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 in 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 not only be the start of this spectacular trip, but a celebration of the New Year ahead!

Get ready to be captivated by Quito's vibrant Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with history and stunning architecture!

We'll begin our immersion at Independence Square, the beating heart of the city. Then, prepare to be dazzled by the Church of La Compañía, a true colonial gem. Step inside to witness its breathtaking golden interior, a masterpiece of Baroque art, before ascending to the dome for panoramic views of the city and Panecillo Hill.

Next, we'll indulge our senses at Yumbos, a charming chocolate store, where you'll savor the magic of Ecuadorian cacao with a delightful tasting experience.

Our journey continues to San Francisco Square, home to Quito's largest colonial structure, the impressive Church of San Francisco. Marvel at its grand altar and subtle Moorish influences that tell centuries of stories.

Finally, we'll ascend to the iconic Panecillo Hill. Here, you'll stand before the towering Virgin of El Panecillo statue and soak in unforgettable panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andean landscape.

We'll cap off our day with a delicious, traditional Ecuadorian lunch at Pims del Panecillo, where authentic flavors meet spectacular views. Get ready for a day rich in culture, beauty, and unforgettable moments!

Today, we journey north from Quito along the Panamerican Highway, admiring rolling hills and snow-capped volcanoes. Our first stop is the Quitsato Sundial, the actual "Middle of the World," for a unique cultural experience.

Next, we head to a beautiful Hacienda for an interactive cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes from skilled chefs, then savor your creations for lunch, finishing with famous bizcochos and fresh cocoa. It's a perfect immersion into local culture!

Before reaching our final destination, we'll make a brief visit to the serene San Pablo Lake, nestled between the majestic Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, offering stunning views and a chance to stretch our legs.

Finally, we arrive at the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui in Otavalo. Settle in, relax, and explore its picturesque grounds. Later, we'll gather for a delicious dinner, enjoying the warmth and charm of this welcoming retreat.

Today, 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 return to our hotel in 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.