Introduction to Ecuador & the Galapagos
(6 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (3 nights)
Land-based Tour of the Galapagos
(7 Days)
Quito, Galapagos lodge (Santa Cruz Island)
Highlights of Mainland Ecuador
(7 Days)
Quito, Cloud Forest, Otavalo Valley
Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos
(9 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Otavalo Valley
Family Tour of the Galapagos
(8 Days)
Quito, Galapagos lodge (Santa Cruz Island)
Journey Through the Galapagos & Peru
(17 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Amazon cruise (3 nights)
Exclusive Peru & the Galapagos
(14 Days)
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights)
(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Quito, Cloud Forest, Otavalo Valley
This private Ecuador tour features the best of Quito, the Andean cloud forest and the beautiful Otavalo region, including time at a historic hacienda in the countryside. It's perfect as an extension to a Galapagos cruise or for travelers who want to explore the fascinating cultural traditions of mainland Ecuador.
Begin in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a historic city set among snowcapped volcanoes in the Andes. With your private local guide, tour the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture. Explore the expansive Plaza San Francisco, colorful back streets, historic markets, hidden courtyards and Baroque churches and monasteries with spectacular interiors such as La Compania de Jesus and the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Visit Quito’s best museums according to your interests, such as Museo de la Ciudad, Museo Nacional, Casa del Alabado and the Museo de Arte Moderna. Also visit traditional workshops and perhaps shop for a high-quality Panama hat—an Ecuador original. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a gourmet chocolate tasting, a gondola ride up Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains or a visit Casa Museo Guayasamin, the former home and workshop of the acclaimed Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamin.
Continue to an upscale lodge surrounded by the beautiful Andean cloud forest. During your stay, explore the jungle with a naturalist guide, search for orchids and butterflies, visit the hummingbird viewpoint, ride a gondola through the forest canopy, climb the observation tower and swim in waterfalls.
Next, stay at a historic hacienda in the Otavalo region, a bucolic highland landscape of rolling hills, farms and indigenous villages beneath snow-capped volcanic peaks. Stop to smell the roses at a rose-growing hacienda and learn about the cut flower industry's important contribution to the local economy. Visit local indigenous food and craft markets, and stop by select workshops to meet artisans and shop for high-quality handwoven wool textiles, delicate embroidery, leather goods, and other traditional and modern crafts. At your hacienda, dine on delicious local cuisine and enjoy activities such as mountain biking or horseback riding past unexcavated pre-Colombian ruins; learning about conservation efforts at a condor sanctuary; visiting a cheese dairy and factory; birdwatching; guided hiking through spectacular valleys; and exploring the beautiful grounds and gardens. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as spa appointments, a cooking lesson, an embroidery or leather workshop, horse-drawn carriage rides or a luxurious picnic in the countryside.
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Introduction to Ecuador & the Galapagos
(6 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (3 nights)
Land-based Tour of the Galapagos
(7 Days)
Quito, Galapagos lodge (Santa Cruz Island)
Highlights of Mainland Ecuador
(7 Days)
Quito, Cloud Forest, Otavalo Valley
Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos
(9 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Otavalo Valley
Family Tour of the Galapagos
(8 Days)
Quito, Galapagos lodge (Santa Cruz Island)
Journey Through the Galapagos & Peru
(17 Days)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights), Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Amazon cruise (3 nights)
Exclusive Peru & the Galapagos
(14 Days)
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito, Galapagos cruise (4 nights)
Another fantastic trip! I’m convinced that you have the best guides. We really liked the boat you arranged for us in the Galapagos…And the guide that you flew out there for us was one of our favorites on the whole trip.
~ L.R., Paradise Valley, AZ
Our trip to Ecuador was outstanding! We loved the combination of cruise and luxury lodge in the Galapagos – the perfect way to experience the islands. Our private guide in mainland Ecuador was fantastic.
~ E.B. Denver, CO
My clients had an incredible Galapagos trip. They loved the VIP meet & greet at the airport, loved the hotels, loved the yacht and loved the guide. Everything was absolutely flawless.
~ J.C., Kansas City, MO (travel agent)
Recommended by:
Departures
Conde Nast Traveler
The New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Travel + Leisure
Town & Country
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