Classic Ecuador & Galapagos

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands, 14 Nights

With its origins in the Inca Empire and the strong colonial heritage of the Spanish conquistadors, Ecuador has centuries of history within its boundaries, from the western coastline of the Pacific to the Amazon rainforest in the east. The highlands running through the country are home to the remarkable colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca high in the mountains. The Galapagos Islands, set nearly 1000 kilometres from the coastline in the Pacific Ocean, are full of rare species for incredible wildlife encounters. Experience all this and more on this adventure through Ecuador and the Galapagos, choosing the style of vessel you wish to cruise on.

Day 1 - London/Quito
Depart this morning on a flight from London via Madrid to Quito, the second highest capital in the world at 10,000 feet, founded in 1532 by Spanish conquistador, Sebastian de Benalcázar and surrounded by beautiful mountains. Your base in the lovingly restored historic heart of the city is the stunning Plaza Grande overlooking one of the principle squares from colonial times.

Day 2 - Quito
Ecuador's fascinating capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site is rich in history where religion, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule for nearly three centuries. Today you can experience this past with a visit around the historic centre including La Compañia church before as well as a chance to stand at the middle of the world on the Equator line outside the city. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Pululahua volcanic crater before returning to the Plaza Grande in Quito.

Day 3 - Otavalo
This full day exploration from Quito today takes you north to an area rich in artisan creativity with its centre being Otavalo, whose market is thousands of years old and is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Visit the home of a traditional musician in the village of Peguche where you will able to hear music played on locally made instruments and stop at the town of Cotacachi before returning to Quito.

Day 4 - Quito / Cuenca
Fly south to the historic town of Cuenca, considered by many Ecuadorians to be 'the most beautiful city in the country', with its historic centre, mild climate and central location. Visit the flower market and the many monuments, cathedrals and museums that have their own stories to tell. Stay at the Mansion Alcazar in the heart of the colonial city and sumptuously restored to a turn of the century mansion so that every detail recreates the sophistication of early 20th century living.

Day 5 - Cuenca
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the surrounding traditional villages of Gualaceo, located in a valley with winding walkways around the riverfront, Paute, situated on the river of the same name and Chordeleg, known for its potters, weavers and embroiderers. Explore the local market and enjoy a traditional lunch at a hacienda.

Day 6 - Cuenca / Guayaquil
Drive to El Cajas National Park this morning, one of Ecuador's natural wonders with glacial lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and strange rock formations. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the national aprk observing the numerous species of flora and fauna, before continuing by road to Guayaquil where you will stay at the Hilton Colon Hotel.

Day 7 - Guayaquil / Galapagos Islands
This morning fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos where you will board the M/V Eclipse. This exclusive 64-metre cruise ship carries just 48 passengers but boasts all the amenities of a larger ship; observation deck, alfreso dining, air-renewal system and infirmary. Enjoy the views from your spacious and comfortable cabin as you begin your cruise around the islands. Alternatively you can choose a smaller vessel of around 20 passengers each aboard one of the ships Eric, Flamingo & Letty whose three ships sail in flotilla.

Day 8-13 - Galapagos Islands
Enjoy six full days exploring these fascinating islands with a naturalist guide on hand to advise and inform you of the flora and fauna. Most expeditions with your guide are by panga: inflatable rubber craft with outboard motors. Snorkels are available to enable you to explore the spectacular underwater world; a myriad of colourful fish, playful sea lions, dolphins and sunken volcanic craters. Each of the 13 islands and countless smaller islets has a unique ecosystem of their own, studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s while on the voyage of the HMS Beagle. Only here will you see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas as well as the giant tortoises that give the archipelago its name.

Day 14 - Galapagos / Guayaquil
Depart the Galapagos today to fly to Guayaquil for your last night at the Hilton Colon.

Day 15 - Guayaquil / London
Spend the last hours of your adventure in Guayaquil perhaps strolling along the seafront Malecon promenade or exploring the small historic heart of Guayaquil around Barrio Las Peñas and take time to relax before taking your evening transfer to the airport. Depart Guayaquil for your overnight flight via Madrid to London.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 15 day suggested journey to Ecuador will cost from £4,995 per person aboard Eric, Flamingo & Letty; from £5,795 per person aboard M/V Eclipse, based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK.

Click here to download our Classic Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary