The Grand Tour of Ecuador: From the Andean Mountains to the Galapagos Islands

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 all of Latin America. From the adorable single-story colourful homes with their Spanish balconies to the imposing civil and religious buildings rising at every turn, 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 the Virgen de Quito, a wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary venerated throughout the northern Andes. Between stops, sip on an indulgent mug of Canelazo, an alcoholic tea made with aguardiente, sugar, water and cinnamon. The rest of the afternoon and evening is then yours to spend further discovering the delights of the vibrant capital at your own pace. We recommend taking advantage of Quito’s hilly surroundings to gain some height and enjoy breathtaking views of the sprawling cityscape. A popular (and certainly iconic) 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 privately driven two hours to Cotopaxi National Park, a natural wonder of epic dimensions. This beautiful sliver of protected Andean landscapes harbours Cotopaxi Volcano, a perfectly cone-shaped snow-capped volcano. On arrival, settle in for two nights at a quaint and cosy hotel nestled on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano, and spend the rest of today taking the pulse of your new surroundings in the Andean wilderness. We recommend enjoying a stroll around the grounds of your hotel and 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 experienced private driver-guide, who’ll be leading you to some of the park’s most scenic and iconic 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 volcanoes of Illinizas, Antisana, Cayambe and Tungurahua. From here you can opt to embark on a one-and-a-half hour ascent to a refuge located nearly one thousand feet higher up, or you can simply enjoy the panoramic vistas from the viewpoint. Round off your adventure with a delicious lunch in a fascinating property that was converted from an Inca temple, to a Covent, then a presidential residence and finally, as it is today, a charming hacienda (farmhouse). Relax in the garden and sample tasty local specialities while admiring views of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Our team can also 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 Baños, 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 lost in the middle of the Andean plains and home to indigenous communities, grazing sheep, adorable llamas and a trailhead to a magnificent natural wonder by the name of Quilotoa Lake, a breathtaking high-altitude volcanic crater filled with bright turquoise waters. Continue on to Baños 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. Take the rest of today to settle into your new surroundings and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.

Located on the Pastaza River and overlooked by the imposing Tungurahua Volcano, life in Baños centres around adventures in the great outdoors. Today you’ll be discovering the region’s rich variety of 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 by ‘tarabita’ (a suspended cable cart), before rounding off your waterfall extravaganza at the star of the show: the enchanting and ultra-powerful Pailon del Diablo. The rest of today is then yours to spend further soaking in the sights of Baños. 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 Baños 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 Riobamba, so you can discover the first city founded by the Spanish way back in 1530. Stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets of the city, 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 beautiful 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. Take some time to soak in 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 home later this afternoon for an evening of R&R in a cosy and comfortable setting.

Spend today sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the changing scenery of Ecuador as you’re privately driven five hours south to Cuenca, a charming colonial city nestled in the Andean mountains. On arrival, settle in for two nights at a splendid property located in the heart of the historic centre, and spend the rest of today enjoying your new city surroundings. We recommend gently rejoining civilisation with a stroll around the neighbourhood, followed by a drink and some nibbles in one of the many recommended eateries found in our coveted destination-specific Dossier (which you’ll have on hand for the duration of your holiday).

Fuel up at breakfast and get 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 skilfully transformed into museums. You can also opt to 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 charming 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 nestled along the Pacific coast. On arrival, settle in to 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 getting to know your new environment with 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 idyllic 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. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to greet you and whisk you off to your first island hideaway: a bright and contemporary hotel overlooking the bay, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. The rest of today is then yours to spend leisurely soaking in your new environment at your own pace. You could head straight to the beach, explore the town or simply kick back and enjoy the lovely facilities at the hotel.

Hit the ground running in the wild-life rich lands and seas of the Galapagos Islands, 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 early this morning, you’ll be met by your knowledgeable local guide and led down to Puerto Ayora to embark on a short boat ride to the canal. After a session of guided snorkelling, head onto 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 Trortuga Bay this afternoon for another snorkelling session, followed by some good old-fashioned R&R in the lap of soft white sand.

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 full of colourful houses and luscious palm trees. Your home for the next three nights here is a beautiful hotel surrounded by floral gardens, perfect for some R&R after a busy day of exploring. Spend the evening strolling through the quaint yet bustling 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 session 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, while soaking in the sounds of waves rolling into land and birds swooping above.

Hop onto a comfortable bike and spend today pedalling around Isabela Island’s best spots. Soak in 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.