When to go
January to March and June to August
Price
From £9,885 pp
Flight time
14hrs 10 mins
Introduction
Ecuador is home to breath-taking Andean peaks, vast stretches of Amazonian rainforest, picture-perfect beaches, and charming communities. The legendary Galápagos Islands are also found there. Explore this volcanic archipelago, known for its rare species and variety, and you’ll quickly realise what enthused Charles Darwin.
As a destination, Ecuador, has such impressive history, beautiful colonial architecture and a diverse community of people that are friendly and charismatic. Travelling around it is easy and many of its attractions are within easy reach, meaning you can explore more of this fantastic part of the world.
Some of the most notable experiences include exploring the cobblestone alleys and bustling marketplaces of the UNESCO-listed city of Quito. You can also spot iguana, cormorants, and giant tortoises on a thrilling Galápagos cruise to add that sense of adventure to your trip, which could also include a visit to a cloud forest and staying at the eco-chic Mashpi Lodge. But no trip to South America would be complete without heading for an exciting trek into the Amazon jungle, one of the planet’s biodiverse regions and the largest rainforest in the world.
Highlights
CREATE A PANAMA HAT (Half-day - Manabi, Ecuador)
Discover how to weave your own exclusive Panama hat with the help from a local expert during a hands-on tour in Montecristi. Your hat will be such a lovely keepsake from your Ecuadorian adventure.
ECUADOR OYSTER PICKING (Half-day - Puerto Cayo, Ecuador)
Select your own oysters for the complete dining experience. To find the finest seafood, travel to a remote island with a skilled chef, then prepare ceviche by the water.
HELICOPTER RIDE OVER THE AVENUE OF VOLCANOES (40 minutes - Tambillo, Ecuador)
Take a cool helicopter ride to the top to view the Avenue of Volcanoes. You will be astounded by the volcanic peaks and ravines as you soar over the Andes.
Recommended Hotels
Casa Gangotena
This colonial-era residence enjoys a fantastic location with views of Plaza San Francisco in Quito. The building’s historic elements are embraced by its opulent interior, and the yard is alive with decorative flora. Spectacular views of Panecillo Hill and the spires of Quito’s Old Town are available from the hotel’s rooftop patio.
Mashpi Lodge
This modern sustainable and environmentally friendly lodge is located in a 1,200 acre private reserve that is a part of the Tumbez-Choco-Darien nature reserve. Just under three hours’ drive from Quito, you can anticipate breath-taking forest views, top-notch food, and cutting-edge exploration options like a canopy gondola and sky bike.
Elite
Travel to the Galápagos on the exclusive Elite catamaran. You can enjoy the highly dynamic views from one of the nine suites while preparing for a fancy dinner with guests on the sky deck. The accommodation comes with all meals and fun on- and off-shore activities.
Sample Itinerary
Ecuador And Galapagos Adventure
Day 1: Arrival In Quito, Ecuador
Your trip begins by flying overnight to Quito in Ecuador.
Day 2: Quito
Travel to the UNESCO-listed, high-altitude capital of Ecuador, Quito. By day, visit the vibrant central plaza, and by night, enjoy the upscale bars and multicultural eateries. This wonderful capital city is built amidst ancient Incan history, with culturally rich wonders, including fascinating 16th and 17th century churches and colonial landmarks. Quito is also the 2nd tallest capital city in the world and owes much of its stunning scenery to the volcanic terrain that surrounds it, as it is situated on Pichincha volcano. With ample active opportunities, stunning nature and arts and culture, it is a city with many unique experiences on offer.
Day 3: Visit The Galápagos Islands
On your 3rd day you will fly to the Galápagos island of Baltra, where you will be able to see the varied species and volcanic beauty of the remote archipelago that so fascinated Darwin. Furthermore, its beaches are outstanding and weather is good all year round. The archipelago features a total of 19 islands and offers ample activities for all ages and interests, such as trekking, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. As a natural masterpiece there are many flora and fauna to admire on land and over 2,900 underwater species, such as sea lions, whales, sharks and marine iguanas.
Days 4-9: Galápagos Islands
Travel the Galápagos Islands’ volcanic islands for five fascinating days. Explore lunar-like wilderness, swim with sea lions, and watch blue-footed boobies promenade around majestic cliffs. There is a new island, bay, or cove to discover every day.
Day 10: Otavalo
Return to Quito by air, then take a trip to the Andean highlands, surrounded by volcanoes and sitting above sea level at 2500m. Here, you can indulge and relax into a slower pace of hacienda life, for an absolute sense of tranquillity.
Day 11: Otavalo
This quaint market town offers stunning views of the Andes mountains and lakes that surround it, whilst locals go about their daily lives. Experience the market with its selection of ponchos and other handicrafts, visit its San Francisco Church, the Plaza de Ponchos and the Catholic Church El Jordan, before relaxing at the Peguche Waterfall. If you have some time leftover, do explore the Lagunas De Mojanda landscape for a hike around its impressively beautiful lakes, perched on the Andes hills.
Day 12: Quito
Your last day of exploration continues in the fascinating town of Otavalo where after a morning of market haggling you could visit the Museo Otavalango to learn about the town’s history, head to Simon Bolivar Park which is central to the town, as well as the Cayambe – Coca National Park for its enormous meadows, impressive lagoons and abundance of flora and fauna. This site will also offer you stunning views of the Cayambe volcano, which is situated 5,790m above sea level. Following your day in Otavalo, you will return to the city of Quito for your last evening in Ecuador.
Day 13: Depart Quito For Return Home
Your trip ends in Quito by flying home to the UK.
