10 Days • 9 Nights
Luxury Ecuador: Quito, Haciendas & a Galapagos Yacht
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A boutique colonial mansion hotel in Quito
- Luxury Andean haciendas among the volcanoes
- A luxury Galapagos expedition yacht
- Elegant cabins and gourmet dining
- The finest naturalist guides
- Private guiding and white-glove service
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred by private car to a boutique hotel in a restored colonial mansion in Quito. Settle into your suite and enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner.
A private tour of Quito's colonial old town and the equator, with an art and cuisine focus and a fine dinner.
A private transfer to a luxury hacienda among the volcanoes, with private touring of the Avenue of the Volcanoes or a cloud-forest visit, and gourmet dining.
You return to Quito and fly to the Galapagos, boarding a luxury expedition yacht, with a first island visit and a sunset from the deck.
A day of island exploration, guided walks among giant tortoises and sea birds, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles, returning to luxury aboard.
Another day cruising the enchanted isles, with expert-guided walks and snorkelling among extraordinary wildlife.
A day of Galapagos wonders, walking among the wildlife that inspired Darwin and snorkelling in the rich waters.
A final full day exploring remote islands from your luxury yacht, immersed in the archipelago's wildlife.
You disembark and fly back to Quito for a final night, with a gourmet farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward international departure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, gourmet dining as specified, a welcome dinner and full board on the Galapagos yacht
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking naturalist guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and Galapagos fees as per itinerary
- private Quito and Andes touring, a 5-night luxury Galapagos yacht cruise and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card (payable locally)
- Premium wines and spa treatments beyond those included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its official currency, which makes budgeting easy; carry small notes for markets, tips and rural areas, as change for large bills can be scarce
- Altitude: Quito and the Andean highlands sit high (Quito is around 2,850 metres), so allow time to acclimatise, ascend gradually, stay hydrated and take it easy on arrival at altitude
- Galapagos rules & fees: The Galapagos are a strictly protected national park; a park entrance fee and a transit control card are payable (currently in cash on arrival), you must follow your naturalist guide's rules at all times, and single-use plastics are restricted
- Best time to visit: Ecuador is a year-round destination; the highlands are mild all year, while the Galapagos have a warm, sunny season (December to May) with calmer seas and a cool, dry 'garua' season (June to November) with more active wildlife
- Getting around: Ecuador is compact for South America, but itineraries use domestic flights to the Galapagos and sometimes the Amazon; these are arranged and included where specified, and the highlands are toured by road
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon lowlands; bring sun protection (the equatorial sun is intense, especially at altitude and at sea), insect repellent for the jungle, and any seasickness remedies for Galapagos cruises
- Culture & power: Ecuador has a rich indigenous culture, vibrant in its markets and villages; a little Spanish helps, and tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Galapagos yacht is this?
You cruise aboard a luxury expedition yacht with elegant en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, attentive service and the finest naturalist guides, offering an intimate, refined way to experience the islands. Exact vessels are tailored to your dates and confirmed on booking.
Is everything private on the mainland?
Yes — the mainland touring in Quito and the Andes is fully private with expert guides and chauffeured transfers, and the Galapagos yacht offers small-group luxury. Every detail is arranged around you in supreme comfort.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary and full board on Galapagos cruises and at jungle lodges. Ecuadorian food is varied and fresh, so most other meals in the highlands are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights specified in your itinerary, such as to the Galapagos or the Amazon, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Ecuador?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
Should I do a Galapagos cruise or a land-based trip?
Both are wonderful. A cruise reaches more remote islands and maximises wildlife, while a land-based trip (staying on the inhabited islands with day trips) is gentler on the budget and better for those prone to seasickness. We help you choose and tailor either.
When is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
The Galapagos are excellent year-round. The warm season (December to May) brings sunny skies and calmer seas ideal for snorkelling, while the cool 'garua' season (June to November) has more active wildlife and richer waters. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Galapagos, Andes and Amazon, choose a cruise or land-based Galapagos programme, add Quito, Otavalo or the cloud forest, and tailor everything to your interests and budget.
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