Day 1 - Arrive Quito

Welcome to Quito!

Upon arrival in Quito you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Quito, nestled at the base of the 15,696 foot Volcán Pichincha, is known for its eternally spring-like climate and for the beauty of its well-preserved colonial center. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was eventually integrated into the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcázar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule, a fact evident in the historic center's splendidly restored colonial buildings and churches lining narrow, cobbled streets. In 1809, Quito established the first self-governing junta in the colonies and the liberator Simón Bolívar led the country as part of the Republic of Greater Colombia until 1830, when the Republic of Ecuador announced its independence. Due to the city’s preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito the first of its World Heritage Sites in 1978. The city is beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 9300 feet, making it the 2nd highest capital city in the world.

Overnight: Casa Gangotena

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Quito

Enjoy breakfast, then begin your tour of colonial Quito. This morning’s sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador’s capital earned its honor as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your tour with a visit to the San Francisco Church and its museum of religious art, La Compañía, with walls covered by seven tons of glittering gold. Visit the bustling Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Quito. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings, and flowering balconies, the historic center is the heartbeat of Quito.

Spinning Top Demonstration:
Jorge Rivadeneira spent much of his childhood in his father’s toy workshop. Electricity was not yet common in Quito and so the toys, especially spinning tops, were made with a mechanical wheel. Jorge had to climb on top of a stool in order to reach the wheel he used to help his father round off and polish the tops.

Now an old man, Jorge’s love for spinning tops has not faded, and his skill with them is unparalleled. He is able to perform more than 100 tricks with tops of different sizes, which he still makes himself at his own workshop.

In the afternoon, you may explore the town at your own leisure.

Overnight: Casa Gangotena

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 3 - The Cloud Forest

Mashpi lodge is located three hours away, 110 kilometers (70 milles) from Quito in the western slope of the occidental flank of the Andes. The rapid change in altitude (from 2800 meters above sea level to 1000 meters above sea level) allows you to discover the wanders of the Andean landscape. The road crosses the valley of Pomasqui dominated by Andean dry forest, and then to the western flank of the Andes through the Cloud Forest. The road ends in Mashpi at the beginning of the tropical rainforest. The monument of “La Mitad del Mundo” (“Middle of the World”), marks the place where you cross the equatorial line. The obelisk located there, commemorates the geodesic mission of the XVIII century that aimed to measure one arc of the meridian in order to prove the elliptical shape of the earth. Straddle both hemispheres at the same time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum which features a display of outfits sported by Ecuador’s various indigenous groups. Or stopover at the Inti Ñan Museum, located at the true equator and explore displays that showcase pre-Columbian life in Ecuador and watch demonstrations of the unique geography, astrology, and natural sciences of the region surrounding the equator.

After being comfortably settled in to your room you will be greeted by one of our naturalists who will give you an introductory talk about the Cloud Forest and its conservation, the activities during your stay and some helpful tips about what to wear and bring with you to the excursions. This talk will take place before lunch at the library and lasts around 30 minutes.

This afternoon, gather together at the lobby and head to the Napa Trail. This trail begins at the side of the road and takes you across pristine forest landscapes as well as areas where the forest is regenerating, making this trail an ideal location for the guides to explain ecological succession processes and the importance of forest conservation for the Chocó region. On the Napa trail witness great scenic views and discover a forest of “iron palm”. This trail is also perfect for bird watching.

It is a moderate difficulty trail and the excursion takes 2 hours.

Overnight: Mashpi Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Exploring the Forest

For early “birds”, watch as the first rays of sun filter through in to the forest and listen out for the atmospheric sound of birds in search for food. A good place for bird watching is the hotel terrace from where you can appreciate not only the beauty of the Cloud Forest but can also view a variety of bird species that come to feed on insects or fruit in the trees around. Always accompanied by a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, our guides will share with you their skill in handling the telescope and give you a close up view of the incredible birds. This activity begins at 06:30 and lasts one hour, after this you enjoy breakfast.

Sky Bike and Canopy Tower
You will depart at 08:30 and head to the Sky Bike and Observation tower, which are located close to the hotel (15 minutes walking). The Sky Bike makes for an original and exciting way to explore the forest canopy up close. Designed for two people to use at once, one person pedals the bike along a cable stretched between two points in the forest, around 200 meters (655 feet) apart, crossing a gorge above a river flowing between rocks and trees below. Silent, easy-to-use and fun, it is an activity that provides guests with another chance to observe the natural world. The minimum height for this activity is one meter tall (3.2 feet) and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Towering above the treetops, Mashpi´s observation tower gives you the opportunity to admire the protected forest in all of its glory and the lodge embedded within it. With a height of 30 meters (100 feet), this is the ideal place for nature lovers and not only allows you to appreciate the complex structure of the forest but also the incredible species that inhabit the treetops and constitute 70% of the diversity throughout the forest. To reach the top, you will have to climb 162 steps, but the rewards are worth it.

The bike ride takes no more than 10 minutes and you will have the option to make a round trip or bike ride just one way and walk back to the lodge on one of our walking trails. The Oxibelis trail takes you to a small waterfall near the road and then back to the lodge. Another alternative is to take the Limones trail to the San Vicente´s waterfall; it will take between 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach this beautiful site. This is a difficult hike and demands you to be in good physical condition as the trail is very steep. This combination of the bike, the observation tower and the hike, takes between 2-4 hours depending on the trail you choose to walk. We will be waiting for you with a refreshing natural juice and fresh towels so you can get ready for lunch with a delicious variety of dishes that will delight your palate.

This afternoon, you will take the Howler Monkeys trail (Aulladores) and explore the Life Center in the middle of the forest. This trail goes across one the original forests where many of the centenarian trees can be found, one being the “copal” tree (Dacryodes cupularis) the most emblematic.

Along this trail your local guide will attempt to show you a variety of colorful birds or the very elusive howler monkeys (Alouatta palliate). While our naturalist guide will discuss the conservation and ecology of the forest. Both will share their extensive knowledge of the forest plants and their uses.

Once in the Life Center, from the comfort of the expansive wooden deck you can enjoy all sorts of wildlife, from birds to rodents and other mammals who are often found visiting our fruit feeders in front of the deck. The center is a hub for learning and discovery, but also somewhere you can disconnect and admire the views. Inside the center you will learn more about the butterflies that inhabit the region. Close to the center, we have established an area for growing a variety of plants, bushes and fruit trees, including; banana and plantain, manioc, cacao, coffee and wild raspberries.

During the evening the forest completely transforms, the sounds and smells are intensified and other senses are awakened. The “night safari” begins at 18:45. You will discover the beauty in the small details, the croaking of frogs or the hum of insects. If you turn off your flashlight you can observe the sparkling lights of fireflies in the woods, or hear the flutter of bats and if you look to the ground you will see the faint glow of bio-luminescent fungi (foxfire or fairy fire) that surrounds you. As you continue through the forest you can hear the call of owls, night birds and the rustling of the branches above you created by the kinkajous (an arboreal mammal relative to the raccoons). This is an overwhelming, spectacular experience. The excursion begins at 19:00 and takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, and you will be back in time for dinner.

Overnight: Mashpi Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - The Northern Andes

Begin today with some early morning bird watching from the hotel lobby and take advantage of the vast amounts of bird species who come near to the hotel to feed on the moths that were attracted to the light during the night.

For the next part of the excursion and after a cup of coffee, you will walk down the road in search of the fascinating mixed-species feeding flocks. This mixed hunting party, consists of a flock of usually insectivorous birds who join each other and move together while foraging. In a single flock you may see over 20 different species of birds, making this encounter the jackpot for bird watchers. This activity takes one hour and you will be back in time for breakfast.

At 08:30 you will leave the hotel and head to Copal waterfall. This hike takes two hours and will take you across a beautiful landscape with views of moss-covered trees, bromelias and orchids.

This trail ends at a spectacular waterfall that stretches over 50 meters high. You will be back to the lodge in time for your transfer to Zuleta, where a box lunch will be provided.

You will then be driven north through dramatic mountain landscapes, via Cayambe to Zuleta. The adobe hacienda, built in 1691, is the centerpiece of a 1600-hectare working farm that was owned by two Ecuadorian presidents, and currently belongs to their descendants. Besides the farming area, the family hacienda has a remarkably successful condor-recovery and breeding project, archaeological remains from 800 AD, a dairy and cheese factory, an organic garden, a trout farm and an embroidery workshop managed by the Foundation Galo Plaza Lasso.

A visit here is an experience through four centuries of Ecuadorian history seeped in pre-Colombian, Spanish and Ecuadorian tradition. From the late 17th century, Hacienda Zuleta was a colonial working farm that was owned and operated by the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, former President of Ecuador, for over 100 years.

You arrive at Zuleta in the afternoon after a drive through lush pasture lands. With some luck you will have stunning views of the snow-capped volcano, Cayambe, which is just a few miles away from Zuleta.

Upon arrival one of the hosts will welcome you personally and assist you with check in to your suite. Once settled, one of the family owners or managers will personally tell you about the activities the hacienda offers and will find out about your personal preferences or needs.

After planning your stay, you will be shown around the main building. You will learn more about Zuleta’s history, see ex-President Galo Plaza Lasso’s private library and the chapel and wander through the beautiful gardens. As the sun sets, it gets chilly at Zuleta, so enjoy some wine and farm made cheese in front of the fireplace while reading a book from the vast library before enjoying dinner.

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Hacienda

If you are an early morning person you might want to enjoy a short walk around the property prior to breakfast. There is a profuse variety of bird life that is attracted to the gardens, and adjacent to the main courtyard, the milking barn is usually full of activity as some of the 300 Holstein dairy cows are being milked by the Hacienda staff.

After a farm breakfast of eggs, pancakes, muesli, fruit and bread, visit the cheese factory to learn about Zuleta´s semi-aged handmade cheeses, how the process has changed throughout history and where the cheeses are sold domestically.

Enjoy the sun and participate in a morning hike, bike or horseback ride and experience the Condor reserve or the “Condor Huasi Project”. In the mornings, you are more likely to see wild Condors soaring as the sunlight creates thermal updrafts. The Condor project is located a short 3 miles from the guesthouse, directly in a native forest valley, and accessible via vehicle, horseback or on foot.

The tour back takes you through pasture land with ancient monuments of the Caranqui culture; seeing both small burial mounds dating back to 700 A.D., and giant ceremonial truncated pyramids from the 13th century.

At lunch you can enjoy freshly caught trout, and have coffee on the patio while admiring the giant hummingbirds that frequently come over to feed.

In the afternoon, opt for a visit to the Zuleta Embroidery project and workshop. Here you will meet with members of the Zuleta community, for which hand embroidery has been an important part of artistic and cultural expression for centuries. The project aims to keep this art form alive in the community through educational components. The project also provides the local people with a sustainable form of income through their own embroidery shop.

When you exit the shop, a horse-drawn carriage will be waiting for you and will take you down the eucalyptus alley to visit the foundation run library. This is where local kids spend their afternoons to get help with homework, read and play. You can also choose to do a more challenging hike up to the Condor viewpoint, which provides a great panoramic view over the Zuleta valley. Spotting's of the Andean Spectacled Bear are common in this area.

You can end the day with a nice hot bath prior to dinner.

Overnight: Hacienda Zuleta

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - The City

After breakfast, head to the Otavalo area and visit the textile and product markets (Saturdays) where you can see many of Ecuador’s unique fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda.

Drive south on the Pan-American Highway and stop at Guachalá and the Quitsato Sundial about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Quito. Here you will find a monument to the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) designed as a huge sundial. Located directly on the equator, the monument incorporates Pre-Colombian ruins offering a fascinating look into the magnificent astronomical knowledge that exists within ancient Andean cultures.

Overnight: Casa Gangotena

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 8 - The Enchanted Islands

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your private guide in the reception area for your transfer to the airport. Board your domestic departure flight.

Check in at Quito international airport. Flight-time from Quito to Guayaquil is 40 minutes. There is also a 40 minute transit at Guayaquil Airport. Flight time from Guayaquil to the Islands is 1 hour 40 minutes.

While in transit, access the VIP Lounge at Baltra Airport. You will later be met by your guides who will transfer you to Itabaca Canal for a seven-minute ferry trip to Santa Cruz Island, followed by a 40 minute scenic trip in private transport to Pikaia Lodge, for check in.

A light lunch at Evolution restaurant or on the pool terrace will be followed by a briefing with a complimentary welcome cocktail at the DNA Bar.

Relax and familiarize yourself with the lodge and its facilities. Walk, jog or cycle the 3.5 kilometer (five mile) trails within the lodge boundaries or swim in the pool.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - The Galapagos

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Santa Cruz Island. Each morning activity is planned carefully taking into consideration satellite weather imagery and tide charts. Land activities for a maximum of 16 people will be offered by the lodge chosen from the list below.

Land Activities Included In The Package:

• Los Gemelos Sinkholes & Scalesia Forest
• Giant tortoises farm in Rancho Chato II
• Lava tunnels
• Charles Darwin Scientific Research Center
• Puerto Ayora and Fish Market

You can relax and enjoy your days at the Lodge independently as well. Mountain bikes, helmets, snorkeling equipment and wet suits are available without charge at the front desk or on board our yacht. It is recommended to pre-book early to take advantage of any optional third party activities not included in the package. All extra activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, catch and release fishing and diving, might have an extra cost (e.g. taxis, gear, guides, depending on activity and time). Please note that these optional programs are not carried out by the hotel. While we work with well-known and specialized local tour operators, we cannot accept any responsibility for their activities or services.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 10 - Yacht Cruise

The yacht cruise to Santa Fe and South Plaza Island, is a full-day program on board Pikaia I Yacht. Private cabins are assigned and you have the option to have breakfast on board. On arrival to the island, hiking or snorkeling activities will be offered until midday.

Formed by uplifting rather than by a volcano, Santa Fe is known for having one of the most beautiful coves in all the Galapagos. Some of the island’s endemic species include the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, rice rats, different types of finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. The visit includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions will usually accompany swimmers and snorkelers during beach time.

Enjoy a buffet lunch where Ecuadorian food is served while the yacht sails to the next point of visit for an afternoon exploration.

South Plaza Island is the southern partner of two small crescent-shaped islands that lie just a few hundred meters (600 feet) off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The northern island is used for scientific purposes only. South Plaza is one of the smallest yet richest islands in the archipelago. Only 130 meters wide (426 feet), it was formed from an uplifted seabed, giving it a tilted table-top quality.

Two hours before sunset the yacht sets sail for Pikaia Lodge. While sailing, you can rest, shower, or freshen up in their air-conditioned private cabins, soak in the Jacuzzi, watch a Galapagos documentary, join a discussion with guides, sunbathe or watch for seabirds or dolphins.

Overnight: Pikaia Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 11 - Mainland Ecuador

This morning, head to the airport for your flight back. Transfer to Baltra Airport and check in for your return flight.

Welcome to Guayaquil!

Upon arrival to Guayaquil airport, meet your private guide who will transfer you to Hacienda La Danesa.

Overnight: Hacienda La Danesa

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 12 - La Danesa

La Danesa is a traditional dairy and cacao farm with over 145 years of rich heritage and history, located about a 1 hour drive from Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Family-owned and managed by the third generation Olsen family, the farm offers a unique selection of tailor-made activities, including horseback riding trails, hands-on artisan chocolate making and other hacienda-related programs. La Danesa is just 30 meters above sea level and it is the perfect adventure to combine with Galapagos excursions without having to worry about altitude sickness.

Lunch will be at the farm.

Cacao Plantation
Ecuador is recognized for offering the finest quality cacao in the world. Guests will visit the cacao plantation where they will have the chance to taste raw cacao at different ripening stages and enjoy a hands-on experience of making artisan chocolate. (1 hour)

Bicycle Trails
Ride a fat-tire bicycle around the farm to explore the beautiful area at any time during your stay. A map and cycling route signs will guide you through different trails. (1 hour)

Cow Milking
La Danesa celebrates 20 years as the best dairy farm in coastal Ecuador. It produces 1200 liters of high quality milk per day. To make lunchtime even more special, La Danesa presents one of its grass-fed cattle to give you a firsthand experience of milking and the opportunity to try unpasteurized fresh milk. (15 minutes)

Petting Farm Animals
At La Danesa taking the best care of their large and diverse stock of farm animals is very important. From goats, horses, cows to birds, chickens, and many more. It is a truly fun experience for both kids and adults to bond with the farm animals and experience authentic country life. (30 minutes)

Optional activities
Horseback Riding.

Overnight: Hacienda La Danesa

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 13 - Guayaquil

Enjoy breakfast and then head to the Guayaquil Historical Park. The park is a must-see attraction with three zones: wildlife, traditions, and urban. You will be able to observe the native flora and fauna of Guayaquil as well as see a representation of the customs and lives of coastal farmers recreated in a typical hacienda house.

In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing in Guayaquil. Visit the commercial center, the Malecón 2000 along the Guayas River, the Parque Seminario (locally known as “Iguana park” due to the many land iguanas lounging in the grass and trees) and the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas for a visit to one of the local museums.

Overnight: Hotel del Parque

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 14 - Inbound Flight

After breakfast, your guide will be waiting at the lobby to assist you with your airport transfer.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B