Ecuador Tours - Trips & Cruises of the Galapagos - Luxury Holidays

The Galapagos Islands lie on the Equator, 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador, and offer a diversity of flora and fauna unique in the world. Accompanied by expert naturalists, you will see the Giant Tortoise, the marine iguana (the only sea-going lizard in the world), the waved albatross, frigate birds, boobies, mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, sea-lions and fur seals…an infinite variety of natural life.

All flights as shown in economy class by Iberia – the quickest and most direct route to Ecuador First class accommodation throughout Seven night cruise in the Galapagos Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Private transfers in Quito and Guayaquil group basis elsewhere Sightseeing as shown on a group basis with local English speaking guides including entrance fee and Galapagos Tax Bales Worldwide will donate £10 to the Galapagos Conservation Trust for each passenger booked on this itinerary Weekly departures on Friday

Day 1 - Friday Daytime flight from London Heathrow with Iberia via Madrid to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to the Swissotel for a two night stay

Day 2 - Saturday At leisure. Our local agents will be pleased to offer you a choice of optional tours

Day 3 - Sunday This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight across the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be met by a representative of Ecoventura and transferred either to the M/Y Eric, M/Y Flamingo or M/Y Letty (yacht allocated on arrival by Ecoventura), for seven nights in a double cabin located on the Booby Deck (Upgrades to Iguana/Dolphin Decks available on request). After a welcome briefing and safety drill, set sail for Playa Ochoa, where you can have your first snorkeling opportunity, or swim with a small colony of sea lions. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds.

Day 4 - Monday The entire day is spent on Tower Island (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. After lunch, sea kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. A snorkeling opportunity is offered along the inner rim of the volcanic crater. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of animal life. Swim from the beach with sea lions

Day 5 - Tuesday This morning, visit Las Bachas, Spanish for “barges”. There is a long stretch of a soft white-sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Remnants of the U.S. presence from World War II – a floating pier - is found here. This afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos.

Day 6 - Wednesday This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of Isabela. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. On a walk, discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Cove in ‘pangas’ or sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal. Be on the look out for whales and dolphins riding the bow wave. We disembark at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. A snorkel here provides opportunities to see many sea turtles

Day 7 - Thursday This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools.Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity. Bartolome Island is a young Island, inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. On the other side of the Island, encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks

Day 8 - Friday At the Charles Darwin Research Station, we visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding centre with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated.We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. After lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos.We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 15,000) the largest town in the Galapagos.

Day 9 - Saturday This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, Espanola Island. Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you will find large colonies of sea lions. This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet us as we land on their beach.Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colourings. Colourful Sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". This is the scene most people envision when they decide to visit Galapagos and is a glorious finale to your Galapagos cruise.

Day 10 - Sunday This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island. We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999.Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil on the mainland. On arrival, transfer to the Hilton Colon Hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 11 - Monday Evening departure for the airport for the Iberia flight via Madrid to London Heathrow.

Day 12 - Tuesday Arrive London Heathrow this afternoon.

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Blessed with a climate of perpetual Spring, Ecuador’s third city is one of its prettiest and lies at the heart of the indian communities in the High Andes. Its picturesque cobbled streets and graceful ironwork balconies adorned with flowers recall the long association with Spain. Cuenca has some excellent small museums and colourful markets; in the surrounding countryside are several interesting villages, and within easy reach is Las Cajas National Park, with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. Cuenca is (despite the name) the centre of the Panama hatmaking industry, and you may wish to purchase one of the top quality hats available at very reasonable prices. The city merits a stay of 2 or 3 nights and our recommended hotel is the charming Mansion Alcazar (pictured), a beautifully restored mansion located in the heart of the old colonial centre offering 14 uniquely furnished rooms with antique furniture and traditional décor. The hotel also features a restaurant and pretty garden.

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Built in 1990, the M/V Explorer II accommodates a maximum of 100 passengers in 50 spacious cabins offering either queen or twin beds – all are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar and television. The ship has an experienced crew of seventy, including 8 bilingual Naturalist Guides. Onboard facilities include a piano bar, coffee/tea station, card/game room, naturalist and research centre, solarium, wildlife observation deck, pool bar, boutique, elevator, medical centre, swimming pool and jacuzzi. A library offers a wide variety of books and games. The conference room is used for daily briefings.
The Explorer II cruise operates every Saturday or Wednesday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Thursday or Monday on Iberia via Madrid.A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the Explorer II costs from £3325 per person.

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The Lammer Law is a beautiful trimaran. At 28.5 metres long, with a speed of 10 knots, she offers lots of space and comfort for a maximum of 16 passengers. She is specially outfitted for diving and ideal for chartering for a group of friends or family. There is a crew of 7 plus a naturalist guide or 2 dive guides. Attractive and functional, there are 8 spacious cabins with either twin or double beds and plenty of storage. Each cabin has a window and private facilities. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. The main saloon is large, complete with bar, cosy sofas, TV/VCR and stereo. Here passengers gather each evening to be briefed on the next day’s activities,watch a film, enjoy a drink at the bar, or just relax. All meals will be served outside; the dining area is located in the stern of the yacht. The excellent sun deck on Lammer Law consists of the whole exterior area of the yacht. It has a lot of space to sunbathe, read a book or take photographs. The Lammer Law operates 2 types of cruises – naturalist and diving. For the dedicated dive departures you must be an experienced diver with 50 plus dives in your log book.
The Lammer Law cruise operates every Saturday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Thursday on Iberia via Madrid. A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the Lammer Law costs from £3295 per person. Please ask for further details.

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Parranda is an elegant and spacious Motor Yacht, ideal for those who wish to experience the Galapagos in comfort and refinement. At 38 metres long and with a speed of 12 knots, Parranda is fitted with stabilizers to make cruising more comfortable and she is fast, allowing for less travel time between islands and more time on visits. She is ideal for chartering and can accommodate 16 passengers in 8 double and twin cabins. All cabins have private facilities and the vessel is air-conditioned throughout. There is a crew of 7 plus a naturalist guide. There are also two double kayaks on board for use at no extra charge. The saloon is large and elegant with a TV/VCR and stereo and large windows overlooking the sea. It is here that you will meet your naturalist guide for your evening briefings. The dining area is behind the saloon and is a lovely open and comfortable area. The sun deck on Parranda is located on the top deck and is very spacious with comfortable lounge chairs under a canopied roof.
The Parranda cruise operates every Saturday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Thursday on Iberia via Madrid. A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the Parranda costs from £3415 per person. Please ask for further details.

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One of Latin America’s most spectacular cities, Ecuador’s lofty capital lies in a narrow valley at the base of the imposing slopes of Pichincha volcano. The Old City, with its captivating mix of colonial architecture and lively markets has justifiably made it onto the UNESCO list of Heritage Sites, and the rich contrast of its grandiose elegance against the spectacular backdrop of towering snow covered mountains makes this beautiful city a dazzling gem in a land of superlatives.

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Covering some 40 percent of the South American continent and shared by 9 different countries, the Amazon Basin is home to a bewildering array of natural and cultural diversity, including indigenous tribes, elusive jaguars, pink dolphins, some 4,000 species of birds and the longest river on the planet. We are happy to recommend two lodges in the Amazon area here: Sacha Lodge and the Napo Wildlife Centre, both of which offer 3 and 4 night packages.

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The Beluga is a deluxe 110-foot steel-hulled motor vessel. She is a spacious and comfortable yacht with central air-conditioning and accommodates 16 passengers in either twin or double cabins, each with private bathroom and shower. The well trained and experienced crew of 9 is made up of the Captain, English-speaking naturalist guide, cook, engineer, barman and 4 sailors. The expert guide gives a briefing each evening after dinner, describing in detail the activities for the following day and talks about the animals and plants to be seen. The yacht has three decks with the following facilities: sun deck, covered deck, salon and dining room. A variety of board games, videos, music and novels are provided for your enjoyment.
The Beluga cruise operates every Friday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Wednesday on Iberia via Madrid. A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the Beluga costs from £3090 per person. Please ask for further details.

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The M/V Eclipse (26 cabins) is a generously proportioned ship with the ambience of a small private yacht. There is a crew of 29, including a naturalist guide for every 12 passengers on board. The cabins, the largest of any vessel in the Galapagos, are fully air-conditioned and have either double or twin beds. There are 4 suites and 8 deluxe staterooms on the Boat Deck, all with outside windows and on the Main Deck there are 12 deluxe double and 2 deluxe single cabins, all with sea-view portholes. The well-equipped lounge is ideal for relaxation, and is used for the nightly briefings on the day’s discoveries and the following day’s activities. In addition to the elegant indoor dining room, there is an al-fresco dining area located around the pool. There is also a well-stocked library located on the Boat Deck. The Observation/Sun Deck is ideal for whale and dolphin watching or simply relaxing on the comfortable sun loungers. The Eclipse cruise operates every Saturday throughout the year. Departures from the UK every Thursday on Iberia via Madrid. A 12 day itinerary including 7 nights on board the
Eclipse costs from £3550 per person. Some departures are specially designed for diving or for family activities. Please ask for further details.

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With magnificent mountain scenery, indigenous Indian villages and four millennia of history, the Otavalo region contains a staggering wealth of contrasts and variety. To the south lie the imposing peaks of the Mojanda-Cajas range and the stunning Mojanda Lakes, a trio of high alpine glacial lakes surrounded by the breathtaking splendour of the Andean scenery. Its native culture, with a rich tradition of mystical legends, local handicrafts and indigenous medicines famed throughout the Americas makes this region particularly fascinating.

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Beautifully restored with 14 uniquely furnished rooms, the Mansion Alcazar lies in the heart of old colonial Cuenca. Each room is delightfully appointed, with antique furniture and distinctive décor, and with a beautiful relaxing reading room, a full range of facilities and superb gourmet dishes to tempt even the most refined of palates, the hotel assures the finest in elegant comfort.

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If you enjoy the experience of staying in an hacienda, you will probably also appreciate the atmosphere of two of our selected Quito hotels. The Hotel El Patio Andaluz is located in the heart of the old, UNESCO-protected, quarter of Quito, convenient for visiting the city's many churches, palaces and museums. Built during the republican period in colonial style, its restoration has maintained many of its original features. The mansion was once owned by the first president of Ecuador, Juan José Flores. There are 31 rooms, a restaurant and bar, and gymnasium with Turkish bath, hydro-massage and sauna. The Mansion del Angel (pictured) is an old mansion built at the end of the 19th century that has been completely renovated and turned into a small, intimate and exclusive 10 room boutique hotel. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, modern telephones, large bathrooms with shower, amenities, hairdryers and bath robes. It is located in the Mariscal Sucre neighbourhood, the city's traditional centre of culture and gastronomy.

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The oldest hacienda in Ecuador, dating from 1602,whose historic ambience has been carefully preserved by the English owner. The Hacienda Cusin has 24 individually styled guestrooms, suites and garden cottages.All have private bathrooms. Most have logburning fireplaces, beamed ceilings, king-size beds and fine Andean craft furnishings. The beautiful maintained gardens with different species of plants attract many species of birds. The hotel has its own stables (charges apply for horse riding), games room, bar and library. Located close to Otavalo, with the Volcano Imbabura and Lake San Pablo within easy reach.

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Hacienda San Agustin de Callo has stunning views of the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi. Dating back from the 1400’s this hacienda was built on the site of an Inca Palace and offers guests an unrivalled glimpse into Ecuador’s rich and colourful past. The six individually styled rooms have log fires and a warm and romantic atmosphere. The Hacienda’s Inca dining room is the perfect setting to enjoy the delicious home cooked Ecuadorian cuisine.

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Located in the Amazon region, the Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat accommodates 26 guests in 13 double cabins with individual air conditioning and running hot water (4 of the cabins can be comfortably used as triples if needed). There is a large dining room and separate bar and lounge area on the upper deck adjacent to a sun deck. The 3-decker vessel has an experienced crew of 11 including an expert English speaking naturalist guide. A laundry service is also available. Shore visits are made to local indian communities and there is a veritable feast for nature lovers with some 478 species of birds and thousands of botanical species recorded in the region. The cruise departs from the town of Francisco de Orellana (a short flight from Quito) on Mondays, and returns on Fridays. During the cruise, for those who wish, there is the option of spending one night at an Indian camp in the jungle.

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Located amidst the colonial grandeur of central Quito, the Plaza Grande Hotel faces the city’s main square and has the proud distinction of being the first hotel ever built in the capital. Recently renovated it is without doubt the finest boutique hotel in the city, with 15 superbly appointed suites, a spa, an excellent wine cellar and a selection of restaurants offering fine gourmet and traditional Quiteno cuisine.

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Sacha Lodge’s 5000 acre private reserve located in the heart of the Amazon Basin is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers. The Lodge provides comfortable but basic accommodation and first-class meals and expert guides in order for you to fully enjoy the wonders of the tropical rainforest. The Lodge’s 10 double cabins preserve the environment and rainforest ambience, but are not air conditioned.

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Sachatamia is a private eco-reserve located in 120 hectares of cloud-rain forest. It also borders the Protected Forest of Mindo-Nambillo, rich in flora and fauna. Sachatamia presents the visitor with an idyllic haven of comfort and elegant rustic charm amidst a world of quite staggering natural diversity. Perfectly in tune with its surroundings, the reserve offers beautifully appointed rooms, fine dining and a unique ambience that is quite simply captivating.

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Lying to the east of the Ecuadorian capital, this resort is spectacularly located high in an Andean valley close to the entrance into the lush landscapes of Ecuador’s Amazonian heartlands. The 32 hotel rooms, all with private facilities are located close to the thermal pools, which offer a range of hydrotherapy and hydro massages. The restaurant offers a delicious selection of international and national cuisine using ingredients grown in the hotel’s own organic kitchen garden.

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A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel association, La Mirage is a deluxe resort built on the grounds of a 200-year old hacienda, in the village of Cotacachi, close to Otavalo. The resort features 22 deluxe rooms, all uniquely decorated. There are five acres of landscaped gardens, a tennis court, spa facilities and a solar heated pool. Horse riding, bird watching, mountain biking can be arranged (payable locally). Enjoy the fine dining restaurant and relax in the unique and elegant spa offering a variety of 11 different treatments. 2 nights from £365 per person, including all meals and return transport from Quito

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A centrally-located first class hotel offering 240 elegantly furnished rooms with electronic safe and all modern facilities. The hotel features a choice of restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, large gym and a luxury spa.

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