Ecuador & Galapagos-
A Wild Oasis
An unforgettable adventure across Ecuador and the biodiverse haven of the Galapagos Islands. As you explore this wild oasis, you’ll enjoy snorkelling lava tunnels with turtles and sea lions, roam breathtaking landscapes with Giant Tortoises and vibrant birdlife, replenish your senses in volcanic hot springs and immerse in diverse array of fascinating local culture.
Highlights:
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Snorkelling with turtles in the Galapagos lava tunnels
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Hiking breathtaking volcanic scapes with Giant Tortoises
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Swimming with Sea Lions
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Quito cultural tour and local cooking class
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Whitewater rafting/ziplining through the cloud forests
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Horseback riding and volcanic hot springs in The Andes.
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Cultural workshops with women of the mountain.
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrival in the cultural hub of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where your private chauffeur will be waiting to transport you to a hotel in the heart of the city. Here a representative will talk you through the details of your adventure before you spend the evening at leisure. Overnight Stay at Sheraton Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: Galapagos- Isabela Island
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll proceed to the island of Baltra, dipping into the vibrant streets of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here, you’ll catch a scenic boat ride to the iconic Isabela Island, where Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution. Isabela is formed from six shield volcanoes, five of which are still active, making it one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Azure waters and an abundance of fascinating wildlife will pave the journey to your deluxe beach house retreat, tantalising your senses for what’s to come. Overnight Stay at Cormorant Beach House Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
Day 3: Lava Tunnels & Beach Unwind
After a scrumptious local breakfast, you’ll explore the labyrinth of enchanting lava tunnels formed from eruptions along the seashore. As you traverse the crystal clear waters, keep an eye out for sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and the playful Galapagos penguins which all grace the landscapes around you. A sensational marine spectacle awaits you here as the sea turtles use these stunning tunnels as a personal highway from the mangroves to the open sea. After your snorkelling adventure, you can then take a scenic bike ride cruising around the island or unwind on the exotic white sand beaches of Isabela. For the nature enthusiasts, we would also recommend a stroll to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Overnight Stay at Cormorant Beach House Meals: Bed & Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Volcano Hike, Kayak & Snorkelling
Today you’ll hike the stunning Sierra Negra volcano, the second biggest lava dome in the world. After inhaling the spectacular views, you’ll then enjoy a delicious local lunch prepared on a lava rock grill at a family restaurant in the highlands. The restaurant is set amidst a beautiful organic farm with food grown and prepared locally from garden to plate. After your feast, you can then enjoy a stroll through the vibrant fruit trails or drift away on a hammock beneath the arms of an ancient mango tree. In the afternoon, you’ll then enjoy some kayaking in the local bay to explore the array of local wildlife. As you glide through the azure waters, penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguanas, sea turtles , sea lions and eagle rays and even young sharks can be spotted around you. You’ll then proceed to a beautiful beach, Concha de Perla, meandering through luscious mangroves to turquoise water teeming with wildlife. As you dip in for a snorkel, a circus of colourful fish, birds and reptiles will pepper the skies and water around you. Overnight Stay at Cormorant Beach House Meals: Bed & Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Charles Darwin & Giant Tortoises
Today you’ll head to Santa Cruz island to visit the famous Charles Darwin Research station, keeping an eye out for wild dolphins and whales as you hop across the islands. At the Darwin station, you’ll learn about the diverse array of endemic wildlife species as well as the conservation efforts ongoing to protect the majestic haven of the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, you’ll proceed to the Rancho Primicias reserve in the highlands, home to the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises. As you hike the breathtaking landscapes, all sorts of fascinating creatures can be spotted, from the giants roaming around your feet to the pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and ruby throated frigate birds who gather to wash their feathers at a freshwater lake. After your nature fix, you’ll then enjoy the evening in Puerto Ayora, delving into the rhythm and flavours of the Galapagos’ most populous town. Overnight Stay at Silberstein Hotel Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 6: Bay Tour Exploration
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Santa Cruz to enjoy a half day tour of Academy Bay. Here you will swim and snorkel with all sorts of exotic marine life as well as the curious sea lions who like to glide beside you as you traverse the nutrient rich waters. After your bay immersion, you’ll then climb to a stunning viewpoint where white-tipped reef sharks can be spotted swimming in the ocean below. You’ll then stroll along the Playa de los Perros to spot majestic sea iguanas basking in the sun. A multitude of picturesque wonders await you here as you meander past the enormous cacti, deep crimson rocks and glittering, turquoise waters cradling you on all sides. Overnight Stay at Silberstein Hotel Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 7: Sea Lions & Quito
After a final mouth-watering breakfast on the Galapagos Islands, you’ll head for one final look at the sea lions, with an opportunity to capture some beautiful nature photography. Then, you’ll be transferred back to Baltra’s airport to catch a flight back to Quito. You can then spend the evening at leisure exploring the bustling capital and its array of flavours under the moonlight. Overnight Stay at Sheraton Quito Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 8: Quito City Tour & Cooking Class
After a breakfast feast, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour of Quito, exploring its residential neighbourhoods, Culture House, Basilica Church, Legislative Palace and the stone murals documenting Ecuador’s rich history. After taking in the breathtaking views from San Juan Mirador, you’ll then stroll downtown to visit the colonial temples, monasteries, Cathedrals and Palaces. After exploring some more ornate religious architecture, including the baroque wonder of the Church of San Francisco, you’ll then enjoy a cooking class with locals, feasting on Quito’s traditional flavours. After pausing for a view of the Pululahua crater, the third largest inhabited volcanic crater in the world, you’ll then proceed to the picturesque town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forests. This area offers a tapestry of exotic flora and fauna to immerse in and is noted for its stunning hummingbird population. Overnight Stay at Septimo Paraiso Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 9: Cloud Forest Adventure
Today you’ll explore the pristine cloud forests of Mindo, traversing waterfalls and luscious rainforests teeming with toucans, hummingbirds and technicolour creatures. In the afternoon you’ll then have the option to go whitewater rafting down the thrilling rapids or try a ziplining adventure to witness the beautiful thrumming canopies by air. Next, you’ll enjoy a truly unforgettable natural world highlight, visiting the famous butterfly nursery to experience gargantuan butterflies emerging from their jewel-like cocoons and flitting around you in vibrant shades. Dip your fingers into a banana concoction and prepare to be awe-inspired as butterflies the size of birds land on your hands for a snack. Overnight Stay at Sheraton Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 10: Cotopaxi & Horseback Riding
After breakfast, you’ll proceed to the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, surrounded by a stunning mosaic of plant life, exotic creatures and ancient Inca ruins. You’ll enjoy a walking tour around the beautiful Limpiopungo Lake, observing all sorts of birdlife amidst the backdrop of the volcano. After your adventure by foot, you can then enjoy some horse-back riding across the breathtaking landscapes before visiting the beautiful rose farm plantation which blooms with some of the world’s finest flora. Here you can learn about how the roses grow and offer a vital lifeline for local women in the heart of the Andes. Overnight Stay at Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Volcanic Hot Springs
After a delicious breakfast overlooking the volcano, you’ll be transferred back up to the Andes to a special scenic spot called Papallacta. Here you’ll recharge and soak your senses in the volcanic hot springs to the cooling backdrop of the iconic Andes landscapes, immersing in a unique form of natural world serenity. Overnight Stay at Hacienca Cusin Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Otavalo Market & Local Immersion
Today your private chauffer will transfer you to the cultural hub of Otavalo in the North of the Andes. Here you can explore the famous handicraft market, bursting with traditional vibrant textiles, knitted clothes, rugs, paintings, ceramics and jewellery all at bargain prices. You’ll then venture to Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes which is home to an incredible sustainable project called Sacha WarmiKuna- women from the mountain- which is helping to expand their forms of income and elevate their status in local society . Here you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing in the true spirit of local women and learning about their traditional textile weaving and culinary skills. You will learn about their weaving craftwork and help to prepare ‘Aji’, a local spicy salsa which is a key part of local identity. You’ll then indulge in a traditional lunch with local women, using produce harvested that same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later on, you’ll return to your luxury volcanic hot springs retreat to melt into the spa facilities while gazing upon the majestic spectacle of the Andes Mountains. Overnight Stay at Termas de Papallacta Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Departure
After a final breakfast feast, your private chauffer will transfer you safely back to the airport to catch your flight.