Ecuador and Galapagos

Travellers from across Canada gather in Toronto for our flights to Quito. Known as the northern capital of the Incas and a 16th century Spanish colonial city, Quito has had a varied and fascinating history. Today, the city is a storehouse of elegant churches, ancient monasteries, colonial mansions, fascinating antiques and hand-crafted native artifacts. 

JW Marriot (2 nights)        

Gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful Andean city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with visits to the impressive San Agustin Church, the Monastery of San Francisco and the church of La Compañía de Jesús. Afterward, savour a sweeping vista of the city from the heights of Panecillo Hill. Complete the excitement of the day with a delightful welcome dinner.

We begin our exploration with the awesome scenery of the Ecuadorian Andean Region. Enjoy close-up views of unique flora and fauna at Cotopaxi National Park while making our way across the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano for lunch. This evening, we catch a flight to Cuenca. 

Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca (3 nights) 

Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest city, is sure to charm and captivate you with its red-tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas, and museums. We will visit the Plaza of San Sebastián, the Museum of Modern Art, the flower market and stroll in the Main Square. Then enjoy a relaxing drive along the Tomebamba River to admire the overhanging houses. After lunch, we will visit a ceramics handicraft shop and a Panama Hat factory. 

Explore one of the most impressive landscapes and ecosystems found in the country. El Cajas National Park allows us to experience a habitat that is home to more than 40 species of mammals and more than 150 species of birds. We visit the lower part of Llaviuco Lagoon to admire an elfin Andean rainforest, and listen to the melodious song of the Andean toucan.

Today offers us another wonderful experience as we drive from the highlands to the coast, crossing through a series of climatic and vegetation zones. En route we visit Ingapirca ruins to see a unique example of the cultural richness that prevailed in the country before the arrival of the Spanish. On arrival in Guayaquil, enjoy a brief orientation drive through Ecuador’s second city and major port.

Hotel Hilton Colon Guayaquil (1 night)

This is the day that we have been anticipating! We fly westward to the Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles away. After landing, we cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. We head inland to the highlands, where we will learn about its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a nearby reserve that is home to the archipelago’s most famous inhabitants, the giant tortoise. We visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora. This afternoon we stroll along the main street before embarking the Yacht Isabela II. Designed to hold 40 passengers, our ship is fully air-conditioned, has a comfortable lounge and dining room, and all cabins have private facilities. 

Yacht Isabela II (4 nights) 

We begin our on-shore exploration climbing a wooden staircase for an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area. Following our walk on land we take a panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock in search of the Galapagos penguins amongst other local wildlife. After lunch on board, we land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Our trail runs along a lava field, the perfect place to see and understand the volcanic origin of the archipelago.

After landing at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz we head ashore. Our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and American Flamingos. Those interested can take the opportunity to snorkel along the shore to see some of the marine life. After lunch, at Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, we shall explore the coastline, the impressive cliffs of the cove and hope to see plentiful marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. This area is also home to the unique rock formations of ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop’. 

At Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela, fauna includes the largest marine iguanas of the Galapagos and a healthy population of flightless cormorants. Galapagos is the only place where one can find penguins above the Equator. Nearby we may spot Nazca boobies, noddies and brown pelicans nesting. This afternoon visit Punta Espinoza, on the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark for an exciting walk over dark lava. Having no introduction to mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant.

Disembarking at Baltra, we catch our flight back to Quito, with the evening free to simply relax. 

JW Marriot (1 night)   

Heading north from Quito, we navigate through the rugged mountains that divide the coastal plains from the rainforest interior. Our journey leads us to an exceptional eco-lodge, meticulously crafted to harmonize with its surroundings and provide a close-to-nature experience in the Cloud Forest. In the afternoon, a welcome briefing awaits, offering us the chance to explore our interests with on-site naturalists and receive an introduction to this extraordinary environment. 

Mashpi Lodge (2 nights)

A full day of activities awaits us with our dedicated naturalist and local guides. Enjoy walks through the pristine jungle surrounded by 150-foot-high trees, visit the butterfly farm to learn about these delicate creatures, or take a ride on the tree-top gondola to enjoy the flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Be sure to visit the observation tower, where you can stand on top of the rainforest canopy and learn about this ecological wonder. Observe toucans, parrots and dozens of other birds and, with some luck, the infamous howler monkeys, foraging squirrel monkeys, or the gentle three-toed sloth. This will be a day to remember!

As we depart from our cloud forest reserve, we journey northward through lush farmlands and awe-inspiring mountain vistas until we reach Otavalo, home to South America's most unique market. En route, enjoy lunch in a traditional hacienda, and visit the artisan village of Peguche, famous for its hand-woven textiles and sacred waterfall. 

Hacienda Pinsaqui (1 night)

Following an early visit to the stunning Cuicocha Lake, we’ll have the pleasure of exploring the renowned leather goods and exquisite woodcarvings of the artisan villages of Cotacachi and San Antonio de Ibarra. Lunch today will feature a gourmet interpretation of common Ecuadorian homemade recipes. Visit the world-famous silent market of Otavalo, where sellers barter with their hands, a welcomed contrast to the raucous babble of most markets. We will have ample time to bargain for colourful ponchos, woollen goods, and native jewelry. 

JW Marriot (2 nights)

Quito's artistic pathways lead to some of the most rewarding cultural journeys you can embark on. The pre-Inca people crafted some of the oldest and most exquisite artifacts and jewelry. Following the Spanish arrival, new artistic techniques emerged alongside religious influences, leading to the creation of notable religious sculptures. In the 20th-century, local artists produced dramatic and expressionist paintings, reflecting a blend of historical and cultural evolution. Discover three pivotal eras in the country's history (pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary) at the National Archaeological Museum and La Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), a striking modern edifice that houses the works of Ecuador's most renowned painter, Oswaldo Guayasamín. This evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner.

Our ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ journey draws to a close as we catch our flights to our homes across Canada.