Ecuador & Galapagos with Brian Keating January 15 – 30, 2022

Illa Experience Hotel, located in Quito’s historic San Marcos neighbourhood, is a boutique luxury property set within a restored 17th-century house. The suites blend historical charm with modern comforts, offering elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation. Guests can savour Ecuadorian flavours at the hotel’s signature restaurant, which highlights local traditions and contemporary culinary artistry. Beyond dining, Illa Experience Hotel offers a serene spa, curated cultural experiences, and inviting communal spaces that immerse visitors in the city’s heritage while providing the comforts of a refined retreat.

• Images

Credit: IllaExperienceHotelhttps://illaexperiencehotel.com/

Credit: IllaExperienceHotelhttps://illaexperiencehotel.com/

Credit: IllaExperienceHotelhttps://illaexperiencehotel.com/

Credit: IllaExperienceHotelhttps://illaexperiencehotel.com/

Cross a bridge suspended above the misty rainforest canopy, looking down on tropical birds foraging below... Climb to the very top of a giant kapok tree for a towering view of the vast surrounding rainforest... Fly in a basket for a hot air balloon-like experience over the treetops... Take a refreshing swim in a black-water lagoon, home to otters, caimans, and the infamous piranha... Paddle along lush, narrow creeks in search of monkeys, sloths, or even the elusive anaconda.

You can live these exclusive experiences, and many more, only at Sacha Lodge, within our pristine 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) private ecological reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon!

Remote yet accessible, unspoiled yet comfortable, Sacha Lodge is the ideal all-inclusive base for you and your family to explore the fascinating tropical rainforest that surrounds it, which we have protected for more than 25 years. Our expert guides lead small groups to witness flora and fauna in its natural habitat, while you immerse yourself into the complex ecosystems of the Neo-tropics. Sacha is home to more than 600 species of birds, eight species of monkeys, 50 species of bats, anteaters, ocelots and more... A nature’s lover paradise!

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• Video
• Rooms
• Facilities
• Activities and Services
• Restaurants

Upscale WIlderness Retreat Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com 2000 hectares (5000 acres) private ecological reserve in the Yasuní National Park buffer zone in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest

Canopy Walk Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com 36 m (94ft) high - 275 m (940 ft) long

Canopy Exploration Crane Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com One-of-a-kind. 45 m (150 ft) high / 45 m (150 ft) long

Kapok Tower Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com 43 m (135 ft) high

Lake Pool Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com One-of-a-kind pool that lets you swim secure in the black waters of Pilchicocha Lake

Oropendola Restaurant Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com Recently renovated

Paddled Canoe Excursion Credit: Sacha Lodge - www.sachalodge.com 360-degree Amazon Experience

Family Cabin Standard (double) Standard (twin) Suite (double)

Suite room interconnected with standard twin

Family Cabin - Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon -Ecuador

Family Cabin - Twin Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon -Ecuador

Family Cabin - Suite bathrrom Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon -Ecuador

Family Cabin - Twin terrace Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon -Ecuador

Family Cabin - Suite living room Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon -Ecuador

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Electrical Outlets, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary)

- 1 King size Bed

- 43 m2

- A/C

- Wi-Fi

- Private terrace

- Hammock

- Ceiling fan

- Hot water

- Safe deposit box

- Windows screened against insects*

- 24 hour electricity

- In-room 24-hour emergency contact button

- Bathroom amenities

*Bed mosquito net upon request

Standard (double) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Standard (double) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Standard (double) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Standard (double) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Standard Bathroom Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Standard (double) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Shower

- 2 Full size beds

- 43 m2

- A/C

- Wi-Fi

- Private terrace

- Hammock

- Ceiling fan

- Hot water

- Safe deposit box

- Windows screened against insects*

- 24 hour electricity

- In-room 24-hour emergency contact button

- Bathroom amenities

*Bed mosquito net upon request

Standard (twin) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Standard (twin) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Standard bathroom Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Standard (twin) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Standard (twin) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Standard (twin) Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon Ecuador

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Hairdryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Shower

- 1 King size bed

- Living room

- Private location

- 56 m2

- A/C

- Wi-Fi

- Private terrace

- Hammock

- Ceiling fan

- Hot water

- Safe deposit box

- Windows screened against insects*

- 24 hour electricity

- In-room 24-hour emergency contact button

- Bathroom amenities

*Bed mosquito net upon request

Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Bathroom Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Bathroom Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Living room Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Suite Credit: Sacha Lodge - Amazon, Ecuador

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Shower

Property Facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee

Available Services

Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Canopy Walk Canopy Exploration Crane Kapok Tower Morning Rainforest Walk Night Rainforest Walks Creek Paddling Yasuní Parrot Lick Visit Providencia Community Interpretation Center Visit Caiman Spotting at night Cacao Experience

Explore the rainforest canopy along a 94-foot high (36 m) bridge above the treetops! This 940-foot long (275 m) sturdy walkway offers an astounding opportunity to spot dozens of animals.

Take a high-flying ride up 150 feet (45 meters) above the forest floor into the canopy of the amazing Amazon Rainforest in a hot air balloon-like basket. Explore nearly 2 acres (.78 hectares) of rainforest canopy with its 150 foot (45 meters) long boom.

You’ll feel like you’re on the very top of the world on our 135-foot (43-meter) observation tower, a platform built on the highest branches of a giant kapok tree.

Creeping along jungle paths, your naturalist guide might take you through the territory of crested owls or howler monkeys, mimicking the creatures’ calls to win their trust and coax them out of hiding.

When darkness falls, have your flashlight ready to spot creatures of the night such as tarantulas, frogs, boas and stick insects while the rainforest symphony unfolds around you.

Creek paddling in dug-out canoes is a fabulous adventure, with the bonus that it requires little physical exertion. Paddling down the streams is like entering a tunnel leading into a lost world.

In ideal conditions (sunny and dry), you may be able to witness hundreds of brightly colored parrots as they perch on and eat exposed clay… A spectacular show of sound and color!

*Only on Wednesdays or Sundays

Through unobtrusive dialogue, we will learn about the day-to-day lives of local Kichwa residents at the Providencia Community of Yasuní. Here you can even help to prepare and taste some of their traditional foods!

A nighttime expedition to look for caimans on the lake is a magical experience filled with wonder. You will take a canoe out onto the water under the cover of darkness, your way lit by glittering stars.

Discover the story of cacao in the heart of the Amazon, where this ancestral ingredient has been part of local culture for generations. The Cacao Experience at Sacha Lodge invites guests to connect with the origins of chocolate through a hands-on and immersive activity.

Guided by our naturalist experts, you will learn about the cacao tree, its cultivation, and its cultural significance in the region. The experience follows the journey from bean to chocolate—harvesting, roasting, grinding, and preparing cacao using traditional techniques.

Set within the rainforest, this activity offers a deeper understanding of one of the Amazon’s most iconic products, while engaging the senses through flavors, aromas, and textures. A meaningful and interactive experience that brings you closer to the culture and biodiversity that define Sacha Lodge.

Sacha Lodge Cacao Experience Credit: Sacha Lodge, Amazon - Ecuador

La Balsa Restaurant & Bar Oropéndola Restaurant & Bar

Named after the Spanish word for a “raft”, the Balsa is at the heart of the Sacha Lodge experience: a covered al fresco lounge area with a breath taking view over the shimmering Pilchicocha Lake. It is the perfect place to read a book with a glass of wine, spot birds, caiman and giant otters, or to watch the crimson sunsets and tremendous thunder storms.

The elegant, airy restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere for dinner with its windows open, allowing the cicadas evening song to circle. An a la carte dinner is served in the restaurant, bringing fine dining to the jungle. Using fresh and sustainable products, our chef prepares meals to delight the tastes of a world traveler while satisfying the appetite of an adventurer!

Situated opposite the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Ecuador, Wyndham Quito Airport is an ideal base for exploring local museums and breathtaking sites. The property's rooms and suites feature amenities such as air conditioning, TVs with satellite channels, hairdryers, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars and telephones. Guests are provided with an inclusive breakfast in the morning. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness centre.

• Images

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

The M/C Ocean Spray offers an unparalleled Galapagos Islands cruise experience aboard a luxurious mega-catamaran. Itineraries, ranging from four to 15 days, ensure a diverse exploration of this iconic destination. Accommodating up to 16 guests, the vessel boasts eight spacious cabins, each with a private balcony and bathroom, providing comfort and intimacy.

Elegance defines the ship's design, evident in its expansive social areas—a sun-soaked sundeck with a Jacuzzi, a welcoming lounge, a well-equipped bar, and entertainment amenities like a TV and DVD player, complemented by a library for book enthusiasts. To enrich the marine adventure, kayaks are readily available for guests to discover the aquatic wonders up close.

With the M/C Ocean Spray, travelers can anticipate an extraordinary blend of relaxation, adventure, and sophistication, promising an indelible Galapagos voyage

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• 360 Panoramas
• Cabins
• Activities and Services
• Restaurants
• Facilities

Catamaran Ocean Spray Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Catamaran Ocean Spray

Briefing Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Briefing Area

Dinner Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Dinner Area

Dining area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Dining area

Interior Social Areas Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Interior Social Areas

Interior Social Areas Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Interior Social Areas

Interior Social Areas Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Interior Social Areas

Sky Deck Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Sky Deck

Sky Deck Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Sky Deck

Exterior Social Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Exterior Social Area

Exterior areas Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Exterior areas

Access and Reception Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Access and Reception Area

Balcony Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Balcony Area

Golden Stateroom Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Golden Stateroom

Sky Deck Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Sky Deck

Interior Social Areas Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Interior Social Areas

Ocean Spray Crew Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Ocean Spray Crew

Briefing Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Briefing Area

Sky Deck Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Sky Deck

Exterior Social Area Credit: Golden Galapagos Cruises Exterior Social Area

Staterooms Briefing Area Interior Social Areas Al Fresco Sky Deck Embarking Area

Vessel Facilities

Vegetarian

Cabin Facilities

Balcony , En Suite Bathroom

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Kayaking, Natural History Tours, Turtle Tracking, Walks (Guided), Whale Watching, Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Beach, Hiking, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Adventures, Sea Kayaking

Walking Snorkeling Kayaking Dinghy ride

Embark on captivating guided walks, tracing well-trodden paths amidst otherworldly terrain. Observe the prehistoric Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and encounter rare species like the waved albatross and red-footed booby.

Plunge into the undersea wonders of the Galapagos. Snorkel among technicolor coral reefs, inquisitive sea lions, and schools of dazzling tropical fish. Witness the marine ballet of creatures like penguins and sea turtles in their aquatic playground.

Kayak serenely through the Galapagos archipelago, navigating azure waters alongside volcanic landscapes. Marvel at the unique blend of aquatic and terrestrial life as you cruise past sea lions, marine iguanas, and iconic blue-footed boobies.

Embark on thrilling dinghy excursions, skimming the perimeter of dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations. Traverse tranquil mangroves, spy on nesting seabirds, and bask in the raw beauty of the islands' pristine and untouched shores.

Epicure Cuisine

The Epicure cuisine experience of Golden Galapagos goes beyond satisfying the basic need to eat; it becomes the art of fine dining. Our Epicure Cuisine is built on pillars that elevate each bite into a unique and memorable experience:

Our Pillars
1.High-End Gourmet
2.Food with an Identity
3.Artful Presentation
4.Nutritious and Balanced
5.Adaptability

The Epicure concept is liberation, and our food is an escape—an opportunity to savor the moment without worries.

All meals are included with the stay.

Golden Staterooms Single Cabin

There are eight double cabins; four on the Main Deck, and four on the Upper Deck, all with private balconies. The four cabins on the Main Deck have twin beds that can convert to double beds, and the four on the Upper Deck feature matrimonial beds. Each cabin also features a sofa bed to accommodate a child under the age of 12 and luxury amenities which include air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, and toiletries, towels, and hairdryers in the private bathrooms. Electricity is set at 110V.

View room plan

The single cabin is located on the upper deck. The well-appointed cabin has its own private balcony and is equipped with luxury amenities which include air-conditioning, a safety deposit box, and toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer in the private bathroom. Electricity is set at 110V.

View room plan

Situated opposite the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Ecuador, Wyndham Quito Airport is an ideal base for exploring local museums and breathtaking sites. The property's rooms and suites feature amenities such as air conditioning, TVs with satellite channels, hairdryers, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars and telephones. Guests are provided with an inclusive breakfast in the morning. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness centre.

• Images

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/

Credit: WyndhamFranchisorLLChttps://www.wyndhamhotels.com/