Inspiration Itinerary

Ecuador's Haciendas and Galapagos

Culture and wildlife intertwined

Celebrate the unique biodiversity of Ecuador

Enjoy just over two weeks in Ecuador with a variety of cultural and wildlife experiences on offer. Commence in Guayaquil, the hub to the Galapagos Islands with a one night stay at the Hotel del Parque in the historic park. Already here feel a sense of Ecuadorian history and culture with the tram line that runs through the grounds of the property, enjoy the wildlife within the park area, appreciate the flora including the bounty of orchids in season, and feel a sense of comfort with a laidback, quiet start to your journey and in such a beautiful setting.

Fly to the Galapagos and spend a week about the M/Y Grace, an authentic classic adventure yacht for those seeking to explore the Galapagos in style. Further appreciate the history of the vessel itself and wonder at knowing you’re aboard the boat previously owned by millionaire tycoons and royalty, and while sailing from island to island, enjoy the days snorkelling, swimming, walking or with sundowners on the deck all in between seeing incredible wildlife such as seals, sharks, blue-footed boobies, penguins, frigate birds, tortoises, flamingoes, sally lightfoot crabs and more!

Continue the adventure back on the mainland near Guayaquil at a hacienda with outstanding farm to table food, great horse riding opportunities, cacao farm tours, hiking or perhaps try milking a cow by hand!

Fly across to cobble-stoned Quito city centre and stay at Casa Gangotena, the best property in the plaza area, enjoy an afternoon high tea, take the time to walk about the plaza area, head to the Middle of the World to experience being on a zero latitude and before the final part of your journey, stop in Otavalo and visit the markets and get an insight into Ecuadorian culture – from the weaving and weavers, to the musicians, and the hat makers.

Your final stop is in the Ecuadorian highlands at Hacienda Zuleta. Take time out to enjoy home-style meals, cheese straight from the dairy farm, look out at the alpacas in the former-monastery, take a horse ride and visit the condor centre or possibly see them out in the wild too, the more adventurous can go mountain bike riding, the less-inclined may wish to do embroidery with the local ladies, or take up a cooking class.

All in all, a great two week adventure with so many different activities on offer depending on energy levels, time, weather and of course personal interest in culture, wildlife, flora and fauna.

15 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

DAY 1 | GUAYAQUIL

Arrive to Guayaquil and check in to your hotel. The afternoon and evening is at leisure and you can explore the historical parklands.

DAY 2 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Fly to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos and after a bus and zodiac ride, boat your boat, the MY Grace for your 7 night itinerary. Explore San Cristobal, Isla Lobos & Kicker Rock

DAY 3 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Explore Espanola Island, Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay

DAY 4 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Today visit Floreana Island, Post Office Bay and Baroness View Point, then in the afternoon go to Cormorant Point and Champion Islet

DAY 5 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Step ashore at Santa Cruz Island and visit Dragon Hill, then the Highlands and Puerto Ayora

DAY 6 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Head to Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach and in the afternoon, Chinese Hat

DAY 7 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Stop at the small island of La Rabida and later visit Santiago Island and Sullivan Bay

DAY 8 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Disembark onto Bartolome Island, Pinnacle Rock and Overlook. Later today explore North Seymour Island

DAY 8 | NEAR GUAYAQUIL

This morning visit Mosquera Islet and enjoy some last minute photos before transferring to the airport, then flying to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival to Guayaquil, road transfer for just over an hour to Hacienda La Danesa and the evening is at leisure

DAY 9 | NEAR GUAYAQUIL

Enjoy activities on site such as horse riding, milking the cows, biking, hiking, a cacao experience, river tubing, or walking about the gardens and enjoying delicious farm to table food.

DAY 10 | QUITO

Road transfer back to Guayaquil and fly to Quito. Check into Casa Gangotena and enjoy an afternoon high tea at your accommodation. Evening at leisure

DAY 11 | QUITO

Head out with your guide on a walking tour of Colonial Quito, meander the cobblestone streets, then drive to the Middle of the World and mark the Earth’s zero latitude.

DAY 12 | HIGHLANDS

Drive from Quito to the Andean Highlands, stopping at Otavalo to walk about the markets, for a local lunch and to visit the people of Peguche, famous for their weavings, hats, belts and music. Late this afternoon check into Hacienda la Danesa and enjoy cheese and wine and a home cooked meal and relax for the evening.

DAY 13 | HIGHLANDS

Enjoy activities at the hacienda such as cycling, horse riding, a carriage ride, bird watching and searching for condors, an embroidery class, cooking class, or enjoy farm activities.

DAY 14 | HIGHLANDS

Further enjoy activities at the hacienda today.

DAY 15 | END OF ARRANGEMENTS

Return to Quito and fly home/end of arrangements

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Hotel Del Parque – Guayaquil

Housed in a in a lovingly restored 19th century property, Hotel del Parque is characterful yet elegant, nestled in a tropical garden oasis where you will wake each morning to the sounds of parrots and spider monkeys. Enjoy the garden of orchids, tram lines through the grounds and an insight into the area's history. Read More

Quasar M/Y Grace

The M/Y Grace is an authentic classic adventure yacht for those seeking to explore the Galapagos in true style. M/Y Grace’s stellar past includes ownership by millionaire tycoons, royalty and stint in the British Navy. Set aboard the yacht to explore the Galapagos Islands on 7 night journeys with a maximum of 16 guests onboard. Read more

Hacienda La Danesa – near Guayaquil

An hours' drive from Guayaquil, Hacienda la Danesa is a traditional dairy and cacao farm with over 145 years of rich heritage and history. Experience authentic rural life in beautiful surroundings, with activities on offer such as horse riding, river tubing, having a go at milking a cow or attending a chocolate and cacao workshop. Read More

Casa Gangotena – Quito

Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel sits within a carefully restored historic mansion overlooking the historic Plaza San Francisco. It offers 31 rooms decorated with eye-catching style and contemporary design. Sophisticated and eclectic Casa Gangotena retains all its historic charm with a sense of contemporary chic. Read More

Hacienda Zuleta – Ecuadorian Highlands

Located in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, Hacienda Zuleta is a colonial working farm of 4,000 acres with a distinctly homely feel. Paddock-to-plate style dining presents delicious homegrown produce while horseback riding, mountain biking and horse drawn carriage trips showcase the farm, mountain views idyllic rural life. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

The M/Y Grace runs according to a set schedule – journeys either commence in San Cristobal and finish at Baltra Island, OR commence in Baltra and end at San Cristobal.

8 and 15 day cruises are possible.

M/Y Grace and Evolution are child-friendly

Scuba diving is available at an additional cost

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

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