Description
Fly to Quito, high in the Andes at the foot of the Pichincha volcano. This charming vibrant city has a beautiful old colonial quarter, with narrow cobbled streets and a wealth of churches and museums. Stay 2 nights in the excellently run Swissotel.
Then head south to stay at Ecuador's finest hacienda, located near the dramatic snow-capped Cotopaxi, the world's tallest volcano. This colonial hacienda is built on ancient Inca ruins, and is a unique family-run hacienda with a Spanish cobbled courtyard and a restaurant serving delicious home cooked fare. Much of the original Inca stonework still exists in the chapel and dining room. Nearby walking trails allow you to discover typical high Andean villages, and there is superb horse riding, mountain biking, as well as excursions to Cotopaxi National Park and the colourful local indigenous markets.
Return to Quito for a night before flying out to the Galapagos Islands, where you will board La Pinta, an expedition boat that is the very best operating in the archipelago. On your seven-night luxury cruise, you will sail through the islands, making shore expeditions every day to meet the extraordinarily tame wildlife. Follow the stately progress of giant Galapagos tortoises, walk through colonies of marine iguanas and penguins, enjoy the antics of the blue footed boobies and see evolution in action as you notice the incredible variation and specialisation in the famous Darwin finches. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and swim with playful sea lions and, if you are lucky, perhaps spot whales and dolphins from the deck. La Pinta also operates a Young Pirates programme, with activities and meals specifically tailored to younger members on board.
Return to Guayaquil to pick up you flight home.
Please see our Original Itinerary below. It is a suggested itinerary and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Guide price
£5,570
per person
£5,570 Per adult and £3995 per child based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12 sharing for 14 nights. Includes flights, transfers, taxes and half board basis at Hacienda San Agustin, full board La Pinta including excursions and bed and breakfast in Quito.
Itinerary
| Stay | Location / Route | Overnight |
|---|
| 1 night
| Fly to Quito via Madrid | Swissôtel |
| 3 nights
| Drive to Cotopaxi | Hacienda San Agustin de Callo |
| 1 night
| Return to Quito | Swissôtel |
| 7 nights
| Fly to the Galapagos and board La Pinta | La Pinta |
| 1 night
| Fly to Guayaquil and return to London overnight via Madrid | Overnight flight |
When to travel
Ecuador & the Galapagos can be visited year round. The higher the altitude in the Andes, the cooler it becomes, especially at night. The Galapagos has hot and sunny days with brief showers from December to June and warmer seas, the rest of the year is drier but cooler and cloudier. Seas can be choppier in July and August and many vessels are in dry dock around September time. Wildlife is phenomenal year round with lots to see. Due to limited permits we advise to book well in advance.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Quito, Cotopaxi & Galapagos
How to get there
14hr 45min international flight to Quito.
