Jewels of Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Our first day of exploration begins in Quito, one of South America's best-preserved colonial capitals and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We discover the historic centre on foot, beginning at Independence Square, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the city's impressive cathedral. As we continue through Quito’s atmospheric historic centre, we pass the richly decorated facade of La Compañía Church before arriving in the San Francisco district. Our morning finishes at an Ecuadorian chocolate museum where we learn how artisanal, bean-to-bar chocolate is made and enjoy a tasty sample. Later, we visit the summit of El Panecillo Hill, where panoramic views stretch across the city and the surrounding Andean peaks. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Today is free to explore Quito at your own pace. Wander the cobbled streets of the historic centre or discover more of the city on an optional excursion. Choose to visit the Museo Casa del Alabado pre-Columbian museum before enjoying a traditional cookery class, explore Quito's Botanical Gardens and La Capilla del Hombre, dedicated to the renowned Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, or tour Chaupi Estancia Winery, a high-altitude vineyard, with an included wine tasting. This evening there is the opportunity to enjoy a performance by Ballet Jacchigua, celebrating Ecuador’s rich folkloric traditions through music and dance.

Following breakfast, we leave Quito and travel south along the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes, where a chain of snow-capped peaks creates one of Ecuador's most spectacular landscapes. Revered in Kichwa culture, volcanoes hold profound spiritual, cultural and ecological significance. Our destination is Cotopaxi National Park, home to the striking Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. We begin at the park's Interpretation Centre before continuing to Limpiopungo Lagoon, which sits at 3,950 metres. Set beneath the shadow of Cotopaxi’s summit, there are impressive views of the imposing volcano and a real sense of its immense natural power. We enjoy a gentle walk with the chance to spot local wildlife, including wild horses, deer, native birdlife and, with a little luck, the magnificent Andean condor soaring overhead. On our return to Quito, we visit a traditional rose plantation to discover how Ecuador's famous roses are harvested and carefully prepared for export around the world.

This morning we explore the famous Saturday market in Otavalo, regarded as one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Popular with both tourists and locals, enjoy free time to experience the lively buzz and atmosphere of the market. Wander through Plaza de los Ponchos, where colourful stalls display an impressive array of handwoven textiles, ponchos, tapestries, jewellery and traditional handicrafts crafted by artisans from across the region. Beyond the artisan market, the surrounding food markets and plazas offer an authentic glimpse into daily life, as local families gather to shop, socialise and continue traditions that have been part of Otavalo for generations. Returning to our hotel, take in the sunset over the Andes whilst enjoying a mixology experience at the rooftop bar.

Following breakfast, we begin our journey back to Quito. We stop at Cuicocha Lagoon, a striking crater lake sitting at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano and enjoy a walk to take in views across the deep-blue waters and the small volcanic islands that rise from its centre. We continue to the town of Cotacachi, a Kichwa community long known as Ecuador's centre of leather craftsmanship, where there is time to browse the artisan shops lining its streets. Later, we visit Quitsato, a monument positioned exactly on the equator itself, where we learn more about the significance of this remarkable location. Returning to the outskirts of Quito, later this afternoon we check in to our hotel for the night, Hotel Rincon de Puembo. There is time to relax before dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Waking to the remote landscapes of the Galápagos, we find ourselves surrounded by the dramatic volcanic scenery of Genovesa Island, known for its birdlife and rugged lava cliffs. After breakfast on board, we set out to El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip's Steps. Exploring the island’s volcanic terrain on foot, a rocky staircase leads to a plateau frequented by Nazca boobies, Red-footed boobies and Red-billed tropicbirds. After returning to our ship for lunch, we later visit Darwin Bay, stepping ashore from our panga boat to explore this wildlife-rich island setting. Here, swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds and Red-footed boobies can often be seen amongst the mangroves, offering another fascinating insight into the remarkable wildlife of the Galápagos. This evening can be spent swapping stories with fellow travellers or simply taking in the sweeping ocean views.

Today we explore two islands, each offering a different perspective on the wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos. This morning, we visit South Plaza Island, where a walk reveals a striking landscape of red succulents and Opuntia cacti, as well as sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and land iguanas. Along the cliffs, frigatebirds and Red-billed tropicbirds can often be seen gliding on the coastal air currents. Returning to the ship for lunch, we later continue to Santa Fe Island, where a sandy beach and protected bay provide a beautiful setting for the afternoon's exploration. There is time for snorkelling in the turquoise waters, spotting sea lions, turtles and rays before taking a walk on the island, passing giant cacti and looking out for the distinctive Santa Fe land iguana. We return to the MV Galápagos Legend late afternoon.

This morning, we head into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we have one of the best opportunities to observe giant Galápagos tortoises. During a short walk through this lush, elevated landscape, we may also spot some of the island's famed finches and other highland birdlife. Returning to the ship for lunch, we later visit Bachas Beach, a beautiful stretch of pale sand on the island's northern coast, named after the wrecked World War II barges that are still visible in the sand today. Here, there is time to enjoy a walk along the shore, where marine iguanas and wading birds can often be seen around the nearby lagoon, and, with luck, flamingos may also be spotted. The beach is also an important nesting site for green turtles, whose distinctive tracks are sometimes visible in the sand. We return to our boat for an evening onboard.

Having sailed through the night this morning we arrive at Egas Port on Santiago Island, where black volcanic sand and a dramatic shoreline create a striking setting for our first exploration of the day. During a walk along the coast, we look out for marine iguanas, shorebirds and a small colony of Galápagos fur seals resting amongst the rocks. Later we continue to Rábida Island, known for its distinctive red-sand beach. Exploring the island on foot, our walk takes us through a landscape of cacti and palo santo trees, with opportunities to spot sea lions, finches and mockingbirds along the way. Later, we return to the MV Galápagos Legend to relax on board and enjoy dinner this evening.

Today we discover Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos and one of the most geologically fascinating. This morning, we visit Urbina Bay, where a dramatic geological uplift in 1954 raised part of the seabed above the waterline, leaving coral formations exposed on land. During a walk through this unusual landscape at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, we may encounter land iguanas and, if we are lucky, Giant tortoises endemic to the island. Later, we continue to Tagus Cove, a sheltered inlet once used by pirates and later visited by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. Here, we explore a striking volcanic landscape on foot, passing Darwin Lake and taking in views towards Isabela's dramatic northern volcanoes.

Our final full day in the Galápagos! This morning, we visit Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, where marine iguanas gather in large numbers along the lava-strewn shore, often alongside Galápagos penguins. There is the opportunity to walk across the volcanic terrain and, for those who wish, enjoy some snorkelling. Later, we continue to Punta Vicente Roca on the north-west coast of Isabela Island, where immense cliffs rise from the sea beneath the remnants of an ancient volcano. This dramatic setting is explored from the water, with opportunities to search for green turtles, penguins and seabirds resting on the rocky ledges above. Returning to the MV Galápagos Legend, we gather for our final evening on board, a special opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments of our time in the islands as we enjoy dinner together.

After breakfast, we disembark our ship and begin our final Galápagos excursion in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we visit the fascinating Pit Craters. Formed by the collapse of surface material into underground fissures rather than by direct volcanic activity, these dramatic formations are surrounded by endemic Scalesia forest. As we explore, there is the chance to spot vermilion flycatchers amongst the trees and, with luck, observe Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We board our ferry to cross the Itabaca Channel, before continuing to Baltra Airport for our flight back to mainland Ecuador via Guayaquil. On arrival we continue to Papallacta. Set in the Andes at an altitude of 3,300 metres between the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana reserves, this small mountain town is renowned for its natural thermal springs and dramatic high-altitude scenery. On arrival at our hotel, the Termas Papallacta Hotel & Spa, in the early evening, there is time to relax and perhaps enjoy a dip in the thermal pools before we gather for a farewell canelazo, a traditional warm Ecuadorian drink, followed by dinner together at the hotel.

This morning is free to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Papallacta. Perhaps take time to relax in the hotel's natural thermal pools, explore one of the nearby walking trails or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and views of the surrounding landscape. This afternoon, we transfer to Quito Airport for our overnight flight with British Airways/Iberia Airways, via Madrid, back to the UK.

This morning, we arrive at London Heathrow bringing an end to our incredible adventure through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Alternatively, if choosing KLM, you will fly to your chosen UK airport via Amsterdam.