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Ecuador Itinerary: Nature Lovers Adventure

  • Quito, Mashpi reserve, Zuleta, cuicocha Lagoon, the Galapagos islands
  • 14 nights / 15 days, Prices start from USD $14,635 per person

Live your nature-lover dreams on a luxury trip to Ecuador, where you’ll experience lush cloud rainforests and stunning beaches in the Galápagos. Whether snorkeling with turtles, birdwatching among the treetops, or lounging on islands alongside sea lions, Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity is truly unparalleled. 

Swim and snorkel through the crystal waters of the Galapagos

Top Highlights

  • Discover the lush biodiversity and wildlife found in the "Cloud Forest" of Mashpi Reserve
  • Board a luxury catamaran cruise to explore The Galapagos Islands
  • Explore the beautiful volcanic crater lagoon in Cuicocha
  • Guided tour of Quito that finishes with a luxury chocolate tasting
  • Learn the art of Andean cooking and embroidery with locals

What’s Included

We design unforgettable and luxurious journeys just for you. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Double room accommodations
  • Breakfast at hotels
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours and experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer and on the ground
  • Domestic flights

Itinerary

Arrive in Buenos Aires

Quito

Begin your trip with a city tour of Ecuador’s capital. Explore the best-preserved colonial center in all of South America, stopping at the Basilica del Voto Nacional and Independence Square, the principal square in Quito, home to the Presidential Palace, Catholic Cathedral, and Archbishop’s Palace. A highlight of the tour is a visit to La Compañía Church, a Baroque masterpiece. Its façade is made of volcanic stone, and its interior is covered entirely in gold.

Ecuador was the first country to produce chocolate, so it’s only fitting to complete the day with a luxury chocolate tasting. Discover the organic process of chocolate making and taste the history refined over centuries. The tasting is paired with a visit to La Casa de Guayasamín, offering a profound insight into the life of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most celebrated painter and sculptor.

 
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Casa Gangotena Hotel

Cloud Forest

Mashpi Reserve, a 3,200-acre conservation area within the Metropolitan District of Quito, is part of the Ecuadorian Chocó rainforest—one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots. Coined the “Cloud Forest” due to its high altitude, the area offers a wide range of excursions from the Lodge, allowing you to experience the rich natural diversity of the Andean landscape. Begin with an introductory hike that ends at a large waterfall and a rocky riverbed surrounded by serene ponds. On your return at dusk, observe nocturnal wildlife such as bats and glowing fireflies.

Explore the Mashpi Reserve at your leisure, with activities tailored to your interests. A highlight is the Dragonfly; this is an open-air cable car system that glides over and sometimes through the forest canopy, offering a scenic ride. Other activities include birdwatching, tropical orchard picnics, forest treks, and a Sky Bike tour to appreciate the forest’s extraordinary biodiversity.

 
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Mashpi Lodge 

Zuleta

Depart the Reserve and head to Zuleta, stopping en route at a rose museum with a permanent exhibition of more than 5,000 colorful rose varieties grown on the plantation. Ecuador is the world’s third-largest exporter of roses, known for their impressive size, longevity, and vibrant hues.

Arrive at Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial-era estate once home to former president Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Choose from a variety of activities, such as hikes to the Condor Viewpoint with sweeping views over the Zuleta Valley, embroidery lessons with local artisans, horseback riding, and a cooking class with a local chef specializing in Andean cuisine.

 
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hacienda Zuleta

Cuicocha Lagoon

Cuicocha is a beautiful volcanic crater lagoon near the small town of Otavalo. Walking around the lagoon is a wonderful way to enjoy the unique biodiversity in the area and marvel at panoramic views of the area, including the volcanoes Imbabura and Cayambe. Afterwards stop at the village of Cotacachi, famous for its production of high-quality leather handicrafts. 

 
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Palma Polo Club

The Galapagos

End your Ecuador adventure in the Galapagos Islands! Board the luxury Endemic Catamaran, starting with snorkeling excursions that showcase the region’s astonishing underwater biodiversity.The following day, visit Kicker Rock, the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, forming two dramatic vertical rocks that rise 500 feet above the ocean. This natural monument is beloved for its abundance of wildlife, including tropical birds, frigates, and boobies.

During your cruise, explore Lobos Island, Española Island (known for its sea lion colonies), and Santa Fe Island. Revel in the pristine beaches and encounter extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

 
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION: Endemic Catamaran

Depart from Galapagos

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.

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