Luxury Ecuador
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Though the smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador nonetheless punches well above its weight. Straddling the equator, this tiny gem is packed with rich ecosystems of cloud forests, rainforests and volcanic islands all brimming with life, and colonial heritage cities filled with centuries-old stories waiting to be heard.
Learn about Ecuador’s colonial past walking around the UNESCO inscribed historic centre of the capital, Quito, before indulging in a premium chocolate and art ...
Though the smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador nonetheless punches well above its weight. Straddling the equator, this tiny gem is packed with rich ecosystems of cloud forests, rainforests and volcanic islands all brimming with life, and colonial heritage cities filled with centuries-old stories waiting to be heard.
Learn about Ecuador’s colonial past walking around the UNESCO inscribed historic centre of the capital, Quito, before indulging in a premium chocolate and art tour. Next, head into the cloud forests and rainforests of the award-winning Mashpi Lodge and reserve. Explore these rich habitats along various trails and via the unique Sky Bike, “cycling” through the forest canopies. Continue on to the beautiful colonial ranch, Zuleta, for a presidential hacienda stay – the former residence of Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso. Here you can settle into country life, enjoying walks and horseback outings in the idyllic surrounding pastures and getting to know the locals around Zuleta and the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market over a cooking class. The latter half of the itinerary takes you to the world-famous Galapagos Islands. First boarding a luxury cruise, you’ll visit various islands in the archipelago stopping at some of the most notable spots, accessible only via cruise.
Home to giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas and endemic species that captivated Charles Darwin 200 years ago, you will have the privileged opportunity to walk and swim alongside them for five days before spending your final two nights relaxing at the exclusive Relais & Chateaux island property, Pikaia Lodge.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Your tour starts in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, where your personal guide will be waiting at the airport for your arrival. Transferring to the historic centre of the city, you’ll have the chance to discuss the plan for the coming days before settling into your boutique, colonial hotel. The rest of today can be spent relaxing and acclimatising to your new heights and surroundings.
Day 2 Quito: History, Chocolate & Art
A guided walking tour this morning starts right from the hotel’s doorstep, as you stroll through Quito’s cobblestone streets, filled with 16th and 17th-century churches and buildings, and learn about the long history that runs through them. A walk down the picturesque La Ronda street is the perfect spot to meet artisans that keep traditional crafts of the past alive today. The day ends with a special chocolate and art tour – a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating the art, history and chocolate of Ecuador, including a tasting of premium cacao in an exclusive wine cellar that has hosted the likes of Fidel Castro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the King of Spain.
Day 3 Quito – Mashpi Private Reserve: Into the Cloud Forest
Departing Quito, you’ll be transferred to Mashpi Lodge this morning. The journey flanks the equatorial line and then continues along windy roads into the surrounding cloud forests, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and small farming communities. Mashpi is more than a five-star lodge, it was conceived to provide unique travel experiences that complement this extraordinarily biodiverse corner of the world, now protected as a nature reserve.
Day 4 Mashpi Private Reserve: Nature Hike
Today you can choose from a menu of excursions designed to educate, appreciate and preserve the cloud forest and rainforest ecosystems of the reserve. For a colourfully active immersion into Mashpi’s biodiversity, you could join a naturalist guide on a morning hike along the reserve’s Howler Monkey Trail, spotting some of the more than 400 species of birds, all the way to the Life Center Butterfly Farm. Making it back to the lodge in time for lunch, the afternoon can then be spent indulging in some of its excellent facilities before dinner and a night walk safari.
Day 5 Mashpi Private Reserve – Zuleta: Hacienda Farm Stay
A final morning at Mashpi provides time to experience another outstanding activity courtesy of the reserve and lodge. If not afraid of heights a ride through the forest canopies on the unique Sky Bike is well worth it. Later you’ll be driven to your next accommodation, Hacienda Zuleta, a stunning 17th -century boutique hotel and working farm of former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso. The ranch’s peaceful setting is the perfect place to unwind this afternoon, taking a stroll around the dairy farm, stables, vegetable garden, cheese factory or trails if it takes your fancy.
Day 6 Zuleta: Idyllic Pastures, Wildlife & Community Projects
Although a great place to relax, Zuleta can also arrange a number of fantastic activities including horseback excursions using their very own horses; exploring nearby trails by foot or bike in search of Andean condors, foxes or the spectacled bear; learning of the conservation work that has gone into increasing the number of critically endangered condors at the Condor Huasi facility; or enjoying handpicked cultural experiences such as an embroidery class. In between excursions, you can expect to enjoy sumptuous farm-to-table dining from the farm’s very own vegetable garden and kitchen.
Day 7 Zuleta – Quito: Otavalo Indigenous Market & Community Cooking Class
A morning visit to the famous indigenous crafts market, Otavalo, is a must. Considered one of the largest markets in South America, and probably the most famous, your host will be on hand to guide you around the streets of stalls and provide some tips on shopping, bargaining and its history. Next, meet an indigenous husband and wife team, dedicated to preserving their ancestorial cuisine, for a fun and immersive cooking class. After being introduced to typical flavours and cooking techniques in the traditional open fire kitchen, you’ll all sit down to enjoy warm indigenous hospitality with your homecooked meal. After lunch, drive back to the capital ready for your flight to the Galapagos Islands tomorrow.
Day 8 Quito – Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, you’ll head to the nearby airport for your flight to the world-famous Galapagos Islands, where you’ll be met and taken to board your luxury cruise for the next five days. After an introduction to the crew, your fellow passengers, the itinerary and your cabin, you’ll get a taste of the adventure ahead this afternoon exploring Santa Cruz Island on foot. Spend time with endemic iguanas, once on the brink of extinction; walk up to a viewpoint for stunning panoramic views; snorkel offshore for some marine life spotting; and enjoy a gourmet dinner back on board.
Day 9 Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island
The first stop this morning is iconic Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation of the archipelago’s landscape. Found here is the nesting place and general convening spot of numerous sea birds and marine life including sea lions, sharks and turtles – the perfect location for a refreshing, morning snorkel. Explore San Cristobal Island’s inaccessible corners by zodiac before and a rest back on board. You can choose to join in any of the daily morning and afternoon excursions led by the on-site naturalist guide or sit out and simply relax on board whenever you like.
Day 10 Galapagos Islands: Española Island
Heading south to Española Island, provides the opportunity to search for endemic birds such as the hood-mockingbird as well as the instantly recognisable blue-footed booby. Visits to two points of note will be Gardner Bay, an ideal area for swimming, and Suarez Point, known as one of the most outstanding wildlife environments in the region. Exploratory activities are broken up by meals and some downtime on board, giving guests a chance to take in the wonder around them or continue exploring independently using the complimentary kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Day 11 Galapagos Islands: Santa Fe Island
Enjoy some hiking today on Santa Fe Island, also very interesting for shore excursions. A couple of trails allows you to get closer to the islands’ flora and fauna, later providing another reason to go for a swim and cool off in the calm waters surrounding Santa Fe, home to sea lions. The afternoon is set aside for a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, also known as the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the tortoise breeding station and the conservation undertaken.
Day 12 Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island
A final morning activity on South Plaza Island, where you’ll find unique plants and cactuses scattered across the land as you walk a trail frequented by land iguanas. You’ll then be taken back to the port to disembark the cruise and transfer one of the Galapagos’ most impressive lodge on Santa Cruz Island, enjoying some relaxation time back on land.
Day 13 Galapagos Islands: Lava Cave Dinner by Candlelight
Set in the remote highlands of the island with truly exquisite views, it is recommended you enjoy doing absolutely nothing in style for the last full day of this special itinerary. Make use of the chef’s fresh creations, the wine cellar and, of course, the infinity pool looking out to the ocean. In the evening, you’ll be picked up and escorted into one of the volcanic island’s lava caves for a magical farewell dinner by candlelight.
Day 14 Galapagos Islands - Depart Quito
Check out after breakfast this morning to be taken back to the airport in time for your flight back to the mainland where you can take your onward flight back home from Quito after a trip of a lifetime.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Endemic, Baltra Island
The state-of-the-art Endemic luxury yacht first began navigating in the summer of 2018, providing the ultimate experience in Galapagos cruising. Its innovative design means more space on board which can be felt from the large lounge area to the spacious cabins. For some downtime, guests can return to one of eight airy suites, which really set the Endemic apart. Each panoramic cabin comes fully furnished with contemporary décor and features plenty of natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows and its very own outdoor balcony with seating. As well as the main and upper decks, the vessel also boasts a sky deck where guests can spend their leisure time lounging in the equatorial sun from the sundeck loungers and jacuzzi or enjoying alfresco dining, succulent barbecues and refreshing drinks. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is maintained to highest standards by 12 crew and staff including a naturalist guide.
Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island
Perched on the edge of an extinct volcano up in the island’s highlands, Pikaia boasts some incredible 360-degree views of Santa Cruz Island. Its secluded location away from the hustle and bustle of Ayora port and the island’s main strip make it the ideal place for simply relaxing and soaking in the stunning setting. Facilities to help with this include an outdoor infinity pool with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the Sumaq spa with the same dramatic views from the eastern edge of the volcano crater’s rim. Being a Relais & Chateux property, great emphasis is placed on the gastronomic experience with the elegant Evolution Restaurant menu changing every two days, dishes from which are paired with wines from the cellar. A special dinner can also be set up under the stars by the outdoor firepit. Rooms are modern and spacious and all benefit from the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling window design. After acquiring the land from cattle ranchers in 2006 the owners have been engaged in a huge reforestation project of the grounds and invite guests to come and see the work that has been done.
Hacienda Jimenita Wildlife Reserve, Quito
Hacienda Jimenita Wildife Reserve is a hidden gem located not far from Quito airport, making it the perfect place to escape and enjoy some downtime in between travels if not wanting to venture downtown. Made up of nine hectares of natural habitat, the property also boasts a unique pre-Inca tunnel which runs across the land. There have been a number of archaeological findings here including vessels, weapons, petrified bones and farming tools. Rooms and suites are quaint using local materials to create a simple and stylish design. Rooms come with standard hotel amenities, a fireplace and tranquil garden or canyon views.
Casa Gangotena, Quito
A finely restored colonial house occupying a corner of the capital’s most prominent square, Casa Gangotena is perhaps Quito's most expensive hotel. The five-star property has retained its historical foundations, which seamlessly blend with elegant, European-style interiors. Housing 31 rooms and suites, all have high ceilings and grand marble bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Evident that it is a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux portfolio, the restaurant brilliantly experiments with local and international flavours, scents and textures to create exquisite dishes which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner at the garden restaurant or on the rooftop terrace overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito's central plaza.
Mashpi Lodge, Mindo
Having been shortlisted as one of National Geographic's prestigious 'Unique Lodges of the World', this modern eco-lodge is much more than a five-star hotel. Set in more than 6,177 acres of northern Ecuador's incredibly biodiverse cloud forests, the lodge grounds are awash with endemic flora and fauna and more than 400 species of birds. During a stay, guests can soar through the canopies "cycling" between the trees on the Sky Bike or gliding by on the Dragonfly platform. Hiking trails can also be followed to the Life Center Butterfly Farm or down to the on-site laboratory for further discussions with the resident biologist. Back at the lodge, the latest techniques in sustainable construction were used to create the building that effortlessly fits into its natural surroundings with minimal impact and zero reduction in comfort. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure immersion within the environment from every part of the lodge whether that be from the modern spa, Expedition Room and library or the outdoor viewing platform.
Hacienda Zuleta, Zuleta Valley
Hacienda Zuleta was once a colonial-era farm belonging to Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador, and his family. The hacienda has since been turned into a luxury, boutique hotel retaining its splendour and roots as a working ranch. Within the extensive grounds are 17 large, elegantly decorated bedrooms, each with their own fire place. The antique gardens eventually spill into trails around the grounds, a dairy farm, a cheese factory, a vegetable garden and a horses stables. Inside, the decor is cosy and proudly of Ecuadorian Andes heritage. Perfect for those looking to slow the pace down and simply enjoy gourmet food, homegrown and home cooked within a peaceful setting, Zuleta is equally ideal for those wanting to keep up the pace whilst taking a break from humid forests; located at 2,600m, riding, hiking and biking are wonderful ways to spend your days here. The hacienda's namesake is the local village of Zuleta which it is deeply connected to, working with many families from the village and offering cultural tours, cooking lessons and embroidery classes with its residents.
Hotel Rating
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
Check out our group tours in Ecuador & Galapagos
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Ecuador & Galapagos. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Ecuador & Galapagos