Explore the great natural phenomenas of Ecuador – the high Andes and the remote Amazon. Observe the remarkable wildlife of the Galapagos Islands by catamaran
Guayaquil - 1 night
Cuenca - 2 nights
Riobamba - 1 night
Amazon - 2 nights
Papallacta - 1 night
Quito - 3 nights
Galapagos - 3 nights
Guayaquil - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
The smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador is uniquely diverse. In a matter of hours one can travel from the Pacific coast to the high slopes of the Andes through a variety of climatic zones, all with their distinctive vegetation, birds and animals.
The relative inaccessibility of the Galapagos Islands, situated some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, has helped to preserve its eco-system and wildlife. Having experienced hardly any threatening contact with humans, most birds and animals allow themselves to be observed from close. Charles Darwin’s ground breaking visit to the islands in 1835 helped to put the islands on the map. Before Charles Darwin’s study of the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s main claim to fame was the geographical peculiarity of the Equator, running through its heart. Early 19th-century explorers all reported a land rich in fantastic animals, ice-capped volcanoes and impenetrable Amazonian jungles. Today the islands are home to giant tortoises, birds, penguins, marine and land iguanas, whales, sea lions, turtles and fish.
Cruise & Natural Wonders
Wildlife Experiences
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 – 8
Enjoy a tour of the hacienda and their fair-trade rose plantation followed by lunch.
Day 1 Fly via Madrid to Guayaquil. Transfer to 5-star Hotel Wyndham for overnight.
Day 2 Drive to an hacienda in the coastal area for a chocolate workshop, enjoy making your own chocolate. Travel to Cuenca, the centre of art, ceramics and panama hats with its 19th century architecture for two nights at the 4-star Hotel El Dorado. (B, L)
Day 3 Explore the highland villages surrounding Cuenca. Visit some artisan workshops and learn how Panama hats are made. (B)
Day 4 Tour of Cuenca includes the main square ‘Plaza Mayor’, the flower market and a panama hat factory. Travel to Riobamba via Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins at Ingapirca. Stay overnight in Riobamba at the 3-star Hosteria Andaluza. (B, D)
Day 5 Drive to Baños, on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. Venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon for a two night stay at Yacuma Ecolodge. (B, D)
Day 6 Local exploration featuring a canoe ride and a jungle hike. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Travel through the highlands, visit a small cacao plantation and a hummingbird paradise. Continue to the Andean village of Papallacta (3,200 metres) for overnight at the 3-star Hosteria Termas de Papallacta. (B)
Day 8 Drive to Quito (2,850 metres), Visit the Antisana Natural Reserve to enjoy the beautiful paramo flowers, rich bird life and perhaps even see the Andean Condor. Spend three nights at the 4-star Hotel NH Collection Quito Royal. (B)
Day 9 Scenic drive via the Quitsato Sundial monument to Otavalo, at the foot of the inactive Imbabura volcano. Visit to the Indian market followed by a visit to a hacienda and rose plantation. (B, L)
Day 10 Tour of Quito’s well-preserved historic centre explores its Spanish colonial churches and palaces. Enjoy a ride on the cable car to the Cruz Loma lookout on the east side of Pichincha Volcano. (B)
Day 11 Fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark on the MC Seaman Journey for a three-night cruise. Visit North Seymour Island, a nesting site for the magnificent frigate birds. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Sail to Genovesa Island and visit El Barranco in the southern part of the island. Stop at Darwin Bay, home of the red footed-booby, masked boobies and yellow warblers. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Visit Plazas in east Santa Cruz Island, where you can find land iguanas. Call at Sante Fe, home to sea lion colony. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Visit the Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Centre for young tortoises on San Cristobal island. Fly to Guayaquil. Overnight at 5-star Hotel Wyndham. (B)
Day 15 Tour of Guayaquil including Simon Bolivar Park and the gothic-style cathedral, which was re-built after the 1896 fires. Return overnight flight via Madrid. (B, L)
Day 16 Arrive Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
The Galapagos cruise programme may be altered due to weather conditions and National Park regulation.
Altitude
Part of your itinerary will be travelling at altitude. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fully fit and understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is absolutely essential if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, anaemia or lung problems.
The 5-star Wyndham hotel has a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre and free Wi-Fi. 179 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini- bar, and TV.
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A modern 4-star hotel and is located in the centre of Cuenca, a short walk from the main square. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 3-star hotel is set in a charming country estate on the foothills of Mount Chimborazo. Restaurants, bars, garden and WiFi (free). 55 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A comfortable Eco lodge in traditional Amazon-style, in the Napo province, surrounded by a private rainforest. The lodge has a restaurant and 24 rooms in bungalows with private facilities. Each room has electricity powered by solar power and a mosquito net.
This 3-star hotel close to the town of Papallacta in a quiet area. Restaurants, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and safe.
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A modern 4-star in the historical district. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 124 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A first class catamaran built in 2007, operated by Latin Trails. It has 8 outside cabins spread over two decks and facilities include lounge, bar, restaurant and sun deck. Cabins are 183 sq. ft. and have twin beds, air-conditioning, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and window. Snorkels and canoes are available for free.
2022
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Iberia from Heathrow
2023
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Iberia from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Iberia from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Iberia from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1745
Extension Options
Extra nights - Guayaquil
Hotel Wyndham (per night) £75
Single supplement £75
Independent Arrival
Save £750
Arrival or departure transfer £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, Galapagos National Park entrance tax (US $100) and tourist tax (US $20), itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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