Ecuador & The Galápagos

Tuesday 1st June

Today we start our journey to Ecuador.

Overnight flight to Ecuador.

Wednesday 2nd June

Our Ecuadorian adventure begins in Quito, high in the Andes at over 2,800 metres above sea level. After arriving, we’ll transfer to our hotel where there’ll be time to rest, settle in and acclimatise to the altitude. This evening, we’ll come together for our first dinner as a group, meet our local guide and get to know our fellow travellers as we hear more about the exciting journey ahead.

Dinner included. Overnight in Quito.

Thursday 3rd June

Driving north of Quito this morning, we’ll visit the middle of the world at the Intiñan Museum, located near the Equator Line. Have fun standing on both sides of the equator at the same time with one foot in each hemisphere, whilst gaining an understanding of the fascinating forces at work here. Learn about Ecuador’s Indigenous cultures, traditions and ancestral knowledge through the museum’s interactive displays and demonstrations.

We’ll then discover the importance of agave, known locally as penco, in the Ecuadorian highlands. We’ll hear about its traditional uses, including how it’s harvested and distilled to produce local spirits, before experiencing its distinctive aromas and flavours during a guided tasting.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner in one of Quito’s museums, surrounded by its galleries and the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Quito.

Friday 4th June

This morning, we’ll head out to explore the heart of Quito’s historic centre, discovering its rich history with our local guide. We’ll wander the charming narrow streets and visit iconic landmarks such as the ornate La Compañía de Jesús church and picturesque San Francisco Square, before continuing to the Main Square, home to the elegant Presidential Palace and impressive Quito Cathedral.

We’ll then indulge in some exquisite Ecuadorian chocolate, with a tasting of handmade Paccari chocolate truffles. We’ll learn about the bean-to-bar process and Ecuador’s reputation for producing fine cacao, before, of course, savouring the taste!

The rest of the afternoon is left free for further exploration or a chance to relax at the hotel.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Quito.

Saturday 5th June

Today we’ll join a local host for a hands-on cooking class, where we’ll learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Along the way, we’ll discover more about the flavours, techniques and stories behind Ecuador’s diverse culinary traditions, before enjoying the meal we’ve prepared together.

We’ll then take part in an ancestral energy cleansing ceremony, a traditional practice rooted in Indigenous Andean beliefs. Guided by a local practitioner, we’ll learn how aromatic plants and herbs are used in this centuries-old ritual and discover its connection with nature, balance and wellbeing.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Quito.

Sunday 6th June

Today we take to the Pan American Highway, travelling north towards Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes and home to the inspiring Sacha Warmikuna, or Women of Nature. This community initiative, led by local women, celebrates empowerment, sustainability and ancestral traditions.

An enriching experience awaits as we immerse ourselves in this fascinating culture. We’ll learn the traditional art of back-strap loom weaving, discovering how wool is dyed and transformed into intricate textiles using techniques passed down through generations of Kichwa women.

After enjoying a community lunch, we’ll continue our experience, next learning how roses and ají are prepared to create the fiery hot sauce that defines much of Ecuadorian cuisine. Later this afternoon, we’ll make our way to Hacienda Pinsaquí, our home in the Otavalo region.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Otavalo.

Monday 7th June

We start our day with an early visit to Otavalo, famed for its vibrant indigenous market and where local people proudly wear their traditional blue ponchos. Here, discover a colourful world of handmade textiles, leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and more. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique treasures, with plenty of time to shop, explore and connect with the local culture.

We’ll then join a local artisan for a hands-on workshop, trying our hand at making our own traditional bracelet, before returning to the hacienda for an afternoon free to relax and unwind.

This evening, we’ll gather for a special Andean campfire experience. With toasted marshmallows and a warming glass of canelazo, we’ll listen to local legends and live acoustic music under the stars, before enjoying dinner at the hacienda.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Otavalo.

Tuesday 8th June

After breakfast, we’ll continue south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, travelling through the spectacular Andean landscape towards Hacienda La Alegría. Set in the countryside at the foot of Cotopaxi National Park, this traditional working hacienda will be our home for the night.

This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a cheese and wine tasting, sampling hacienda-made cheeses alongside Ecuadorian wines. Afterwards, there’ll be some free time to explore the grounds and soak up the peaceful surroundings before dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight at Hacienda La Alegría.

Wednesday 9th June

Waking this morning at our traditional hacienda, we’ll start our day with a taste of rural Andean life and try our hand at a spot of milking! With guidance from the hacienda staff, we’ll learn a little about traditional farming life before taking to horseback for a gentle ride around the hacienda, with experienced guides on hand throughout.

We’ll then continue to Cotopaxi National Park and Limpiopungo Lagoon, travelling through the spectacular high-altitude landscape at the foot of Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes with it’s iconic symmetrical snow-capped cone. As we explore the area, we’ll listen for the calls of highland birds and take in the sounds and sensations of the Andean páramo, while our local guide brings Cotopaxi and its surrounding landscape to life.

Later this afternoon, we’ll return towards Quito in preparation for the next exciting step of our adventure, the Galápagos Islands!

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight near Quito.

Thursday 10th June

Today we set out to explore one of the most extraordinary archipelagos in the world – the Galápagos Islands and the place that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Taking a flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island, we’ll transfer to our hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where our Galápagos adventure begins.

This afternoon, we’ll visit La Loberia, a beautiful coastal area that is home to colonies of playful Galápagos sea lions, generally found leaping across the rocks or simply lounging on the sand. Along the way, we may also spot several species of Darwin’s famous finches, yellow warblers and marine iguanas sunning themselves on the black volcanic rocks – creatures unique to this remarkable part of the world. Here, we’ll have time to relax on the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel in the clear waters, with the possibility of encountering a marine turtle if you’re lucky! A perfect introduction to this famous wildlife paradise.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Friday 11th June

After breakfast, we’ll head to the dock for a boat ride to Lobos Island. As we travel along the coast, we’ll take in the peaceful surroundings and keep an ear out for the sounds of the island’s marine life and seabirds, while our local guide tells us more about the wildlife and the importance of the surrounding marine ecosystem. On the island, a guided walk introduces us to the island’s vibrant wildlife, the most common of which are Frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. The soft white coral sand invites you to slow down, walk barefoot, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings with perhaps an opportunity to swim or snorkel in the calm, clear waters.

Later, we’ll experience a taste of everyday life as we meet a local family and learn how to make one of Ecuador’s most iconic dishes – traditional ceviche. We’ll discover the fresh ingredients and methods used to create this much-loved delicacy, as well as some of the family stories and traditions behind it, before sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve prepared.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Saturday 12th June

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to soak up the gentle pace of San Cristobal. Savour a relaxed breakfast, linger at the hotel or perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the beach, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves and the feel of soft sand beneath your feet.

This afternoon, we’ll leave San Cristobal behind and take a speedboat across to Santa Cruz Island. On arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, which will be our base for the next four nights as we continue our Galápagos adventure.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Sunday 13th June

After breakfast, we’ll journey into the highlands of Santa Cruz, where the landscape changes from the coast to lush agricultural countryside and native vegetation.

Here, we’ll visit a private reserve to see the famous giant tortoises in their natural environment – an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our Galápagos journey. Walking at an easy pace through their habitat, we’ll learn more about these remarkable animals, their behaviour and the conservation work that helps protect them.

Next, we’ll visit a traditional sugar mill, where we’ll learn how local families have historically cultivated and processed sugar cane. We’ll discover the traditional techniques used to extract the juice and turn it into local products, with the chance to experience some of the process first-hand and sample freshly prepared sugar-cane products.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Monday 14th June

This morning, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about many of the endemic species we’ve encountered, as well as the vital conservation efforts taking place across the Galápagos Islands. Walking through the station, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the work being done to protect this unique ecosystem, including programmes focused on the conservation of giant tortoises.

In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a tour of the beautiful coastline around Puerto Ayora, exploring some of the area’s most interesting sites by boat. Along the way, we’ll encounter marine life and seabirds, while our local guide shares stories about the islands’ remarkable wildlife and the conservation work helping to protect it.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Tuesday 15th June

This morning, we’ll spend some time by the sea at Playa de la Estación, enjoying a gentler side of the Galápagos. Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll take a relaxed walk along the beach, feeling the sand beneath our feet and listening to the waves and calls of coastal wildlife. Along the way, we’ll encounter the distinctive textures and scents of the shoreline and native vegetation, while our guide brings the surrounding landscape and marine environment to life through detailed descriptions and storytelling. Here there’ll be an opportunity to paddle, swim or simply relax by the shore.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Puerto Ayora.

Wednesday 16th June

This morning, we’ll have time to relax before transferring to Baltra Airport. From here, we take our flight back to mainland Ecuador, carrying with us unforgettable memories of the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos. Upon arrival in Quito, we’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure or simply rest at the hotel. This evening, we’ll come together for our final group meal, sharing stories and celebrating the incredible journey we’ve experienced.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight near Quito.

Thursday 17th June

This evening we depart Quito for our overnight flight home.

Breakfast included. Overnight in flight.

Friday 18th June

Arrive home with the spirit of the Galápagos and Ecuador still with us – in the friendships we’ve made, the stories we’ll tell, and the unique experiences we’ve shared along the way.

Passport Validity:
British citizens travelling on a full British Citizen passport must have a passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Ecuador. If you hold a passport from another country, please check the relevant requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate. (GOV.UK)

Visa Requirements:
British citizens travelling on a full British Citizen passport can visit Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days in any 12-month period. If you hold a passport from outside the UK, check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements.