Wildlife Wonders of the Cloud Forest and Galapagos Islands

Day 1

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.

Transfer to your hotel in Quito, the Andean capital of Ecuador. The active volcano Guagua Pichincha, to the east, glowers over the dynamic city which, at 2,850m, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Quito is divided into two contrasting districts. The modern zone is characterised by towering glass buildings and houses banks, international companies, hotels, shops and restaurants, while the central colonial area has well-conserved and spruced-up 16th-century buildings, open-air markets and graceful Spanish-style mansions and churches.

Stay at - Casona de la Ronda

Day 2

Guided walking tour of colonial Quito.

Get to know Quito on a full-day excursion taking you on a historical journey through Ecuador’s capital city. You will learn about its ancient pre-Columbian origins, its foundation and the transition through its Colonial and Republican periods. After a drive up to a viewpoint for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s layout, stroll through the colonial centre, founded by the Spanish on the ruins of an Inca settlement. Admire the Baroque architecture and art; its many plazas; the cobblestone street of La Ronda with its flowery balconies; and the splendidly restored Jesuit church.

Stay at - Casona de la Ronda

Day 3

By road to the cloud forest

Transfer by road along winding mountain passes through the varying elevations of the cloud forest. You will stay at a charming property based deep in the forest, surrounded by well-marked hiking trails designed to get you in amongst the chattering and squawking of the bountiful bird life.

For an even more extraordinary experience we recommend upgrading to a stay at Mashpi Lodge. This contemporary eco-lodge sits in the heart of the Mashpi Reserve, home to a sensational variety of flora and fauna, including nearly 400 species of bird. Potential activities there include: birdwatching, jungle and waterfall hikes, canopy tower climbs, canopy sky-bike rides; And the Dragonfly – an unparalleled gondola journey through the jungle treetops, at eye level with some of the forest critters that are normally difficult to spot from the ground.

Stay at - Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Eco-lodge

Days 4-5

Range of hikes from the lodge

Enjoy two full days of activities within the reserve. There are several well signposted trails for you to follow, either with a guide (at additional cost) or on your own.

Bellavista’s 400-hectare reserve is home to a huge variety of birds, including the mountain toucan, white-faced nunbird and countless hummingbirds. It is also home to some spectacular flora, with many different species of orchids, just some of those hiding beneath the canopy. 270 kinds of mammals also roam these lands.

There are also several different waterfalls and conservation projects that can be seen, with sustainable tourism, sustainable agriculture and sustainable development all key focuses for the region.

Stay at - Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Eco-lodge

Day 6

By road to Quito.

After enjoying another morning at the lodge, transfer back to Quito for an overnight stay near the airport.

Stay at - Holiday Inn Airport Hotel – Quito

Day 7

Fly to the Galapagos and board your expedition cruise

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands where you will embark your vessel for a 7-day/6-night cruise around the archipelago. Your naturalist guide will be waiting to take you to the quayside.

Stay at - Treasure of Galapagos

Days 8-12

Expedition cruise around the Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands emerged in the Pacific Ocean 6 million years ago following a spate of volcanic activity and, isolated from the continental mainland, have become home to unique plant and animal species. Without fear of humans, they are sufficiently trusting to allow you to approach them and observe them up close. The islands were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which formed the basis for his revolutionary book ‘On the Origin of Species’, published in 1859.

Although geologically constantly on the move, these islands remain suspended in time, with giant tortoises, iguanas, penguins, frigate birds, waved albatross, blue-footed boobies and a wealth of rare flora all thriving there. For many, the fascinating and unique wildlife and natural beauty of the islands are matched by the thrill of being at sea. Find a spot on deck as you make your way through the ocean, often trailed by flocks of birds and playful dolphins.

The itinerary for your days in the Galápagos will depend on your date of departure and is subject to change. There are normally two landings a day to seek out the different wildlife that inhabits the islands.

Stay at - Treasure of Galapagos

Day 13

Fly to the mainland and connect with your international flight home.

Disembark the vessel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland and onward flight home or contact us for ideas on how to continue your adventure.