ECUADOR HIGHLANDS
AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE

Discover Ecuador through a first-class journey combining the colonial heritage of Quito, the indigenous traditions of Otavalo, the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, volcanic lakes, colorful local markets, and remote island ecosystems while enjoying a premium Galapagos cruise designed for immersive nature, culture, scenic exploration, and authentic travel experiences.

Overview

ITINERARY:

REQUEST FULL ITINERARY

Saturday: Arrival in Quito

Upon arrival at the airport, our guide will transfer you to the Ikala Quito Boutique Hotel, located in the world’s first UNESCO Cultural Heritage capital. After a smooth check-in, enjoy a warm coffee or tea while receiving a briefing on your upcoming activities. Relax and recover from your flight.

Sunday: Quito Historical Center - Equator Line

Discover Quito’s colonial heart: Independence Square, the gold-adorned La Compañía, and San Francisco Monastery. After lunch, stand on the Equator Line and visit the Intiñán Museum for interactive gravity experiments before returning to your hotel.

Monday: Quito – Otavalo – Peguche – San Antonio - Pinsaqui

Travel north with a stop for Cayambe’s bizcochos. Explore the famous Otavalo Market, then visit Peguche for a typical lunch and weaving demonstrations. Finally, discover woodcarving in San Antonio de Ibarra before overnighting at the historic Hacienda Pinsaquí.

Tuesday: Cuicocha Lake & Cotacachi

Hike along the volcanic Cuicocha Lake to admire Andean flora, followed by an optional boat ride. Later, explore Cotacachi, famous for its high-quality leather goods. Return to Hacienda Pinsaquí to enjoy horseback riding or relax in its historic gardens.

Wednesday: Pinsaqui – Cochasqui – Mindo Cloud Forest

Explore Cochasquí, the largest pre-Inca archaeological site in northern Ecuador, featuring ancient pyramids and burial mounds. Then, descend into the Mindo Cloud Forest. Arrive at Septimo Paraiso lodge to observe orchids and dozens of hummingbirds before relaxing by the pool.

Thursday: Mindo Cloud Forest – Quito.

Enjoy a morning of adventure with optional ziplining or a guided birdwatching hike to spot toucans and wild orchids. After lunch, take in the lush cloud forest scenery one last time before driving back to Quito. Settle into the Ikala Quito Boutique Hotel to prepare for your Galapagos flight.

Friday: Quito – Galapagos Yacht Anahi Starts a 5 Days Cruise. Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach.

Fly to Baltra and board the Yacht Catamaran Anahí. In the afternoon, visit Bachas Beach, a white coral site and sea turtle nesting ground. Spot flamingos in the lagoon and relax with marine iguanas and sea lions. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing on your upcoming cruise adventure.

Saturday. Galapagos: Genovesa Island

Explore Darwin Bay, a submerged crater teeming with red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. In the afternoon, climb Prince Philip’s Steps for premier birdwatching. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or a panga ride, with the chance to spot the unique short-eared owl.

Sunday: South Plazas & Santa Fe Islands

Explore Plazas Islands, where land iguanas live among giant cacti and vibrant Sesuvium plants. Later, visit Santa Fe to see endemic iguanas and sea lion colonies. Enjoy the afternoon snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking to scenic viewpoints before returning to the yacht.

Monday: San Cristobal Island

Visit Punta Pitt, a stunning nesting site for frigate birds and boobies. In the afternoon, navigate around Kicker Rock (León Dormido) to photograph majestic seabirds. End the day at Lobos Island, walking among sea lion colonies and snorkeling in calm waters filled with colorful fish.

Tuesday: San Cristóbal – Quito – Flight Home

Visit the El Junco Lagoon, a freshwater paradise in an extinct crater, followed by the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center to see giant tortoises of all ages. Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito and your international connection home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The tour includes:

All meals indicated in the itinerary
Coffee and tea station as well as purified water dispenser
Excursions mentioned in the program
Transfers to and from the Anahi Yacht Catamaran
Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish / English) certified by the Galapagos National Park
Mask and fins for snorkeling
Private transfers and transportation during the itinerary
Hotel accommodations in Quito and Hacienda Pinsaqui
English / Spanish speaking guides during mainland excursions
Entrance fees included in the program
Airport transfer in Quito and airport bus transfer in Baltra
Cabin accommodations aboard the first class Yacht Catamaran Anahi

The tour does not include:

Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
International and domestic flights
Entrance fee to Galápagos National Park
Traffic Control Card
Personal travel insurance
Tips for the guide and crew
Surcharges for increased fuel costs
Neoprene suit for snorkeling
Optional activities and personal expenses

Note: Entrance to the National Park and Traffic Control Card for Galapagos are under the jurisdiction of the corresponding authorities and are subject to change without prior notice. Itineraries are approved by the Galapagos National Park and can change due to natural or human induced conditions

Do you have questions?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ECUADOR HIGHLANDS AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE