snorkeling, with lunch on board the yacht. You’ll be accompanied throughout by a naturalist guide, for the best opportunity to spot and learn about the unique birds and animals that call Galapagos home. Overnight at Pikaia.

Your final day at the Galapagos Islands will be spent exploring the best visitor sites of Santa Cruz Island. These include: Los Gemelos twin craters & Scalesia Forest, El Chato Giant Tortoise Farm, Lava Tunnels, Charles Darwin Scientific Research Center, Puerto Ayora town & the Fish Market where fishermen unload their daily catch while sea lions and pelicans try to steal the fish or wait for scraps. Overnight at Pikaia.

After breakfast, your return flight to Quito City, where your trip of a lifetime comes to an end.