Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Quito and the Highlands - Galapagos Archipelago
100% customisable for you
After breakfast, meet your private guide who will take you to a lovely viewpoint for an overview of Quito. After soaking up the panoramic views, head down to one of the city's oldest markets to see stacks of herbs and vegetables piled high, as well as mystical natural medicines. You can even experience a traditional limpia - essentially a healing ceremony with local herbs. Continue to the leafy Independence Square for an insight into the city's political history before heading to La Compania church, splendidly adorned with gilded domes. Next on the agenda is San Francisco church to view its dazzling baroque altar. End your day at the Pre-Columbian art museum with over 5,000 archaeological pieces and well worth the guided tour.
This morning a private chauffeur will take you to Quito airport for your two-hour flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. Arrive in the archipelago in the afternoon where you'll catch the ferry to one of the main islands, Santa Cruz. A transfer will take you into the highlands where your guide will brief you on the area's exquisite biodiversity. Stop at the giant tortoise reserve where you can marvel at these Jurassic-like creatures lumbering through the long grass. Then get ready to board your vessel and your marine home for the next four nights. After settling into your cabin, it'll be time for your first dinner on board.
Wake up to wild sea views, and after breakfast take a zodiac to Eden Island, an apt name for this prehistoric landmass. Along the sweeping volcanic coast, you may see blue-footed boobies diving into the water and iguanas perched atop the eroded lava flow. Then it's onto the tiny island of Sombrero Chino, literally translated as 'Chinese hat' due to its conical shape. One of the 'younger' islets, you can discover its host of wildlife along a 400-yard-long coastal walk starting at a crescent white sand beach frequented by sea lions. As you navigate around the bay you'll find excellent opportunities for a swim in the sea and you may even spot a Galapagos penguin or two.
Your voyage ends at Baltra Island, where you disembark. A transfer will take you to the airport in good time for your two-hour flight to Quito. Connect onto the afternoon overnight flight to Madrid, which takes ten-and-a-half-hours.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
