Discover the charm and traditions of the Andean Highlands, a mixture of indigenous markets, colonial masterpieces, Inca remains and striking landscapes. Stroll in Cuenca's colonial quarter and take an exhilarating train ride down the Devil's Nose. Then, fly to Galapagos for a Galapagos Islands cruise aboard an exclusive first class boats such Galapagos Explorer, Galapagos Legend, Santa Cruz, Isabella, La Pinta or the Eclipse. Come and enjoy this Ecuador travel experience where you will be assisted by our professional crew and knowledgeable local guides!
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Hotel options
The following hotel options are available:
- MEJ'S CHOICE (Our choice showcasing our favorite hotels in each destination)
- BOUTIQUE (Boutique hotels and more affordable)
- LUXURY (Posh and classy, featuring our most luxurious properties)
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(4 Days / 3 Nights)
Less than an hour flight from Quito, the Andes smooth out into a verdant prairie that extends as far as the line of the horizon. This is a land of giant trees, screeching birds, and prehistoric fish, a land that was created to be wild and wild it must continue or it will be destroyed. Meandering rivers wind their way through lush foliage, their chocolate backs contrasting with the perpetual green that coats the entire prairie. They are the arteries of the great jungle, natural trails ingeniously designed to facilitate transportation in a territory too intricate to be traversed otherwise. We will travel through one of these ancient roads to our refuge for the next few days. The forest ancient keepers will be expecting our visit. Leave your lifestyle at the docks and prepare to venture into the unknown.
(3 Days / 2 Nights)
The Valley of Mindo is within the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The 48,000-acre forest stretches over the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and covers diverse ecosystems ranging from the cloud-high, treeless plateau or "paramo" through subtropical forest to tropical jungle. While Mindo is a haven for bird watchers, it also appeals to photographers and explorers for its outstanding panoramic views. The area is one of the richest "Hot Spots" on the globe, with more than 35.000 species of plants (constituting roughly 10% of the planet), the world's largest variety of amphibians, and around 500 species of birds, most of them also endemic. Travelers coming to Mindo will find a typical cloud forest habitat with profusion of lush vegetation, countless streams and waterfalls, and tropical flowers such as orchids and bromeliads.
DAY 1: Arrive in Quito: Unfasten, unpack, unwind...
Upon arrival at the airport in Quito, you will be greeted by our local crew and escorted to your hotel in the city. Join your personal guide for a fresh cup of coffee or tea and leisurely plan the days ahead before retiring to your room for some deserved rest. Dinner is a private affair. Your guide will share his favorite spots and let you delve into the culinary delights of this ancestral land. Overnight.
Your Exclusive Unwind Program includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations for three nights in Quito
DAYS 2/3: Quito... and surroundings
A long strip of land sandwiched between majestic peaks and ill-tempered volcanoes, Quito was founded in 1564 upon the ruins of an old capital of the Inca Empire. By the end of the 16th century, an art school was created and Quito became a crossroads for artistic influences. Plenty of examples from this "enlightened" period can still be appreciated in the colonial quarter—an outdoors museum, crammed with manor houses, Baroque facades, intricately carved doors, and Moorish courtyards, that still preserves the solemn atmosphere of the colonial era. Don't miss a leisure stroll through its cobblestone streets with mandatory stops at the San Francisco Monastery and La Compañia Church, two of the most exquisite examples of colonial art in the Americas. Outside the city, you will find a pristine landscape filled with a plethora of birds, native markets, imposing volcanoes, colonial haciendas and small villages where dwellers still abide by ancient traditions.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Guided walking tour around the Old Quarter, the best preserved in Latin America
- Full day excursion to Otavalo Market or day trip to the "Avenue of the Volcanoes"
- Lunch at a historic hacienda
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas in Quito (at extra cost):
- Overnight in the Highlands in a historic hacienda
DAYS 4/5: Cuenca
King Charles V set up rigorous planning guidelines to be followed by all cities built throughout his vast empire. His emissary in Ecuador didn't fail his king when, following royal orders, he founded Cuenca in 1557. Cuenca became a model of town plan, with tile-roofed adobe houses abutting narrow cobblestone streets that empty into numerous neighborhood plazas. Religious orders used stones taken from nearby Inca ruins to build convents, churches, and even a cathedral; high society members contributed to the city's splendor by adding exquisite palaces and manor houses. A new city had been born, one that has been carefully preserved throughout the centuries and is today one of the jewels of Ecuador and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outside the city, in shear contrast with its colonial heritage, an Inca site embellishes a pastoral landscape of green meadows and small villages where local dwellers still weave original Panama hats and produce exquisite pieces of pottery and ceramics.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Airport transfers in Quito and Cuenca
- Flight to Cuenca
- Accommodations for two nights in Cuenca
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Guided walking tour of a perfect planned colonial city
- A picturesque train ride along the breathtaking Devil's Nose Gorge
- Excursion to Ingapirca Inca ruins with lunch
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas in Cuenca (at extra cost):
- Tour the countryside visiting picturesque towns where handcrafts and Panama hats are produced
DAYS 6-9: Galapagos: Cruising Darwin's playground
Galapagos is one of those destinations everybody should visit once in their lifetime, a magical place like Machu Picchu or the Amazon or the Great Canyon. Three small human settlements and three hundred years of whaling, commercial exploitation, piracy and scientific expeditions have fortunately proved incapable of disturbing the pristine purity of one of Earth's most cherished treasures. Sea lions still frolic on pristine beaches, boobies ceremoniously engage in loving games, massive tortoises wander the highlands, and marine iguanas amble leisurely in spite of the human presence. Underwater, scores of colorful fish share the silent scenario with hurried penguins, curious groupers, graceful manta rays, and the occasional shark. Galapagos is the epitome of peacefulness and harmony, a place where man and beast live in harmony and, evolutionary theories aside, the sacredness of life can be observed.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Airport transfers in Cuenca and Galapagos
- Flight to Galapagos via Quito or Guayaquil
- Four-night Galapagos cruise
- All meals on board
- Galapagos National Park Fee
- Walks along marked trails to bird nesting areas
- Hikes in search of giant tortoises (seasonally)
- Snorkeling in fish-infested coves
- Swimming with penguins and sea lions
- Explore islands by zodiac
- Visits to educational centers
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas in Galapagos (at extra cost):
- Extend to a seven-night Galapagos cruise
- Charter your own boat and cruise Galapagos in style
DAY 10: Return to Quito
Depending on your cruise schedule, you may have some morning activities and then a transfer back to the airport in time to catch your plane to Quito. The rest of the day is free to revisit the Old Quarter and sample delicious Andean cuisine.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at cruise ship
- Airport transfers in Galapagos and Quito
- Flight to Quito
- Accommodations for one night in Quito
DAY 11: Return home, energized and wiser
Time to bid farewell to this magnificent land. Your guide will drive you to the airport in time for your return flight to the US. We hope you have enjoyed your Exclusive Journey and look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Safe journeys...
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Airport departure transfer
Included:
- All land transportation at the destination
- Lodging
- Breakfast daily
- Other meals per itinerary
- Private guide services except as indicated
- Excursions per itinerary
- Hotel taxes
- English-speaking assistance
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Airport departure taxes
- "Spice up" ideas
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Incidentals at hotels
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
* Itineraries subject to change.