Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). A dedicated representative will greet you and provide a comfortable private transfer to the elegant Hotel Mama Cuchara, nestled in the heart of the city’s historic colonial centre. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in, relax, and perhaps take a gentle stroll to acclimatise to the 2,850-metre altitude. This peaceful first evening sets the stage for the incredible discoveries that lie ahead on your journey through Ecuador.

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a fascinating day of discovery. First, a trip to the famous ‘Mitad del Mundo’ or ‘Middle of the World’ monument, where you can stand on the equatorial line with one foot in each hemisphere. Subsequently, you’ll return to Quito for a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. You will explore magnificent sites like the Plaza de la Independencia and the breathtakingly ornate, gold-leaf interior of the Compañía de Jesús church, absorbing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

An early start sees you transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon landing, the change in environment is immediate and thrilling. You will be welcomed by your naturalist guide and transferred to the M/Y Grand Majestic. After settling into your luxurious suite and enjoying lunch, you will make your first wet landing at Bachas Beach. Here, you’ll spot flamingos, sea turtles, and various shorebirds, a perfect introduction to the islands’ incredible biodiversity before your first dinner onboard.

Today is dedicated to Genovesa Island, a haven for birdwatchers. In the morning, you’ll explore Darwin Bay, home to vast colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swooping frigatebirds with their inflated red pouches. In the afternoon, you’ll ascend Prince Philip’s Steps, a rocky path leading to a plateau. Here, you can observe storm petrels in their thousands and potentially spot the elusive short-eared owl. The sheer density and diversity of birdlife on this one island is an unforgettable spectacle.

The day begins with a visit to the otherworldly landscapes of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. You will walk across a vast, barren field of pahoehoe lava that flowed less than 150 years ago, a stark reminder of the islands’ volcanic origins. In the afternoon, you’ll sail to Bartolome Island. Here, a climb to its summit reveals the iconic panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding bays. It is one of the most famous and photographed vistas in the entire archipelago, and a perfect spot for snorkelling with penguins.

Today’s adventure takes you to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island in search of a true Galapagos icon: the giant tortoise. Observing these majestic, ancient creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat is a deeply moving experience. Later, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Here, you will learn about the crucial conservation work and breeding programs that are helping to preserve the unique species of the Galapagos for future generations.

Your final morning in the islands is spent at North Seymour, a small, flat island teeming with life. It is one of the best places to witness the comical courtship dance of the blue-footed booby and to see magnificent frigatebirds displaying their huge, scarlet gular sacs. After this final, memorable excursion, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland. Upon arriving in Quito, a transfer will take you to Hotel Mama Cuchara for your last night.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the incredible journey you have undertaken. At the designated time, a private driver will transfer you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your international flight home, carrying with you memories of the unique wildlife and captivating culture of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.