Galapagos & Ecuador

Galapagos and Ecuador

From the enchanting islands of the Galapagos teeming with wildlife that allows you to get up-close, to the snow-dusted volcanoes of the Andean Highlands, Ecuador packs an amazing amount of experiences into an easily accessible and family-friendly destination.

The centerpiece of any visit here must be the Galapagos Archipelago, where opportunities for intimate wildlife viewing are exceptional. Whether you are hiking to an albatross nest with your expert, naturalist guide or snorkeling an off-shore reef with sea turtles and sea lions, the wildlife and history of the Galapagos are what make it a must-do adventure destination. The best way to see and experience as much as possible here is on a multi-day yacht cruise through the islands.

Easy access to the Amazon rainforest means an effortless pre or post-extension to encounter a dozen species of primate, dawn climbs of canopy towers to watch for scarlet macaws and toucans, and meaningful encounters with local villagers. Bird enthusiasts will be wowed by Ecuador's more than 1,650 species, many of which call the Choco Cloud Forest home. This is the hidden Amazon, cut off by the rise of the Andes millennia ago.

It's easy to base your adventures in Ecuador out of historic Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Markets, cafes, cathedrals, and culture co-mingle in the vibrant high-altitude city.

The volcanoes and highlands region outside of Quito beckon travelers to explore further. Stay in a historic, working hacienda in the Andes, where you can encounter condors and a spectacled bear conservation project, pre-Incan burial mounds, and an indigenous handicraft cooperative while exploring on foot, horseback, bike, and vehicle. 

Ecuador, truly, has it all, is easy to get around, and is perfect for adventurous couples, friends, families, and groups alike. 

Highlights

Galapagos Archipelago
Andean Highlands
Amazon Rainforest
Historic Quito

Go Farther:

Choco Rainforest
Hut-to-hut Trekking
Cayambe and Cotopaxi Volcanoes
Yasuni National Park
Guayaquil

Best Season:

Galapagos: Year-round
Andes: Year-round
Amazon:
Rainy: December-June
Rainiest: April-May
Less Rainy:  July-November
Cloud Forest:
Mid (ok): January-May
High (Best): June - December

Our Favorite Yachts, Haciendas and Lodges:

Origin and Theory Yachts

The Origin and Theory are the most comfortable and luxurious yachts operating in the Galapagos. Custom-designed for fuel efficiency and comfort, the Origin & Theory are the ultimate Galapagos cruise vessels, offering exceptional amenities while minimizing environmental impacts. 

Each of the ten, deluxe double staterooms offers panoramic views of the ocean. Individual climate control, fine bed linens, with memory foam and soft pillows ensure a comfortable night's sleep, while an ample sectional closet provides plenty of space for personal items. 

Each cabin has a private bathroom with a dual-flush toilet and a modern rainfall shower with ocean views. Plush towels, waffle bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and biodegradable hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner are provided.

Additional amenities include a vanity nook with a stool and lighted mirror, Apple TV with preloaded movies and documentaries on the Galapagos, and a safe deposit box. Cabins are cleaned twice daily, and a light laundry service is available. There is also a personal espresso machine and tea kettle set up in each cabin.

All staterooms are located on the main Beagle deck with two cabins having interconnecting doors, and two cabins set up to accommodate triples; perfect for families. 

All meals are creatively prepared by expert chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy an open bar policy complete with wine, local beers, and a variety of spirits. The elegant dining room features marble tabletops, Lunch is generally served al fresco on the spacious sundeck, which is equipped with day beds, chaise lounges, tables, hammocks, a four-person Jacuzzi, outdoor shower and wet bar. The intimate indoor bar is always open for hand-crafted cocktails, wine, beer, sodas, juices, coffee, and tea.

​The experienced 13-member Ecuadorian crew includes a high-level captain, a full-time concierge, and two expert naturalist guides – one for every 10 guests, the lowest ratio in the Galapagos.

Mashpi Lodge

Hacienda Zuleta

Napo Wildlife Center

Plaza Grande Hotel

Hacienda La Danesa

Hotel Del Parque

Projects We Support in Galapagos and Ecuador:

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