Ultimate Ecuador

Upon arrival into Quito, you’ll be greeted by your driver outside of baggage claim for your transfer to your accommodations at Eurobuilding Hotel. Depending on flight times, it’s possible to head directly to Mashpi Lodge after your flight, but as most flights arrive late at night it’s best to spend a night here before the journey to Mashpi Lodge tomorrow morning.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your driver and guide for your private transfer to Mashpi Lodge. If you’d like, you can stop on the way to see the Tulipe archeological site. Lunch is included at Mashpi Lodge with arrival by 1:30. (If you prefer to arrive later, lunch is not included but you may ask your guide to stop en route and pay for lunch directly.)

Constructed with the perspective that nature comes first, Mashpi Lodge boasts an immersive experience in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador. From the environmentally conscious construction, the majority of the staff being natives from the area, and the emphasis on luxury, Mashpi is a must-stay lodge.The day is yours today to take full advantage of the amenities offered to you by Mashpi Lodge. Your stay here includes a private transfer in and out of the hotel, all meals at the lodge, and guided (shared) activities and excursions within the reserve.

The day is yours today to take full advantage of the amenities offered to you by Mashpi Lodge. Your stay here includes a shared transfer in and out of the hotel, all meals at the lodge, and guided activities and excursions within the reserve. Some sample excursions are:

• Biking or riding aboard the Dragonfly through the canopies of the cloud forest
• Hiking along a trail at night that’s lit by the bioluminescent fungus in search of unique insects
• Searching for Capuchin monkeys
• Swinging along vines through the forest while learning about the local flora and fauna

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your driver for your private transfer back to Quito. (You have the choice of early lunch at Mashpi before departure, or take a boxed lunch for the transfer).

On arrival back in Quito, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure but we can arrange touring at an additional cost.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your guide to begin your exploration of the narrow streets and beautiful squares of Quito’s center. While visiting Itchimbia Park and the historic Old Town, you’ll come across the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Plaza de la Independencia, and the San Francisco church.

This afternoon, you have a few options to choose from. One option is to focus on architecture with visits including the Church of San Agustin, La Compañía, and the Church & Monastery of Santo Domingo, as well as of course some secret passages and even some of the domes and towers for views overlooking the city. For foodies, we’d move the walking tour to the afternoon so that this morning you can visit a traditional market and then a cooking class with a local chef – followed of course by lunch! For a combination of food and art, visit the former residence of artist Oswaldo Guayasamin, Ecuador’s most acclaimed contemporary painter, followed by a tasting session hosted by Ecuadorian brand To’ak.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your driver and guide to start your journey to the world-famous Galapagos Islands. After your flight (flight not included), you’ll meet your driver and guide to head to your accommodations at Galapagos Safari Camp.

On arrival at Baltra airport, you’ll have an excursion across the Santa Cruz island highlands en route to Galapagos Safari camp. The excursion includes a delicious farm-to-table lunch in the western hills, followed by a visit to the Tortoise Reserve. Late afternoon arrival at Galapagos Safari Camp for check-in, a sunset cocktail and dinner.

Your stay at Galapagos Safari Camp includes all three meals daily as well as daily excursions that are mostly land-based with some requiring sea transfers to get the most out of this fascinating island. This is merely a sample, and safaris are completely customizable based on your interests and can focus on scuba diving, longer days on the water, or more hikes to see wildlife (customization may incur additional costs). Speak with your Almaz Journeys travel planner to figure out your best options for your time at Galapagos Safari Camp.

Please note that National Park fees and TCT cards are not included, and will be charged separately.

A day aboard a motor yacht to one of the nearby uninhabited islands close to Santa Cruz: North Seymour, Bartolome, Plazas and Santa Fe. Each is a treasure to explore, and since the Galapagos Marine Reserve is among the largest on the planet, we highly recommend snorkeling today. Please note that all safaris are designed to give you the best possible experience based on time of year and yacht operations, so exact islands you’ll visit will be confirmed once we start planning your trip

Another day aboard a motor yacht exploring uninhabited nearby islands.

Today you’ll explore the eastern part of Santa Cruz island with your private guide and driver. Start with Cerro Mesa Reserve and its incredible views of the island’s largest crater, exotic plants, and seven unique species of finch as well as the vermillion flycatcher. After lunch, continue on to Garrapatero Beach and its amazing contrasts of black lava, mangroves, white sand and turquoise water including the flamingo lagoon. Options today include kayaking and mountain biking.

Enjoy breakfast and the morning at leisure before meeting your driver for transfer to the airport, to fly back to Quito (flight not included).

On arrival, meet your private driver for transfer to Hacienda Zuleta, under 2 hours from Quito. Hacienda Zuleta is steeped in four centuries of history and is a working farm with more than 4,000 acres. Their focus on community projects, like the condor rehabilitation and spectacled bear preservation activities, sustainable tourism, and the warm staff make this a unique destination and great way to end your trip to Ecuador. You don’t even have to leave the property to experience the wildlife in the area, as condors are known to fly overhead and other varieties of birds may flutter by your window. There are numerous activities on foot, horseback, bike and vehicle to enjoy.

Your stay here includes all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of a number of visits both guided and independent listed below. There are also a number of private activities that can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Condor rehabilitation center and flying condor viewpoint.
• Extensive gardens and pond.
• Nearly 40 miles of self-guided trails.
• Visit to the community and nearby sites of interest including embroidery stores, saddle factories, etc.
• 14th century Caranqui archeological pyramids.
• 7 square miles of Hacienda grounds and farm operations: cheese museum, organic vegetable garden, milking sheds, trout farm, etc.
• Foundation – community library and embroidery shop.

The day is yours today to enjoy the wonderful amenities that Hacienda Zuleta has to offer.

After check-out from Hacienda Zuleta, you’ll have the remainder of the day to enjoy the hacienda’s property before a late return to the Quito airport for your overnight flight back home. (Flight not included.)