Ecuador and Galapagos Natural Wonders

Fly to Quito in the high Andes mountains. A private guided transfer awaits to take you into the heart of the old town and the stylish and soothing surrounds of the Casa Gangotena hotel for 2 nights.</p. Meals included: None Accommodation: Casa Gangotena

Waking in the morning, the splendidly restored old town of Quito will surround you. Step out with a local guide on an unhurried private tour of the city. Wander to San Francisco plaza and the church, and grab a traditional snack at the small restaurant. The old town of Quito is a delightful mix of town squares, ornate churches and imposing state buildings. There’s also little shops and markets and steep cobbled streets, and it’s a great way to get a first taste of everyday life in the Andes. The walking tour leads up Panecillo Hill where there’s an elaborate statue to the Virgin Mary and from where there are fantastic views of the mountains surrounding the city. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Casa Gangotena

Get into the wild, quickly escaping the city and into the emerald green valleys north of Quito. On the journey, spot the snow-capped peaks of volcanoes as you cross by the equator line. Before too long you reach into the pristine cloud forest and arrive at your unique home for two nights at Mashpi Lodge. This is truly a special place and area of rainforest which has been specifically preserved by the lodge. It’s a really contemporary design to show off the beautiful nature all around with big glass windows everywhere. You may have seen Mashpi on BBC’s Behind the Lobby series of extraordinary hotels and it certainly fits the bill. The team of expert guides at the lodge will take you out to explore the rainforest and spot wildlife. There’s no fixed programme here, have a chat with the guide and do your thing. There’ll certainly have some tips based on what the wildlife doing on any given day. There are loads of different trails into the completely untouched forest, a hummingbird garden or you can venture into the canopy. Go loco on a jungle swing or for something completely different there’s the sky bike between the trees. As night falls, enjoy a signature cocktail and dine on exquisitely fresh gourmet cuisine whilst listening to the calls of the wild in the deep jungle. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge

If you’re like us, the curtains will stay open all night so you are woken by dawn breaking amid the jungle. The floor to ceiling windows at Mashpi makes you feel like you’re out in the forest. It’s another full day of wild activities here. Some of the trails lead to waterfall pool which you can dive into and cool off. The wildlife and flowers are amazing here and some found nowhere else on Earth. There are 400 species of bird in the reserve, rare and endangered frogs and noisy howler monkeys. Not to mention rare fish in the rivers and fascinating palms, it’s a true Garden of Eden. Your guide will let you know the amazing work the lodge does to preserve the forest. There’s plenty of time to switch off and just revel in the green oasis. There’s a spa with organic treatments, no need to pipe in forest noises here! And relax looking out at the soothing green natural world. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge

There’ll be a chance to explore the rainforest more this morning, you can go out at daybreak and breathe in this pure air. Then it’s gradually back to the city and a night in Quito, staying in style still at Casa Gangotena. With some free time here you can explore from your central base, pop into a local cafe and just watch the world go by. These South American cities are always pretty lively and colourful. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Casa Gangotena

It’s time to be amazed and enthralled in the Galapagos Islands. Flyway out into the Pacific Ocean and this collection of islands which helped change the world as we see it. The crew from the yacht Isabela II will be there to welcome you at the airport and help you on board. It’s a yacht with a maximum capacity of 40 guests, so it’s a very manageable size for the unique Galapagos Islands. We at Your Luxury Holiday prefer to use smaller boutique cruises as it means you will usually have a landing site to your self and can visit the islands in smaller groups. It’s better for the ecology and basically is a lot less messing around. It makes a big difference. Sail out from Santa Cruz Island today and get into the rhythm of sailing around the enchanted islands. You’ll have visits to the islands mornings and afternoons in small groups with expert guides, getting amazingly close to the wildlife which is unconcerned about humans. On the first afternoon, you could have the chance to take a dip and swim with sea lions, who are the stars of the show. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Yacht Isabela II Cruise

The island schedule will depend on your day of arrival, whether it be the west, east or centre of the large archipelago spread over the equator. But no matter which islands the sailings encounter, you’ll be sure of a wonderful variety of landscapes and wildlife. The animals here are completely tame to humans, so no need for a zoom lens, and there are animals everywhere on land, air, and sea. Birdlife includes the characterful blue-footed boobies, albatross, hawks and the unique Darwin’s finches. On land, there are iguanas and the amazing Galapagos tortoises, and there will be a visit to the giant tortoise research station. While in the sea you can snorkel to spot marine turtles, manta rays, Galapagos penguin and those sea lions which seem to be on every island. There’s always plenty of time to relax on deck between the islands, and make sure to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you cruise. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Yacht Isabela II Cruise

There will surely be time to sport some more amazing wildlife in the morning before you fly back to the mainland. A four-night cruise is certainly long enough to see plenty, but you can extend to seven should you wish. Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s tropical port city. Spend a night at Hotel del Parque in the centre of the city, it’s an afternoon to wind down a bit, enjoy dinner at the hotel or in town and maybe some last-minute shopping. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Del Parque

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. The end of a journey filled with completely unique experiences. Meals included: Breakfast

Land back no doubt with plenty of photos and stories to share and a fresh appreciation of the wonderful natural world.

See the colonial centre of Quito, with ornate churches, grand government buildings and old cobbled streets and markets. All of this is set below a panorama of volcanic peaks. A private local guide will introduce you to parts of the city most miss. Then travel a little out of the city into the fertile valleys for a farm lunch and a visit to the equator line where you can stand in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time. Don’t forget to get the cheesy photo of striding over the line. Spend the evening in the refined surrounds of Casa Gangotena. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Anavilhanas Lodge

Your mountain adventure takes a turn towards the blue Pacific Ocean and a flight out to the Galapagos Islands. These are among the world great wildlife adventures. The best way to see the variety of land and marine wildlife, as well as the different landscapes of each island, is to cruise in a small vessel. Board the Santa Cruz II ship for a 4 night Galapagos Islands cruise. The sailing schedules change seasonally, covering in 4 nights a good part of the northern islands or the west of the chain. There’s always a stop at the Charles Darwin research station where you can see tortoise breeding program. Plus there’s usually a visit to the hills of Santa Cruz island where there are wild giant tortoises that may come incredibly close. There may be a bit of time in the afternoon for a first dip in the sea, maybe with some sea lions swimming around. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation:Santa Cruz II

Spend three days in different parts of the islands. There are shore excursions in the morning and afternoon led by expert naturalist guides and in small groups. On these excursions there are walks on the islands, boat rides around the shores and some time on the beach and to snorkel. On each excursion, the wildlife abounds and is so habituated to humans you can get unbelievably close. The unique species of Galapagos include blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, albatross and Galapagos penguin, the world’s most northerly. In the seas there are the playful sea lions, marine turtles, marine iguanas, rays and more which you can see while snorkelling. The days in the islands are a relaxed affair with plenty of deck time and time to be looked after by an excellent crew. Have a few cocktails or beers and watch out for whales and dolphins as you cruise the waters. It all adds up to something unforgettable. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Santa Cruz II

There may be time for a last visit to an island. Later disembark and a flight back to mainland South America. Stay for a night in Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Seafood lovers will appreciate the hotel restaurant or trying any on the promenade for the fresh catch of the day. Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Del Parque

Have a relaxed morning in tropical Guayaquil. Later on, we’ll take you out of the city to visit a cocoa farm and for lunch of organic food on a plantation. In the afternoon, check-in for your return overnight flight. Meals included: Breakfast

Return full of memories of the ancient lands and wildlife wonders, a remarkably varied experience.