Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival and once your baggage is collected, you will be welcomed by your Big Five Representative and proceed outside where your private vehicle and driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. During the drive to your hotel, your guide will go over your schedule for the next day and answer any questions you may have.

Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel harbors 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully- and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-paneled library, or else atop its panoramic third-floor terrace. Sophisticated and eclectic, historic yet contemporary, at Casa Gangotena style, passion and service blend seamlessly and delightfully. Casa Gangotena’s rooms are arrayed across all three of its floors. Due to the property’s heritage character, rooms vary in size, although all are comfortably ample. All benefit from the mansion’s elegant, tall ceilings, drawing the bright Andean sunlight into their interiors. Their decoration plays off rich carpets, towering window frames, flowing curtains and Art Deco-style furniture such as desks, armoires, tables and armchairs.  Casa Gangotena

Day 2: Quito / Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve
This morning you can take your breakfast at the hotel restaurant enjoying the colonial ambience. Then, drive north to Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve in the cloud forest, where you will spend the next days. Mashpi Lodge is set within a 1,052 hectares/2,600-acre private reserve. As you pass the Equator, you climb out of dry valleys before gently descending towards the Pacific, the vegetation around you becoming ever-more verdant and abundant with every turn of the road. Incredibly quickly, you find yourself surrounded by forest and tumbling mountains on all sides, as the road winds downhill towards the private reserve of protected forest. Mashpi Lodge was designed as the ideal springboard for exploring the biodiversity of its reserve. It combines the highest standards of comfort, service, guiding and cuisine that today’s most discerning travelers expect. The Mashpi experience is about discovering life in the tree tops, trekking along trails, listening to animal calls, bathing in pure waterfalls, or simply relaxing with a view of clouds playing hide and-seek with the forest.  Mashpi Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve
Spend today enjoying the lodge and its varied activities. Walk or hike in the forest along trails that lead to cool waterfalls, where you can break for a refreshing swim. Go into the forest to experience a reforested area, and meet some of the local inhabitants, including butterflies. You can enjoy the delightful butterflies and frogs at the exhibition center. An area here has been designed for observing many species of amazing hummingbirds. Your escorts for these excursions are experienced, including both naturalist guides and local guides, who will accompany small groups throughout your stay. In the evenings, guides will give presentations and briefings for a deeper understanding of the forest’s ecosystem and biodiversity. Mashpi Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve / Tulipe / Zuleta
This morning, you will be transferred in a private car in a one-hour drive from Mashpi to Tulipe Archaeological Site, originally built by the Yumbo people who lived in the valleys and mountains surrounding Quito between 800 and 1660 CE. No one really knows what happened to these ancient people, but it is surmised that they might have migrated to the Amazon basin after the Pichincha Volcano erupted in 1660.

The various finds and their relative positions point to a rather important and advanced people and it is thought that at one point they may have controlled the very important trade route between the Andes and Amazon and the Pacific coast. Following your visit to Tulipe, continue onwards (approx. three-hour drive) to Compania Hacienda for lunch. Located in the beautiful valley of Cayambe, the hacienda was built in the early twentieth century with French neoclassical style, and has belonged to the same family for generations. The family has retained objects and artifacts, among them old newspapers of the property with information on livestock and horses. The furniture, wallpaper, and carpets walls are original, allowing easy viewing of farm life in early twentieth century. The house was built in 1919, but the estate is of the colonial era. Following lunch, continue to Hacienda Zuleta, (approx. one-hour drive).

Arrive at Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial working farm of 2,000 hectares /4,000 acres that belongs to the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador, for more than 100 years. It was chosen as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine and named as one of the best Ecuador Hotel by National Geographic Traveler. Enjoy a relaxing evening after you have settled in.  Your host will welcome you personally at Zuleta and after checking in to your room, will chat with you in the living room. One of the owners or managers will personally explain to you about the activities the hacienda offers and will find out about your personal preferences, needs or questions while having some afternoon tea or coffee.

After planning your stay you will be shown around the main building, you will learn more about Zuleta’s history, see ex- President Galo Plaza Lasso’s private library, the chapel and beautiful gardens. As sun sets it gets chilly at Zuleta, so enjoy some wine and farm made Ecuadorian cheese beside the fireplace while reading our information folders and books, learning more about our foundation, Galo Plaza, our horse breeding business or about the local culture of Ecuador in the highlands. Hacienda Zuleta (B,L,D)

Day 5: Zuleta
If you are an early morning person you might want to enjoy one of our short hikes before breakfast and try to catch sight of the countless birds we have at Zuleta. After an exquisite breakfast with eggs, pancakes, muesli, fruit and homemade bread you will be able to visit the cheese factory and learn more about Zuleta´s semi-aged, handmade Ecuadorian cheeses and how the process has changed throughout history. As mornings are usually sunny throughout the whole year, it is best to take advantage and use this time to take our condor tour. Visit by hiking, biking or horseback riding to our Andean Condor reserve. In the mornings, you are most likely to spot an Ecuadorian wild condor flying by.

The reserve is located three kilometers/1.8 miles from the guesthouse, in a native forest valley. You will learn about the foundation’s efforts, see rescued Andean condors in our aviary, and visit the nearby trout farm. The route back takes us through pasture land where we ride between ancient monuments of the Caranqui culture; seeing both small burial mounds dating back to 700 CE, and giant ceremonial truncated ramp pyramids from the 13th century.

At lunch time you can enjoy freshly caught trout and our exquisite Ecuador cuisine. Then have coffee in the patio whilst admiring the giant hummingbird that comes frequently to feed here.

In the afternoon you can buy or order countless beautiful, handmade, colorful embroidery articles from the Zuleta women’s cooperative. Coming out of the shop our horse drawn carriage is ready and waiting for you and will take you down the eucalyptus alley to visit the foundation run library. This is where local children spend their afternoons, getting help with homework, reading and playing. You can also decide to do a more challenging hike up to Condor view which offers wonderful views of the local area and you may even be lucky enough to spot a family of Spectacle Bears along the way. You can end the day with a nice hot bath. Hacienda Zuleta (B,L,D)

Day 6: Zuleta
Today, you can enjoy different activities in Zuleta region and/or visit to shaman friend on the other side of Mount Imbabura to learn about ancient healing and energy balancing techniques – by special arrangement. You will also be able to enjoy Ecuador’s famous “colada morada” that is only served during these days made from blackberries, corn, pineapple and other fruit and served with the eatable “bread-doll”. Hacienda Zuleta (B,L,D)

Day 7: Quito / Baltra Island, Galapagos
A special adventure begins as you transfer to Quito airport and depart to The Galapagos Islands. You meet with a cruise representative for the Yacht La Pinta, and transfer to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. You are then driven into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is provided in a local restaurant.

Although an itinerary of the daily cruise schedule is provided below, it should be used only as a guideline. Cruise itineraries in the Galapagos are affected regularly by seasonal factors and National Park authorities issued daily. Your on-board naturalist-guide will give daily briefings on the daily excursions. Each visitation site is a distinct little world unto itself, where you’ll enjoy a unique mix of tropical and polar wildlife.

In Galapagos you will find flightless birds, sea lions, and a bounty of birds, tortoises and iguanas specially adapted to their particular island habitat. Time will allow for observations of the incredibly unique flora, fauna and volcanic terrain, both on foot and on panga excursions. The reason that you travel to Galapagos is to experience the islands and their unique fauna. Your program will allow you to perceive Galapagos from different perspectives: guided hikes, relaxing beach walks, snorkeling and swimming! You will access the various islands during your voyage by wet or dry landings.

Wet Landings
Wet Landings are landings on the beach rather than on the shore. Passengers go ashore by swinging their legs over the side of the panga and then stepping off into approximately a foot of water, and finally wading to shore. The process is relatively easy and is done in reverse to board the panga. Unless wearing Tevas or other aqua shoes, the wet landing is made barefoot. Then once on shore there is a few minutes to dry feet and try to remove as much sand as possible before putting on shoes and socks before the natural history walk. Bringing two towels or wash clothes on a wet landing is highly recommended. One towel is used to put your feet on while the other towel is used to dry the feet and get the sand off.

Dry Landings
Dry Landings are made in areas where the passenger can exit the panga directly on to a rock or lava surface. Shoes can be worn for the duration of a dry landing. This is actually the more difficult landing since the panga continues to move while passengers attempt to step off the boat on to a slippery surface. Good balance and paying attention to what you are doing is the key to a successful dry landing. The guide will go ashore first and offer you a hand. Use the help! The guide will tightly grip your hand so you can balance while trying to find your footing. Boarding the panga is done in the same fashion the guide or a crewmember will offer a hand to everyone as they re-board the panga.

After lunch, you travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes you down to Puerto Ayora to board your yacht. Yacht La Pinta (B,L,D)

Day 8: Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, travel to Eden Islet in a panga. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz, here you can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigate birds. You have the opportunity to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat.

Sombrero Chino Islet
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance in the shape of a Chinese hat. This recently-formed islet offers a beautiful setting as you explore the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped, white sandy beach. The cove has excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.   Yacht La Pinta (B,L,D)

Day 9: Galapagos Islands
Bartolome Island
This morning, you explore one of the Galapagos Islands iconic islands, Bartolome Island, where you begin with a steep climb up a wooden staircase. the views from the top make the climb worth it. Following the walk, you set out in dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. You can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, board the pangas ride to Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. It boasts a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and understand the volcanic origins of Galapagos while observing its wildlife. Yacht La Pinta (B,L,D)

Day 10: Galapagos Islands
Prince Philip Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with a panga ride along the cliffs of this stunning island, followed by landing with a steep climb (27.4 meters/90 feet) up stairs to reach a flat plateau. On the walk, can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). After the walk, you can snorkel along the dramatic cliffs where you are likely to spot many varieties fish, including hammerhead sharks.

Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and snorkeling. Then, go for an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There’s an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or, if you prefer, you can return to the beach. Yacht La Pinta (B,L,D)

Day 11: Galapagos Islands
Santa Cruz Island
This morning, you see the islands from a different perspective as you disembark to spend the next two nights on land, staying at the enchanting Galapagos Safari Camp. Your naturalist guide welcomes you and will accompany you for lunch and a complete tour of the highlands. See Los Gemelos, collapsed twin craters that were formed by a series of eruptions when the island was still active. This area is one of the few where the Scalesia forest is almost intact. Tortoises wander around, and finches and vermilion fly catchers can also be seen. You will experiment total darkness and learn about the formation of these fascinating islands in the remarkable lava tunnels. You day ends at Galapagos Safari Camp for a sunset drink and dinner. The camp is a 55-hectare/136-acre farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island bordering the national park, 30 minutes from the sea. The farm is rich in birdlife with finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, egrets and owls. Tortoises also make frequent visits. The farm has many local species of trees, such as scalesia, guayabillo, and palo santo, which are rapidly returning to the land after years of cattle farming.

The camp has eight luxury safari tents perched on a hill, providing comfort and privacy in the wilderness. All tents have a balcony with views of the park and the ocean. They are spacious, attractively decorated, and each has a private bathroom with hot shower. Guests gather by the fireplace in the main room to view the sunsets. You savor the chef´s creative dishes that cater to an international palate in the panoramic dining room. Enjoy the tranquility of the infinity pool with fabulous ocean scenery. Galapagos Safari Camp (B,L,D)

Day 12: Galapagos Islands
Santa Cruz Island
Today, continue to explore the island as you hike through the dramatic landscapes. The trail begins at the village of Bellavista and takes you to some of the largest hills on the island, including Media Luna, Puntudo and Cerro Crocker. The distance from Bellavista to Media Luna is five kilomoters/three miles, and from there to Puntudo and Cerro Crocker is close to three kilometers/1.8 miles. Bird watchers will savor the variety of  bird species see including rails, finches and petrels. Galapagos Safari Camp (B,L,D)

Day 13: Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil / Depart
This morning you are transferred to Baltra airport to board your private plane to Guayaquil to connect with your onward flight.  (B)

Land price, per person, double occupancy: From US$800 per person per day.