Introduction to Ecuador & the Galapagos

(6 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Quito, Galapagos cruise (3 nights)

This private tour combines the rich cultural highlights of Quito in the Andes Mountains with a luxury cruise through the otherworldly Galapagos Islands—the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s stunning landscapes, unique wildlife and fascinating culture.

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.

Next, fly to the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for nature lovers. Spend four days exploring the Galapagos Islands on one of our preferred expedition cruises. Each day, tour different islands with an expert naturalist, and get close to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and other iconic Galapagos wildlife. See the cycle of life up close, which depending on the season, might include mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles, and more. Snorkel among sea turtles, playful sea lions and schools of brightly colored fish. Upon request, we arrange private yacht charters, SCUBA diving and other options in the Galapagos.

This tour can easily be extended to include time in the Otavalo region, Amazon basin or other highly recommended destinations in Ecuador.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Quito, Ecuador VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Quito Full-day private tour Day 3 Quito – Galapagos cruise Private transfer to airport. VIP lounge access and flight to Galapagos Islands. Arrival transfer to Galapagos cruise for 3 nights Days 4 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 5 Galapagos cruise Cruise-based excursions and activities Day 6 Galapagos cruise – Depart Quito Disembark cruise and transfer to airport for flight to Quito. Afternoon private city tour on arrival and use of a day room. Private airport transfer and VIP departure assistance

Hotels & Cruises

Quito: Casa Gangotena Galapagos cruise: Aqua Mare, Elite or Endemic

Cost

$11,990 Per person (double occupancy)