A Trio of Galapagos Islands

Rise and shine early to make the most of your first full day in Ecuador. After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll be met by a knowledgeable private guide, who’ll be taking you on a grand tour of the colonial capital. As a city preserved for hundreds of years, Quito instantly dazzles new visitors with its colourful houses and Spanish balconies overlooking the hustle and bustle below. Enjoy a visit to some of the religious and civic buildings that surround the Plaza Grande, and learn about the long history of Quito from your personal tour guide. You’ll stop at 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. If you’d prefer to kick off your adventure in Ecuador with a visit to an Andean natural wonder, then our team are happy to arrange a day spent hiking or horse riding around Cotopaxi National Park.

Wave goodbye to the bright lights of Quito as you return to the airport and board your flight to the island of Santa Cruz, situated in the Galapagos archipelago. A private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, but first you’ll stop at El Chato Reserve to walk among giant tortoises, a true natural relic of the archipelago. When your camera roll is full to the brim with pictures of these gentle giants, continue on to your hotel: an elegant beachside property, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. Spend the rest of today settling into your beautiful new island surroundings with a walk around your local area. As the main tourist hub of the Galapagos, the island skilfully pairs energy and excitement with serene nature.

After an energy-giving breakfast at your hotel this morning, get kitted out with top-notch snorkelling gear and set off for a diving trip 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.

Today is yours to spend further discovering the island of Santa Cruz at your own pace, and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Learn about the groundbreaking work Darwin did here in the early 1800s with a visit to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, take a leisurely walk through the scenic lava tunnels and forests that make up the cliffs of Santa Cruz, and walk along the idyllic black volcanic sand beaches, savouring the crisp air of the Pacific Ocean. Our team could also arrange for you to spend today visiting Seymour Island to further admire the archipelago’s diverse native flora and fauna.

Bid Santa Cruz a warm farewell as you sail two hours across the Galapagos archipelago to Isabela Island, 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 rest of today settling into your new surroundings with a stroll through the quaint yet bustling streets of Puerto Vilamil.

On today’s agenda is a sailing trip around the lava tunnels of Cabo Rosa, a network of ancient lava formations that are 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 in the ocean to observe the island’s rich underwater fauna. The rest of today is then yours to play with. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the fine sand of your local beach, keeping an eye out for giant land turtles and marine iguanas, while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

Hop onto a comfortable bike and spend today pedalling around the 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, our team would be happy to arrange for you to instead spend today hiking around the splendid Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes with an experienced guide.

Wave goodbye to the serene shores of Isabela Island as you’re privately transferred to the airport, ready for a swift flight over to San Cristobal Island. A private driver will collect you at the airport and whisk you off to your final hotel: a quaint and cost guesthouse, where you’ll be spending the last two nights of your Ecuadorian adventure. Spend the rest of today soaking in your new surroundings with a sunset stroll along one of the island’s idyllic sandy beaches.

It’s your final full day in the beautiful Galapagos Archipelago and you’ll want to make the most of every moment. Spend your time discovering the scenic wonders of San Cristobal at your own pace; head to the beach to admire a large colony of native Sea Lions, trace the island’s geological and natural history at the Interpretation Centre near Playa Mann, or embark on a hike along one of many trails winding around the coast to secret coves. If you want to make the most of the diving activities, our team can arrange a snorkel diving trip at Leon Dormido (also known as Kicker Rock), a splendid rock formation home to exquisite marine life.