Epic Galapagos & Ecuador
Taking in Ecuador’s stunning capital city, mist-shrouded cloud forest, magical Galapagos Islands, and glorious landscapes of the Otavalo countryside, this is a trip of exciting contrasts. From colonial plazas, rainforest hikes, snorkelling with sea turtles and cantering along magnificent mountain trails, a lifetime of memories awaits.
Journey highlights
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Put on your walking shoes to explore the UNESCO-listed Ecuadorian capital, Quito and discover the largest and best-preserved colonial Old Town in South America.
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Awaken to the sounds and sights of the magical Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest at Mashpi Lodge, home to amazing bird and wildlife, gushing waterfalls, misty rivers, and lush rainforest.
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Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on a cruise around the enchanting Galapagos Islands meeting the incredible bird, marine and wildlife and exploring the other-worldly volcanic landscapes.
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Relax in style at Hacienda Zuleta, enjoying the opportunity to discover the delightful Ecuadorian countryside on foot, mountain bike and horseback.
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
Itinerary
Fly to Quito
Quito, Ecuador
This incredible tour begins in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Overlooking the San Francisco Plaza in the heart of Old Town, your base for the following two nights is Casa Gangotena. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th century mansion, this luxury boutique hotel is a beguiling blend of historic charm, contemporary design, and modern comforts.
After a good night’s sleep, there’s a chance to explore Quito’s colonial quarter on a walking tour. A UNESCO World heritage Site, it is the largest and best-preserved example of colonial architecture in South America, a delightful maze of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, impressive churches, and grand plazas. Highlights include Independence Plaza, Quito Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and the baroque interior of the San Francisco Monastery.
Having enjoyed some Ecuadorian culture, it’s now time to savour a To’ak Chocolate Experience. Ecuador is famous for producing world class chocolate and this 2-hour tasting session has been designed to showcase the different flavours that can be achieved. Akin to a wine tasting session, Ecuador’s finest chocolate producer will talk you through the production process, as well as providing plenty of samples to enjoy.
Other highlights include a trip up to La Virgen del Panecillo, a huge sculpture that overlooks the city and a trip on the cable car El Teleférico (known locally as TelefériQo) up the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha to the summit, Cruz Loma. Both offer fabulous views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.
Around 45-minutes north of the city, another popular attraction is the Equatorial Monument. With a latitude of 0º, you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, literally at the Middle of the World. Inside the monument you will find the Ethnographic Museum, with exhibits that focus on the different regions and peoples of Ecuador.
Cloudforest, Ecuador
The following morning you make the exhilarating journey to Mashpi Lodge. The ultimate cloud forest destination, Mashpi is only 70-miles from Quito but is surrounded by the magical Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest and the wildlife that call it home. Abundant with spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, misty rivers, and over 400 species of bird, along with trees, butterflies, and jungle frogs found nowhere else in the world, Mashpi is a nature lover’s dream.
Designed to ensure the rainforest views are always in sight, Mashpi Lodge is a contemporary-styled boutique base with panoramic terraces and glass walls. An extraordinary nature reserve of over 3,000 acres, this wonderful resort has a range of activities on offer to helps guests make the most of their stay. Take one of the many hiking trails accompanied by a naturalist guide, who will teach you all about the plants, insects and animals that live here. Stop off at one of the gushing waterfalls for a swim or try a night hike to really appreciate the sounds and colours of the nocturnal wildlife.
With hundreds of bird species, 36 of which are endemic, Mashpi is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the naturalists are always thrilled to share their knowledge with you. There is also a butterfly farm with over 200 species, an interactive laboratory to help guests understand and appreciate the flora and fauna and a Life Centre where local biologists are happy to explain their research programmes. For a completely different perspective of the cloud forest canopy, try the Observation Tower and Sky Bike. The Sky Bike involves pedalling a bike along a cable stretched at treetop level through the forest, silently passing alongside exotic birds and swinging primates. Guests can also ride the Dragonfly, an open gondola which glides through the forest via a cable system.
Quito, Ecuador
Having enjoyed a two-night escape from the everyday world, you will be transferred back to Quito to spend the night at the Holiday Inn Quito Airport, to be ready to board the flight to the Galapagos Islands the following morning.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Quito Airport ( 1 night )
Galapagos, Ecuador
As the flight approaches this magnificent archipelago, the sense of excited anticipation descends. On landing you will be taken to the port to board the Elite, a luxurious and spacious catamaran which accommodates just 16 passengers. Each of the elegantly furnished suites include sliding glass doors leading to private balconies, along with binoculars and waterproof action cameras.
This four-night itinerary of the Galapagos Islands includes both land and sea excursions. While itineraries can be subject to change owing to the weather, wildlife breeding and advice from the Galapagos National Park, you can expect the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the wildlife and landscape of these unique islands.
The native wildlife is notoriously tame so you can get up close and personal to waddling penguins, prehistoric iguana, lumbering giant tortoise and playful sea lions. Marvel at skies alive with Darwin’s famous finches, red-throated frigates, waved albatross and blue-footed bobbies and swim in waters brimming with over 400 species of tropical fish, manta ray, shark, and huge sea turtles.
Just as diverse is the volcanic landscape with black lava formations, misty cloud forest, lush green highlands, warm turquoise seas, and glorious stretches of pristine white beaches. Discover Santa Cruz’s pit crater and hike through the lava tubes. Trek the islands and unravel the endemic wildlife treasures of the landscape. A chance to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, a cruise around the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience.
Otavalo, Central Highlands, Ecuador
The final leg of this epic tour involves a stay at Hacienda Zuleta. An hour from the indigenous market town of Otavalo, the property lies in the dramatic Andean Mountains, along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Dating from the 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta is a 4,000-acre colonial working ranch that once belonged to the former president of Ecuador. Surrounded by fertile farming valleys and the spectacular Andes Mountains, it is the ideal location for relaxing in the Ecuadorian countryside.
Each of the 19 rooms retains its individual charm and character. There are homemade meals, friendly farm workers to show guests around the dairy and cheese factory, organic garden, trout farm and embroidery workshop. The vibe is relaxed country house estate and there are plenty of activities to enjoy including horse riding. The hacienda even has its own horse breed, known as Zuleteños, which are renowned for being gentle and versatile. There are also 20-miles of walking trails, mountain biking across the rugged hills, birdwatching for condors and hummingbirds (the hacienda runs a successful condor rehabilitation project), and embroidery classes in the village.
This rural idyll is the ideal environment for relaxing and rejuvenating before returning home.
Fly home from Quito
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (Per Person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £12,300 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £12,300 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £12,300 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £12,300 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £12,300 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £12,100 | GBP £1,800 | plan your trip |
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,300
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,800
- plan your trip