Ecuador & Galapagos Holidays
The Amazon Rainforest and enchanting Galapagos Islands
Pichincha Tour - 14 Night Itinerary
This tour includes the Amazon rainforest, a Galapagos cruise and an insight into the colonial charm of Quito, high in the mountains.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Tour Route
- Quito & Otavalo Market - 2 Nights
- The Amazon & Quito - 3 Nights
- Quito - 2 Nights
- Galapagos Cruise - 7 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Combine the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest and Ecuador's capital
- Get unparalleled access to astonishing wildlife on a 7-night Galapagos Cruise
- Stay at an Amazon Lodge and explore the rainforest on daily excursions
- Spot exotic birds and meet local villagers of the Amazon
- Visit the colourful Indian market in the Andean town of Otavalo
- Be guided around the colonial centre of Quito and its architectural gems
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Quito & Otavalo Market - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Flight from London to Quito
Day 2 - Guided tour to Otavalo market
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Meet your Guide
Our hand-picked guides offer you an exclusive insight into the best excustions and activites on offer.
Tuesday, 03 December 2024
Flight: London to Quito
Take a daytime flight to Quito, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, 04 December 2024
Guided tour to Otavalo market
We take a trip to the Andean town of Otavalo to visit its magnificent market, where men and women with long plaited hair, dressed in their traditional clothes, sell all types of weavings, handicrafts and homegrown produce.
Plaza Sucre
Quito - Tourist Hotel
The Hotel Plaza Sucre is located at the very heart of Ecuador's capital, in the historical downtown named by UNESCO as a Human Heritage site in 1978, because of its architectural beauty and cultural richness. The sober and colonial atmosphere of the hotel makes you feel being transported to the republican era. The hotel offers 25 comfortable guestrooms equipped with private facilities, TV cable, internet, Wifi, and modern facilities. Breakfasts are served in a wonderful rooftop patio with great views of "El Panecillo" statue which towers over the city.
Relicario del Carmen
Quito - First Boutique
Relicario del Carmen is a truly historic house dating back to 1705 which recently opened its doors as a hotel with 18 comfortable rooms. It is beautifully renovated with great emphasis on the original details and has all the comfort expected today, including a central air conditioning system. All the furniture is handmade by recognized Ecuadorian artisans and many original paintings decorate public and private areas. The hotel is fully non-smoking and is located a block away from the main square "Plaza de la Independencia", the Government Palace and very close to many historic monuments of Quito. The hotel has also a coffee-shop and an exclusive dining room.
Casa Gangotena
Quito - Deluxe Hotel
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Old Town, the three-story Casa Gangotena has 31 luxury rooms: a showcase of eye catching style, contemporary design, antiques, furnishings, fine dining, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-panelled library, or else atop its panoramic third-floor terrace. Sophisticated and eclectic, historic yet contemporary, at Casa Gangotena style, passion and service blend seamlessly and delightfully.
The hotel includes several 'experiences' for its guests at no extra cost, including San Francisco’s courtyards & Brewery, Museo del Carmen Alto, San Fransisco Choir & Bell Tower and Chocolate Quiteno tasting.
Rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
The Amazon & Quito - 3 Nights
Day 3 - Transfer to Napo Wildlife Centre Amazon Lodge
Day 4 - Guided excursions and activities
Day 5 - Guided excursions and activities
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Thursday, 05 December 2024
Transfer to the Napo Wildlife Centre Amazon Lodge
Fly to Coca and transfer by boat to your Amazon Lodge, staying for 3 nights on a full board basis including excursions and activities. Rest of the day at leisure getting acquainted with the remote and beautiful rainforest.
Friday, 06 December 2024
Guided excursions and activities
Today we experience the parrot clay licks to observe flocks of brightly-coloured macaws, parrots and parakeets as they descend to feed on the soil, extracting vital minerals to help them digest the fruit and seeds found in the jungle. At some, sightings have also been reported of tapirs, ocelots, owls and others animals. Later on, we will hike along the forest trail to visit a local community learning about their every-day-life activities, routines and their ancestral customs and traditions. Then we take a 30 minutes walk through the forest and enjoy lunch. We return to the lodge by riverboat.
Saturday, 07 December 2024
Guided excursions and activities
Today, we visit the Canopy Observation Tower, a high platform 36 metres high from which you will get an amazing treetop view of the jungle. Here, birds that are virtually impossible to see from the jungle floor will pass right past you. Flocks of vibrantly coloured tanagers, blue-and-yellow macaws and large toucans fly past in the early mornings and afternoons. In the afternoon, we will trek deep into a rain forest to discover the beautiful and mysterious wildlife that hides in the forest interior observing the endemic Golden Mantle Tamarin monkey, rare and unique insects and even some scary snakes! We also visit the black water Añangu Lake and streams that are home of different species of fish and mammals such as the Giant Otter, a unique specie from the Amazon.
Napo Wildlife Centre
Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador - First Lodge
This ecotourism project includes the conservation of over 53,000 acres of the most pristine Amazon Rainforest within the Yasuni National Park, an important biosphere reserve and the largest tract of tropical rainforest in Ecuador. You will be met at Coca airfield and taken to the bank of the river Napo for the two hour journey by motorised canoe to the Lodge.
Once you arrive and settle into your room you will have a programme of daily guided excursions and walks to experience the exuberance of the Amazon rainforest.
The rates include all meals and a choice of guided tours by foot or canoe.
Sacha Lodge
Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador - First Lodge
The Sacha Lodge is set on a private reserve of 1300 hectares close to the Napo River. Guest fly from Quito to Francisco de Orellana and are taken to the river bank to continue down river by motorised canoe. You then walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest to Pilchicocha Lake, a blackwater paradise where dugout canoes await to carry you to the Lodge. All cabins have high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces. Each of the 26 rooms, provides a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans. Guided excursions include walks in the rainforest, paddle dugout canoes, night walks and canoe trips. From the tower's ample platform it is possible to observe toucans, parrots, and other colourful bird species.
Quito - 2 Nights
Day 6 - Transfer to Quito
Day 7 - Guided tour of Quito
- Full Description
Sunday, 08 December 2024
Transfer to Quito
Transfer by riverboat to Coca and fly back to Quito for a 2 night stay.
Monday, 09 December 2024
Guided tour of Quito
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito, including the old town, San Francisco main square, the Presidential Palace, churches, colonial architecture and a visit to the Gold Museum.
Galapagos Cruise - 7 Nights
Day 8 - Fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark yacht
Day 9-14 - Galapagos Islands cruise with daily guided excursions
Day 15 - Flight back to the mainland and return flight home
Day 16 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark your chosen yacht
Transfer to the domestic airport and fly to the Galapagos islands where Darwin observed the wildlife that would lead him to his theory of evolution. On arrival, transfer to your chosen yacht for a 7-night cruise on a full board basis including all excursions and lectures from knowledgeable local naturalists.
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Galapagos Islands cruise with daily guided excursions
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with guided excursions every morning and afternoon: walking, swimming and snorkelling, accompanied by our expert naturalist guides to see as much friendly wildlife as possible. Superior first class cruises are on the Beluga and tourist class cruises are available on the Cachalote Explorer.
Observe basking marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, blue and red footed boobies, 500lb tortoises and friendly sea lions on an adventure of a lifetime.
Thursday, 12 December 2024
Daily guided excursions
Friday, 13 December 2024
Daily guided excursions
Saturday, 14 December 2024
Daily guided excursions
Sunday, 15 December 2024
Daily guided excursions
Monday, 16 December 2024
Daily guided excursions
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
Flight back to the mainland and return flight home
Flight back to mainland Ecuador, to connect with your return overnight flight to the UK.
Cachalote Explorer
Galapagos Islands - Tourist Motor Yacht
Enjoy the small ship experience of cruising from island to island, getting close to the shore, feel the breeze and listening to the sea. After the morning and afternoon landings ashore, you can enjoy the spacious sundeck areas, sunbathe and admire the sea lions playing around you.
The Cachalote Explorer accommodates up to 16 passengers in 8 air conditioned double cabins, all with private bathroom facilities. There is a crew of 9 including your Galapagos Naturalist Guide that will take you on daily excursions.
Beluga
Galapagos Islands - First Motor Yacht
The M/Y Beluga is a spacious and comfortable superior first class motor yacht accommodating up to 16 passengers in 8 double cabins. One of these has an additional berth which becomes a triple room which is ideal for families.
Beluga is fully air-conditioned, has spacious social areas with all the comforts and facilities of a superior first class Galapagos yacht, including panoramic windows in the lounge and dining area and a large sundeck for relaxing, sightseeing or sunbathing.
Enjoy daily excursions ashore led by expert naturalist guides, fascinating evening talks and explorations by dinghy.
Evolution
Galapagos Islands - Luxury Motor Yacht
With more deck space than other medium sized vessels, you will enjoy superb al fresco dining on your cruise on the M/V Evolution. The beautifully furnished salons, open decks and private areas enable relaxed enjoyment of the natural paradise you are exploring.
Choose from two 7 night itineraries. Your Naturalist Guide will always be with you, escorting you on the morning and afternoon land visits, lecturing each evening and accompanying you on snorkelling excursions and panga rides.
The itinerary includes visits to at least 8 uninhabited islands of the Galapagos National Park system, each with a different and diverse flora and fauna, plus the small town of Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz where you view the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
The M/V Evolution also offers family orientated departures and special photo safaris, both of which are increasingly popular.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan-30 Jun, 6 Sep-15 Dec | 1 Jul-5 Sep, 16-31 Dec | ||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £6,393 | £7,401 | £6,597 | £7,643 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 16 Days / 14 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions as described, all with expert, English-speaking guides
Client Testimonials
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
Contact an Advisor
Stay in touch
Infuse your travels, with inspiration from our monthly newsletter.
READY - 2 DECEMBER 2024
LANDMARK TOURS - Multi-Country Itineraries
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
WINTER SUN - Get away from our dark Winter days
CHINA REPORT - July24 Pheobe & Friends travelling
PERU HARVEST TIME - March/April/May/June, is best
WEATHER TODAY - Check the weather worldwide
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential cover including COVID