Ecuador In Style

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

The smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador nevertheless punches well above its weight. Straddling the equator, this tiny gem is packed with cloud forests and snow-capped mountains, shimmering jungles and colonial cities. With UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Amazonian rainforests and the unique wildlife of the Galapagos on offer, it is perfect for adventurers of all interests.

In Quito you’ll get a chance to explore its colonial wonders and the importance of chocolate production ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stay in characterful, eco and luxury accommodations including a Galapagos cruise
  • Explore Otavalo market, one of the most famous and largest indigenous markets Latin America
  • Bicycle through the forest canopy and get close to hummingbirds and giant butterflies in the cloud forest
  • Dodge sea lions and aquatic turtles as you snorkel in the marine life-rich waters of the Galapagos
  • Discover how master weaver Miguel Andrango creates indigenous art in his workshop in Otavalo
  • Learn to cook traditional meals in a local home of the Zuleta community

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

Upon your arrival in Quito you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Take this evening to rest and acclimatise to the altitude (2,800m)

Casa Gangotena

DAY 2: QUITO

DAY 2: QUITO

Today you will explore the city's beautifully ornate and well-preserved old town. The tour starts with a visit to the impressive gothic-style basilica church before walking through the main colonial plazas filled with palaces, cathedrals and monasteries. Then visit the hill in the south, where you will see the Our Lady of the Panecillo statue and wonderful views of the city. In the afternoon, experience Ecuador’s history of cocoa and a chocolate tasting at Republica del Cacao, who preserve authentic and sustainable chocolate production. 

Casa Gangotena
Breakfast

DAY 3: QUITO - MASHPI

DAY 3: QUITO - MASHPI

You will be met and transferred to Mashpi Lodge this morning. Your journey will flank the equatorial line and then continue downhill and along windy roads, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and various farming communities. Mashpi is more than a five-star lodge, it was conceived and planned to provide unique travel experiences to complement this extraordinarily biodiverse corner of the world, now protected as a nature reserve. Spend your days at Mashpi taking part in the numerous activities on offer; all activities are included in your stay.

Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: MASHPI

DAY 4: MASHPI

Why not spend today visiting the Butterfly Life Center, walking the ‘Howler Monkey Trail’ to reach it. Your naturalist guide will share their extensive knowledge with you. Return to the lodge and soak in the jacuzzi or enjoy a relaxing massage before embarking on a night safari, learning about the use of camera traps in the area.

Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: MASHPI

DAY 5: MASHPI

Today you can experience the cloud forest canopy in a new perspective. Mashpi’s ‘Air Bicycle’ allows two people to pedal along an elevated cable, crossing a river and ravine. Following the 20-minute bike ride, you can explore more trails to find waterfalls, an observation tower and the 32 species of hummingbird that inhabit the forest.

Mashpi Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: MASHPI - ZULETA VALLEY

DAY 6: MASHPI - ZULETA VALLEY

Your last morning at Mashpi allows time to explore more forest trails or simply relax. You will then be driven to your hotel near Otavalo, armed with a packed lunch. Check into your hacienda and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This is a stunning 17th century hotel and a working farm belonging to former Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Visit mountain lakes and vistas on ranch’s own breed of horses, find hidden trails with centuries of history by foot or bike, see and learn about endangered species at the Condor Huasi facilities or take up a local embroidery class.

Hacienda Zuleta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: ZULETA VALLEY

DAY 7: ZULETA VALLEY

Today you will visit the Indian market in Otavalo, famous for its craft work. The market is held every day on one of the town squares at the foot of the majestic Mt. Imbabura. Your guide will provide you with a map of the market for your own exploration before taking you to Agato where you will meet the master weaver Miguel Andrango in his workshop, whose indigenous art has exhibited in the United States. He will show you how he spins and naturally dyes Alpaca wool to sue in his artwork.

Hacienda Zuleta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: ZULETA VALLEY - QUITO

DAY 8: ZULETA VALLEY - QUITO

After a leisurely morning at the hacienda, later enjoy a cooking class at a local’s home in the Zuleta community, where your host will also share stories of their life and home. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Quito. 

Casa Gangotena
Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

DAY 9: QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

You will be taken to Quito airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the harbour to board your luxury Galapagos cruise ship. The ‘Endemic’ has only 8 suites and is maintained to highest standards seen in the Galapagos by twelve crew and staff including a naturalist guide. Spend the afternoon hiking Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island and snorkelling offshore.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

DAY 10: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The plan for today is to explore the beaches, waters and rock formations of San Cristobal Island. Kayak, snorkel and hike today in search of sea lions, hammerhead sharks, reef fish, sea turtles and flycatchers. 

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Today will be spent around Española Island, home to fantastic snorkelling spots, white-sand beaches and the majestic waved albatross (April–Jan). There is also the chance to see blue-footed boobies and nazca boobies here.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Santa Fe Island is a small, yet memorable island and this morning will be spent hiking it in search of the Santa Fe rice rat and prickly cacti. The next spot is Santa Cruz Island, most famous for hosting the Charles Darwin Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Discover how Galapagos tortoises are bred here and released into the wild in order to save this endemic species.

Endemic
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: GALAPAGOS CRUISE – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

DAY 13: GALAPAGOS CRUISE – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

The ship takes us to South Plaza Island this morning, occupied by a healthy population of cacti and marine iguanas, as well as the bright red sesuvium plant. After taking some photos of this otherworldly island, disembark at Santa Cruz Island for your transfer to Finch Bay Lodge, one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Breakfast

DAY 14: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

DAY 14: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

Today is at leisure. Located on the beachfront of southern Santa Cruz Island, Finch Bay has its own private beach with only 27 rooms. Just a few steps from the lodge are the waters of the Pacific Ocean and mangrove forests, allowing for snorkelling and surfing excursions. The excursions provided are top-notch as they have their own yacht, diving equipment and expert guides. Other activities include cycling and hiking. 

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Breakfast

DAY 15: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS) - DEPART QUITO

DAY 15: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (GALAPAGOS) - DEPART QUITO

You will be transferred to Baltra airport this morning for your onward flights.

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

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

15 days from £12,295

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