I cannot fault the boat, the crew, or the food. I would not go on the big 100 passenger boats as we were first onto the beaches and in easy reach being smaller and closer inshore…The Galapagos is a one-off place where heaven meets the Earth…Your efficiency here and your guides in Quito are of … Continued
Samba is a Dutch built steel-hulled motor yacht
One of the youngest, Isabela is also the largest of the Galapagos Islands with five of its greatest volcanoes including Wolf, the highest at 1,646 metres. Despite Isabela’s size, there are relatively few landing sites because most of the island is covered in solidified lava. The town of Puerto Villamil in the south-east houses a … Continued
It is a long way to the northern island of Genovesa, so few ships make the journey, but you should consider it well worth a visit as you sail into a large sunken crater to anchor. The island is home to the biggest colony of red-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands which can be seen … Continued
Along with its staggering diversity of architecture, landscapes, wildlife and culture, Ecuador also possesses an exceptional natural wonder – the Galapagos Islands
Santiago is one of the central islands and has a number of interesting visitor sites including the fur seal grottos and tidal pools at Puerto Egas and the lava flows at Sullivan Bay. Espumilla Beach is a good location for spotting some of the ten species of finch that can be found on Santiago and … Continued
Built around a restored 18th century hacienda and set amongst 10 acres of beautiful gardens
Dating from the 19th century, the Casa del Aguila is one of the most iconic buildings in Cuenca
Relaxed yet luxurious expedition atmosphere with state of the art interpretation facilities
Santa Cruz is the most central and most populated of the Galapagos Islands, with most people living in the town of Puerto Ayora, where the Charles Darwin Research Centre is also found. It includes a visitor centre and a giant tortoise breeding programme, and was the home of Lonesome George, for years the sole survivor … Continued
A historic working farm situated high amongst magnificent Andean landscapes
This was our second holiday booked by Reef and Rainforest. It was as excellent this time round. John Melton put together a really enjoyable first week in Peru…Spectacular Galapagos in every respect…Could not have gone better.
With dramatic volcanic landscapes and lying directly on the Equator, the geologically-recent Galapagos Islands rate as one of the most unusual wildlife locations in the world. 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 … Continued
[Our Guide] made the trip for us. She was knowledgeable, took her time and was very enthusiastic. This was a wonderful holiday and well organised. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Here is the report on the trip I have just finished, visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos… The [AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGE] is delightful. The rooms are very comfortable with a view over the lagoon spectacular and we woke to the sound of howler monkeys every morning…We spent a couple of nights at [THE CLOUD FOREST LODGE], … Continued
Luxurious family run hotel positioned just steps from a beautiful white sand beach near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island
Located close to the north-east coast of Santa Cruz Island and thus within easy reach of Puerto Ayora, South Plaza is one of the most visited sites. Despite that, it has a good variety of wildlife to be seen, including land iguanas and one of the most concentrated sea lion colonies in the whole of … Continued
For discerning travellers wishing to tour the Ecuadorean Andes in colonial style and cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard a luxury ship
The most luxurious of the small motor yachts cruising the Galapagos Islands
Borders one of the most diverse terrestrial environments in the world and is surrounded by its own cloud forest
Stunning former colonial mansion on the beautiful San Francisco plaza in Quito’s old town
A motor yacht offering excellent itineraries visiting northern/western and central/southern islands
A classic, teak decked schooner ideal for an intimate Galapagos cruise experience
Located the banks of the Guayas River this modern hotel is about 15 minutes from both the airport and downtown Guayaquil.
A luxury modern expedition cruise shop built in a classic 1920s style
Explore one of the world’s great natural wonders where geographical isolation has led to the evolution of may unique species, including marine iguanas, giant toroises and Darwin finches.
Located on the edge of Yasuni National Park in Ecuador’s Amazonia region La Selva enjoys a stunning rainforest setting by Lake Garzacocha
Floreana is one of the most southerly islands in the Galapagos archipelago and was the first island to be settled by humans. At Punta Cormorant there is a large, brackish lagoon inhabited by one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos Islands. There is excellent snorkelling at Devil’s Crown, a sunken cinder cone with … Continued
Located in Ecuador’s upper tropical zone on a ridge in the eastern foothills of the Andes
Simple pinewood cabins located just 5 minutes’ walk from the town and facing the bay
A perfect family adventure for older children, this compact itinerary uncovers two of South America’s greatest natural wonders
[Your representatives] were extremely efficient, everything done perfectly. [Guides] were extremely knowledgeable and provided me with excellent opportunities to see birds. Helpful and attentive. Hotels everywhere were very friendly and well run. All the people I met were very good and helpful. BIRDS! – great range of species seen and habitats visited. Very enjoyable, it … Continued
Experience Ecuador’s remarkable mainland and enchanting Galapagos Islands on this exceptional value-for-money tour
South of Santiago Island, Rabida has a distinctive red sand beach made from eroded cinder cliffs. Pelicans can sometimes to be seen nesting in the saltbush which backs the beach, and sea lions and the occasional flamingo in a saltwater lagoon behind the beach. There is a steep, looped trail where some of the island’s … Continued
George McGavin is a MUST. Hugely informative, entertaining and engaging. Also his evening presentations were well pitched and unique in my experience. He’s much more than his TV personality.
A friendly and charming hotel with attentive service in one of the best areas of Puerto Ayora
This lodge is set amongst humid temperate forest on the Interoceania Highway
One of the most comfortable catamarans cruising the Galapagos Islands
Sombrero Chino lies off the south-east coast of Santiago Island. It is a volcanic cinder cone with a steep-sided crown like a Chinese hat, hence the name. There is a short trail through interesting lava formations, and very good snorkelling with possible sightings of Galapagos penguins, manta rays and white-tipped reef sharks.
A fast, comfortable motor yacht with a spacious lounge and ample deck space
Located next to the historic La Mariscal district of Quito
The Mansion Santa Isabella is an elegant restored colonial house in the heart of Riobamba
The wildlife – especially in the Galapagos was superb + lived up to expectations. Our real Galapagos highlights were sub-aquatic – the marine life being spectacular – whales, manta rays, stingrays, sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, octopi, plus so many huge fish!
This tour is a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the Galapagos Island’s highlights within the concise timeframe of seven days, ideal if you’re adding a Galapagos visit to a trip to mainland Ecuador or elsewhere in South America. You will travel by speedboat between three of the archipelago’s larger, inhabited islands along with numerous … Continued
The trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos was excellent. The boat was very comfortable and well run and the jungle lodge was fascinating – we saw lots of wildlife, including a rainbow boa beneath our cabin. You were right to advise us to spend the whole week in the islands – any less would not … Continued
A really good insight into the different habitats and environments in Ecuador. Highly recommended. Really enjoyed our trip and appreciated how well it was organised. Will be looking through your website in the coming weeks to plan our next trip. Would recommend the company to others. Thank you.
An extraordinary itinerary, ideal for keen birders and general wildlife lovers alike
A comfortable and spacious First Class Motor Vessel with ample deck space for relaxation
Located on Isabela Island, on the edge of a beautiful white sand, palm-fringed beach
Beautiful boutique hotel located in the colonial centre of Quito within walking distance of the famous Independence Square
The southernmost Galapagos island of Espanola has one of the most interesting visitor sites at Punta Suarez. There are numerous sea lions and marine iguanas at the landing point, and a 1.6 mile circular trail passes masked boobies, blue-footed boobies and, from April to December, waved albatross. Espanola is the only place in the Galapagos … Continued
Running the length of the country and rising to over 6000m (20,000 feet), the Andes dominate the geography and climate of Ecuador, creating a landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, open plateaus and verdant valleys. With an altitude of 2,850m and a pleasant spring-like climate, Quito is the world’s second highest capital city. It has a beautifully … Continued
With its location close to Baltra and Santa Cruz, North Seymour is one of the most visited islands in the archipelago. However, it is well worth a visit for its abundant wildlife including nesting areas of marine iguanas, and the islands’ largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Land iguanas can also occasionally be … Continued
Experience the prime wildlife highlights of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
A grand colonial-style hotel located close to the Cotopaxi volcano and National Park
Positioned right on the beach in the port village of Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Located in the central part of Guayaquil close to the airport with a choice of 4 restaurants
Newly refurbished hotel in the Galapagos Islands faces Academy Bay on the edge of Puerto Ayora
To the east of the Andes lies the mighty Amazon basin, home to the largest rainforest in the world and containing around a third of the world’s species of animals and plants. Known locally as the Oriente, the Ecuadorian part of Amazonia has some remarkable rainforest lodges most of which are dotted along the banks … Continued
A cornucopia of new sights, sounds and experiences
Quiet and cosy hotel situated close to the centre of the delightful town of Banos in central Ecuador
An upmarket lodge located within a pristine 52,000-acre private terra firma rainforest
[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!
Sensational mountain views and one of the best locations for accessing Cotopaxi National Park
One of the central islands, Santa Fe has just one visitor site in a sheltered bay which is a good location for snorkelling and swimming. The beach is patrolled by male sea-lions which can make for an interesting landing, and vigilance is required when snorkelling. There are two trails, the most commonly used passing through … Continued
Located in front of a mangrove-lined beach across the bay from town in a peaceful, car-free location
Fernandina is the westernmost, third largest, youngest and most volcanically active of the Galapagos Islands, with a dramatic landscape of lava largely devoid of vegetation. It is dominated by a large domed cone reaching almost to 1,500 metres. At Punta Espinosa you can see flightless cormorants, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and an abundance of marine … Continued
We saw far more than we dreamt of. It was like being in a zoo without bars! Your agent…was always available to answer our questions and his knowledge was invaluable.
This unforgettable natural history holiday combines two of South America’s ‘must-see’ wildlife destinations: Colombia’s Los Llanos Orientales and the Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s Enchanted Isles found far off Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Begin in Bogota, Colombia’s capital, before flying to Los Llanos Orientales (the eastern plains), a vast expanse of tropical savanna, gallery forest, seasonally flooded wetlands … Continued
The best preserved area of cloud forest close to Ecuador’s capital
Visitors who climb the 600-metre boardwalk through a moon-like landscape of volcanic ash and spatter cones to the summit of Bartolome Island are rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view featuring a prominent rock – probably the most photographed landscape of the Galapagos Islands. There is an excellent snorkelling spot at the foot of Pinnacle Rock … Continued
Having never been on a tailor-made holiday we were extremely impressed with how smoothly our holiday went and it made our honeymoon much more enjoyable not to have to worry about the transfers. However, what impressed us most about your company was the helpfulness before we booked. Jonathan Morris was extremely helpful and suggested what … Continued
These northernmost islands are only visited by live-aboard dive boats and consistently rank among the world’s top-10 dive sites. In one single dive at the Arch at Darwin Island it is possible to find schooling hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, large pods of dolphins, thick schools of skipjack and yellow fin tuna, big eye jacks, mobula … Continued
Central location in the main Galapagos town of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), only a few minutes walk from the main pier and ferry terminal
Lovely hacienda a short drive from Quito Airport set in 18 acres
Founded in 1535, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and a useful stopping-off point for the Galapagos Islands. It has some good modern hotels, a colonial centre and vibrant waterfront area, the Malecon. Further up the coast is the Machalilla National Park offering good beaches, seabirds and, from May to September, humpback whale sightings.
The Galapagos cruise was superb. The wildlife is truly phenomenal there and the boat crew were fun and efficient.
If you only have one chance to travel to South America, this could well be your ideal trip
Set in a beautiful position overlooking Pilchicocha Lake with excellent swimming
Revealing the elusive wildlife treasures of the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve.
To the west of the Andes, the mountains descend to the Pacific, becoming covered by cloud forests of stunted trees cloaked in a profusion of mosses, bromeliads, orchids and lichens. Thought to have the highest diversity of epiphytic plants in the world, the region is recognised as one of the worlds’ biodiversity hotspots. Mammal sightings … Continued
Sits in the picturesque Quijos Valley, one of the westernmost headwaters of the Amazon basin
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral and in close proximity of the riverside city centre
With only 16 guests the Mary Anne provides ample space both in the cabins and the communal areas
