Day 17: Depart
Time to wave goodbye to this incredible country, as we head back to the mainland to connect with your flight home.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-2: Quito
After being welcomed at the airport and taken by private car to your boutique hotel, you have time at leisure to rest, relax, and acclimatise. The following day we take a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed colonial centre, with optional cultural activities afterwards such as a cooking class, chocolate tour, or visits to artisanal workshops.
Accommodation: 2 nights at Casa Gardenia
Day 3-4: Cloud Forest
Journey approx 2 hours out of Quito into the lush and magical cloud forest, staying at charming small eco lodge on the banks of a babbling river and surrounded by protected forest. The area is known for world class birdwatching and nature walks, but also offers optional river tubing, zip lining, horse riding and wild swimming for the active traveller.
Accommodation: 2 nights at El Monte Ecolodge
Day 5-7: Otavalo
Moving up into the mountainous Otavalo region, we start three days of stunning hikes amongst indigenous villages and shimmering lakes. Day 1 is a beautiful walk around the deep blue Cuicocha crater lake. Day 2 we hike between our two hotels, via the colourful indigenous craft markets of Otavalo and the workshop of a renowned traditional ‘Master Weaver’. The final day is a hike to another valley with differing cultures, finishing with a cooking class in the home kitchen of a friendly local family.
Accommodation: 1 night each at Las Palmeras Inn, Hacienda Cusin & Casa Gardenia
The majesty of Cotopaxi
Day 8-9: Cotopaxi
Driving south towards Cotopaxi National Park, we check-in for two nights at a charming mountain lodge featuring stunning views of the iconic snow-covered volcano that gives the park its name. Your time here is at leisure to arrange guided horse riding, mountain biking or treks with the lodge, or set out into the national park by foot yourself for some independent adventures.
Accommodation: 2 nights at Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge
Day 10-12: – Santa Cruz, Galapagos
We return to Quito airport and fly to one of the worlds greatest outdoor destinations, the Galapagos Islands. Settle in to your hotel, from where you can walk or cycle to nearby beaches or visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day we take a private boat excursion to one of the neighbouring islands, to walk and snorkel amongst the iconic wildlife that makes the Galapagos so special.
Accommodation: 3 nights at Hotel Ikala
Day 13-16: Isabela, Galapagos
Reached by an exhilarating speedboat journey, Isabela Island offers a quieter version of the Galapagos. Our time here includes opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling amongst reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins, and a stunning full day trek up and around the rim of the mighty Sierra Negra volcanic crater. Each afternoon we return to our boutique hotel on a gorgeous white sand beach, perfect for relaxing and taking in the amazing sights of the Galapagos.
Accommodation: 3 nights at Wooden House Hotel
17 days from £4300 pp
Based on two adults sharing, travelling in low season, subject to availability
Includes
All accommodation, excursions, and transport, including Ecuador to Galapagos return airfare
Excludes
International flights, travel insurance and tips