Extraordinary Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Quito in Luxury

 Discover the essence of Quito in an exclusive tour that blends modernity, history, and colonial architecture. Your experience begins with a stroll through the city’s northern residential area, exploring the contemporary neighborhoods before diving into its historic heart.

On foot, you’ll explore Quito’s colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. You’ll be amazed by its majestic churches, elegant mansions with wrought-iron balconies, and arches that evoke the splendor of a past era. The Spanish religious heritage is evident in this district, home to more than 40 churches and chapels, along with 16 convents and monasteries, creating an invaluable architectural legacy.

The tour continues with visits to two iconic sites. First, the Alameda Park, home to South America’s oldest astronomical observatory. Then, you’ll reach the Plaza de la Independencia, where the grand Church of San Francisco stands, the oldest and most imposing temple in Quito.

This journey through the city will immerse you in Quito’s history and culture as you wander its charming streets in an unforgettable experience.

Start Your Luxury Cruise to the Galápagos Islands

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you’ll board a flight to the Galápagos Islands, a natural paradise where animals live in harmony, far from human interference. Your adventure will begin on Baltra Island, one of the main islands in the archipelago, surrounded by small islets that enrich this volcanic environment.

Upon arrival, a representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to the port, where you can board your luxurious yacht. Relax while enjoying lunch onboard and attending a presentation about the itinerary and the cruise amenities.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Rábida Island, famous for its unique volcanic landscape. Enjoy a walk along its red sand beach and follow an easy trail that will lead you to a viewpoint with breathtaking views. Rábida is a perfect spot for bird lovers, with a wide variety of species such as finches, pelicans, and the Galápagos hawk, among others.

Exploring Isabela Island on a Galápagos Cruise

On this day of sailing, we’ll head to Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago and one of the most volcanically active, shaped like a seahorse. In the morning, we’ll arrive at the majestic bay of Punta Vicente Roca, where you can get a close-up look at fascinating species like seahorses, sea turtles, and the unusual mola-mola fish.

Next, we’ll sail to Fernandina Island, the youngest of the Galápagos. This place, untouched by human intervention, remains a natural paradise thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galápagos National Park. Here, you’ll experience the purity of an intact ecosystem, just as it might have been thousands of years ago. The imposing presence of the La Cumbre volcano marks the landscape of this island, surrounded by lava fields stretching to the coast.

After crossing the Bolívar Channel that separates Isabela and Fernandina islands, we’ll reach Punta Espinosa, where we’ll encounter a colony of marine iguanas and sea lions. The main attraction here is the nesting site of the flightless cormorants. The island’s animals, known for their calm demeanor, will allow you to get close and enjoy a unique experience with the local wildlife.

Cruise to the Volcanoes and Geological Wonders of the Galápagos

Today, we begin our journey with a visit to the “cliff gallery” of Tagus Cove, where you can admire the first graffiti left by pirates during the Victorian era in the 1830s. These carvings, made into the rocks, are a testament to the past, and their presence in this natural landscape invites reflection on the human impact on this pristine environment.

From Tagus Cove, you’ll walk a 2-kilometer trail through lava formations, reaching Darwin Lake. This saltwater lake lies within a crater, and it’s believed to have been formed by a tsunami triggered by a volcanic eruption, giving it an air of mystery and fascination.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue toward Urbina Bay, a flat area created by a tectonic shift in 1954. This geological formation offers a unique opportunity to explore its landscape and observe the local wildlife. Manta rays and sea turtles swim beneath the waters, while flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas gather on the shores, creating an impressive natural scene.

Exclusive Galápagos Islands Cruise: Adventure in Elizabeth Bay

Embark on a luxury cruise to the remote Elizabeth Bay in the Galápagos Islands. This secluded corner has no conventional landing points, so to explore its wonders, you’ll take a “panga” ride. Navigate through the red mangroves, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the water. You’ll also spot brown pelicans diving for food or perhaps even a humpback whale on its ocean migration.

Later, head to Point Moreno, where you’ll disembark onto dry lava terrain. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the tidal pools in search of marine life. This area is home to pink flamingos and white-cheeked ducks, and with some luck, you may also encounter sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the surrounding waters.

Exploring the Wildlife and Historical Legacy of Isabela Island

Embark on a fascinating adventure through the wetlands near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Behind the tranquil white-sand beaches, you’ll find a lagoon perfect for birdwatching. Flamingos, stilts, curlews, and gallinules, among other species, frequent this spot to rest, oblivious to the presence of observers enjoying their peaceful routine.

Next, head to the Wall of Tears, a poignant monument that commemorates a sad chapter in the island’s history. Built between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners from a penal colony, this wall stands as a testament to the suffering of those who were confined there. Thousands of prisoners lost their lives during the construction of this 20-meter structure, which now serves as a reminder of the sacrificed lives.

Later, you’ll visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, located a short distance from Villamil. This research center offers a unique insight into the hatchlings of two of the five subspecies of giant tortoises from the island. Here, tortoise eggs are incubated under controlled conditions, as these creatures are endangered due to the introduction of invasive species. Once the tortoises reach maturity, they are released back into their natural habitat.

Don’t forget to explore the center’s gardens, where you’ll learn about local plant species such as carob, chamomile, cactus, cat’s claw, chala, and horse knee.

Exploration of North Seymour Island and the Charles Darwin Breeding Center

In the morning, you’ll set sail towards North Seymour Island, a sanctuary for sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and majestic frigates, all basking in the early sun.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short walk to Los Gemelos, a pair of craters formed by the collapse of the surface, revealing fissures and underground caverns. Nearby, the Scalesia forest is home to a variety of birds, including vermilion flycatchers, barn owls, and finches soaring in the sky.

Next, you’ll visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a vital part of the Charles Darwin Research Station. This center serves as a refuge for young tortoises, ranging from small hatchlings just three inches long to larger ones up to four feet. These tortoises are cared for here until they reach four years old and are large enough to survive in their natural environment. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe different subspecies, and with some luck, a tortoise may approach you for a greeting, as many of the adults are accustomed to human presence.

Adventure on Española Island in the Galápagos

Explore the southernmost island of the archipelago, Española Island, home to the majority of the 24,000 Galápagos albatrosses. While the island is filled with these majestic birds, the diversity doesn’t stop there. Española also hosts a wide variety of other species such as mockingbirds, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Darwin’s finches, Galápagos doves, and falcons, creating a vibrant bird community that will captivate nature lovers.

In the morning, enjoy a peaceful walk along Punta Suárez, where you’ll have the chance to observe many of these birds up close. You will also visit a stunning coastal area where albatrosses take flight from a cliff. Don’t forget your camera, as you can capture images of the island’s iconic blowhole, which shoots water high into the air, resembling a geyser.
In the afternoon, relax on the white sand beach of Gardner Bay. Barefoot, take a walk along the shore, being careful of the sea lions lounging in the sun. If you venture into the water, you might be accompanied by some sea lion pups, adding an adorable touch to your experience.

Final Adventure in the Galápagos and Flight to Quito
 Before concluding your Galápagos experience, you’ll have the chance to explore the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado conservation area and the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island. This tour will allow you to enjoy the local wildlife, observing warblers, finches, and mockingbirds in the trees and bushes, while the giant tortoises, which often cross your path, will surprise you. Although they are wild animals, they are in a protected area that shields them from predators. The tortoises rarely fear humans, but if they do, you’ll notice them retreating into their shells.

After this visit, you’ll be transported to San Cristóbal airport, where you’ll catch your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel, where you’ll continue your stay in the city.

Colors, Culture, and Tradition in Otavalo
Start the day with a unique excursion to the legendary Otavalo market, a vibrant meeting point for indigenous culture that has endured since pre-Inca times. Considered the oldest market in South America, it is much more than just a shopping destination: it is a living museum where tradition and art intertwine.

Explore the stalls filled with local crafts and colorful textiles at the famous Mercado de Ponchos, where skilled artisans showcase their talent. Then, head to Cotacachi, known for its exceptional leatherwork, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.

Later, immerse yourself in the serenity of Lake Cuicocha, located within the crater of an active volcano in the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. This mystical place, surrounded by flora and fauna, is considered sacred, and during certain times of the year, locals perform ancestral purification ceremonies.

After a day of culture and nature, you’ll return to Quito for a relaxing afternoon.

Quito at Your Own Pace: A Day to Discover 

 Today, you have the opportunity to explore Quito at your own pace and immerse yourself in its unique charm. The Ecuadorian capital awaits you with its historic corners, cobblestone streets, and spectacular views.

Let yourself be surprised by the secrets this UNESCO World Heritage city holds. You can stroll through its historic center, explore its lively squares, or simply relax while enjoying the colonial architecture and local culture.

Take advantage of this free day to experience Quito in your own way and discover all it has to offer.

Heading to the Jungle: Exploring Coca and the Napo Wildlife Center
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you’ll head to the airport to board a flight of approximately 35 minutes to Coca. During the flight, if the weather permits, you’ll be able to admire the majestic volcanic peaks as you pass over the Andes mountain range and cross the equator.

Upon landing in Coca, a representative from the Napo Wildlife Center will greet you and take you to the dock, where a motorized canoe will be waiting. From there, you’ll embark on a fascinating three-hour journey along the Napo River, deep into the vastness of the Amazon jungle.

At a certain point along the way, you’ll switch to a smaller canoe for the final leg of the journey. During the trip, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch to keep you energized. Upon arriving at the lodge in the afternoon, you can relax and prepare for the incredible jungle adventures awaiting you the next day.

Unforgettable Adventures at the Napo Wildlife Center
Embark on a unique experience in the Amazon rainforest, accompanied by a local guide from the Añangu community, who is also a ranger at Yasuní National Park. Over the course of two days, you will explore the biodiversity of the Amazon while learning about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation, led by native communities.

Your adventure begins at the parrot clay lick, where these colorful birds gather to consume mineral-rich clay. This natural spectacle is accessible with a short canoe ride along the Giant Otter Stream.

Next, ascend the observation tower, a structure more than 50 feet tall, built atop a 42-foot hill. From the top, you’ll be at the same level as howler and spider monkeys, observing their fascinating behaviors while marveling at the vastness of the jungle.

Accompany your guide on walks along jungle trails, where you’ll discover the magic of the Amazon through its sounds, smells, and hidden inhabitants camouflaged in the vegetation. With a bit of luck, you might encounter a jaguar, tapir, giant anteater, or even a giant armadillo, always unpredictable in their natural habitat.

For an even more authentic experience, you can share time with the Añangu community and take part in their daily activities. Learn how to harvest bananas, coconuts, and manioc, a key ingredient in Amazonian cuisine, and discover the process of making chicha, a traditional fermented drink. If you’re into fishing, try ancestral techniques guided by local experts to catch your own fish in the jungle waters.

Farewell to the Amazon and Return to Quito

Before leaving the Amazon rainforest behind, take advantage of the early morning to enjoy your last moments surrounded by its lush landscape and vibrant biodiversity. After a final breakfast at the lodge, you’ll embark on the journey back to Coca, sailing along the Napo River while bidding farewell to this breathtaking natural environment.

From Coca, you’ll catch a flight back to Quito. During the flight, you’ll be provided with a takeaway lunch, perfect for replenishing your energy before arrival. Once you land in Quito, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest before your international flight back home. Have a wonderful trip!