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17 Day Luxury Ecuador & Galapagos

Luxury Ecuador Tour: Haciendas, the Andes and a Galápagos Cruise

Days Icon 17 Days
Location icon Ecuador and Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 14,040 p.p.
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Ecuador Luxury Tour Summary

Experience Ecuador’s historic haciendas and the Galápagos on this 17-day luxury journey. Stay at family-run Hacienda Zuleta, a seventeenth-century estate, ride beneath Cotopaxi from Hacienda El Porvenir, and travel through Quilotoa, the Devil’s Nose, Ingapirca, and Cuenca before flying to the Galápagos. Spend five nights aboard a luxury cruise exploring Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz, with guided excursions and time to enjoy the ship between landings. Compare the ships in our Galápagos luxury cruises.

Rebecca Adventure Travel is a B Corp certified, female-owned operator based in Ecuador, founded in 2014 by Rebecca Braak. Rather than conventional hotels, the haciendas are private homes that welcome guests, with two nights at Zuleta giving you time to experience its horses, cheese dairy, and condor project. The tour includes private transfers, all accommodation, a full-board Galápagos cruise with guides, and 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch, and Spanish. The USD 200 National Park entry fee and USD 20 INGALA card are paid in cash on arrival.

Highlights

  • check Hacienda Zuleta

    Explore this historic family-run estate, known for horseback riding, traditional cheese-making and its conservation work with Andean condors.

  • check Hacienda El Porvenir

    Ride through the Andean countryside at this working hacienda beneath the slopes of Cotopaxi.

  • check Cuenca's Historic Center

    Wander the UNESCO-listed historic center, where grand churches, cobbled streets and colonial architecture define Ecuador’s elegant southern city.

  • check Five-Night Galápagos Cruise

    Cruise between remote Galápagos islands, reaching wildlife-rich destinations beyond the range of day boats.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Geoff V 
 
15/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Galapagos trip
Every detail and excursion was perfect. The guides were outstanding, hotel was first class. I would highly recommend Rebecca
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel R 
 
06/02/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Intimate luxury Galapagos immersion
Highly recommend. The guide, nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and food were outstanding. Rebecca Adventures is responsive and friendly.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 586 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
2 guestsUSD 14,745 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 14,040 p.p.

Ecuador Luxury Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download Itinerary

  • DAY 1: Quito arrival

    Rebecca Adventure Travel The Virgin of Quito monument standing tall atop the green hill during a Panecillo Quito old town exploration tour

    Today is the first day of your Luxury Ecuador tour! Arrive in Quito, where a private transfer will take you from the airport to your boutique hotel in the city. Settle in and enjoy your first evening at leisure.

    Use the time to rest after your flight or begin getting acquainted with Ecuador’s capital at your own pace.

    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Illa Experience Hotel or similar.

  • DAY 2: Quito historic centre

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Visitors walking along a paved path toward the equatorial monument during a cultural tour at mitad del mundo

    Explore Quito with an English-speaking guide, beginning in the historic centre and its beautiful churches and colonial architecture. Continue to the Pululahua Crater and the Equator, where you’ll learn more about Ecuador’s geography and cultural history.

    After sightseeing, visit the Equator museum before returning to Quito. The combination of the historic centre, volcanic landscape, and equatorial monument gives you a broad introduction to the capital and its surroundings.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Illa Experience Hotel or similar.

  • DAY 3: Otavalo and Hacienda Zuleta

    Rebecca Adventure Travel

    Travel north to Otavalo, a centre of Indigenous culture known for its handicrafts and traditional markets. After lunch at La Mirage, continue to Cotacachi, where you can browse its well-known leather goods before heading to Hacienda Zuleta.

    Settle into the historic hacienda and choose how to spend your time: visit the condors, go horseback riding or mountain biking, meet members of the local community, or simply enjoy the setting with a glass of wine and homemade cheese.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda Zuleta or similar.

  • DAY 4: Free day at hacienda Zuleta

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Colonial stone courtyard and historic buildings framed by lush gardens on a luxury stay at Hacienda Zuleta in Ecuador

    Take a free day to enjoy Hacienda Zuleta and its surroundings. Optional activities allow you to explore the estate and countryside, or you can simply slow down and make the most of your stay.

    With no scheduled excursions, the day is yours to relax at the hacienda, enjoy its facilities, or choose an activity that suits your interests.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda Zuleta or similar.

  • DAY 5: Cotopaxi and Hacienda El Porvenir

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi Volcano towering over green rolling hills and Andean fields under a bright blue sky

    Continue south toward Cotopaxi National Park, where the high-altitude landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes take centre stage. Once in the park, choose between an optional horseback ride, hike, or mountain-biking excursion.

    After exploring the area, continue to Hacienda El Porvenir for the evening. The historic hacienda provides a peaceful base surrounded by the volcanic landscapes of the Cotopaxi region.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.

  • DAY 6: Quilotoa lagoon and Guamote

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Pack horse grazing along the grassy ridge above the deep turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon framed by mountain peaks

    Visit Quilotoa, a striking turquoise crater lake set within a volcanic caldera. Walk down to the water and either hike back up or hire a mule for the return journey.

    After a local lunch, continue to Guamote, a small Andean town with a strong Indigenous presence. If your visit falls on a Thursday, you can experience its large weekly market, which fills the streets around the town centre.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Inti Sisa or similar.

  • DAY 7: The Devil's Nose, Ingapirca and Cuenca

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Ancient stone Temple of the Sun standing under a blue sky at the historic Ingapirca archaeological site in Ecuador

    Set out early for Alausí, where you’ll begin the hike toward the Devil’s Nose. The trail offers sweeping views of the river valley and a bird’s-eye perspective of the railway tracks below.

    Continue to Ingapirca to explore the Inca ruins before traveling onward to Cuenca. Arrive in the evening and settle into your boutique hotel.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Boutique Hotel Mansion de Alcazar or similar.

  • DAY 8: Cuenca historic centre

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Blue and white domes of the New Cathedral under a moody sky in historic Cuenca city during an Ecuador urban tour

    Discover Cuenca on a half-day guided city tour, exploring its historic centre and distinctive architecture. The city’s colonial streets, churches, and plazas offer a relaxed change of pace after the longer journeys through the Andes.

    Spend the rest of the day as you please, with time to visit a spa, browse the shops, or sample Cuenca’s restaurants. Return to your hotel whenever you’re ready for a quiet evening.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Boutique Hotel Mansion de Alcazar or similar.

  • DAY 9: Cajas National Park and Guayaquil

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Panoramic vista of glacial valleys and alpine lakes stretching across Cajas National Park in the Ecuadorian Andes

    Head into Cajas National Park for a short hike through its rugged high-altitude landscape. The park’s mountains, lakes, and open páramo provide a final taste of the Ecuadorian Andes before you descend toward the coast.

    Continue by road to Guayaquil and check into your boutique hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Ecuador’s largest coastal city.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Boutique Hotel Del Parque or similar.

  • DAY 10: Galápagos cruise, embarkation

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Multi-deck Galapagos Legend cruise vessel sailing across smooth blue waters with scenic green islands in the distance

    Your luxury Ecuador tour continues with a flight from Guayaquil to the Galápagos. Once in the islands, you’ll board the Galápagos Legend, a First Class vessel for a five-night cruise through the archipelago. Your route varies by departure, but each voyage combines guided excursions, wildlife encounters, and time to relax on board.

    After settling into your cabin, visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal to learn about the islands’ natural and human history. Then hike to Tijeretas for panoramic coastal views, with frigatebirds often visible around the cliffs.

    • Activity Activity:Cruising. Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Plane. Cruise.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Private cabin on board of a luxury yacht.

  • DAY 11: Galapagos cruise - Española Island

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A giant tortoise with its mouth wide open amidst lush green grass in the Santa Cruz Highlands of the Galápagos Islands

    Explore Gardner Bay and its white-sand beach, followed by a panga excursion around nearby Osborn Islet. Look for sea lions and seabirds as you explore the clear waters and coastline.

    Later, visit Suárez Point, one of Española’s most spectacular visitor sites. The trail passes colonies of seabirds and marine iguanas, with the chance to see waved albatross when they are present on the island.

    • Activity Activity:Cruising. Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Cruise.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Private cabin on board of a luxury yacht.

  • DAY 12: Galápagos cruise - Floreana Island

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A pair of wave albatrosses with long yellow beaks resting together on Española Island in the Galapagos Archipelago

    Visit historic Post Office Bay, home to the famous barrel mailbox traditionally used by travelers and sailors to leave letters for others to collect and deliver. The site offers a glimpse into the island’s long history of exploration and seafaring.

    Continue to Cormorant Point and one of the nearby snorkeling sites, such as Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet. Explore clear waters rich in colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and marine life.

    • Activity Activity:Cruising. Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Cruise.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Private cabin on board of a luxury yacht.

  • DAY 13: Galápagos cruise - Santa Cruz Island

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Brown pelican perched on a lava rock outcrop in turquoise coastal waters off Isabela Island near Tintoreras

    Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and continue into the Santa Cruz highlands, where conservation programs protect the archipelago’s giant tortoises and other endemic species.

    In the afternoon, explore Eden Islet or Ballena Bay, two quieter coastal sites where you can enjoy the scenery and look for seabirds and marine life. Return to the vessel afterward for another evening on board.

    • Activity Activity:Cruising. Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Cruise.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Private cabin on board of a luxury yacht.

  • DAY 14: Galápagos cruise - Santa Cruz Island

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Relaxing outdoor hot tub with cushioned sun loungers on the open deck of a luxury Galapagos Legend Jacuzzi cruise

    Make your final cruise excursion at Carrion Point, a sheltered cove known for calm waters and diverse marine life. Snorkel among rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish before returning to the yacht.

    Spend your final hours aboard the Galápagos Legend relaxing and enjoying the scenery as your five-night cruise comes to an end.

    • Activity Activity:Cruising. Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Cruise.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Private cabin on board of a luxury yacht.

  • DAY 15: Disembarkation and Puerto Ayora

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Wooden boardwalk and pier overlooking water taxis in clear blue bay waters in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island

    Disembark from the cruise and continue your Galápagos experience in Puerto Ayora. After transferring to your beachfront hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day without scheduled activities.

    Take a walk along the waterfront, explore the town, or simply relax at the hotel after five days of island excursions.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Galapagos Habitat Hotel or similar.

  • DAY 16: Puerto Ayora at leisure

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Group of hungry brown pelicans with beaks wide open waiting for scraps at the Santa Cruz Fish Market in Puerto Ayora

    Enjoy a completely free day in Puerto Ayora, with the option to arrange an additional day tour or explore the island independently. You can spend the day at the beach, browse local shops, or discover more of Santa Cruz at your own pace.

    Alternatively, take advantage of the slower pace to relax at your hotel and enjoy one final day in the Galápagos before departing.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Galapagos Habitat Hotel or similar.

  • DAY 17: Departure

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Exterior view of the terminal building and access road at quito airport under an overcast sky in Ecuador

    Have breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

    Your luxury Ecuador tour ends here, or you can continue your travels from the mainland.

    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car. Plane.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Ecuador Luxury Tour Map

17 Day Luxury Ecuador & Galapagos Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • 11 Nights of accommodation in Haciendas or Boutique Hotels.
  • 5 Nights of accommodation onboard of a luxury cruise boat.
  • Round trip flights: Guayaquil - Baltra - Quito/Guayaquil
  • Private transportation with an English speaking driver.
  • Airport transfers as described.
  • English speaking guide during the activities.
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Isabela dock fee $10 p.p. (cash only).
  • For rent: wetsuit (recommended between May – November).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Illa hotel Experience Front, luxury hotels in ecuador

Illa Experience Hotel

Hacienda Zuleta - Imbabura

Hacienda Zuleta

Scenic aerial view of Hacienda El Porvenir Camping site nestled in green pastures below Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador

Hacienda El Porvenir

Exterior view of Inti Sisa Hotel with brick facade, tiled roofs, and a sunflower sign in Guamote Ecuador

Inti Sisa

Boutique Hotel Mansion de Alcazar - Cuenca

Boutique Hotel Mansion de Alcazar

Boutique Hotel Del Parque - Guayaquil

Boutique Hotel Del Parque

Galapagos Habitat - Santa Cruz

Galapagos Habitat Hotel

17 Luxury Days in Ecuador and the Galápagos: FAQs

  • What makes a luxury Ecuador tour different from a standard one?

    Private transfers throughout, working haciendas instead of city hotels, and a Galápagos cruise rather than day boats. The route is the same; the access and pace are not.

  • On this luxury Ecuador tour, what is Hacienda Zuleta?

    A seventeenth-century working estate near Otavalo, still family-run, with a cheese dairy, embroidery workshop and an Andean condor rehabilitation project.

  • Is a Galápagos cruise better than island hopping on a luxury Ecuador tour?

    For reaching Fernandina, western Isabela and Genovesa, yes: no day boat serves them. Island hopping affords more flexibility and evenings ashore.

  • How much altitude is involved in this luxury Ecuador tour?

    Quito sits at 9,350 feet (2,850 m), Cotopaxi’s hacienda at 11,811 feet (3,600 m), and Quilotoa at 12,795 feet (3,900 m). The first two days are kept light so the body adjusts before the riding days.

  • How far ahead should I book a 17-day luxury Ecuador tour?

    Six to nine months. The cruise has fixed embarkation dates, and the haciendas have few rooms, so both drive the calendar rather than the mainland route.

Additional information

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week (Semana Santa).
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.

Exact Code: 25ECGPC17

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