13-Day Luxurious Tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

You will be escorted to your colonial-era hotel in Quito's picturesque Old Town upon your arrival in the capital, which is likely to be in the late evening.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Quito's historic area, the first site to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the center of the Spanish colonial empire.

Your journey begins in Quito and ends in the secluded and chic Mashpi, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, in the heart of the cloud forest—one of the most biologically varied areas on Earth. This highland rainforest is home to more than 400 species of birds, and there are a variety of trips available here that will allow you to learn about these fascinating creatures and their habitats. Embark on an exhilarating nighttime stroll to hear the myriad of creatures that come alive at this time of day.

Take a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek through verdant streams to a plethora of waterfalls and swimming holes, stroll through the hummingbird garden, or visit the butterfly sanctuary. Mashpi's Dragonfly will transport you to the upper canopy, where you can see toucans and more. The cable car ride is over a mile long. This exquisite cloud forest sanctuary also has an unparalleled gastronomic offering and kind hospitality.

Return to Quito after your last forest expedition for a night of relaxation before your trip to Galapagos the following morning.

The island board a cozy catamaran and encounter a dizzying assortment of wildlife up close and personal. You will be captivated by the abundance of animals, including the massive Galapagos tortoise, marine iguanas, albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, and more, whether you want to stroll, snorkel, kayak, or ride in a zodiac. Cruises throughout the Galapagos Islands that last five days cover both well-known attractions and some of the islands' lesser-known gems. Your available dates and the vessel you're traveling with will determine the specific itineraries. The quality of the naturalist guides, the itinerary, the rooms, the food, and the whole experience are the deciding factors when we choose which ships to work with. Find the Galapagos adventure that suits you best with our assistance.

Darwin Bay, on Genovesa Island, is a stunning beach that was formed by the edge of a submerged crater. In this area, you can observe nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as you stroll along a short track that goes through the mangroves. Sea lions may be seen playing in tidal pools further down the route. Once you reach the cliff, take in a breathtaking panorama of the islands. The "Stairway to Seabird Heaven" (Prince Phillip's Steps) is a natural stairway that ascends the cliffs and you'll reach there in the middle of the afternoon. Here, on top of the ongoing observations of a wide variety of tropical land birds, you may enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the lava ridge.

Espumilla Beach is a good place to see pink flamingos and pintail ducks, and Buccaneer Cove is worth exploring thereafter. Sea turtles and other animals have taken up residence near the mangrove trees, which were once a refuge for pirates. There are a lot of sea lions and marine birds here, making it a perfect place for snorkeling. Journey to Egas Port, where the inquisitive Galapagos hawk resides. Snorkel close to fur seals and sea birds as you follow paths that lead to beautiful tide pools and grottos teeming with wildlife.

North Seymour Island is home to a plethora of wildlife, including beautiful frigate-birds, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos sea lions. Tectonic action raised sedimentary layers that comprised the island's formation, and the island's arid vegetation zone is a defining feature. During this morning's visit, you might go hiking, dinghy riding, or snorkeling. 

After that, we'll head north of the island to explore the Santa Cruz Highlands in the afternoon. Trek through foggy woods and farmland, keep an eye out for a vermillion flycatcher or Darwin's finch swooping by, and follow the tracks of massive tortoises as they navigate volcanic craters and lava tubes.

Mosquera Islet, situated between North Seymour and Baltra Island, will be the site of your wet landing this morning at the crack of dawn. This sandy, flat island is home to a big population of sea lions and makes a great vantage point for seeing shorebirds like lava gulls and herons. 

A two-hour picturesque journey north into the rolling hills of the highlands, where indigenous Quechua language villages and their traditional customs live, awaits you after your morning with wildlife. You will fly back to Quito. After checking into the hacienda of the former president's family, you'll get a tour of the grounds and a supper that tastes like something out of your Ecuadorian grandmother's cookbook, with ingredients sourced largely from the property.

Included and optional activities at Zuleta include exploring the surrounding countryside on horseback, visiting the condor rehabilitation project, mountain biking, visiting the Otavalo market, exploring the cheese creamery, and relaxing in one of the many courtyards.

Return to Quito airport in the wee hours of the morning for your journey home after another day of exploring this historic mountain wonderland.