Ecuador and Galapagos

Travellers from across Canada gather in Toronto for our flights to Quito. Nestled on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, the capital was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. Standing at an altitude of 2,850 metres, it offers an imposing setting for the start of our journey. On arrival, we are welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel. 

JW Marriott Quito (3 nights)

Established in 1534, Quito has one of the best-preserved historic centres in Spanish America, a UNESCO site that we explore in depth today. We dive into local life at a market, browsing stalls piled with exotic fruits. Next, we connect with the country's artistic soul at the Guayasamín Museum. We then ascend to El Panecillo, once a pre-Incan sun temple and now the site of the towering Virgin of Quito. We marvel at the Church of the Society of Jesus, a baroque masterpiece regarded as Latin America’s most impressive for its ornate gold-leaf interior. Our tour also brings us to Independence Square and the San Francisco Plaza, built atop an ancient indigenous market. At the Casa del Alabado Museum, we view pre-Columbian artifacts to learn about the spiritual practices of Ecuador’s ancestors. Tonight, we gather for our welcome dinner.

We travel north into the Andean highlands to discover why Ecuador’s equatorial light and altitude create the perfect environment for growing roses. At a hacienda, we admire many of the rose varieties grown on-site. We will continue to the lively Otavalo Market, a trading hub since the 16th century that offers a rich array of indigenous textiles and crafts. For lunch, we step into history at Hacienda Pinsaquí, built in 1790 as a wool weaving workshop, this heritage property famously hosted Simón Bolívar as he prepared for the Battle of Ibarra. Our day concludes in the nearby village of Peguche, where we witness traditional weaving on Andean looms, crafted without electricity or chemicals, and learn about Andean instruments.

Leaving the capital behind, we travel south along the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes to the landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park. Dominated by the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano, this reserve offers a dramatic backdrop for our day. We immerse ourselves in the paramo ecosystem on a walk around the lake at the volcano's base, keeping a lookout for Andean foxes, caracaras, and the majestic condor. After a home-style lunch with incredible mountain views, we drive to the airport for our short evening flight to the colonial city of Cuenca. 

Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca (3 nights)

Our tour of Cuenca begins at the Homero Ortega Hat Museum, where we discover the true Ecuadorian origins of the famous Panama hat. We then walk the cobblestone streets of the historic centre, visiting the vibrant Flower Market and the leafy Parque Calderón, the Old Cathedral and the massive blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. After a relaxing lunch at a local favourite, we stroll along the Tomebamba River to admire the greenery of the El Barranco neighbourhood. Our afternoon continues at the Turi Lookout for a panoramic view of the city’s red- tiled roofs, followed by a visit to the gallery of renowned ceramicist Eduardo Vega. The day concludes with a dinner celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Just 40 minutes from Cuenca, we leave the colonial streets behind to enter the beautiful landscape of El Cajas National Park. This protected sanctuary for more than 40 species of mammals and over 150 species of birds is a stunning mosaic of glacial lakes, moorlands, and ancient polylepis forests. After a rewarding hike and a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, we return to Cuenca where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Today, we travel to the fascinating archaeological site of Ingapirca. The Inca constructed their temples directly upon the foundations of an earlier Cañari settlement. We explore the impressive Temple of the Sun, an unusual elliptical structure constructed from precisely cut andesite stone, as well as the workshops, terraces, and even a section of the famous Inca Trail. After a local lunch, we continue our drive down from the Andes to the bustling port city of Guayaquil. 

Hilton Colon Guayaquil (1 night) 

The day we have been waiting for is here. A short flight takes us to Galapagos, a sanctuary of evolution located 1,000 kilometres from the coast. Upon landing at Baltra and ferrying across the Itabaca Channel, a scenic drive through Santa Cruz brings us to a local restaurant for lunch. We then head to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, the scientific heart of the archipelago, to witness the critical conservation work saving these gentle giants. Afterward, stroll the lively waterfront of Puerto Ayora before we embark on our vessel to toast the start of our cruise with the Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner. 

Yacht Isabela II (4 nights)

Bartolomé Island is the archipelago’s most photographed area. A climb up a wooden staircase rewards us with a stunning panorama of volcanic cones. After the trek, we set off on a panga ride around the majestic Pinnacle Rock in search of Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon, we land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the island's geological birth. The otherworldly lava fields contrast beautifully with the pristine white coral sand beach where we enjoy a refreshing swim.

Back on Santa Cruz Island we explore Dragon Hill, named for the iconic land iguanas that roam its rocky slopes. Our trail winds past a brackish lagoon often teeming with American flamingos, leading to panoramic views of the western archipelago. After a chance to snorkel with green turtles, sharks and rays, we navigate to Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island. Once a refuge for explorers stocking supplies, this dramatic coastline now offers sanctuary to sea lions and marine birds. We admire striking rock formations like "Elephant Rock" and "The Bishop" before exploring by snorkel, panga or glass-bottom boat.

The nutrient-rich waters of Punta Vicente Roca are best explored by panga, allowing us to observe Galapagos fur seals, nesting Nazca boobies, and penguins from the water. Snorkellers may also see green sea turtles beneath the cliffs. Then, we visit Fernandina, the archipelago's youngest and most pristine island. At Punta Espinoza, set against a backdrop of active volcanoes, we see colonies of marine iguanas and the unique flightless cormorant.

We disembark this morning for our return flight to the mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, we transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. 

JW Marriott Quito (1 night)

Today we depart for the lush northwest, entering a 2,800-hectare sanctuary that protects a rare transition zone between cloud forest and rainforest. Upon arrival at the award-winning Mashpi Lodge, we discover a unique approach to exploration where there is no set schedule; instead, expert naturalists curate our activities based on our interests. We might begin with a walk through the forest as darkness falls. A hidden ecosystem stirs to life on our nocturnal exploration, offering the chance to spot glass frogs, snakes, and tarantulas in their natural habitat.

Mashpi Lodge (2 nights) 

We spend a full day immersed in this rich ecosystem, home to pumas, kinkajous, and over 500 species of birds. A highlight for many is the "Dragonfly" aerial tram, an open-air gondola that glides silently through the canopy, offering a rare chance to see life in the treetops. For a more active perspective, you might climb the observation tower to spot toucans, woodpeckers, barbets, and tanagers. Those seeking tranquillity can hike to the refreshing waters of the Copal Waterfall, head to the Hummingbird Garden, or visit the Life Center, a lounge raised into the canopy.  

We bid farewell to the cloud forest this morning and begin our return to Quito. Our first stop is the Tulipe Site Museum, where we explore the history of the ancient Yumbo people. We then ascend to the Pululahua volcanic crater for a lunch with spectacular views of the reserve below. Before reaching the capital, we visit the Intiñan Museum to stand on the equatorial line and test the unique physics of the middle of the world. Upon arrival in Quito, there is time to freshen up before we gather for a farewell dinner together. 

JW Marriott Quito (1 night)  

Our once-in-a-lifetime journey draws to a close as we catch our flight to our homes across Canada.