Unexplored Ecuador: Andean Foothills, Rainforest Retreats and Coastal Bliss

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.