Warmly greeted at Quito airport, you'll settle into an historic mansion on the main square before heading north into the highlands, via the famous market at Otavalo, to a hacienda owned by the family of a former President of Ecuador. Then it's on to the Galapagos and a top-of-range Eco catamaran for five nights among the islands.
Arrive and transfer to an elegant hotel in the Plaza San Francisco, with the rest of the day free to recover from your journey and enjoy the rooftop terrace views.
A half-day guided city tour introducing Quito's history and culture, starting near the main square and concluding on El Panecillo hill for panoramic views.
Drive north through the highlands, stopping at Otavalo's famous market for handicrafts, woven fabrics and jewellery, then continue to Hacienda Zuleta, a charming working farm in the Andes.
A wide choice of activities at no extra charge: waymarked walking trails, bird watching, mountain biking, a guided tour of the farm and cheese factory, or simply relaxing at the hacienda.
A free morning to explore the hacienda's grounds or visit the nearby condor rearing centre, before driving back to Quito for the night.
Fly to Baltra and board Eco Galaxy. An afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the islands' conservation projects.
Moreno Point's extensive lava fields and brackish lagoons with flamingos and herons, then Elizabeth Bay's mangroves and channels, one of the best spots to see Galapagos penguins.
Urbina Bay's dramatic 1950s uplift with land iguanas and Galapagos hawks, then Tagus Cove's Palo Santo forest, Darwin's lake, and boat views of penguins and marine iguanas.
Punta Espinosa's huge marine iguana colony and sea lions, then Punta Vicente Roca's tall cliffs, pelicans, boobies, Galapagos fur seals and marine iguanas.
Puerto Egas' wildlife-rich coastline and the Grottos' fur seal colony, then Rabida's red sand beach, salt lagoon and excellent snorkelling.
An early morning panga tour at Black Turtle Cove among green sea turtles and rays, before disembarking and flying back to the mainland.
Rabida is shown via neighbouring Santiago.
These are the styles of place this trip is built around. We pick the exact hotel, hacienda and yacht together, based on what you want and when you travel.
An elegant 1920s townhouse on Plaza San Francisco, a member of Relais & Chateaux.
A 17th-century working farm owned by the family of a former Ecuadorian president, known for its cheese and hospitality.
An eight-cabin catamaran built to high ecological standards, with a comfortable lounge and en-suite cabins.
Twelve days pairing historic Quito, the hummingbirds of the Mashpi cloudforest and a luxury cruise through the islands.