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Ecuador & Galapagos Holidays

Andean Landscapes and the Enchanting Galapagos Islands

14 Night Itinerary from  £7,903

Bellavista Tour

Visit mountain villages with local markets, admire spectacular volcanoes in the Andes and enjoy a cruise in the Galapagos Islands observing the abundant wildlife

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Experience the diversity of Ecuador
  • Discover Quito's old town, a World Heritage centre
  • Visit the famous colourful market in the Andean town of Otavalo 
  • Travel through the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes
  • Visit the charming colonial city of Cuenca, famed for its Panama hats
  • Enjoy an unforgettable seven night Galapagos Cruise
  • Come face-to-face with extraordinary creatures in the Galapagos Islands

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

top things to do in Ecuador - Otavalo Market.jpg

Quito & Otavalo Market - 3 Nights

Day 1 - Fly from London to Quito

Day 2 - Guided tour of Quito

Day 3 - Visit Otavalo market

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Fly from London to Quito

Take a daytime flight to Quito, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. Our guide is on hand to provide advice, run through your programme and ensure you are ready to begin your explorations tomorrow.


Friday, 29 March 2024

Guided tour of Quito

Enjoy a guided morning tour of Quito, including the old part of the city which is best explored on foot. You will see the city's three main squares, Independence Square, Santo Domingo Square Francisco square. We also explore the Presidential Palace and many churches, convents and palaces. The fabulous colonial architecture of the old town is quite extraordinary. We also visit the spectacular good of gold at the National Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure in Quito.


Saturday, 30 March 2024

Visit Otavalo market

We take a trip to the Andean town of Otavalo to visit its colourful market, where men and women with long plaited hair, dressed in their traditional clothes, sell all types of weavings, handicrafts and homegrown produce.

Rincon Puembo

Quito - Tourist Hotel

The Rincon de Puembo is located 20 minutes from Quito's new airport, in the small town of Puembo, making it ideal for travellers having to overnight in between flights. The accommodation is all found in a replica colonial-style street, with wonderful traditional touches. Perfect for relaxing by the pool and taking a rest stop from your Ecuadorean itinerary.

1874 Rincon Puembo

Plaza Sucre

Quito - Tourist Hotel

The Hotel Plaza Sucre is located at the very heart of Ecuador's capital, in the historical downtown named by UNESCO as a Human Heritage site in 1978, because of its architectural beauty and cultural richness. The sober and colonial atmosphere of the hotel makes you feel being transported to the republican era. The hotel offers 25 comfortable guestrooms equipped with private facilities, TV cable, internet, Wifi, and modern facilities. Breakfasts are served in a wonderful rooftop patio with great views of "El Panecillo" statue which towers over the city.

1869 Plaza Sucre

Casa Gangotena

Quito - Deluxe Hotel

Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Old Town, the three-story Casa Gangotena has 31 luxury rooms: a showcase of eye catching style, contemporary design, antiques, furnishings, fine dining, 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-panelled 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.

The hotel includes several 'experiences' for its guests at no extra cost, including San Francisco’s courtyards & Brewery, Museo del Carmen Alto, San Fransisco Choir & Bell Tower and Chocolate Quiteno tasting.

Rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Casa Gangotena Hotel Quito
Volcanoe

Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba - 1 Night

Day 4 - Andean mountains to Riobamba

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 31 March 2024

Andean mountains to Riobamba

Early morning start today along the Andean mountains, stopping at a local hacienda. We visit the local market at Latacunga or Saquisilli and continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, affording stunning views of the towering snow capped peaks. The road passes small villages and a patchwork of fields and crops arriving at Riobamba, a city embraced by majestic volcanoes. Lunch is included today.

Hacienda El Porvenir

The Avenue of Volcanoes, Cotopaxi & Riobamba - Tourist Hacienda

Only one and a half hours drive from Quito, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings. Located in Cotopaxi National Park, the farmhouse is 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level surrounded by four volcanoes. El Porvenir is a working ranch with local produce  served in the dining room. Other public facilities include a spa, stables and many activities to enjoy.

El Porvenir has 22 suites and rooms of three different types: suites, traditional and low cost glamping. The heated rooms have king, queen or twin beds, private bathroom, minibar, FREE WI-FI (the internet coverage is not reliable) - and breakfast is included. Glamping rooms are simple and with shared bathrooms.

Activities/tours available:

General tours: 3 summit volcano challenge, 4 nights/5 days; Cotopaxi National Park Full day tour.

Mountain Biking: full day tour; Volcano ride, 4 nights/5 days; Volcano advanced, 3 nights/4 days; Volcano  2 nights/3 days.

Horse riding: full day tour;  Chagras Way horse riding tour 4 nights/5 days.

Multi adventure (combination of trekking, horse riding and mountain biking): Cotopaxi exploration 3 nights/4 days; Highland family, 4 nights/ 5 days; The Condor Path, 1 night/2 days; Volcano, 2 nights/3 days; Volcano, 2 nights/3 days.

Trekking and climbing: 3 summit challenge, 4 nights/5 days; Lodge to lodge trek, 3 nights/4 days; Volcano trek, 5 nights/6 days.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis or choose an all-inclusive activity package - please ask us for details.

 

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Cuenca

Cuenca - 2 Nights

Day 5 - Devil's Nose train journey and Cuenca

Day 6 - Guided tour of Cuenca

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 01 April 2024

Devil's Nose train journey and Cuenca

One of the world's most spectacular railway journeys awaits today along mountainsides and precipices on the Devil's Nose Railway, a zigzagging Trans-Andean railway that climbs more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering. Following the mind-blowing descent enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and learn about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe.

After a picnic lunch we continue on the road south through lush vegetation to the colonial city of Cuenca, visiting the fascinating Inca fortress of Ingapirca en route.


Tuesday, 02 April 2024

Guided tour of Cuenca

This morning take a guided tour of the elegant colonial city of Cuenca, with its cobbled streets and relaxing charm, visiting the flower market, tree lined plazas, the magnificent cathedral and Panama Hat workshop.

Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel

Cuenca - Luxury Hotel

The Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel is quite simply the best hotel in Cuenca. Located in the historic centre, it is one of only a few hotels that retain private gardens. The building has a rich history and was beautifully renovated in 2001 by the present owners.

Public facilities include a bar, lounge and the elegant Casa Alonso Restaurant offers the best Ecuadorian and International Cuisine. The exclusive spa is the ideal place to relax, rest and enjoy a selection of massages and skin-wellness treatments. The gardens are beautifully kept and a super place to relax.

There are 23 rooms and suites, either garden or patio facing. Each room and suite is individual and decorated differently. They are equipped with comfortable and colonial-style furnishings, TV, digital telephone system, safe deposit box, elegant bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, quality amenities and accessories.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis including afternoon English tea. 

Garden
Guayaquil

Guayaquil - 1 Night

Day 7 - Cajas National Park and Guayaquil

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Cajas National Park and Guayaquil

Today we journey west into the mountains through Cajas National Park, stopping on the way to walk and enjoy the scenery dotted with lagoons. We have an included lunch at a small hosteria and continue to the coastal city of Guayaquil, where we take a short tour and stay overnight.

Hacienda La Danesa

Guayaquil - First Hacienda

Located an hours drive from Guayaquil, Hacienda La Danesa is an excellent way to begin or end your journey in Ecuador if you prefer the untamed countryside to staying in Guayaquil. Owned by the Olsen Peet family, the Hacienda has many lovely touches including a relaxing spa, beautifully designed rooms and many rural activities to enjoy.

Public facilities include a dining room, spa, bar and well kept gardens. The Hacienda also has its own 500 hectare working farm and uses the organic produce in the ingredients for delicious Ecuadorean dishes served every day. A swimming pool is opening in late 2019.

The 6 rooms are a mix of restored stables, heritage bedrooms, a garden cottage and a family garden cottage. Each air-conditioned has private bathroom, binoculars, private hammock, mini bar, coffee machine and a yoga mat. Fresh coffee and fruit juice is delivered to your room each morning.

Included activities to enjoy include tubing, guided walks, cycling and milking on the farm. Other optional activities include horse riding, chocolate making classes and a wellness programme.

The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis and include soft drinks.

 

Horse Ex

Hotel del Parque

Guayaquil - Luxury Hotel

The beautifully restored 19th century mansion located in Guayaquil's Park Historico, a tropical paradise located in the centre of Guayaquil, ideally suited for a final night stay after an adventure in Ecuador. The hotel is a member of the respected Relais and Chateaux chain.

The public areas include extensive gardens, the Casa Julian Restaurant, fitness centre, spa, reading room and a charming 19th century chapel. Activities available are chocolate making classes, a tour of the hotel's herb garden and a coffee making tour.

The 44 rooms are split into 5 room types, from deluxe rooms to the enormous Park Suite. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom, TV, coffee, minibar, slippers, bathrobes, safe and included afternoon tea and coffee.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

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Land Iguana 4

Galapagos Islands - 7 Nights

Day 8 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands 

Days 9-14 - Galapagos cruise with daily guided excursions

Day 15 - Return to the UK

Day 16 - Arrive in UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 04 April 2024

Fly to the Galapagos Islands

Fly to the Galapagos Islands and transfer to your chosen cruise yacht or ship for a 7-night cruise. First class cruises are aboard the Beluga and Tourist Class cruises are operated by the comfortable Cachalote Explorer. All cruises are on a full board basis, with daily excursions led by knowledgeable local naturalists.

 


Friday, 05 April 2024

Galapagos cruise with daily guided excursions

Your cruise includes guided excursions every morning and afternoon including walks on the islands, swimming and snorkelling. Each activity is accompanied by our expert naturalist guides to ensure you see as much friendly wildlife as possible, such as basking marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, blue and red footed boobies, 500lb tortoises and friendly sea lions.


Saturday, 06 April 2024

Daily guided excursions


Sunday, 07 April 2024

Daily guided excursions


Monday, 08 April 2024

Daily guided excursions


Tuesday, 09 April 2024

Daily guided excursions


Wednesday, 10 April 2024

Daily guided excursions


Thursday, 11 April 2024

Departure

Flight back to mainland Ecuador, to connect with the return overnight flight to the UK.


Friday, 12 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Cachalote Explorer

Galapagos Islands - Tourist Motor Yacht

Enjoy the small ship experience of cruising from island to island, getting close to the shore, feel the breeze and listening to the sea. After the morning and afternoon landings ashore, you can enjoy the spacious sundeck areas, sunbathe and admire the sea lions playing around you.

The Cachalote Explorer accommodates up to 16 passengers in 8 air conditioned double cabins, all with private bathroom facilities. There is a crew of 9 including your Galapagos Naturalist Guide that will take you on daily excursions.

The Cachalote Explorer offers good comfort, a quality experience and exceptional value

Beluga

Galapagos Islands - First Motor Yacht

The M/Y Beluga is a spacious and comfortable superior first class motor yacht accommodating up to 16 passengers in 8 double cabins. One of these has an additional berth which becomes a triple room which is ideal for families.

Beluga is fully air-conditioned, has spacious social areas with all the comforts and facilities of a superior first class Galapagos yacht, including panoramic windows in the lounge and dining area and a large sundeck for relaxing, sightseeing or sunbathing.

Enjoy daily excursions ashore led by expert naturalist guides, fascinating evening talks and explorations by dinghy.

View the video

The first class Beluga

Origin, Theory & Evolve

Galapagos Islands - Luxury Motor Yacht

Custom-designed for sustainability and comfort, the Origin, Theory and Evolve are the ultimate Galapagos cruises vessels, offering luxurious amenities while minimising environmental impacts. The state of the art design also allows you to spend less time traveling between islands, with more time for actual exploration.

Recognised by Relais and Chateaux, each yacht carries a maximum 20-passenger capacity and a high crew to client ratio meaning you will be well looked after on board and on land.

The 10 deluxe air-conditioned staterooms are all located on the main (Beagle) deck and all have the benefit of views of the sea. Each cabin has fine bed linens, climate control and a choice of memory foam and soft pillows. Two twins can convert to a king size bed. Two cabins have interconnecting doors, and two can accommodate triples. Although not large, there is plenty of space to store your case and clothes. Cabins also have a stool, mirror, TV, safety deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities. Bathrooms have shower, WC, towels, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer and luxury soaps and shampoos. 

You can dine as a group or privately, enjoying excellent gourmet meals. There is a cooking demonstration or BBQ lunch during the cruise.

There is an open bar (including free wine, local beer, cocktails, and spirits). The lounge and elegant dining room are very comfortable and hosts the evening talks and briefings from your guides and naturalists. There is FREE Wi-Fi, a library, fitness centre and shop on all the yachts.

The sundecks have day beds, hammocks, tables and chairs, a shower, BBQ and bar. Every day you will enjoy guided walks, zodiac rides, snorkelling, and kayaking excursions. The two naturalist guides share their knowledge and passion of these most unique places on the planet. 

For more details, please click on the link below.

More information 

Ideal for families

The Origin is ideal for families. Children 17 and under get 15% discount. 

What's included

  • All meals
  • Snacks
  • Transfers from Galapagos Airports to/from the ship
  • All excursions as described in the itineraries
  • Open bar throughout the cruise including wines, spirits, beer, cocktails, tea, coffee, and soft drinks
  • FREE use of the glass bottom boat, snorkelling equipment, wet suits and kayaks
  • Nightly lecture programme

 

 

The M/V Origin

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 1 Jan-30 Jun, 6 Sep-15 Dec 1 Jul-5 Sep, 16-31 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £7,903 £9,351 £8,118 £9,731
Single Traveller - Own Room £9,167 £11,860 £10,055 £13,285

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 16 Days / 14 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 dinners
  • 7 night Galapagos Islands cruise including daily excursions
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides

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