Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Ecuador – Quito – Andes – Galapagos
100% customisable for you
Your grand tour of Ecuador begins today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and enjoy some down time in the lounge as you await departure. Flight time to Quito is around 14 hours (including a layover in a major hub airport), so make sure to have plenty of entertainment lined up for the journey.
When you land, a private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to whisk you off to your first hotel: a charming property in the heart of the capital’s historic centre. Spend the rest of today settling into local life with a stroll around town, a cocktail in a rooftop bar and a delicious Ecuadorian dinner back at the hotel.
Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in Ecuador and you’ll want to make the most of it. After breakfast this morning, head out for a private walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the best-preserved historic centres in Latin America. From the colourful single-story homes with their Spanish balconies to the imposing civil and religious buildings, walking through the streets is like stepping into a time machine.
Your guide will lead you to some of the neighbourhood’s most important historic buildings, such as the cathedral, Carondelet Palace and the Saint Francis Church, which houses the Virgen de Quito, a wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary venerated throughout the northern Andes. When your legs need a rest, treat yourself to a warming cup of Canelazo, a spiced herbal cocktail made with aguardiente, a sugarcane spirit.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend further discovering the delights of the capital at your own pace. We recommend taking advantage of Quito’s hilly surroundings to gain some height and enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape. A popular viewpoint is the Virgin of Quito, a beautiful statue that looms large over the colonial quarter. Higher up still are the slopes of the dormant Pichincha Volcano, which can be reached via a scenic cable car ride. The views from the 13,000ft viewpoint are extraordinary – we’re talking grumbling volcanoes in the distance, rolling Andean hills behind you and every inch of the city laid bare at your feet.
Wave goodbye to the bright lights of the colonial capital as you’re driven two hours to Cotopaxi National Park, a natural wonder of epic dimensions. This beautiful sliver of protected Andean landscapes is home to Cotopaxi Volcano, a perfectly cone-shaped snow-capped volcano.
On arrival, check in for two nights at a cosy hotel on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano. We recommend heading out for a stroll around the grounds of your hotel or further into the nature reserve, before settling in for a restful evening in front of a crackling fire.
Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning, as you have quite the hiking adventure on the agenda today. Once you’re suited and booted in comfortable hiking gear, you’ll be met by an private driver-guide, who’ll be leading you to some of the park’s most scenic spots.
Your first stop is the trailhead of the Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you’ll embark on a gentle two-hour acclimatisation hike to this serene body of water set at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. Continue climbing in altitude (by car) to an iconic viewpoint set 14,700ft above sea level. Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views across the fabled ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’, a sliver of the Andes home to the Illinizas, Antisana, Cayambe and Tungurahua volcanoes.
From here you can opt to embark on a one-and-a-half-hour ascent to a refuge located nearly 1,000ft higher up, or you can simply enjoy the panoramic vistas from the viewpoint. Round off your adventure with a delicious lunch in a charming hacienda (farmhouse) that was once an Inca temple, before being converted to a convent, a presidential residence and now a farmhouse. Relax in the garden and sample tasty local specialities while admiring views of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano.
Alternatively, we could arrange for today’s discovery of the park to be done on horseback.
Your journey across Ecuador continues today with a two-hour private transfer to Banos, a beautiful town nestled in the lush emerald hills on the edge of the Amazon basin. Make a stop along the way at Quilotoa, a small village tucked in the Andean plains and home to indigenous communities, grazing sheep, llamas and a trailhead to Quilotoa Lake, a high-altitude volcanic crater filled with bright turquoise waters.
Continue on to Banos and check in to your next hotel: a contemporary and well-located property, where you’ll be hanging up your hat for the next two nights.
Located on the Pastaza River and overlooked by the imposing Tungurahua Volcano, life in Banos centres around adventures in the great outdoors. Today you’ll be discovering some of the region’s finest waterfalls in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
The nine-mile route passes several beautiful waterfalls emerging from within the emerald mountains, including El Manto de la Novia, San Jorge and San Pedro. Make a stop to cross the river via the Tarabita cable car, before rounding off your tour at the star of the show: the enchanting and ultra-powerful Pailon del Diablo (or ‘Devil’s Cauldron’ in English).
The rest of today is yours to spend further soaking in the sights of Banos. You can continue your outdoor adventures with mountain biking, canyoning or hiking, or enjoy a dose of culture at the Nuestra Senora del Agua Santa Basilica, which displays beautiful frescoes in homage to the patroness of the city. Our team could also arrange a rafting adventure on Pastaza River, as well as a wellness session in an ecological spa.
Bid the enchanting waterfalls of Banos a warm farewell as you continue on to your next destination: the ice-capped Chimborazo Volcano. The direct journey takes around three hours, however your private driver will make a stop along the way at the historic city of Riobamba.
Stroll along the city’s cobbled streets, admiring well-preserved colonial architecture, and, in the distance, the glowing white peaks of the great Ecuadorian volcanoes. From here, continue on to your next hotel: a hacienda (farmhouse) located between Riobamba and Chimborazo, your home for the next two nights.
After settling in and freshening up, you’ll be met by an experienced private guide, who’ll be taking you on an exciting hike up the slopes of the dormant Chimborazo volcano. The ascent begins at the foot of Chimborazo, at an altitude of 16,000ft, and continues up to the Edward Whymper refuge, a further 500ft up the southwest side of the volcano. Enjoy views over the arid mineral landscapes of the Andean plains beneath you, before continuing on a little further up to a beautiful lagoon perched at an altitude of 17,500ft. Return to your hacienda later this afternoon for an evening of R&R.
Spend today sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the changing scenery of Ecuador as you’re driven five hours south to Cuenca, a charming colonial city tucked in the Andean mountains. On arrival, settle in for two nights at a property in the heart of the historic centre, and spend the rest of today enjoying your new city surroundings. Ease back into urban life with a stroll around the neighbourhood, followed by a drink and some nibbles in one of the many recommended eateries found in our Dossier.
Tuck into another hearty breakfast this morning ready for a private walking tour of Cuenca’s beautiful colonial centre. The city is home to two grand cathedrals – Iglesia de El Sagrario and Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion – both of which have been converted into museums.
You can also visit the Panama Museum, which details the history and tales of the timeless hand-woven hat that Ecuadorians are so besotted with. Round off your walk with a bite to eat at one of the many fragrant street food stalls, or family-run restaurants specialising in local delicacies.
Your adventure across Ecuador continues today with a four-hour private transfer to Guayaquil, a bustling city on the Pacific coast. On arrival, settle into an elegant hotel for the night, tucked away from the city centre but still within easy walking distance of the promenade that runs along the Guaya River. Spend the rest of today familiarising yourself with your new environment on a riverside stroll, before enjoying an evening of good food and perhaps a drink or two, either out in the city or back at your hotel.
Wave goodbye to mainland Ecuador as you journey across the Pacific Ocean to the remote Galapagos Archipelago. After breakfast this morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport and guided through security, before hopping on a two-hour flight to the island of Santa Cruz.
When you arrive, a private driver will whisk you off to your first island hideaway: a contemporary hotel overlooking the bay, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. The rest of today is then yours to enjoy at leisure. You could head straight to the beach, explore the town or simply kick back and enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Hit the ground running with a day diving around neighbouring Santa Fe, a beautiful basalt lava island covered in cacti. Begin your trip on dry land, learning about the diverse native wildlife from your naturalist guide.
Once you’re acquainted with the Galapagos buzzards, iguanas and nesting sea birds that call this sliver of the Pacific Ocean home, head into the clear blue waters for a spot of snorkelling with stingrays, colourful fish, manta rays and even small (and harmless) reef sharks.
We can also arrange for you to extend the trip with a visit to Bartolome, a volcanic islet and one of the archipelago’s ‘younger’ islands.
On today’s agenda: a swimming and snorkelling adventure in the saltwater canal of Las Grietas. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be met by your knowledgeable guide and led down to Puerto Ayora for a short boat ride to the canal.
After a guided snorkelling session, return to dry land to enjoy a walk along the canal to Los Alemanes beach, and then to a salt flat that offers beautiful views across the entire site. Head to the idyllic Tortuga Bay this afternoon for more snorkelling, followed by a spot of sunbathing on the white sand beach.
Bid Santa Cruz a warm farewell as you sail two hours across the Galapagos archipelago to Isabela, a breathtaking island that takes its name from Isabela of Castile, the former queen of Spain who financed the expeditions and endeavours of Christopher Columbus. A private driver will be waiting for you at the port to whisk you off to Puerto Vilamil, a charming fishing village filled with colourful houses and swaying palm trees.
Your home for the next three nights here is a tranquil hotel surrounded by floral gardens, perfect for some R&R after a busy day of exploring. Spend the evening strolling along the quaint streets of Puerto Vilamil.
Answer the siren call of the ocean once again, as you embark on a sailing trip around the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa. This network of ancient lava formations is home to numerous colonies of nesting birds and other spectacular wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans and sea lions. Round off your adventure with a spot of snorkelling to observe the island’s rich underwater fauna.
The rest of today is then yours to play with. We recommend taking a leisurely barefoot stroll along the soft sand of your local beach, keeping an eye out for giant land turtles and marine iguanas.
Today is dedicated to pedalling around Isabela Island’s best spots. Discover the delights of Puerto Vilamil before heading to the Wall of Tears, a trail that lines a wall of lava rock built by prisoners during the island’s stint as a penal colony. We also recommend making a stop at the Tortoise Breeding Centre to admire the island’s endemic species of Giant Turtles.
If you prefer exploring on foot, then our team can arrange for you to spend today hiking around the splendid Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes with an experienced guide.
Sadly the time has come to bid one last adios to the beautiful Galapagos Archipelago and embark on your journey home. After a delicious breakfast this morning, you’ll be collected by a private driver and transferred back to the airport.
Flight time to the UK is around 19 hours, including a layover in mainland Ecuador and another in an international hub airport. Take this time to sit back, read, relax and let your mind drift back to the land of sea lions and giant turtles.
If you’re not ready to leave just yet, our team can extend your trip with an adventure in the lush rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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