The Best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands In High Comfort
Tour Introduction
We have designed this extra-special itinerary for discerning travellers wishing to tour the Ecuadorean Andes in colonial style, explore the mighty Amazonian rainforest from a comfortable lode, and cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard a luxury ship.
The stylish, distinctive colonial haciendas we have chosen are redolent of Ecuador’s rich Inca and Spanish colonial past. While even in the depths of Amazonia our chosen lodge affords exceptional levels of luxury and is surrounded by pristine forest. For our Galapagos ship we have chosen a superb vessel and an itinerary taking in the all the natural highlights the fascinating island have to offer.
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Quito. Evening arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Casa Gangotena. Includes In-flight Meals.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Coca. Transfer to lodge by river boat.
Staying at La Selva Ecolodge and Spa (superior suite). Includes All Meals.
Full day of small group guided activities from the lodge along different trails to search for wildlife such as large troops of monkeys and toucans. There is a 35-metre high canopy tower that gives exceptional views over the treetops. Other attractions include a butterfly farm where many dazzling species can be seen up close and a nearby parrot and parakeet clay lick.
Staying at La Selva Ecolodge and Spa (superior suite). Includes All Meals.
Another day of guided activities from the lodge.
Staying at La Selva Ecolodge and Spa (superior suite). Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Quito, then transfer two hours north to the historic hotel at 2800 mts in the Andes. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Hacienda Zuleta. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Full day of guided activities. Activities include horse riding across the Andean paramo landscape on the locally bred Zuleta horses. Mountain biking is also available and excursions to the nearby hills for a descent back to Zuleta can be arranged. Treks through the paramo to see beautiful scenery and waterfalls are also on offer.
Staying at Hacienda Zuleta. Includes All Meals.
Morning of activities. In the afternoon return to Quito.
Staying at Casa Gangotena. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to airport and fly to the Galapagos.
Staying at Grace. Includes All Meals.
For the next six days you'll explore the Galapagos Islands above and below the water on board the family friendly vessel with trained staff that will enhance the experience and learning for children as well as adults. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals whose geographical isolation and adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under water, cool currents have introduced otherwise cold water species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays.
Staying at Grace. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Guayaquil. Connect with your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Casa Gangotena
Overview
The stunning Casa Gangotena is a former colonial mansion on the beautiful San Francisco plaza in Quito’s old town. The 31 spacious and comfortable rooms have charming antique furniture and are thoughtfully decorated in a colonial style. All rooms have private bathrooms featuring luxurious marble bathtubs.
The rooms to the front face San Francisco Plaza, the original market square used by the Incas. The luxury and luxury-plus rooms offer an even greater standard of comfort and space. All rooms have a 32-inch flat screen cable TV, air-conditioning, heating, international direct-dial telephones and safes.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace with its seating area affords excellent views across the city.
There is a high standard concierge service at the hotel and the restaurant serves excellent gourmet food and an extensive buffet breakfast.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, excellent concierge service, laundry service, free Wi-Fi.
Optional Activities
Tours of Quito.
La Selva Amazon Ecolodge
Overview
La Selva Amazon Ecolodge is situated on the edge of Yasuni National Park in Ecuador’s Amazonia region.
La Selva was constructed using sustainable, locally sourced products such as bamboo and enjoys a stunning rainforest setting by Lake Garzacocha. The lodge is surprisingly comfortable considering its location in pristine Amazonian rainforest far from civilisation.
Recently renovated, La Selva added 18 new luxury suites in 2013. There are now 12 Superior Suites, 3 Scenic Suites with private lake view balcony and 3 Family Suites.
The Scenic and Superior Suites include rainforest showers, private balconies and panoramic views, while the Family Suites include extra spacious bathrooms, hammocks and a hot tub on a private porch.
The lodge restaurant serves gourmet cuisine using fresh produce and local ingredients. On site you can enjoy excellent spa and yoga treatments and a variety of massage and other therapies, all available in the Butterfly Spa.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Each suite has private bathrooms with hot water and electricity, dining room, bar and lounge area, spa, massage and yoga treatments, ceiling fans and each room has a private balcony or porch.
Local Wildlife
The lodge is noted for its high bird diversity and there are many specialities to find like zig-zag heron and ochre-rumped ant pitta alongside more frequently observed and impressive toucans, trogons, hoatzins, parrots and raptors. Mammals are always difficult to watch in tropical rainforests but troops of squirrel, howler and capuchin monkeys and pygmy marmoset could be seen. Spectacled caiman are often observed on the night boat trips and amphibians and sometimes snakes and lizards on forest walks.
Optional Activities
The activities on offer range from customised birdwatching and wildlife tours to family adventures. Canoe and kayaking trips can be taken around the lake and rivers and a night excursion by canoe provides the chance to spot hunting bats and nightjars, caiman, and other nocturnal species. Nocturnal walks may reveal amphibians, large spiders and whip scorpions, moths, and maybe even snakes, owls or mammals. Daytime guided walks reveal some of the most impressive trees in the rainforest such as the strangler fig and giant kapok, and troops of various monkey species including spider and squirrel monkeys. There is a 35-metre high observation tower giving a unique canopy level view of the rainforest, often producing sightings of flying macaws, parrots, toucans, raptors and feeding tanager flocks. Another attraction is the butterfly farm where many of the most spectacular local species can be observed undisturbed close up.
Hacienda Zuleta
Overview
Hacienda Zuleta is a historic working farm of 4,000 acres and a 14-room hotel, situated at 2,800 metres altitude amongst magnificent Andean landscapes two hours north of Quito, producing milk and cheese and a wide variety of organic crops.
While staying at Hacienda Zuleta, learn about its history from the 16th C to today and the way of life of the Zuleta community and take part in many absorbing activities including horse riding, trekking, mountain biking and visits to the cheese and embroidery factories.
There are 14 traditionally designed rooms offering log fires, comfortable beds and private bathrooms. The hacienda is full of history and was once the home of the former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso. There is a good trail system around the property and plenty to explore.
The landscape around the hacienda is beautiful and birdwatching guides are available to help guests spot the best species. There is an Andean condor rehabilitation centre where rescued birds can be seen up close in the aviary and also in the wild.
The dining room has good friendly service with food cooked using local recipes and ingredients produced on the farm.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms and dining area.
Local Wildlife
Andean condors can be seen in the wild and at the rehabilitation centre where rescued birds are sensitively rehabilitated into the wild. Many Andean birds can be seen in the area and spectacled bears, guanacos and pumas are also present.
Optional Activities
Bird and wildlife spotting, treks, horse riding, horse drawn carriage rides, mountain biking and visits and tours of the farm, cheese and embroidery production, local markets and other attractions.
Grace
Overview
The Grace was once owned by Aristotle Onassis, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, and even had a stint in the Royal Navy! Today she is the most luxurious of the small motor yachts cruising the Galapagos Islands, and with 2 naturalist guides for just 16 guests has one of the best guide to guest ratios in the Islands.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Class
Cabins
9
Facilities
Lounge/bar, inside and al fresco dining, sun deck, library, Jacuzzi, 6 kayaks and 2 zodiac dinghies.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Quito and return from Guayaquil on Iberia Airlines via Madrid or KLM via Amsterdam
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
The dry season in the highlands and Galapagos is from May to September and the Amazon is drier from January to April. June, July and August tend to be wettest months here.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] Amazon – harpy eagle, brown howlers, golden backed tamarins, dusky tee-tee monkeys, caimans, giant anaconda & loads of fabulous birds. Galapagos – giant school of pilot whales, white-tip reef shark, underwater views of penguins, cormorants, iguana and seals. An excellent trip…marvellous contrast of scenery and wildlife between the different locations. Many thanks!
