Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Otavalo Valley

This tour perfectly combines the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands with the fascinating but little-known cultural traditions of mainland Ecuador.

Begin in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a historic city set among snowcapped volcanoes in the Andes. With your private local guide, tour the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture. Explore the expansive Plaza San Francisco, colorful back streets, historic markets, hidden courtyards and Baroque churches and monasteries with spectacular interiors such as La Compania de Jesus and the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Visit Quito’s best museums according to your interests, such as Museo de la Ciudad, Museo Nacional, Casa del Alabado and the Museo de Arte Moderna. Also visit traditional workshops and perhaps shop for a high-quality Panama hat—an Ecuador original. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a gourmet chocolate tasting, a gondola ride up Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains or a visit Casa Museo Guayasamin, the former home and workshop of the acclaimed Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamin.

Next, spend five days exploring the Galapagos Islands—a dream destination for nature lovers—on one of our preferred expedition cruises. Each day, tour different islands with an expert naturalist, and get close to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and other iconic Galapagos wildlife. See the cycle of life up close, which depending on the season, might include mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles, and more. Snorkel among sea turtles, playful sea lions and schools of brightly colored fish. Upon request, we arrange private yacht charters, SCUBA diving and other options in the Galapagos.

Return to mainland Ecuador and spend two nights at a historic hacienda in the beautiful Otavalo region, a bucolic highland landscape of rolling hills, farms and indigenous villages beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks. Visit local indigenous food and craft markets, and stop by select workshops to meet artisans and shop for high-quality handwoven wool textiles, delicate embroidery, leather goods, and other traditional and modern crafts. Dine on special meals at private haciendas and estates. If desired, also enjoy privately guided horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking on private land and through the rural countryside.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Quito VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Quito Full-day private tour Day 3 Quito – Galapagos cruise Private transfer to airport. VIP lounge access and flight to Galapagos Islands. Arrival transfer to Galapagos cruise for 4 nights Day 4 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 5 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 6 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 7 Galapagos cruise – Quito – Otavalo Valley Disembark cruise and transfer to airport for flight to Quito. Private arrival transfer to hacienda for 2 nights Day 8 Otavalo Valley Full-day privately guided activities and touring Day 9 Otavalo Valley – Depart Quito Full-day private touring and flexible shopping in local villages and environs en route to airport. VIP departure assistance

Hotels & Cruises

Quito: Casa Gangotena Galapagos cruise: Aqua Mare, Elite or Endemic Otavalo Valley: Hacienda Zuleta

Cost

$16,645 Per person (double occupancy)