Ultimate Galapagos & Ecuador
The quest for adventure does not mean a compromise in luxury on this superb tour offering the best of both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. From discovering the UNESCO-listed colonial glory of Quito, to trekking through Ecuador’s atmospheric cloud forest and cruising the enchanted Galapagos Islands, this trip promises an abundance of unforgettable experiences, wondrous natural beauty, and incredible wildlife encounters
Journey highlights
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Walk the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Quito and marvel at the impressive colonial architecture, scenic plazas, handsome churches, and traditional artisan shops. Ride the cable car to the top of a dormant volcano for fabulous views, before refuelling with a chocolate tasting session.
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Meet the toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, peccaries, butterflies, and jungle frogs of the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest with a stay at Mashpi Lodge. Enjoy discovering the misty rainforest, and dramatic waterfalls on guided treks and boat trips by day and by night and you can even cycle across the forest canopy for a bird’s eye view of the exotic creatures who reside up in the clouds.
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Cruise the stunning blue waters and volcanic islands of the magical Galapagos Islands on Silversea’s luxurious expedition ship, Silver Origin. An impressive guest to crew ratio, expert naturalist guides, sumptuous accommodation, and multiple daily excursions, ensures you get to explore the landscapes and enjoy numerous encounters with the incredible Galapagos bird, marine and wildlife.
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Swim with gentle sea turtles, playful sea lions, huge manta rays, hammerhead sharks and cheeky penguins. Snorkel the lava tunnels, trek the volcanic landscapes, get up close to giant tortoises, prehistoric iguanas, bright pink flamingos and scout for Darwin’s famous finches, albatrosses, and blue-footed boobies
- Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate 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
When to visit
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Ecuador & the Galapagos can be visited year round. The higher the altitude in the Andes, the cooler it becomes, especially at night. June to September is the best time to enjoy the Andes as this is the drier season. From January to June it is typically hot in the Galapagos and sees sunny days and blue skies interspersed with showers, while the rest of the year is generally cloudier and cooler. From July to September the seas can be heavier and boats tend to go into dry dock for their annual refurbishment around this time. The average temperature ranges from a pleasant 20°C to 28°C, however being on the equator the sun is very strong. Due to limited permits in the Galapagos we advise to book well in advance.
Itinerary
Fly to Quito
Quito, Ecuador
This ultimate experience begins in the enchanting Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Your base for the following two nights is the Casa Gangotena. This luxury boutique hotel occupies a prime position overlooking San Francisco Plaza in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. A sympathetically restored 18th century mansion, the hotel seamlessly blends original features with contemporary design and modern conveniences.
During your time in the capital there is much to see and explore. Quito’s Old Town is one of the finest colonial quarters in South America, with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, grand churches, and handsome plazas. Highlights include Independence Plaza which is flanked by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, Carondelet Palace, and the Municipal Palace. La Compañía de Jesús Church includes a beautifully ornate and gilded interior, while the Monastery of San Francisco boasts an impressive baroque interior.
There are also traditional shops to visit selling sweet treats and the original Panama hats. Chocolate tasting is also on offer. Ecuador is famous for gourmet chocolate, and this is a chance to learn more about the history and production of this indulgent treat. With many chefs rediscovering the country’s incredible indigenous produce, the whole Ecuadorian food scene is buzzing, so do check out the restaurants.
For wonderful city views climb up to La Virgen del Panecillo, a stunning sculpture that overlooks the city or for a more expansive view, take the El Teleférico cable car (known locally as TelefériQo) from the city up the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha. The view takes in the whole of Quito and its surrounding volcanoes and there are walking trails for those wishing to hike to the top of the volcano.
Slightly further afield, you may also wish to visit the Equatorial Monument, located around 45-minutes north of the city. The latitude here is 0º, and you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, literally standing in the Middle of the World. Inside the monument you will find the Ethnographic Museum, with exhibits that focus on the different regions, geography, and peoples of this region.
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena ( 2 nights )
Cloudforest, Ecuador
This morning you will head off for a stay at the ultimate cloud forest destination, Mashpi Lodge. Located in the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest, a stay at Mashpi offers the chance to explore this atmospheric landscape of verdant rainforest, misty rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. It’s also an opportunity to meet the bird and wildlife that call it home. With over 400 species of birds including toucans, tanagers and hummingbirds, primates including howler and spider monkeys, peccaries, butterflies, and jungle frogs, many of which are found nowhere else in the world, Mashpi is a bird and wildlife lover’s dream.
The lodge sits in a 3,000-acre nature reserve and has been designed with glass walls and panoramic terraces to ensure that the rainforest is always in view. Mashpi is a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and with expert naturalist guides and a wide range of activities on offer, there is something for all interests and moods. Take a guided hike and a swim in one of the glorious waterfalls, while your guide teaches you about the plants, insects, and wildlife of the area. Night hikes are another memorable experience, with all your senses on heightened alert, the nocturnal sounds of the animals create plenty of drama and atmosphere.
Birdwatchers will be in their element at Mashpi as among the hundreds of species, there are 36 endemic bird species, and the guides all love sharing their knowledge with you. There is also a butterfly farm with over 200 species, an interactive laboratory to help guests understand and appreciate the forest’s flora and fauna and a Life Center where local biologists are happy to explain their research programs.
Mashpi also has a wonderful Observation Tower and Sky Bike. This offers a chance to soar above the cloud forest canopy and get close to the primates and exotic birds of the forest. The Sky Bike involves pedalling a bike along a cable stretched at treetop level through the forest, silently passing alongside the monkey and birds that live up in the trees. Another exhilarating experience is Mashpi’s Dragonfly, an open-air cable car system that carries guests over, across and even through the forest canopy. The guides can stop the ride at any point to highlight plants and wildlife of interest along the way
Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge ( 3 nights )
Quito, Ecuador
After three-nights in this fabulous reserve, it’s time for the next stage of your adventure. From Mashpi you will be transferred back to Quito to spend the night at the Vacation Inn Quito Airport, ready to board the flight to the jaw-dropping Galapagos Islands the following morning.
Accommodation: Vacation Inn Quito Airport ( 1 night )
Galapagos, Ecuador
Just a 2.5-hour flight from Quito, the Galapagos Islands appear as an other-worldly kingdom of compelling volcanic landscapes and extraordinary bird, marine and wildlife. The archipelago includes 19 unique islands and over 100 islets and for the following seven nights you will have the opportunity to explore them aboard Silversea’s superlative cruiser, the Silver Origin.
One of the most luxurious and elegant expedition boats to cruise the islands, Silver Origin offers the impeccable service synonymous with Silversea cruising. There is an impressive staff to guest ratio, deluxe suite accommodation with butler service and private balconies and a maximum of 100 guests. Only up to 100 visitors are allowed at any one landing site in the Galapagos, which means you will never share landing sites with those from other boats. Accompanied by top naturalist guides and offering multiple daily excursions, this is a wonderful way to explore the islands and the creatures that call it home.
The native wildlife is notoriously tame, so you’ll be able to 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 rays, harmless sharks, and huge turtles. Just as diverse is the landscape with active volcanoes, black lava formations, misty cloud forest, lush green highlands, warm turquoise seas, and glorious stretches of pristine white beaches.
The itinerary has been designed to be time-efficient with most traveling undertaken at night, so you awaken in a new location every morning. Each day usually includes a morning and afternoon activity session, such as guided hiking, swimming, or snorkeling. Cruising is a wonderful way to appreciate the ecological diversity found in the archipelago and as you sail through the water, you may spot rays, whales, and dolphins, not to mention the neon-phosphorescence glittering under star-filled skies.
Accommodation: Silversea Silver Origin ( 6 nights )
Guayaquil, Ecuador
This morning you bid farewell to the Galapagos and take a flight to Guayaquil, for your final night in Ecuador staying at the Hotel del Parque. Located within the city’s tropical Parque Historico, the hotel is housed in a former 19th century catholic hospice. Now fully restored to reflect its original grandeur, this elegant boutique hotel overlooks the Daule River and botanic gardens. Guests of the hotel can enjoy the Parque Historico’s nature trails and visit its wildlife sanctuary even when it is closed to the public.
Finally, after enjoying your last night of Ecuador’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, you will be taken to the airport to begin the journey home.
Accommodation: Hotel del Parque ( 1 night )
Fly home
Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | $18,500 | $4,600 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $19,000 | $4,700 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $18,500 | $4,600 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $18,500 | $4,600 | plan your trip |
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November 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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$18,500
Deposit from*$4,600
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$19,000
Deposit from*$4,700
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$18,500
Deposit from*$4,600
-
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$18,500
Deposit from*$4,600
- plan your trip
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