Ecuador luxury tour: mainland & Galapagos Islands 2026

Arrival in Quito, with an English-speaking airport pickup and transfer to a comfortable boutique hotel in the colonial center. Enjoy free time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings, followed by a fine dining tasting menu experience introducing you to some of Ecuador’s best flavors.

This morning, a truly special experience awaits. You’ll visit the former home of the late Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most celebrated artist, and enjoy a private tour led by an art specialist from the museum. This offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Latin America’s most influential creative minds.

Next, continue to Guayasamín’s wine cellar, where he once hosted some of the 20th century’s most notable figures, including Fidel Castro, Gabriel García Márquez, François Mitterrand, the Prince of Monaco, and the King of Spain. Here, you’ll take part in a curated tasting of six different editions of premium Ecuadorian To’ak chocolate, while learning about cacao varieties, terroir, fermentation, barrel-aging, and how these elements shape each chocolate’s flavor and aroma profile.

In the afternoon, visit artisan workshops in the La Ronda district, where traditional local crafts are still practiced today.

Early in the morning, you’ll depart Quito, heading northwest into the cloud forest toward the famous Mashpi Lodge. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Tulipe archaeological site to learn about the ancient cultures of the region.

Around midday, you’ll arrive at the lodge, where you’ll be welcomed with a cocktail followed by a buffet lunch. Afterwards, you’ll have time to learn more about the lodge and choose your activities for the afternoon and the coming days, from forest hikes and birdwatching to air biking, spa treatments, and night walks.

A full day to enjoy at the award-winning Mashpi Lodge, with all three meals included and a variety of activities to choose from as you explore the pristine forest

Your final day at Mashpi includes time for one last morning activity after breakfast. Then, enjoy a 3.5-hour transfer back to your hotel in Quito, with time to relax before your next adventure.

Enjoy a day trip north to the indigenous town of Otavalo, famous worldwide for its vibrant handicrafts market. In addition to time for shopping and bargaining at the market stalls, you’ll visit the local La Calera community for a traditional Andean lunch and an introduction to the Quichua way of life, with demonstrations such as embroidery and agricultural practices.

In the afternoon, return to Quito for a comfortable overnight stay.

Today, you’ll travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks on a clear day. Along the way, there is the option to hike up to the Cotopaxi volcano refuge, as well as a stop at Limpiopungo Lake.

Tonight, enjoy a very special stay at San Agustín de Callo Hacienda, set on the site of a 600-year-old Inca palace. You’ll have free time to explore the historic building and its beautiful grounds, with the option to join a cooking class. Overnight in the elegance and charm of this unique hacienda.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hacienda, with a horse riding activity included to explore the surrounding area. You may also choose to unwind or hike along the hacienda’s scenic trails.

With a packed lunch, continue your journey to Baños, stopping along the way at a rose plantation.

Overnight at a comfortable spa resort set high in the mountains overlooking the town, with hot springs at your disposal.

Baños is renowned for its lush green mountains and spectacular waterfalls. In the morning, you’ll explore the famous Avenue of the Waterfalls, including a visit to the impressive Pailón del Diablo.

In the afternoon, enjoy some well-deserved relaxation at the resort’s hot springs, with time to indulge in a luxury spa treatment.

Leaving Baños after breakfast, you’ll begin a scenic drive south toward the city of Cuenca. Along the way, stop for a guided visit to Ingapirca, the most important and best-preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador.

Upon arrival, enjoy an overnight stay in Cuenca’s charming old town, known for its cobbled streets and colonial architecture.

Enjoy a full day exploring the UNESCO-listed city of Cuenca. In the morning, your guide will introduce you to the historic center, its beautiful colonial architecture, and the main landmarks.

In the afternoon, you can choose between a ceramics or jewelry workshop—both reflecting Cuenca’s rich artisan traditions—or simply enjoy free time to wander the charming cobbled streets at your own pace.

Leaving Cuenca behind, you’ll enjoy an excursion to El Cajas National Park, with time to explore its stunning Andean valleys, lakes, and unique páramo ecosystem. Enjoy short walks, photo opportunities, and time to appreciate the area’s distinctive flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, descend toward Ecuador’s coast, passing plantations of banana, rice, and cacao along the way. Overnight in Guayaquil.

An early flight takes you over the Pacific Ocean to the volcanic Galápagos Islands, world-famous for their unique wildlife and stunning beaches.

Your stay in the Galápagos will be at Pikaia Lodge, one of the most exclusive accommodations in the islands and a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax and settle into the lodge’s beautiful surroundings. You may wish to indulge in a treatment at the Sumaq Spa, swim in the infinity pool, or go trekking or cycling across the 31 hectares of private grounds located within a giant tortoise reserve.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to discover one of the uninhabited Galápagos Islands on a navigable excursion. The tour includes a guided hike on the island, time for snorkeling, and lunch served on board the yacht.

You’ll be accompanied throughout by a naturalist guide, offering the best chance to spot and learn about the unique wildlife that makes the Galápagos so extraordinary.

Overnight at Pikaia Lodge.

Your final day in the Galápagos will be spent exploring the highlights of Santa Cruz Island. Visits include Los Gemelos twin craters and the Scalesia Forest, El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, and the fascinating lava tunnels.

You’ll also stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about conservation efforts in the islands, and visit Puerto Ayora, including its lively fish market, where sea lions and pelicans gather as fishermen unload their daily catch.

After breakfast, take your return flight to Quito, where your unforgettable journey comes to an end.