Luxury Ecuador

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Though the smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador nonetheless punches well above its weight. Straddling the equator, this tiny gem is packed with rich ecosystems of cloud forests, rainforests and volcanic islands all brimming with life, and colonial heritage cities filled with centuries-old stories waiting to be heard.

Learn about Ecuador’s colonial past walking around the UNESCO inscribed historic centre of the capital, Quito, before indulging in a premium chocolate and art ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Your tour starts in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, where your personal guide will be waiting at the airport for your arrival. Transferring to the historic centre of the city, you’ll have the chance to discuss the plan for the coming days before settling into your boutique, colonial hotel. The rest of today can be spent relaxing and acclimatising to your new heights and surroundings.

Casa Gangotena

Day 2 Quito: History, Chocolate & Art

Day 2 Quito: History, Chocolate & Art

A guided walking tour this morning starts right from the hotel’s doorstep, as you stroll through Quito’s cobblestone streets, filled with 16th and 17th-century churches and buildings, and learn about the long history that runs through them. A walk down the picturesque La Ronda street is the perfect spot to meet artisans that keep traditional crafts of the past alive today. The day ends with a special chocolate and art tour – a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating the art, history and chocolate of Ecuador, including a tasting of premium cacao in an exclusive wine cellar that has hosted the likes of Fidel Castro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the King of Spain.

Casa Gangotena
Breakfast

Day 3 Quito – Mashpi Private Reserve: Into the Cloud Forest

Day 3 Quito – Mashpi Private Reserve: Into the Cloud Forest

Departing Quito, you’ll be transferred to Mashpi Lodge this morning. The journey flanks the equatorial line and then continues along windy roads into the surrounding cloud forests, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and small farming communities. Mashpi is more than a five-star lodge, it was conceived to provide unique travel experiences that complement this extraordinarily biodiverse corner of the world, now protected as a nature reserve.

Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Mashpi Private Reserve: Nature Hike

Day 4 Mashpi Private Reserve: Nature Hike

Today you can choose from a menu of excursions designed to educate, appreciate and preserve the cloud forest and rainforest ecosystems of the reserve. For a colourfully active immersion into Mashpi’s biodiversity, you could join a naturalist guide on a morning hike along the reserve’s Howler Monkey Trail, spotting some of the more than 400 species of birds, all the way to the Life Center Butterfly Farm. Making it back to the lodge in time for lunch, the afternoon can then be spent indulging in some of its excellent facilities before dinner and a night walk safari.

Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Mashpi Private Reserve – Zuleta: Hacienda Farm Stay

Day 5 Mashpi Private Reserve – Zuleta: Hacienda Farm Stay

A final morning at Mashpi provides time to experience another outstanding activity courtesy of the reserve and lodge. If not afraid of heights a ride through the forest canopies on the unique Sky Bike is well worth it. Later you’ll be driven to your next accommodation, Hacienda Zuleta, a stunning 17th -century boutique hotel and working farm of former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso. The ranch’s peaceful setting is the perfect place to unwind this afternoon, taking a stroll around the dairy farm, stables, vegetable garden, cheese factory or trails if it takes your fancy.

Hacienda Zuleta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Zuleta: Idyllic Pastures, Wildlife & Community Projects

Day 6 Zuleta: Idyllic Pastures, Wildlife & Community Projects

Although a great place to relax, Zuleta can also arrange a number of fantastic activities including horseback excursions using their very own horses; exploring nearby trails by foot or bike in search of Andean condors, foxes or the spectacled bear; learning of the conservation work that has gone into increasing the number of critically endangered condors at the Condor Huasi facility; or enjoying handpicked cultural experiences such as an embroidery class. In between excursions, you can expect to enjoy sumptuous farm-to-table dining from the farm’s very own vegetable garden and kitchen.

Hacienda Zuleta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Zuleta – Quito: Otavalo Indigenous Market & Community Cooking Class

Day 7 Zuleta – Quito: Otavalo Indigenous Market & Community Cooking Class

A morning visit to the famous indigenous crafts market, Otavalo, is a must. Considered one of the largest markets in South America, and probably the most famous, your host will be on hand to guide you around the streets of stalls and provide some tips on shopping, bargaining and its history. Next, meet an indigenous husband and wife team, dedicated to preserving their ancestorial cuisine, for a fun and immersive cooking class. After being introduced to typical flavours and cooking techniques in the traditional open fire kitchen, you’ll all sit down to enjoy warm indigenous hospitality with your homecooked meal. After lunch, drive back to the capital ready for your flight to the Galapagos Islands tomorrow.

Hacienda Jimenita Wildlife Reserve
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Quito – Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island

Day 8 Quito – Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, you’ll head to the nearby airport for your flight to the world-famous Galapagos Islands, where you’ll be met and taken to board your luxury cruise for the next five days. After an introduction to the crew, your fellow passengers, the itinerary and your cabin, you’ll get a taste of the adventure ahead this afternoon exploring Santa Cruz Island on foot. Spend time with endemic iguanas, once on the brink of extinction; walk up to a viewpoint for stunning panoramic views; snorkel offshore for some marine life spotting; and enjoy a gourmet dinner back on board.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island

Day 9 Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island

The first stop this morning is iconic Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation of the archipelago’s landscape. Found here is the nesting place and general convening spot of numerous sea birds and marine life including sea lions, sharks and turtles – the perfect location for a refreshing, morning snorkel. Explore San Cristobal Island’s inaccessible corners by zodiac before and a rest back on board. You can choose to join in any of the daily morning and afternoon excursions led by the on-site naturalist guide or sit out and simply relax on board whenever you like.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Galapagos Islands: Española Island

Day 10 Galapagos Islands: Española Island

Heading south to Española Island, provides the opportunity to search for endemic birds such as the hood-mockingbird as well as the instantly recognisable blue-footed booby. Visits to two points of note will be Gardner Bay, an ideal area for swimming, and Suarez Point, known as one of the most outstanding wildlife environments in the region. Exploratory activities are broken up by meals and some downtime on board, giving guests a chance to take in the wonder around them or continue exploring independently using the complimentary kayaks and snorkelling gear.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Galapagos Islands: Santa Fe Island

Day 11 Galapagos Islands: Santa Fe Island

Enjoy some hiking today on Santa Fe Island, also very interesting for shore excursions. A couple of trails allows you to get closer to the islands’ flora and fauna, later providing another reason to go for a swim and cool off in the calm waters surrounding Santa Fe, home to sea lions. The afternoon is set aside for a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the tortoise breeding station and the conservation undertaken. 

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island

Day 12 Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island

A final morning activity on South Plaza Island, where you’ll find unique plants and cactuses scattered across the land as you walk a trail frequented by land iguanas. You’ll then be taken back to the port to disembark the cruise and transfer one of the Galapagos’ most impressive lodge on Santa Cruz Island, enjoying some relaxation time back on land.

Pikaia Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Galapagos Islands: Lava Cave Dinner by Candlelight

Day 13 Galapagos Islands: Lava Cave Dinner by Candlelight

Set in the remote highlands of the island with truly exquisite views, it is recommended you enjoy doing absolutely nothing in style for the last full day of this special itinerary. Make use of the chef’s fresh creations, the wine cellar and, of course, the infinity pool looking out to the ocean. In the evening, you’ll be picked up and escorted into one of the volcanic island’s lava caves for a magical farewell dinner by candlelight.

Pikaia Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Galapagos Islands - Depart Quito

Day 14 Galapagos Islands - Depart Quito

Check out after breakfast this morning to be taken back to the airport in time for your flight back to the mainland where you can take your onward flight back home from Quito after a trip of a lifetime.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

14 days from £12,065

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 11462 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Richard

Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640

Ecuador’s mainland is South America abridged; an exquisitely compact summary of what makes the continent special. In contrast, Galapagos is nirvana for wildlife lovers, a compellingly gorgeous freak of nature.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS