Itinerary Highlights
    • From the foothills of the Andes to the beaches of the Pacific, get off the beaten track in beautiful Ecuador
    • Hang up your hat in a collection of stylish hidden gems, including a colonial farmhouse and a tropical eco-lodge
    • Make memories at every turn with horse riding excursions, wildlife observation hikes and snorkelling trips

Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

Historic farmhouses nestled in the Andean foothills, colonial towns oozing with charm, luscious rainforest that is home to tropical wildlife, and serene sandy beaches stretching for miles on end… Ecuador boasts an abundance of natural and cultural treasures. This itinerary is all about getting off the beaten track and exploring the unexplored in one of South America’s top adventure destinations. Your exploration begins in a rural hacienda (farmhouse) surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes of forests, waterfalls and dramatic mountain backdrops. Your next stop is a luxurious eco-lodge nestled in the luscious emerald rainforest of the Mashpi Nature Reserve, where you’ll have two days to hike along trails, admire an abundance of tropical flora and fauna, and totally disconnect from the pulls of the modern world.
The final chapter of your journey across Ecuador takes place on the wild and windswept beaches along the nation’s picturesque sliver of Pacific coastline. You’ll have six days here to combine adventure with some serious R&R – we’re talking sailing, snorkelling and horse riding along the beach, as well plenty of hours dedicated to kicking back in a plush sun lounger overlooking the beach.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

TOUCHDOWN IN ECUADOR

Your escape to the idyllic lesser-visited regions of Ecuador starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some down time in the airport lounge with nibbles and refreshments as you await departure. Flight time to the capital city of Quito is around 15 hours, including a short layover in a major airport hub. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and off to your first hidden gem: a characterful colonial hacienda (farmhouse) nestled in the wild Andean foothills near the charming city of Ibarra, an hour-and-a-half’s drive away. Spend the rest of today relaxing and unwinding from your day of travel in an oasis of utter peace and tranquility. You can stroll around the picturesque property grounds, read your book by a crackling fire and enjoy a wealth of delicious local dishes at dinner this evening.

DAYS 2 & 3

HACIENDA LIFE

Spend two days soaking in the scenic and cultural charms of the little-known city of Ibarra and its majestic Andean surroundings. Situated at the foot of the Imbabura volcano, Ibarra long basked in the splendour of being the northernmost city of the Inca Empire. Your authentic colonial hacienda is the perfect base for both relaxing and rejuvenating in nature and exploring the wild spirit of your surroundings. At some point over the next two days you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a guided horse riding adventure through the immense grounds of the hacienda, which are home to abundant forests, enchanting waterfalls and dramatic mountain backdrops. You can also discover the picturesque village of Zuleta, which is known for its delightful craft shops, patchwork of green fields and traditional adobe houses. And finally, when you’re ready for a dose of city buzz, head into the heart of Ibarra to browse through colourful markets, visit the majestic Cathedral with its twelve chapels and stroll the cobbled streets of the historic centre, admiring the eclectic mixture of baroque, neo-Gothic and neoclassical architecture.

DAYS 4 & 5

INTO THE RAINFOREST

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning you’ll be collected and privately driven into the heart of the beautiful Mashpi Reserve, a three-and-a-half-hour drive away, in the mountainous Mindo region. Your home for the next two nights here is a contemporary and stylish eco-lodge that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding tropical forest. Everything here is designed to combine adventure with rest and relaxation – the days naturally form shape around the abundance of hiking trails in the reserve, while mornings and evenings are for bird-watching, meditating, doing yoga and sampling delicious (and seriously nutritious) local specialities. At some point over the next two days you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a hummingbird garden home to a wide variety of colourful hummingbirds, as well as toucans, tanagers and squirrels.

DAY 6

DID SOMEONE SAY BEACH?

Your journey through Ecuador continues today with a three-hour private transfer to the airport in Quito, where you’ll catch a speedy one-hour flight to the city of Manta on the nation’s central Pacific coast. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to whisk you off to your next destination: a stylish and luxurious hotel in the upscale seaside neighbourhood of Santa Marianita. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new beachy surroundings. We recommend heading out for a barefoot stroll along the sandy expanse that extends from your hotel before enjoying an evening of good food and fine wine.

DAYS 7 & 8

COASTAL REJUVENATION

Your next two days in the coastal oasis of Santa Marianita can be as laid-back or adventurous as you like. The beautiful beach of the same name stretches out for miles and miles, offering a delightful mixture of watersports and relaxation. Our team will be on hand to arrange everything from a private kitesurfing lesson to a private visit to the Pacoche Reserve, one of the last semi-dry tropical forests on the Ecuadorian coast.

DAY 9

BEACH HOP TO PUERTO CAYO

Your final destination in Ecuador is calling your name today. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll be collected and privately transferred to a beautiful tropical-chic hotel in Puerto Cayo. Nestled between the forest and the beach, you’ll be hanging up your hat here for the next three nights. Spend the rest of today settling into your new environment – indulge in some refreshments under the shade of a palm tree, curl up on a hammock with a good book or hit the beach for swimming and sunbathing.

DAYS 10 & 11

SAILING, SNORKELLING AND HORSE RIDING

Spend two final days of action-packed adventure in the charming coastal enclave of Puerto Cayo. At some point during your time here you’ll have the opportunity to head out on a sailing trip to Salango; a beautiful island that’s home to serene white-sand beaches, clear waters and an abundance of native bird life, including blue-legged birds, pelicans and gulls. The waters here are particularly good for snorkelling, with an abundance of colourful tropical fish, such as clownfish and mahouts. We’ve also arranged for you to spend a day horse riding through Machalilla Park, one of the largest protected areas on the Ecuadorian coast, in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. This magnificent natural sanctuary is home to a beautiful combination of dry tropical forest and cloud forest. The park also harbours a beautiful collection of beaches and islets where you can admire vestiges of Manta’s proud culture. A cooking class with a renowned Ecuadorian chef is also on the table for those keen to delve into the region’s rich culinary heritage.

DAYS 12 & 13

ADIOS ECUADOR

Sadly, the time has come to shake the sand off your sunhat and embark on the journey home. After one last beach stroll and a dip in the ocean this morning, settle in for a three-hour private transfer to the airport in Guayaquil. On arrival, head through security and escape the crowds with some down time in the airport lounge as you await departure. Most flights back to the UK depart in the evening and take around 15 hours (including a layover in a major airport hub), so you’ll spend tonight on board and touch down on home turf tomorrow morning.

A la carte

PRIVATE KITESURFING LESSON

Head to the beautiful shores that border the long sandy beach of Santa Marianita, for a private kitesurfing lesson with a qualified and experienced instructor.

VISIT THE PACOCHE RESERVE IN SANTA MARIANATA

The ten-hectare Pacoche Reserve harbours a fascinating microclimate that serves as a habitat for countless species of birds and mammals. Begin your visit with a walk along two trails that wind through the reserve and provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. You can also admire shawl and cady trees, which are used to make tagua crafts. Stop for a lunch made from local ingredients and specialities, before closing out your day with a visit to the San Lorenzo lighthouse, one of the most beautiful sites in the region.

COOKING CLASS IN PUERTO CAYO

Start your culinary day in a beautiful vegetable garden surrounded by forest, where you’ll be harvesting the fruits and vegetables needed for today’s meal. You’ll then head to the restaurant of a renowned Ecuadorian chef, who’ll be sharing the ancestral secrets of Ecuadorian dishes. Round off your day with a tasting of the delicious dishes you’ve helped to prepare.

HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING IN PUERTO CAYO (JULY TO AUGUST)

Every year, during the summer months of June, July and August, humpback whales and their calves meet along the Pacific coast. Puerto Cayo is one of the best spots to observe them dancing in their natural habitat, making wale-watching boat trips a local favourite pastime.

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The cost for this trip starts from £5,715 to £7,910 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £6,900 per person.

A few of the benefits of travelling with us
Get in touch
Our experts have the inside track on the destinations they sell and will tailor-make a holiday to your unique requirements.
Contact one of our Ecuador specialists