Havana Tour

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met by your Rothschild Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.

Spend your first two nights in Ecuador in luxury at Hotel Casa Gangotena, situated in the heart of Quito’s Old Town.

Embark on a full day tour of magnificent Quito, visiting the city’s historic district, enjoying this urban jewel and its artistic and architectural treasures. Explore Independence Square, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. After visiting the church of the Society of Jesus, you will drive to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the principal religious monuments of the New World.

Continue your journey north where the equator crosses the earth at latitude 0° 0’ 0” and marks the exact middle of the planet. Here you will be able to stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Visit the site’s museums and stroll through “Middle of the World City,” a town built in colonial style, with a main square, church, post office, restaurants and souvenir and crafts shops.

Return to Hotel Casa Gangotena for a relaxing evening discussing highlights of the day with fellow travelers.

This morning you will be driven to the airport for your flight (approx. 2 hours) to the world-renowned Galápagos Islands. On arrival in Baltra, on Santa Cruz Island, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the dock to begin your 5-night cruise aboard the M/V Eclipse.

Your first stop is North Seymour Island, abundant in frigates, blue-footed boobies, iguanas and sea lions! Spend the afternoon exploring the island, then return to the ship for dinner, and a briefing on the next day’s plan.

This morning you will visit South Plaza Island, home to a large opuntia cacti forest, land iguanas, one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago, flocks of Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and different types of finches. After a full morning of activities on the island, return to the Eclipse for lunch. In the afternoon you will arrive at Santa Fe Island for more hikes, swimming and snorkeling, or kayaking and panga rides!

This morning you will land at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island, for some snorkeling, kayaking, or panga ride, in addition to hiking up the plateaus for the spectacular views! After lunch you will explore Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach, home to many sea lions and the place where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on the Archipelago!

Back on board around 6:00pm to unwind over dinner.

This morning you will explore Floreana Island where, in the 18th century, whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver back home. This is one of the archipelago’s most famous spots. For more adventurous guests, there is an optional visit inside a lava tunnel.

After lunch, you will journey to Champion Islet and Cormorant Point for more snorkeling and bird watching!

Today you will start by exploring the Elizabeth Bay mangroves on Isabela Island – a refuge for sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, penguins, herons and more.

Following lunch on board, land at Moreno Point, just southwest of Elizabeth Bay. In the tide pools green sea turtles and white-tip sharks may be spotted. Afterwards enjoy a panga ride along the striking rocky shores observing penguins, sea lions, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas.

Return to the Eclipse in the evening for dinner and your final night on board!

This morning you will transfer back to Baltra airport for your flight to Quito. On arrival in Quito, you will be met and driven to Termas de Papallacta (approx. 1 ½ hours). The evening is at your leisure – take in the stunning mountain views while having a soak in the lodge’s hot springs or enjoy a spa treatment

After optional morning activities and breakfast, depart Papallacta and journey northwest into the Mashpi Forest Reserve, a 3,200-acre haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Here, you will stay at National Geographic’s Unique Lodge of the World – Mashpi Lodge – a modern architectural marvel of glass where nature takes center stage.

Afternoon activities in the reserve will be organized depending on your group’s size and physical conditions and weather conditions. These activities may include hiking along several trails in the reserve, visiting the observation tower or Life Center, among other exciting options!

After dinner, you may choose to go on a guided night walk in the jungle to discover species that never come out during the day!

In the morning and afternoon you will explore the Mashpi reserve further. Activities include visiting the observation tower to experience life in the forest from a height of 90 feet, taking a 200-yard aerial cable ride on the “Sky Bike” through the forest canopy and visiting the San Vicente waterfalls to discover the lush secrets this forest holds. Follow the Howler Monkey Trail, which passes through primary forest, on to the Life Center and Butterfly Pavilion. Return in the evening after a day full of natural beauty and exciting excursions!

After an early breakfast it is time to leave the forest and depart to Otavalo (approx. 3 hours). Your first stop is Otavalo Indigenous Market, one of the largest and best-known in South America. After some time perusing the local wares, you will continue on to enjoy lunch at Hacienda Zuleta – an amazing jewel tucked away amid several volcanoes. In the afternoon, go for an optional horseback ride on the hacienda grounds. Enjoy dinner at the lodge after a full day of activities, then settle in for a restful night’s sleep.

Today you will be transferred to Quito International Airport for your international flight home.