Summary
Short description
Explore Ecuador & Galápagos, taking in awe-inspiring wildlife, historic Quito and the absorbing Mashpi Region
Highlights
- Explore rich biodiversity of the Andean cloud forest with a stay at Mashpi Lodge
- Compare its unique nature to that of the Galápagos, which you'll take in on a luxury cruise
- Hop between volcanic islands, looking out for giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blu-footed boobies
- Enjoy a luxury stay in Quito's UNESCO-listed city centre
In Brief
- 2 Nights Quito
- 2 Nights Mashpi Lodge
- 1 Night Quito
- 6 Nights La Pinta Galápagos Cruise
- 1 Night Quito
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Expedition cruise | History & culture | Natural world | Wildlife
For many people a trip to the Galápagos is the trip of a lifetime: a rare chance to lie in the sun with resting iguanas and snorkel with curious sea lion pups. The wildlife, however – as good as it is – will look much the same to everyone who visits. What can really make a difference is the ship you choose to sail in. That's why we recommend this seven-night cruise aboard La Pinta, a 63m luxury yacht with 24 plush cabins, fore and aft observation decks, a sun deck, jacuzzi, glass-bottom boat, kayaks and excursions led daily by naturalist guides. The cruise is bookended by two nights at the start and one at the end in Quito, where a guided tour will take you to the largest and best-preserved colonial old quarter in South America.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Ecuador
Enjoy included airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Quito.
Days
2-3
Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, take a private transfer to the Casa Gangotena hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the next day exploring Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded on the ruins of an ancient Inca city in the shadow of Pichincha Volcano at an altitude of 2,850 metres – one of the highest cities in the world. A guided half-day walking tour will introduce you to its must-see sights, including the colonial quarter (the largest and best preserved in South America), the majestic Neo-Gothic Basílica del Voto Nacional, and vibrant neighbourhoods brimming with museums, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. It's the perfect introduction to this fascinating country, setting the scene for the adventures to come.
Stay: Casa Gangotena, Quito (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
4-5
Mashpi Lodge
A shared transfer brings you to Mashpi Lodge, set in the spectacular Chocó Bio Region under three hours from Quito. Spend your time here exploringa cloud forest filled with hundreds of birds and butterfly species, plants, waterfalls and mountains. Be sure to stop at the archaeological site of Tulipe which was once the most important settlement of the Yumbo civilisation, at their mightiest during 800–1600 AD. During your two days here, you'll be able to take advantage of the excellent local guides and naturalists keen to help. From guided nature walks to indigenous communities and taking the aerial tram to enjoy the canopy, there is no shortage of ways to fully appreciate the Andean cloud forest.
Stay: Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Quito
Return to Quito by shared transfer, taking the opportunity to further explore the city, or to simply relax before you head on to the Galápagos the next day.
Stay: Casa Gangotena, Quito (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
7-12
Galápagos Islands
Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos. Embark on an eight-day expedition-style cruise on luxury Yacht La Pinta for an adventure filled with the wonderfully diverse wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes that make Galápagos one of the world's most exciting and unique destinations. Enjoy daily naturalist excursions led by expert naturalist guides to see an amazing array of fearless land and marine life including giant tortoises, blue and red footed boobies, marine iguanas, colonies of sea lions and frigate birds.
Stay: La Pinta Yacht (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Galápagos Islands to Quito
After disembarking Yacht La Pinta, take a private transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to the Galápagos Islands and return to the mainland, flying back to Quito for your final night in Ecuador.
Stay: Wyndham Quito Airport
Meals: B
Days
14-15
Ecuador/UK
Transfer to airport for your return overnight flight to the UK. Upon arrival, continue your journey home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
15-day tailor-made holiday
from £10,585 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
May to June // September to November
from £10,585 pp. incl. flights
December to April // July to August
from £10,860 pp. incl. flights
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Quito and from Guayaquil to London
- Domestic flights between Quito and Coca
- Domestic flights between Quito/Guayaquil and the Galápagos islands
- Private transfers in Quito and Guayaquil and shared transfers to/from Mashpi Lodge and in the Galápagos
- 4 nights accommodation in 5* hotels (Deluxe) on a B&B basis
- 2 nights accommodation in a 5* lodge (Deluxe) on a full-board basis
- 6 nights accommodation aboard the luxury La Pinta Yacht in a Luxury cabin on a full-board basis, with daily shared land and sea based excursions and tourist control card fee
- Private tour of 'Quito & Center of the World'
- Private scenic tour of Guayaquil
- Shared touring at Mashpi Lodge
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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