Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos Islands

Welcome to Ecuador. You will be met at Quito airport and transferred to our hotel in the Andean capital of Ecuador. At 2,850m, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. This unique city is divided into two contrasting districts, with the active volcano Guagua Pichincha to the east.

This morning we take a short walking tour through colonial core of the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings, nestled beneath an extravagant array of steeples and cupolas. Being the first city ever to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a treasure trove of architectural and historical gems. Our tour of Quito's historic centre takes in all of the main sights including the San Francisco monastery, the main plaza, with its cathedral and governmental palace, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, with its quirky gargoyles. This afternoon is free to explore Quito at leisure or just relax at the hotel.

Quito - Chilcabamba. This morning, we travel south to Cotopaxi, where we’ll spend the night at a lodge in Chilcabamba, nestled on an elevated plateau at 3,600 meters, yet surrounded by towering peaks. The location offers breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi volcano and beckons you to step outside and explore. Available activities include hiking and cycling trails. Outside, two fire pits provide the perfect setting for atmospheric stargazing as the day transitions into night.

Chilcabamba - Riobamba. After breakfast we make our way to the 'Sultan of the Andes' - Riobamba. We take a captivating journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes where making it one of the world's highest active volcanoes. We take a short walk around the lagoon at Limpiopungo before travelling on to Riobamba where we spend the night in a traditional hacienda.

Riobamba – Cuenca. This morning we make our way to Cuenca, the colonial jewel of the south. Our journey takes us via Ingapirca, Ecuador's main Inca Ruins. Dating back to the 15th century, the settlement has Inca architectural traits, with mortar-less stonework and characteristic trapezoidal niches. Archaeologists believe that the main structure, known as The Temple of the Sun was once used for ceremonial and religious purposes.

We travel on to the beautiful 16th-century town Cuenca which was built on the site of an ancient Inca settlement and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Here, we spend the next two nights.

The next two days are free to spend exploring charming Cuenca. Stroll around the city's narrow cobblestone streets, taking in the beautiful architecture buildings and whitewashed houses, with grand wooden doors and vibrant flowers cascading from ironwork balconies. You can also opt to visit the nearby market towns like Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and colonial Sigsig in the foothills of the western cordillera. En route you can stop to barter for silver and gold filigree jewellery and observing skilled artisans making guitars and the famous Panama hats.

Cuenca - Guayaquil. Today's journey takes us from the mountains to the tropical lowlands towards Guayaquil. This incredibly scenic journey takes in contrasting landscapes, as we pass through Andean villages and banana plantations. We stop at Las Cajas National Park, with its picturesque trails which pass through the rugged, high-altitude wilderness, home to herds of llamas and diverse wildlife, including bears, pumas, and tigrillos.

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. Located on the banks of the River Guayas, Guayaquil has gone through an incredible transformation in recent years. If time permits, we may have opportunity to walk from the bustling open market at La Bahia, past the colonial naval shipyard to the Malecon, the city's stunning waterfront promenade. We stroll past tropical gardens, bustling markets, and charming street cafés before heading to Santa Ana Hill and Las Peñas, a delightful district of brightly-coloured wooden houses and quaint streets dating back to the 16th century.

Bidding farewell to our mainland tour leader, we take an early morning flight to Baltra Island, part of the Galapagos archipelago. After paying the entrance fee, our naturalist guides lead us to Puerto Ayora, here we board a motor yacht which will be our home for the next 7 nights.

The Galapagos Island, formed six million years ago through volcanic activity, boast a diverse array of unique animals and plants. The inspiration for Charles Darwin's ground breaking theory of evolution rose from these islands. Although these island are constantly on the move, they home a thriving population of giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins and bird species. Find a spot on deck as we make our way through the ocean, trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.

The boats are relatively small, creating an informal atmosphere, and the service is of a high standard; the crew is attentive and the food very good. Cabins with en suite facilities are compact but comfortable for your seven nights on board. There are common bar / lounge areas as well as a sun decks. Beach towels are provided, and basic snorkelling equipment can be borrowed.

On our 7 night Galapagos cruise there are normally two landings a day, visiting different islands, with opportunities to snorkel. Accompanied by our guide, we go in search of the different wildlife that inhabits the islands we have guided tours of each island to spot different wildlife that inhabit the islands.

Below is a summary of the islands that we visit on the cruise, and the animals and birds that can be found on each of them. The order of touring is subject to change.

Santa Cruz Island: A captivating island which boasts a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, including giant tortoises. It has the largest human population of the five inhabited islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station here is staffed by international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects.

Fernandina Island: The island is one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes, having erupted at least 10 times in the last 150 years. The island has an untamed beauty, with breathtaking volcanic landscapes. It is home to a huge colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and some penguins.

Isabela Island: The largest and one of the most captivating islands in the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela has five volcanoes running down its spine. Famous for its diverse wildlife and unique geological features, Isabela has one of the impressive and spectacular inlets of Vincente Roca, with its high cliffs, lava formations and wonderful marine life. Urbina Bay has an incredible array of birdlife including finches, warblers and mockingbirds, whilst Elizabeth Bay is home to turtles and rays.

James Island: An island of black rocks and little shade, especially along its western coast, where lava pools and caves harbour a rich variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for herons, oyster catchers, and playful Galapagos fur seals in the deep, refreshing water pools. and lookout for marine iguanas feasting on algae beds.

Rabida Island: A breath-takingly beautiful gem in the archipelago, with its striking red-sand beaches formed by volcanic oxidation. A short walk along a trail to the lagoon leads to a coastal lagoon where spotting finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds can be seen. There's also a large colony of flamingos.

Bartolome Island: A volcanic island is known for its striking landscape. With the altitude of 114 meters, the island offers an incredible opportunity to observe one of the most beautiful panoramic views across the Galapagos Islands, with volcanic cones, lunar like craters, lava fields, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Although there is very little vegetation, we can find a small colony of Galapagos penguins thriving in this unique environment.

Please note: All departures in 2024 and the first departure of 2025 will be based on a 7 night program. The remaining tours in 2025 will be a 6 night itinerary.

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil. Today marks the end of our cruise and incredible journey the highlands of Ecuador & Galapagos Islands. We disembark and fly back to Guayaquil where arrangements end.