Ecuador and Galapagos

Upon your arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel near the charming Quito Old Town. Once the entire group has arrived, we will gather for a brief orientation, followed by a delicious welcome dinner. This will be an ideal start to this spectacular trip!

Today we’ll explore Quito’s Old Town, a beautifully preserved colonial center and designated Historic Centre.

We begin at Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande, the city’s main gathering place and the seat of Ecuador’s executive power. At its center stands the monument to the heroes of August 10, 1809, marking the First Cry of Freedom from Spanish rule.

Next, we visit the breathtaking Church of La Compañía, one of the finest examples of colonial baroque architecture in the Americas. Built between 1605 and 1650, it is known for its gold-covered interior, intricate carvings, paintings and magnificent dome.

We then continue to San Francisco Square, home to the impressive Church and Convent of San Francisco, Quito’s largest colonial architectural complex, with beautiful tile work, baroque details and Moorish-influenced ceilings.

To round off the experience, we’ll visit a vibrant local market in the Historic Center, where you’ll meet local women, hear their stories and discover native fruits, vegetables and ingredients.

The day continues with a hands-on culinary session led by a local chef, followed by lunch together. Afterward, we return to the hotel, and the afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

We’ll depart Quito and head north along the Panamerican Highway, a scenic two-hour drive through rolling hills, lush valleys and snow-capped volcanoes.

Our first stop is the Quitsato Sundial, located at La Mitad del Mundo - the true Middle of the World - where we’ll learn about the site’s astronomical and cultural significance.

Next, we’ll visit a beautiful hacienda and explore a rose showroom featuring more than 4,000 stems in a vibrant display. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch prepared with local ingredients and traditional techniques, followed by Ecuador’s famous bizcochos - crispy, buttery biscuits - served with hot, freshly made cocoa.

We’ll then continue to Otavalo, known for its colorful markets, artisanal crafts and rich indigenous heritage, before arriving at Las Palmeras Hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to relax, freshen up and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner, a warm and charming end to a day filled with culture, scenery and local flavors.

After breakfast we'll delve into the vibrant culture of the Calera community, experiencing the impactful Sumak Warmi Kuna Project which empowers indigenous women through tourism.

You'll participate in two enriching workshops: the SUMAK MUYU Workshop, where you'll learn to craft beautiful tagua necklaces with Marisol Muenala, and the ALLÍ MAKI Workshop, introducing you to the art of traditional manual embroidery and local textile traditions.

For lunch, we'll savor a delicious, traditional meal featuring fresh, organic produce at the Sabores y Tradiciones community dining room.

Afterward, a short walk leads us to a sacred natural water source. Here, the community's Shaman will perform a ceremonial ritual, demonstrating the spiritual and healing power of Pachamama and offering insight into medicinal plants and essences.

This immersive day offers a unique connection to the Calera community's cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage, all while supporting women's empowerment. After a day of profound experiences, we'll return to our charming hacienda.

Today, we dive into the world-famous Otavalo indigenous market, the largest in South America and a vibrant hub of exceptional craftsmanship! At the Plaza de los Ponchos, you'll find rows of colorful stalls brimming with exquisite handmade textiles – ponchos, scarves, blankets, and more – all crafted with age-old techniques.

Beyond textiles, browse stunning jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, and leather goods, each piece reflecting the unique culture of the local Otavalo people. As you explore, enjoy the lively sounds of traditional Andean music, creating an enchanting backdrop to your visit.

After soaking in the market's sights and sounds, we'll have a delicious traditional lunch in a beautiful hacienda before returning to Quito to relax and prepare for our exciting journey to the Galápagos Islands tomorrow!

Today, we fly from Quito to the legendary Galápagos Islands! Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our Horizon staff and transferred to your luxury yacht, your home for this incredible adventure. Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch, and receive a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, we will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! A beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.

Type of Landings: Dry and Wet landing (step into shallow water to reach the shore)
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult (375 steps to the top of the volcano)

Welcome to Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island! Today's morning destination is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur seals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

In the afternoon, we'll visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

Type of Landings: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

In the morning, we'll begin at the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

In the afternoon, off we go to El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Step. This steep path leads up a high cliff rock face from where there is a marvelous view over the island. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

Type of Landings: Dry and wet landings
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (AM), Moderate (PM)

Today we have a chance to visit Mosquera Islet, located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

In the afternoon, we'll head up to the highlands. Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have lunch.

Afterwards, we'll visit the “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings
Difficulty: Easy (AM), Moderate (PM)

We will begin our final day in the Galapagos with a visit to North Seymour Island. Here you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate

After our island visit, you'll be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for our flight back to Quito.

Once back in Quito, depending on the time of your international flight you can wait at the airport or we can book you an extra night at a hotel if your flight is at night.

Important Note: Departing flights from Quito should be made for 6:00pm or later on the departure day in order to give yourself enough time.