Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

Upon arrival at the airport, after clearing customs and migration, meet your guide at the arrival hall holding a sign board with your name on it. Your guide escorts you to your awaiting private vehicle and transfers you to your hotel where you receive check-in procedures assistance.

Quito, nestled at the foot of the 15,696-foot Pichincha Volcano, is known for its eternally spring-like climate and for the beauty of its well-preserved colonial center. Initially settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was eventually integrated into the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded in 1534 by Spaniard Conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule, evident in the historic center’s splendidly restored colonial buildings and churches lining narrow and cobbled streets. In 1809, Quito established the first self-governing junta in the colonies and the liberator Simón Bolívar led the country as part of the Republic of Greater Colombia until 1830 when the Republic of Ecuador announced its independence. Due to the city’s preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito the first of its World Heritage Sites in 1978. The city is beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 9,186 feet above sea level, making it the 2nd highest capital city in the world.

Overnight: Illa Experience

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Quito and Surroundings

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, afterwards at a pre-coordinated time, meet your private guide at the hotel reception area to start your tour.

Start this full-day excursion by driving north to the equator at the Inti Ñan Museum, located on the true equator, which displays examples of pre-Columbian life in Ecuador and offers demonstrations on the unique geography, astrology, and natural sciences of the region around the equator.

Ride the Teleférico, one of Quito’s newest attractions offering some of the most spectacular and easily accessible views of the city. Eighteen gondolas soar up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to the west of Quito. The ride lasts only 10 minutes but soars to an altitude of 4,050 meters (13,300 feet). At the top, the lookout point offers incredible views of Quito, its surrounding valleys, and snow-covered volcanoes (along with coffee, snacks, and oxygen if you feel short of breath). We recommend you bring a sweater or a jacket, as the weather can change quickly on this mountain.

Return to the city to enjoy an exceptional cooking class experience. There’s no better way to get to the heart of any culture than through its food. There you’ll learn how to prepare a few Ecuadorian delicacies.

An afternoon sightseeing tour shows off some of the reasons why Ecuador’s capital earned its honor as the first city UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at San Francisco Church and its museum of religious art, La Compañía and the seven tons of gold gilding on its glittering walls, and the bustling Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential Palace and Quito Cathedral. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings, and flowering balconies, the historical center is the lifeblood of Quito.

In the evening, join us for a welcoming degustation dinner at one of our unique gastronomic restaurants in town.

Overnight: Illa Experience

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Welcome to North Andes

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, afterwards, meet your private guide at the hotel reception area for your transfer to Hacienda Zuleta.

Drive north from Quito. Your first stop is Guachalá and the Quitsato Sundial, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Quito, where you’ll see the monument to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), designed as a huge sundial.

From Quitsato, continue north through dramatic mountain landscapes dotted with tiny villages to Cochasquí, a ceremonial site at the foot of Mojanda Mountain built by the Cara-Quitus people. Considered the most important archaeological site in Ecuador’s northern Andes, Cochasquí features a burial pyramid and mounds which belonged to Quito’s first inhabitants. The pyramids were made of local volcanic material called cangahua and the pre-Inca structures remain a testament to the religious ceremonies of Caranqui natives.

Follow the road further north and reach Otavalo, for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Visit the Condor Park

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before meeting your private guide at the hotel reception area to start your excursion.

Visit the village of Peguche to see the home of José Pichamba, whose family has a long history in music. Your hosts will show you the process of crafting traditional instruments, as well as demonstrate how to play them. If you’re up for it, you can even try to play them yourself. Peguche is also home to many of the area’s textile weavers. By visiting a workshop, you can see examples of ancient weaving techniques used to produce their famous textiles.

Then visit Condor Park at the summit of Curiloma, a magical place home to one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Ecuadorian Andes. This wildlife refuge and educational park is home to the majestic Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and other vultures.

In the afternoon enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then stop at Cuicocha, a crater lake in the Western Cordillera of the Andes, 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Otavalo. Cuicocha is a Quichua word meaning “guinea pig lake”, a name given due to the shape of the large islands in the center of the lake. Created 3,100 years ago by a massive eruption, the lake is three kilometers (two miles) long and occupies a stunning setting with azure waters. Hike along the ridge surrounding the lake; treks can last between 30 minutes and six hours.

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Visit a Rose Plantation

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your private guide at the hotel reception area to start your excursion.

Visit the famous Otavalo market, a colorful and authentic produce market, where you can see many of the fruits and vegetables unique to Ecuador. Also stop by Plaza del Poncho, home to the textile market, a real explosion of color. The traditional dress market vendors wear is also interesting as it shows the evolution of the garments while maintaining their identity.

In the afternoon enjoy lunch at Hacienda La Compañia. This gorgeous property originally belonged to the Jesuit order and is now in the hands of lovely owners Francisco and María Gloria.

First, you will be shown around the spectacular rose plantation. Ecuador’s roses are perhaps the best in the world, and the flowers at Hacienda La Compañía clearly demonstrate why. You will learn about the entire process, including growing, harvesting, packing, and shipping. The speed and skill of the workers are a marvel to watch. The estate is engaged in responsible social practices and is allied with UNICEF and the Flowers for Kids educational initiative. From the plantation, we’ll drive a short distance to the home and chapel. The house itself was constructed in 1919 in a French Republican style, and the interior is lavishly decorated with antiques and incredible rose displays. While exploring the home, enjoy tea or coffee and a delicious homemade snack. Next door is the original 16th Century chapel, where María Gloria and Francisco themselves were married. Across a small lane is the granary, which has been converted into a flower showroom. The arrangements are truly unbelievable.

Afterwards, continue to Quito’s airport for your flight to Cuenca.

Once in the airport, meet your guide, who will escort you to your awaiting private vehicle and transfers you to your hotel where you receive check-in procedures assistance.

Overnight: Cruz del Vado Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L/BXL

Day 6 - Cuenca

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, afterwards at a pre-coordinated time, meet your private guide at the hotel reception area to start your tour.

The ideal way to get to know Cuenca’s cobblestoned streets, flowery plazas, and picturesque sites is on a full-day tour, kicking off at Turi viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of Cuenca and its surroundings.
Continue at the Plaza San Sebastian, on the western edge of colonial Cuenca, and make your way through the narrow lanes to the Museum of Modern Art, which features many of Ecuador’s contemporary artists. Continuing toward the city Centre, visit Cuenca’s famous flower market and its dazzlingly colorful displays of arum lilies, orchids, and roses. You’ll soon notice the neo-Gothic ‘New Cathedral’ and its distinctive blue domes which dominate the skyline. Construction on the New Cathedral began in 1880; it was erected to replace the Old Cathedral (still standing across from the new one), built by the Spanish in 1557, the year the city was founded. The Homero Ortega Hat Factory is a can’t-miss destination. In 1972, Mr. Ortega Peñafiel founded the hat-making business that still carries his name. The company presently produces the finest toquilla straw hats in the world and is run by Mr. Ortega’s daughter, Alicia, and her brothers. Continue out of the city, stopping by the Cañari ruins at Pumapungo

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll have the chance to view the fascinating archeological and ethnographic exhibits at the Central Bank Museum. Complete your tour with a mid-afternoon snack at the traditional Panadería de las Hermanas Villacis (Villacis Sisters Bakery). Open since 1906, the bakery makes a delicious cup of coffee, perfectly accompanied by a muffin, tamale, or a mistella – a sweet made of a fine sugar shell filled with whisky or anise liqueur.

Overnight: Cruz del Vado Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 7 - Welcome to Guayaquil

Overnight: Hotel del Parque

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 8 - Hacienda La Danesa

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, afterwards at a pre-coordinated time, meet your private guide at the hotel reception area for your transfer to La Danesa

Hacienda La Danesa is a traditional dairy and cacao farm with over 145 years of rich heritage and history, located about an hour's drive from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Family-owned and managed by the third-generation Olsen family, the farm offers a unique selection of tailor-made activities for guests, including horseback riding trails, hands-on artisan chocolate making, and other hacienda-related programs. La Danesa is just 30 meters above sea level and it is the perfect adventure to combine with Galapagos excursions without having to worry about altitude sickness.

Lunch will be at the farm.

Cacao Plantation: Ecuador is recognized for offering the finest quality cacao in the world. Guests will visit the cacao plantation where they will have the chance to taste raw cacao at different ripening stages and a hands-on experience of making artisan chocolate. (1 hour)

Bicycle Trails: Guests can take our fat-tire bicycles and ride around the farm to explore the beautiful area at any time during their stay. A map and cycling route signs will guide visitors through different trails. (1 hour)

Cow Milking: Hacienda La Danesa celebrates 20 years of recognition to be the best dairy farm in coastal Ecuador. It produces 1,200 liters of high-quality milk per day. To make lunchtime even more special, La Danesa presents one of its grass-fed cattle to give a first-hand experience of milking and trying unpasteurized fresh milk. (15 minutes)

Petting Farm Animals: At La Danesa, taking the best care of its large and diverse stock of farm animals is very important. From goats, horses, and cows to birds, chickens, and many more. It is a truly fun experience for both kids and adults to bond with the farm animals and have a taste of an authentic country life experience. (30 minutes)

Optional activities with an additional cost: Horseback Riding.

Overnight: Hotel del Parque

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Welcome to the Enchanted Islands

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and meet your private guide at the hotel for your transfer to Guayaquil´s airport to board your domestic flight to Galapagos.

Check-in at Guayaquil international airport. Flight time from Guayaquil to the Islands is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

While in transit, access the VIP Lounge at Baltra Airport; you will later be met by your guides to transfer to Itabaca Canal for a seven-minute ferry trip to Santa Cruz Island, followed by a 40-minute scenic trip in private transport to Pikaia Lodge, for check-in.

Take a light lunch at Evolution restaurant or on the pool terrace that is followed by a briefing with a complimentary welcome cocktail at DNA Bar.

Relax and familiarize yourself with the lodge and its facilities; Walk, jog or cycle the 3.5 kilometers (five miles) trails within the boundaries or swim in the pool.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 10 - Yacht Excursion

After breakfast, you will take a yacht excursion. The island to be visited is subject to the day as they have fixed operations days. The Yacht excursions options are:

- Bartolome Island
- Santa Fe Island
- Seymour Norte/Bachas Beach
- Islas Plazas/ Punta Carrion

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 11 - Enjoy Activities at the Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, afterwards at a pre-coordinated time, meet your guide at the hotel reception area to start your next excursion in Santa Cruz.

Each morning activity is planned to take into consideration satellite weather imagery and tide charts. Land activities for a maximum of 16 people will be given by the lodge chosen from the list below.

LAND ACTIVITIES:
- Los Gemelos Sinkholes & Scalesia Forest
- Giant tortoises farm in Rancho Chato II
- Lava tunnels
- Charles Darwin Scientific Research Center
- Puerto Ayora and Fish Market

Guests can relax and enjoy their days at the Lodge independently as well. Mountain bikes, helmets, snorkeling equipment, and wetsuits are available without charge at the front desk or onboard our yacht. It is recommended to pre-book early to take advantage of any optional third-party activities not included in the package. All extra activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, catch and release fishing, and diving, might have an extra cost (e.g. taxis, gear, guides, depending on activity and time.) Please note that these optional programs are not carried out by the hotel.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 12 - Visit More Islands

After breakfast, you will take a yacht excursion. The island to be visited is subject to the day as they have fixed operations days. Yacht excursion options are one of those described on “Day 10”.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 13 - Departure

Transfer from Pikaia Lodge to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Important:
Itineraries and activities are subject to change without prior notice depending on weather conditions, water currents, and sea conditions.
The wildlife described above is not guaranteed to be seen during your visit. Please remember to respect your distance between any and all wildlife.
Please stay on marked trails and heed the directions of your Naturalist Guide.
Once in the airport, meet your guide who assists you with the check-in procedures for your international departure flight. (one-hour assistance).

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B