9-Day Luxury Ecuador and Galapagos Experience

Itinerary

• DAY 1 Andean Elegance & Warm Welcome in Quito
  

  Touch down in the heart of the Andes as your luxury adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador’s charming capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a friendly host and transferred in comfort to your boutique hotel. Nestled in the colonial heart of the city, your accommodation blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax or stroll through nearby cobbled streets filled with artisan shops, colorful facades, and colonial churches. Your first evening sets the tone for the journey ahead—rich in culture, effortless in comfort, and designed for meaningful discovery.

  • Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Illa Experience or similar.
• DAY 2 Quito City, Chocolate & Culinary Identity
  

  Begin your day strolling through the cobbled charm of La Ronda, one of Quito’s most vibrant and historic streets. Guided by a local expert, you’ll step inside artisan studios, witness traditional crafts in action, and hear the stories that bring this artistic neighborhood to life. From there, continue through the UNESCO-listed historic center—visiting the iconic Plaza Grande, San Francisco Church, and the gold-adorned La Compañía de Jesús, a true masterpiece of baroque architecture.

  After a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, your journey continues with a sophisticated tasting at the Guayasamín Museum, where To’ak—the country’s most celebrated fine chocolate brand—offers an elevated chocolate experience amid the works of one of Latin America’s greatest artists.

  In the evening, prepare for a culinary adventure at Quitu Identidad Culinaria, a fine dining experience where ancestral flavors meet bold creativity. Through a multi-course tasting menu, Chef Juan Sebastián Pérez (subject to availability) brings Ecuador’s biodiversity to the plate using seasonal ingredients and timeless techniques. It’s an unforgettable day celebrating Ecuadorian culture through its art, history, and extraordinary cuisine.

  • Activity:Exploring. Tasting.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Illa Experience or similar.
• DAY 3 Cloud Forest Luxury
  

  This morning, your private journey begins with a scenic transfer from Quito to Mashpi Lodge, accompanied by your knowledgeable English-speaking guide. As you descend from the dramatic Andean highlands into the emerald embrace of the Chocó cloud forest, the landscape transforms before your eyes—each curve in the road unveiling new layers of Ecuador’s astonishing biodiversity.

  Arriving at Mashpi Lodge around midday, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail and an abundant buffet lunch featuring both Ecuadorian specialties and international favorites. After settling in, the lodge’s naturalist team will introduce you to the array of activities available, tailored to your interests and energy. You might choose to visit the serene “Life Center,” where a butterfly sanctuary and birdwatching deck await. The walk there offers two options: a gentle 25-minute path or a more immersive 50-minute hike through lush forest trails.

  As evening descends, step into the mystical world of the cloud forest on a guided night walk. With lanterns lighting the way, discover the secret lives of nocturnal creatures: frogs, spiders, snakes, and more. The day concludes with an elegant three-course à la carte dinner, served in the heart of the forest, where flavor and nature blend seamlessly.

  • Activity:Tasting. Wildlife Watching. Hiking.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Mashpi Lodge or similar.
• DAY 4 Day of Exploration at Mashpi Lodge
  

  Your day begins around 6:30 AM with one of Mashpi Lodge’s signature experiences—birdwatching at sunrise. As mist rises gently from the canopy, your guide will offer tips on using binoculars and capturing stunning wildlife photos. With luck, you’ll spot some of the cloud forest’s rare and endemic species—vibrant toucans, playful tanagers, or even a shy mammal wandering through the foliage.

  Afterward, return to the lodge for a hearty buffet breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruits, warm pastries, rich cappuccino, and the best orange juice you’ve ever tasted. From there, the day unfolds based on your personal preferences. Hike through lush forest trails to secret waterfalls for a refreshing swim, or take to the skies on the awe-inspiring Dragonfly cable car, gliding silently over the treetops for panoramic views of this emerald paradise.

  You might also visit the hummingbird garden, ride the thrilling “air-bike” across a deep gorge, or spend time at the science center learning about the region’s cutting-edge conservation work. For those seeking serenity, the spa offers the perfect sanctuary. Whether adventurous or restful, today’s experiences promise a deep connection with the natural world, all wrapped in unmatched comfort.

  • Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Mashpi or similar.
• DAY 5 Return to Quito
  

  On your final morning at Mashpi Lodge, wake to the soothing sounds of the forest coming to life. Before saying goodbye to this serene sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy one last personalized activity—a peaceful walk through moss-covered trails, a visit to the Life Center, or perhaps one last glimpse of vibrant hummingbirds in flight.

  After a leisurely breakfast, your private transfer back to Quito begins. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, the three-hour drive gradually ascends from the lush, mist-shrouded cloud forest into the expansive Andean highlands. It’s a scenic and contemplative ride, giving you time to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve just lived—from close-up wildlife encounters to indulgent meals and the tranquility of being immersed in nature.

  • Activity:Transfer.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Illa Experience or similar.
• Day 6 Galapagos Arrival
  

  Your morning begins with a smooth, private transfer from the Illa Experience Hotel to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy a comfortable 45-minute ride through the capital’s outskirts before arriving at the airport. After check-in, unwind in the exclusive Quito VIP Lounge, where you can sip a warm cappuccino, enjoy fresh snacks, and prepare for your journey to one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

  Your flight from Quito to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands typically takes just over two hours, with a brief stop in Guayaquil. Before departure, you’ll complete two important steps: First, have your luggage inspected and sealed by SICGAL to ensure protection of the islands’ fragile ecosystem. Then, secure your Transit Control Card (TCT) for $20 in cash—this document is essential both for entry and exit in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you’ll also pay the $200 National Park entrance fee in cash at immigration.

  Once you land on San Cristobal Island, your private driver will transfer you to the elegant Golden Bay Hotel—just a short 15-minute ride. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your leisure to unwind, stroll the nearby boardwalk, or dip your toes in the Pacific, surrounded by the charm of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

  • Activity:Transfer.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Golden Bay or similar.
• Day 7 Kicker Rock Snorkeling
  

  Your Galapagos adventure continues with an early morning pickup from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to the pier where your marine journey begins. Today’s highlight is the awe-inspiring Kicker Rock—locally known as León Dormido—a towering, twin-peaked volcanic formation rising 140 meters above the sea, just off the coast of San Cristobal Island. Its striking silhouette resembles either a boot or a sleeping lion, depending on the angle, and serves as a sanctuary for seabirds, sea lions, and an abundance of marine life.

  After an hour’s boat ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, you’ll anchor in the crystalline waters between the two rock faces. Equipped with snorkel gear, you’ll glide through the channel, where the currents reveal a kaleidoscope of sea life. With luck and a keen eye, you may spot whitetip reef sharks, graceful manta rays, sea turtles, and vibrant schools of tropical fish swirling through the underwater cathedral.

  Following your aquatic exploration, unwind with a fresh onboard lunch before heading to a nearby beach for a gentle hike and time to relax by the sea. You’ll return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno by mid to late afternoon, with memories of marine wonders etched in your heart.

  • Activity:Snorkeling.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Golden Bay or similar.
• Day 8 History, Nature & Culinary Delight in San Cristóbal
  

  Your day begins with a guided visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center, where the story of the islands unfolds through vivid exhibits and informative displays. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the archipelago’s unique geology, volcanic origins, and extraordinary biodiversity. From the evolution of endemic species to the human narratives that have shaped the islands, the center offers a compelling overview of the Galapagos’ past and its present-day conservation efforts.

  From there, your journey continues on foot to Tijeretas Hill, a scenic trail named after the resident frigatebirds, or tijeretas. The path winds through dramatic coastal landscapes and ends at a pristine lookout ideal for spotting marine life or enjoying a refreshing snorkel session in waters frequented by sea lions, sea turtles, and rays. Then it’s on to Punta Carola—an idyllic stretch of beach where sea lions nap lazily, blue-footed boobies perch, and the rugged cliffs meet turquoise waves. This is a perfect spot to slow down and savor the serene beauty of the Galapagos.

  In the late afternoon, engage your senses with a hands-on ceviche cooking class led by the delightful Mrs. Jessica. Using fresh, local ingredients, you’ll learn to prepare this iconic coastal dish just steps from the ocean at Playa Mann.

  • Activity:Cooking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Golden Bay or similar.
• Day 9 Farewell to Galapagos
  

  As your unforgettable Galapagos journey comes to a close, a private transfer will ensure a smooth and comfortable departure from the Golden Bay Hotel to San Cristobal Airport. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you, offering assistance and helping you reflect on the incredible experiences and wildlife encounters that have defined your time in this remarkable archipelago. This short 15-minute ride is the perfect moment to take one last glimpse at the island’s volcanic coastline and sea breeze.

  Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll check in for your flight back to the mainland. Be sure to keep your INGALA Transit Control Card readily accessible, as it will be required before boarding. The flight from San Cristobal to Quito typically takes around 2.5 hours, including a brief stopover in Guayaquil. As you rise above the Pacific and the islands fade into the horizon, you’ll carry with you the memories of snorkeling beside sea lions, learning from local chefs, and wandering among giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.

  Though this chapter ends, the journey doesn’t have to—Ecuador still has so much more to offer, and we’ll be here to help you explore it all.

  • Activity:Transfer out.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.