Amazon River Cruise, Cloud Forest, Volcanoes, Colonial Quito & Cuenca & the enchanted Galapagos Islands

Early in the morning, we visit Yasuni National Park. This is a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon and home of the legendary Pink River Dolphin! In this area we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colourful Hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the “Stinky Turkey”. 

Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee.

We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian forest, where we have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organisation of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”.

This morning we visit an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We then return to the boat for lunch and sail upstream.

This afternoon is a chance to enjoy life onboard and participate in a cooking class with the expert chef, make traditional handicrafts or relax in the spa or the  Amazon Hut Tub on the sun deck. Enjoy a cocktail and admire the amazing sunset or stargaze at night from the observation deck lounge. 

This morning, enjoy a guided walk in the rainforest, discovering a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin.

In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower, built against a giant Kapok tree. The perspective at the top of the tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin. 

In the evening, we venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with of our flashlights. 

We will leave Quito with your guide and drive via Calderon, a town where the famous bread-dolls are made, continuing on to San Pablo Lake before arriving at Otavalo.

Here, visit the textile market located at the “Plaza of Ponchos”; one of the most well known markets in South America. You will find all kinds of handcrafts and textiles. We continue to Mashpi Lodge where we will stay for 3-nights including all meals and selected guided tours. The rest of the day is at leisure.

You can opt for a guided walk to experience the sounds of forest at night. 

Up early to enjoy the beauty and magic of dawn in the forest - which is when most birds are active and calling, as well as when views are often most spectacular.

After breakfast, we head out from the lodge to explore, returning for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy the facilities of Mashpi Lodge as you learn about the incredible bio diversity in the cloud forest.

Today you can choose from a range of options, including walks in the forest, guided birdwatching and nature encounters, a visit to nearby waterfalls and the hummingbird garden.

We depart Quito this morning travelling on the famous Pan American highway through stunning Andean landscapes of volcanoes.

We pass the famous Cotopaxi volcano, enjoy a bustling local market, and continue to Chimborazo volcano. At 20,700 feet, this beautiful snow-capped mountain towers over the Paramo vegetation. The surrounding reserve protects the Andean condor, vicunas and other peculiar animal species. Continue to Riobamba, through a beautiful valley passing several indigenous villages. We overnight in Riobamba.

This morning we arrive at the town of Alausi, visiting "Balbanera" Church, the first Catholic church built in Ecuador in 1534. Continue to the small village of Guamote where we visit the educational centre of the Inti Sisa community and the house of a traditional weaver who will show us how they make their typical ponchos from the wool of their own sheep and alpaca. Finally, we will visit an authentic Andean house, also called a Choza to get an idea of how people live in the mountains.

Continue to Cuenca with a visit to the amazing Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, the Inca-Cañari Ancient Fortress, one of the most important and largest Inca Ruins in Ecuador, mainly for its historical value and structural beauty. Late arrival in the afternoon in Cuenca. Check into your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.

Today we explore Cuenca on a guided tour, visiting the new cathedral with its Romanesque style, Calderón Main Square, the Flower Market, Broken Bridge, the Turi viewpoint, a food market, and several historical squares and mansions.

We also learn about the famous but wrongly named “Panama hats” which are really made in Cuenca, Ecuador, when we visit a local factory and museum. 

Transfer to the airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the M/V Origin for your 7-night cruise including all meals and excursions.

After lunch, explore El Junco Lake. Spanish for “sedge”, El Junco is the caldera of an extinct volcano and only sizeable fresh water lake in the Galapagos. Listen for the calls of sea lions - they may try to approach, and as you ride the zodiac and you’ll see them lounging on the boats docked in the harbour. 

This morning, we visit Cerro Brujo and spot various birds, from brown pelicans to blue-footed boobies, and learn about their age indicators. Marvel at the colourful Sally lightfoot crabs and geological formations. After the tour, relax on the coral sand beach, stroll, or swim with sea lions.

After lunch, we hike up Punta Pitt, famous for birdwatching, including all three boobies species.

There is a chance to snorkel at Pitt Islet, with sea lions and vibrant fish. As the yacht sails,  observe “Kicker Rock” from the top deck.

This morning we explore Española Island, renowned for its endemic species includng the waved albatross. Watch your step to avoid the marine iguanas lounging on the dark lava rocks, displaying vibrant hues during mating season.

Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blowhole and spot Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the shore. Encounter various bird species including Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Hawks, and Nazca boobies. Afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch on deck and learn to make Ecuadorian ceviche in a cooking demonstration. After lunch, opt for snorkeling at Gardner Islet and explore caves teeming with invertebrates and sealions. Disembark at Gardner Bay, home to expansive white-sand beaches where sea lions bask. 

This morning step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s olive-sand beach on Floreana Island and immerse yourself in the sounds of sea lions, lava herons and blue-footed boobies. Explore a brackish lagoon teeming with birdlife, including flamingos, and observe diverse plant species like mangroves and Scalesia.

Visit a beach where sea turtles nest and stingrays glide in shallow waters. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, the site where English whaling vessels erected a post barrel in the late 18th century.
When you drop a postcard in the barrel, no postage is required. 

After breakfast, visit Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, a town with a population of 24,000. You’ll travel by bus to a higher altitude with beautiful geological formations including the lava tunnels at El Mirador and Los Gemelos (the twins), a pair of massive craters. The highlight of the morning is a visit to a privately-owned ranch where tortoises roam free. These slow-moving giants can grow to be over 500 pounds! 

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and relax in Puorto Ayora with its fish market, cafes and shops to browse.

This morning, choose from a challenging hike on Bartolome Island with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, including about 400 wooden steps to reach the top, or a Zodiac ride to spot playful penguins. Later, go snorkelling and encounter tropical fish, sea stars, white-tipped reef sharks, and Galapagos Penguins. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on deck.

In the afternoon, explore Sombrero Chino, encountering sea lions, Galapagos Penguins, marine iguanas, and stunning volcanic formations.

After breakfast, visit South Plaza, a small islet renowned for its tall cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. Witness efforts to protect the native prickly pear cactus, and spot nests of various bird species, including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe land iguanas up close. 

After lunch, we sail to North Seymour Island to witness frigate birds with inflated red sacs during mating season. Learn to distinguish between the Great and Magnificent species.

Conclude the week with a champagne toast at the Captain’s farewell gathering before a special presentation from your guides showcasing memories from your Galapagos adventure.

As a fitting conclusion to your trip, you’ll visit the interpretation centre on San Cristobal Island to delve into the human history of the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the mainland and onward overnight flight back to the UK.