Ecuador & Galapagos
Andean Landscapes and the Enchanting Galapagos Islands
Bellavista Tour - 14 Night Itinerary
Visit mountain villages with local markets, admire spectacular volcanoes in the Andes and enjoy a cruise in the Galapagos Islands observing the abundant wildlife.
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Travel Highlights
- Experience the diversity of Ecuador
- Discover Quito's old town, a World Heritage centre
- Visit the famous colourful market in the Andean town of Otavalo
- Travel through the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Visit the charming colonial city of Cuenca, famed for its Panama hats
- Enjoy an unforgettable seven night Galapagos Cruise
- Come face-to-face with extraordinary creatures in the Galapagos Islands
- Snorkel with friendly sea lions
- Wake up in a different landscape every day
- Enjoy fabulous al fresco lunches with like-minded travellers
Tour Route
- Quito & Otavalo Market - 3 Nights
- Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba - 1 Night
- Devil's Nose Train Journey and Cuenca - 2 Nights
- Guayaquil - 1 Night
- Galapagos Islands - 7 Nights
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.
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Tour Itinerary
Quito & Otavalo Market
3 NightsDay 1 - Fly from London to Quito
Day 2 - Guided tour of Quito
Day 3 - Visit Otavalo market
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly from 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. Our guide is on hand to provide advice, run through your programme and ensure you are ready to begin your explorations tomorrow.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Guided tour of Quito
Enjoy a guided morning tour of Quito, including the old part of the city which is best explored on foot. You will see the city's three main squares, Independence Square, Santo Domingo Square Francisco square. We also explore the Presidential Palace and many churches, convents and palaces.
The fabulous colonial architecture of the old town is quite extraordinary. We also visit the spectacular good of gold at the National Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure in Quito.
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Visit Otavalo market
We take a trip to the Andean town of Otavalo to visit its colourful market, where men and women with long plaited hair, dressed in their traditional clothes, sell all types of weavings, handicrafts and homegrown produce.
Gina Castillo
Rincon Puembo
The Rincon de Puembo is located 20 minutes from Quito's new airport, in the small town of Puembo, making it ideal for travellers having to overnight in between flights. The accommodation is all found in a replica colonial-style street, with wonderful traditional touches. Perfect for relaxing by the pool and taking a rest stop from…
Dann Carlton Hotel
The Dann Carlton Hotel is an elegant and cozy first class hotel located in the centre of Quito close to the old town. Enjoy attractive interior spaces, with avant-garde design for a relaxed and pleasant stay.
The hotel has 210 air-conditioned rooms, with queen size beds, TV, FREE Wi-Fi, telephone, desk and chair, two types of pillow,…
Casa Gangotena
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…
Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba
1 NightDay 4 - Andean mountains to Riobamba
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Andean mountains to Riobamba
Early morning start today along the Andean mountains, stopping at a local hacienda. We visit the local market at Latacunga or Saquisilli and continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, affording stunning views of the towering snow capped peaks. The road passes small villages and a patchwork of fields and crops arriving at Riobamba, a city embraced by majestic volcanoes. Lunch is included today.
Hacienda El Porvenir
Only one and a half hours drive from Quito, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings. Located in Cotopaxi National Park, the farmhouse is 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level surrounded by four volcanoes. El Porvenir is a working ranch with local produce served in the dining room. Other…
Devil's Nose Train Journey and Cuenca
2 NightsDay 5 - Devil's Nose train journey and Cuenca
Day 6 - Guided tour of Cuenca
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Devil's Nose train journey and Cuenca
One of the world's most spectacular railway journeys awaits today along mountainsides and precipices on the Devil's Nose Railway, a zigzagging Trans-Andean railway that climbs more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering.
Following the mind-blowing descent enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and learn about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe.
After a picnic lunch we continue on the road south through lush vegetation to the colonial city of Cuenca, visiting the fascinating Inca fortress of Ingapirca en route.
Sunday, 28 June 2026
Guided tour of Cuenca
This morning take a guided tour of the elegant colonial city of Cuenca, with its cobbled streets and relaxing charm, visiting the flower market, tree lined plazas, the magnificent cathedral and Panama Hat workshop.
Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel
The Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel is quite simply the best hotel in Cuenca. Located in the historic centre, it is one of only a few hotels that retain private gardens. The building has a rich history and was beautifully renovated in 2001 by the present owners.
Public facilities include a bar, lounge and the elegant Casa…
Guayaquil
1 NightDay 7 - Cajas National Park and Guayaquil
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Cajas National Park and Guayaquil
Today we journey west into the mountains through Cajas National Park, stopping on the way to walk and enjoy the scenery dotted with lagoons.
We have an included lunch at a small hosteria and continue to the coastal city of Guayaquil, where we take a short tour and stay overnight.
Hacienda La Danesa
Located an hours drive from Guayaquil, Hacienda La Danesa is an excellent way to begin or end your journey in Ecuador if you prefer the untamed countryside to staying in Guayaquil. Owned by the Olsen Peet family, the Hacienda has many lovely touches including a relaxing spa, beautifully designed rooms and many rural activities to…
Hotel del Parque
The beautifully restored 19th century mansion located in Guayaquil's Park Historico, a tropical paradise located in the centre of Guayaquil, ideally suited for a final night stay after an adventure in Ecuador. The hotel is a member of the respected Relais and Chateaux chain.
The public areas include extensive gardens, the Casa Julian Restaurant, fitness centre,…
Galapagos Islands
7 NightsDay 8 - Fly to the Galapagos - Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 9 - South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands
Day 10 - San Cristóbal Island
Day 11 - Española (Hood) Island
Day 12 - Floreana Island
Day 13 - Santa Cruz and James Islands
Day 14 - Tower (Genovesa) Island
Day 15 - Turtle Cove and return to the UK
Day 16 - Arrive in UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to the Galapagos - Charles Darwin Research Station
Take a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands, where you transfer to your chosen yacht or ship. All yachts or cruise ships include full board accommodation with daily excursions from knowledgable local naturalists. The following itinerary for the first class Beluga. Itineraries vary depending on the yacht or ship you chose.
Arrival to Baltra Island where our crew meets you at the airport and escorts you to your anchored yacht. In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz where Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild.
Continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station and observe its giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation centre.
Wednesday, 01 July 2026
South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands
In the morning we visit South Plaza Island with its tall Opuntia cactus, land and marine iguanas, rocky cliff that looks out towards open ocean which is also a nesting site for red-billed tropic birds and gulls, and a seal lion bachelor colony.
After lunch on board, we explore Santa Fe Island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, a pelican nesting site, a sea lion colony, mockingbirds and Palo Santo trees.
Thursday, 02 July 2026
San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of Galapagos and also one of the oldest. Today we explore Witch Hill, a volcanic cone that looks over a beautiful white sandy beach which has plenty of sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, waders and marine iguanas. After lunch, visit Galapaguera and El Junco, a fresh water lagoon with great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristóbal.
Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment.
Friday, 03 July 2026
Espanola Island and Punta Suarez
Hood Island (Española) is the southernmost in the archipelago. Because of its remote location a unique range of endemic species evolved here. We visit Gardner Bay, a long and beautiful white sandy beach inhabited by sea lion colonies. Continue to Islote Gardner and Islote Osborn where you can snorkel amongst tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles.
In the afternoon, visit Punta Suarez. Highlights include the Waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and Española lava lizards.
Saturday, 04 July 2026
Floreana Island
Floreana is best known for its colourful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts and early colonists. Morning visit to Punta Cormorant with two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingos can be seen.
Continue to a snorkelling site at Devil’s Crown and onto Post Office Bay with its wooden mail barrel where you can send a postcard back home.
The bay remains a Norwegian fishing village.
Sunday, 05 July 2026
Santa Cruz and James Islands
This morning we visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, a small lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos. Continue to James Island, located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands, offering a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals.
Continue to Sullivan Bay, a area with fascinating geology - 100 hundred year old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations and lava bubbles.
Monday, 06 July 2026
Tower (Genovesa) Island
Today we explore Tower Island (Genovesa) with its eroded flat volcanic landscape and natural harbour. Visit the steep cliffs at Darwin Bay, home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels and Darwin’s finches.
After lunch, enjoy a dinghy rides along the cliffs observing fur seals and many seabirds.
Tuesday, 07 July 2026
Turtle Cove and return to the UK
Disembark after breakfast and visit Turtle Cove, a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Continue to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland and connect with your return overnight flight home.
Wednesday, 08 July 2026
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Cachalote Explorer
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…
Beluga
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…
Origin, Theory & Evolve
Custom-designed for sustainability and comfort, the Origin, Theory and Evolve are the ultimate Galapagos cruises vessels, offering luxurious amenities while minimising environmental impacts. The state of the art design also allows you to spend less time traveling between islands, with more time for actual exploration.
Recognised by Relais and Chateaux, each yacht carries a maximum…
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 15 January - 30 June & September - 15 December | July - August & 16 December - 15 January | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £6,698 | £7,858 | £10,288 | £7,242 | £8,360 | £10,798 |
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 7 dinners
- 7 night Galapagos Islands cruise including daily excursions
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
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HIGHLIGHTS - 20 June 2026
BEACH RESORTS - Superb: Idyllic Setting, Remote Islands
PERU - Machu Picchu, Andean Landscapes, Historic Heritage
GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR - Friendly Wildlife on the Islands
BRAZIL NATURE - NEW Atlantic Forest Birdwatching Trails
BRAZIL IMPERIAL - NEW Brazil Royal Family Heritage
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential comprehensive cover