Leave the shores of Guayaquil, your destination: Santa Cruz Island. Over the next few days, discover the magic of the Galapagos; see wild species found nowhere else on Earth, from the blue-footed booby and giant tortoises to swimming iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. They may just join you on a morning of snorkelling!
Explore lava tunnels, pristine ivory beaches and learn just why this archipelago was dubbed the 'Enchanted Isles'. Back on the mainland, travel to Quito, which sits 2,820 metres above sea level, gazing over misty volcanic peaks. Old Town holds a deeply fascinating history, from Pre-Columbian art to Spanish cathedrals, and you can even 'straddle' the Equator.
Your last stop is a charming hacienda in the foothills of Cotopaxi, an epic landscape of hiking, biking and riding trails, far from life as you know it.
$2.9K / person
You will be met on arrival at Guayaquil Airport and driven to your next lodge.
25mins
Guayaquil is most well-known as the gateway to the Galapagos and it's the only place to catch a flight to the islands. However, the seaside city has plenty to keep you occupied. Spend hours on the golden beaches (up or down the coast), scanning the water for whales and finding the best Creole crab to dine on. Delve into the history books in Las Penas, where the original canons used to ward off pirates still stand, and walk the 444 steps to Santa Ana Chapel to admire the fantastic views it affords. Oh, and don't leave without tasting some of the best chocolate in Ecuador.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to Guayaquil Airport for your flight to Galapagos Baltra Airport. You will be met on arrival at Galapagos Baltra Airport and driven to your next lodge
4hrs 25mins
The second largest island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz is the start and end point for most cruises. Whether you stop here whilst exploring the waters or are spending a few nights on its shores, there's plenty to see. Cycle across the highlands on the lookout for giant tortoise; hike through the lava tunnels; pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station; spend time on the lagoon on a kayaking excursion; and dive below the gin-clear ocean to spot turtles, sea lions and tropical fish. Spend a few hours (or days) on the white-sand Tortuga Beach, soaking up the sun and views and looking out for the marine iguanas arriving ashore. Along the way, you never know how many members of the 'Galapagos 15' you'll see.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to Galapagos Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito Airport. You will be met on arrival at Quito Airport and driven to your next lodge
5hrs 50mins
In Ecuador, the wilderness is never far away and its capital city is no different. Surrounded by active volcanoes and the Amazon Basin, Quito presents one fabulous view after another as you stroll through the streets - and the best? Definitely atop the famous El Panecillo Hill or over a pisco sour at a rooftop bar, depending on your persuasion! The Old Town is one of the most well-preserved Spanish cities in Latin America and it's a feast for the eyes with 200 churches, plazas and museums, including the House of Praise which holds 5,000 pre-Columbian pieces. The city also has its share of bohemian neighbourhoods where you can delve into the arts scene and get to know Quito's modern side.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to your next lodge.
1hr 45mins
One of the tallest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi watches over the Avenue of Volcanoes like a cloud-grazing guardian. The national park surrounding it is a maze of trails, which can be explored on foot, bike or horseback with a genuine Ecuadorian cowboy. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wild vicunas, Andean condors in flight and, if you're really lucky, puma. You could even make the trek partway (or all the way) to the summit of Cotopaxi, no mean feat considering its height at 5,897 metres above sea level. For something completely different, visit one of the park's glacial waterfalls or thermal pools for a dip, or take a boat ride on the Turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake.
You will be collected from your lodge and driven to Quito Airport.
2hrs
$2.9K / person
Domestic transfers, accommodation, inclusive meals, drinks and activities where specified
International flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities
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