0203 019 3722
 Casa Gangotena - your luxury accommodation in Quito |  Plaza de San Francisco, Quito |  MV Origin - your luxury vessel for exploring the Galapagos |  View over Bartolome Island |  Sea Lion coming to say hello |  Cuicocho Lake near Otavalo in the Central Highlands |
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 Hacienda Zuleta - your mountain retreat in the Ecuadorean Andes |  Beautiful textiles on display in Otavalo |
Ecuador & Galapagos in Style
A luxury tailor-made journey combining Quito, Galapagos Islands and the Central Highlands
12 nights from £8,695 per person sharing, including accommodation, guides, flights and transfers
Best time to go: January to March and June to August
From the cobbled streets of one of the world’s highest capitals with its remarkably well preserved colonial architecture, to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, spectacular discoveries await you on this luxury adventure in Ecuador. You will explore the Galapagos aboard the finest vessel in the region with your experience enriched by expert naturalists as each day brings a new island and some of the rarest creatures on earth. Back on land, relax into rural hacienda life in the Ecuadorean Andes and stroll though Otavalo - Latin America’s most famous market - browsing for colourful fabrics and Panama hats.
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Day 1: UK to Quito
Overnight flight to Quito - in order to maximise your time in Ecuador
Day 2: Quito
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to the superb Casa Gangotena (images below) on Plaza San Francisco in the heart of one of Latin America's most impressive cities. Perched in the foothills of the Andes, just 12 miles north of the equator, Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world - UNESCO protected due to its historic centre and carefully preserved buildings. Explore the buzzing central plaza, enjoying the sophisticated bars and restaurants and spectacularly illuminated landmarks.
 Plaza de San Francisco | Plaza de San Francisco at night - viewed from the hotel's roof terrace | Casa Gangotena facade |
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 Casa Gangotena courtyard |  Mural Room |  Opulent accommodation |
Day 3: Fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board MV Origin
After just one night (but don't worry, you will be back for another one at the end of your trip), you depart Quito and fly to Baltra Island. From here you'll board the luxurious MV Origin, a premium-class yacht, custom-built for exploring the Galápagos and now part of Relais & Châteaux, confirming its reputation as the finest vessel in the region. There are two dedicated expert naturalist guides on board to teach you all about the incredible wildlife, at a ratio of one guide per 10 guests (the best ratio in the Galápagos). Enjoy a startling showcase of biodiversity amid this cluster of wild and wildlife laden volcanic islands:
the Galápagos.
 MV Origin - the finest vessel in the region |  10 berth MV Origin |  The roof deck on MV Origin |
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 Luxury double cabin |  Twin bed cabin |
Days 4 to 9: Galápagos Islands
Comprised of 13 volcanic islands, the Galápagos are populated by extraordinary creatures and cruising the famous waters is undoubtedly the best way to explore Darwin’s laboratory. Watch blue-footed boobies prance around statuesque rocks, or snorkel with sea lions and myriad colourful fish. You can explore the moon-like landscapes and spectacular sandy beaches. Every day brings a different island, bay or cove to explore and species to discover. The expert naturalist guides will illuminate the most wildlife-abundant islands, where a hike up the beach or over the volcanic foothills is bound to take you close to some of the rarest creatures in the world. Explore the rocky coasts by Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddle board or glass-bottom boat. This is also one of the best snorkelling destinations in the world, where the most unique marine creatures in the ocean reign supreme and most are just as interested in you as you are in them!
Exploring the islands aboard MV Origin | View of two beaches on Bartolome Island | Sea lion coming to see you underwater |
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 Galapagos marine Inguana |
Day 10: Galápagos to Otavalo
Your seaborne exploration comes to an end after 7 amazing nights, and it's now time to head into the Ecuadorean Andes mountains. Fly back to Quito, followed by a 2 hour transfer to Hacienda Zuleta, a delightful mountain retreat on a 4,000 acre working farm near the ancient market town of Otavalo. This remote, rural sanctuary is 9,600 feet above sea level and provides a wonderful contrast to your time afloat and your time in Quito.
 Traditional Ecuadorean clothing |  Hacienda cobbled courtyard |  Classic rural scene |
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 Junior Suite |  Deluxe Room |  Courtyard flowers |
Day 11: Otavalo
Today you’re free to admire the rolling hills and experience the leisurely pace of hacienda life. Explore the ranch and try your hand at traditional farming methods. In the afternoon, take a peaceful stroll (or a more arduous hike or mountain biking excursion) or venture out on horseback through the lush green landscape on one of the Hacienda's Zuleteño bred horses. Overnight at Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta has twenty Zuleteño bred horses |  Exploring on horseback |  Relaxing beside the fire at the Hacienda |
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Beautiful textiles on display at the market in Otavalo | Cuicocha Lake, near Otavalo |
Day 12: Otavalo to Quito
Head off to the busy town of Otavalo, home to a large indigenous population and one of the most important markets in the Andes. For thousands of years, traders have come to sell their dizzying array of textiles here. You can bargain for the exceptional weavings and tapestries the region is famous for, before we take you on to Quito for your last night in Ecuador, staying once more at Casa Gangotena
Day 13: Quito to UK
Your adventure is over for now as it's time to fly home today.
Time to Start Planning?
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Please call us on 0203 019 3722 or simply send us an email. We look forward to arranging the perfect Ecuador & The Galapagos adventure for you and will gladly refine our proposal until you are 100% happy. Think of us as your private travel concierge,
at no extra cost. With ATOL protection and 24/7 support whilst you're away.
International callers should dial +44 203 019 3722