A nature lovers' adventure cruising the wildlife kingdom of the Galapagos Islands and the delightfully unknown Cloud Forests

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

What's included

  • Four-night luxury Galapagos cruise
  • Excursions lead by naturalist experts
  • Private tour options in Guayaquil and Quito
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Meet and greet airport service
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Combining two of Ecuador‘s richest locations for wildlife, the iconic Galapagos Islands and its relatively unknown Cloud Forests, this a trip for those that love the natural world..

After two nights in coastal Guayuaquil, embark upon a four-night cruise of the Galapagos Islands where you will spend your days getting up close to its unique and often fearless creatures and discovering the distinct geology of the different islands. You can also dive into its waters to snorkel with its inquisitive and vibrant marine life

Then, return to the Ecuadorian mainland, for two nights in the charming capital Quito before journeying to the rather under-discovered Cloud Forests of the Chocó region. This pristine environment is one of the most biodiverse places on earth – home to a staggering 400 species of bird, 112 species of amphibian and reptile, monkeys and even puma. Based out of the incredible Mashpi Lodge, one of the most innovative eco lodges in the world, explore the canopy, waterfalls and forest floor on a range of expertly guided excursions.

Depending on your particular interests, we will include as many or as little activities as you wish, to ensure that your Ecuadorian adventure is just right for you.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-3

Guayaguil

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Meet and greet at Guayaquil airport

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Guayaquil

Accommodation in Guayaguil

Two nights in Guayaquil Two nights in Guayaquil

The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country's economic hub. With a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments, we can help you make the most of your short time here.

'Full day tour to El Castillo cocoa farm' 'Full day tour to El Castillo cocoa farm'

Head out of Guayaquil to Hacienda El Castillo, a traditional cacao farm. After a warm welcome at the main house, visit the chocolate factory, where you will see all the process of turning cocoa beans into fine chocolate. Guests can also relax in the hammocks, hike and birdwatch in the original native forest or along cocoa and mango plantations. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the main house’s dining room before returning to Guayaquil in the early afternoon.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Guayaquil airport

Flight

Flight to the Galapagos

Days 3-7

Galapagos

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer and check in to your yacht in the Galapagos

GALAPAGOS CRUISE SHIPS AND YACHTS

Four night Galapagos cruise Four night Galapagos cruise

Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galapagos Islands on your choice of Jacada's selected luxury expedition cruises. The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose, our travel designer will help you choose which suits you best.

Galapagos Tortoise
Nature walks on the Islands Nature walks on the Islands

There will be a number of varied nature trails with your guides to the different islands on your itinerary to explore both the wildlife up close and the astonishing geology of the islands.

Two Galapagos Sea Lions Frolic Together Underwater
Panga rides and snorkelling Panga rides and snorkelling

Small group excursions by inflatable 'panga' zodiac boats to snorkel and see the dense marine wildlife.

Flights & transfers

Flight

Flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil)

Days 7-9

Quito

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Quito

Accommodation in Quito

Two nights in Quito Two nights in Quito

Enjoy Ecuador's capital, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this historical city and contemporary hub. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours to booking fine restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here.

Otavalo Market tour Otavalo Market tour

This full-day tour begins with an early start for the journey to Otavalo Market where you will enjoy amazing Andean landscapes. The day will consist of a visit to the town of Peguche and a handcraft tour, during which you will witness weaving processes at a local textile workshop. Lunch is also included and can be enjoyed at Pinsaqui, Puerto Lago or Hacienda Cusin.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer your lodge in The Cloud Forests

Days 9-11

The Cloud Forests

Lodges in the Cloud Forests

Two nights at Mashpi Lodge Two nights at Mashpi Lodge

Time to enjoy the natural evergreen environment of the misty Cloud Forests. If you wish we can arrange privately guided activities to fill your time here. Perhaps you would like to take a privately guided walk along the nature trails, enjoy a canopy tour, horse ride through the misty forests or take some time to practice some yoga. Mashpi Lodge is a stunning, design-led eco lodge set in the 1,300-hectare (3,200-acres) Masphi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, part of the globally-important Tumbez-Chocó-Darien ecosystem. Spend your nights in high contemporary comfort and your days exploring the primary rainforest with nature trails, bathing in waterfalls and going on night-time walks; all to discover the array of creatures and delicate flora that reside here.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Quito airport

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Ecuador Nature Explorer

11-Day Example Trip
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We create fully personalised trips from start to finish, working with you to pick locations, accommodation and guides that suit you.

Every trip helps support Conservation.

From in-depth private tours to restaurant reservations, we take care of every detail so you can make the most of your journey.

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