Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

Begin your adventure with a stay in the former President of Ecuador’s 17th century farmhouseretreat. Experience the most hospitable of welcomes amongst the misty mountains. Take the chance to ride the unique Zuleteño horse, sample or even learn to cook Ecuadorian cuisine fresh from the organic gardens.

Travel to the heart of the Amazon, paddle through the serene waters by canoe, walk through the world’s largest rainforest and be immersed in the biodiversity of this incredibly important ecosystem.

Enjoy a few nights in the capital city of Quito before you board a luxury catamaran to the enchanted islands of the Galapagos. Sail these astounding islands in search of the impressive number of endemic species such as the giant tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin.

Day 1, Arrive Quito – Hacienda Zuleta

After arriving into the international airport your driver will collect you and whisk you away straight to your peaceful mountain getaway. You’ll be welcomed as a member of the family with stories by the bonfire.

Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta

Day 2, Otavalo Excursion

Explore the town of Otavalo, opt to hike or drive down to the town. The town is famed for its rich Kichwa indigenous culture. Pick up some souvenirs in the vibrant craft market and visit the weaving workshop. You’ll also stop off at the Cotacahi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and colonial town of Cotacachi.

Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta

Day 3, Exploring Hacienda Zuleta

Become immersed in farm life, amble amongst the idyllic pastures, take a horse drawn carriage, learn the art of embroidery or even milk a cow! Whichever activities you chose to enrich your day be sure to finish it with music and a marshmallow by the fire.

Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta

Day 4, Condor Project - Hacienda Zuleta – Quito

This morning you’ll hike to the Condor reintroduction project, stopping enroute at some pre-Inca mounds. You’ll enjoy lunch at the hacienda before you are transferred back to Quito airport. You’llstay in hotel close to the airport, ready for your onwards flight to the Amazon the next morning.

Accommodation: Wyndham Hotel

Days 5–7: Quito to Napo Wildlife Centre & Exploring the Amazon

Fly from Quito towards the Ecuadorian Amazon before continuing deep into the rainforest by motorised canoe. For the final approach to Napo Wildlife Centre, switch to a paddle canoe and drift quietly through narrow waterways, watching for wildlife along the way.

Spend the next two days exploring the surrounding rainforest on foot, by canoe and kayak. Search for howler and squirrel monkeys, sloths, tiny frogs and extraordinary insects, visit colourful parrot clay licks, and discover the remarkable plant life of the Amazon. You’ll also visit the Sani community for an insight into local culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Centre

Days 8–9: Return to Quito & Ecuadorian Food Tour

Return to Quito by boat and plane, transferring to your boutique hotel for a relaxing afternoon and evening.

The following day, discover the flavours of Quito on a guided food tour through its UNESCO-listed historic centre. Visit Mercado de San Francisco and sample Ecuadorian favourites including locro quiteño, ceviche, artisanal ice cream and chocolate, alongside locally brewed craft beers.

Accommodation: Casa Gangotena

Days 10–11: Quito to the Galápagos & Genovesa Island

Fly from Quito to Baltra and board your catamaran for the start of your Galápagos adventure. Sail to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, where black-necked stilts, whimbrels, hermit crabs and colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs can be found along the shoreline.The following day, explore Genovesa Island, climbing Prince Philip’s Steps in search of red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls and Galápagos doves. Continue to Darwin Bay, walking between white-sand beaches and mangroves while watching for Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

Accommodation: Grand Majestic Yacht

Days 12–13: South Plaza, Santa Fe & San Cristóbal Islands

Explore South Plaza and Santa Fe, walking amongst colourful sesuvium and forests of giant prickly pear cacti while searching for land iguanas and other endemic wildlife.Continue to San Cristóbal, where Pitt Point is home to all three Galápagos booby species. Snorkel with playful sea lions before visiting the white sands of Witch Hill, where tropical fish, anemones and corals can be found beneath the clear waters.

Accommodation: Grand Majestic Yacht

Days 14–15: San Cristóbal & Española Islands

Visit San Cristóbal’s giant tortoise breeding centre to see young tortoises before their eventual release into the wild, then explore Lobos Island, home to a thriving colony of sea lions both on shore and in the water.Continue to Española Island, watching for waved albatrosses, mockingbirds and red-billed tropicbirds around Suarez Point and its dramatic blowhole. At Gardner Bay, walk along white-sand beaches where sea lions and their pups gather along the shoreline.

Accommodation: Grand Majestic Yacht