Luxury Galapagos Vacation
An exclusive luxury boat tour of the magnificent Galapagos region, alongside a stay in the historical capital of Quito
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Marvel at the Galapagos' incredible wildlife, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas and penguins
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Get up close to the marine wildlife in panga boats
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Snorkel and swim with playful sea lions
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito
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Discover the islands' most alluring landscapes during a range of nature hikes
What's included
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Luxury Galapagos cruise
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Two nights in Quito prior to departure
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Excursions lead by naturalist experts
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Meet and greet airport service
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Internal flights
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Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
The ideal trip for those hoping to discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos in the very finest style, the Luxury Galapagos Vacation adventure is designed to showcase the flora and fauna of this incredible part of the world, as well as give you the chance to explore Ecuador’s historic capital, Quito.
Beginning in the beautiful and culture-rich capital, Quito, you’ll have the chance to explore the world’s first ever UNESCO World Heritage city, discovering its 16th-century colonial area and range of impressive and memorable landmarks.
After your time in the city, you’ll make for the incredible Galapagos Islands. We’ve selected the best boats in the area for you to choose from, ensuring you get to see all of the unique flora and fauna of this exceptional wildlife kingdom, including the species that inspired Charles Darwin’s novel ‘Origin of Species’. You’ll be guided by naturalist experts throughout, from your land excursions and nature trails to snorkelling and far-reaching wildlife tours.
Example trip itinerary
Quito
Transfer
Private transfer from Quito airport to your hotel
Accommodation in Quito
- 31 rooms
- Restaurant
- TV
- WiFi
- Room upgrade will be provided subject to availability
- Box of Pacari chocolates upon arrival
Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments.
Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era.
We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Cafe
- A/C
- Spa (gym, sauna, massage)
- TV
- WiFi
- Wine Cellar
The Plaza Grande, set in a beautifully converted Belle Epoque mansion of one of the city’s founding fathers, is not lacking in history.
The hotel is set in a prime spot in the beautiful old town on the Plaza de la Independencia. Fitting to the setting and history of the building the hotel is decorated in luxurious and opulent style with heavy drapes, tapestries and artwork adorning the walls.
As well as the traditional fittings, rooms are appointed with all of the modern amenities that one might expect from a hotel of this calibre, with 42 inch flat screen televisions, jacuzzis and sound-proofed windows installed in all the rooms.
Service is excellent and the hotel has several restaurants and a well-stocked wine cellar.
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, as well as book fine restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here.
Classic Quito half day tour
Start the tour seeing the 16th century colonial area of the city. These buildings include Independence Square, San Francisco and La Compañía churches. The tour continues with a visit to Itchimbía Hill from where you can have a wonderful view of downtown Quito and the surrounding mountains.
Transfer
Private transfer from your Quito hotel to Quito airport
Flight
Flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands (via Guayaquil)
Galapagos
Galapagos cruise ships and yachts
- Family programme on select dates
- Restaurant, Al-fresco dining areas and bar
- Library
- Sun Deck
- Al-fresco dining area
- Hot tub
The vessel has capacity for just 48 guests, striking a good balance between size and facilities. All of the twenty four staterooms are located mid-ship on the upper deck and come with spacious double or twin beds. As one of the newer boats in the Galápagos, La Pinta is kitted out with the latest equipment and has an excellent restaurant and bar, jacuzzi and a gym.
All tours are conducted with small groups of just ten guests or less with expert naturalist guides. Travellers have exclusive use of snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, wetsuits and trips in the glass bottomed boat.
- 50 staterooms and suites (100 guests)
- Two Restaurants
- Onboard team of naturalist guides
- Boutique/Library
- Main Lounge
- Snorkelling Area
- Piano Bar
- Beauty Salon, Fitness Centre, Jacuzzi, & Massage Room
The latest addition of luxury cruise ships to explore the Galápagos Islands, Silver Galapagos, will sail all year round on carefully planned itineraries and is naturally suited to in-depth explorations of this spectacular region.
Built to accommodate 100 guests and 75 crew, this is one of the larger boats sailing the islands but with more amenities, greater luxury, professional butlers and a maximum of 14 guests per excursion, the Silver balances its size well with attentive service and intimate guiding.
Offering all ocean-view accommodations most with private verandas, a dedicated team of naturalists onboard and complimentary shore excursions at all ports, the Silver Galapagos offers intrepid adventures with all-inclusive, elegant interludes. Observe unique ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Plus there will be many opportunities to swim and snorkel with the sea-life found in the tranquil clear waters. The more you explore, the more you will marvel at the wonders of nature.
- 8 spacious cabins with their own private balconies
- Lounge
- Dining room
- Several outdoor decks from which to dine and observe the sights
- Jacuzzi
- Sundeck
Ocean Spray is a well-equipped and very reasonably priced vessel.
With a capacity for only 16 guests with eight very spacious cabins (the top four are 32m² in size) all with their own private balconies, this is a cruiser that prizes an intimate and comfortable Galápagos experience for its guests.
Enjoy al fresco dining on the deck to soaking in the Jacuzzi after your day’s excursions.
A comprehensive schedule of land-based and boat excursions to the islands will be discussed with you before the trip and when you first board the Ocean Spray. Talk to our designers for more details.
- 20 cabins
- Jacuzzi
- Sun deck
- Dining room and lounge
- Guided nature walks
- Snorkeling
- Glass-bottomed boat trips
The Isabella II is a comfortable expedition yacht and also one of the smaller vessels of this standard in the Galápagos with capacity for just 40 passengers.
The 20 cabins are relatively spacious with double, twin and triple rooms available. Decor is modern and sophisticated. On the main deck you’ll find the dining room, library and bar while the boat deck is home to the fitness room, an al fresco bar and hot tub.
Guiding is excellent on the Isabela and there is state-of-the-art technology for multimedia presentations and natural history lectures. There are glass-bottomed boats, kayaks and pangas for exploring as well as snorkelling equipment for getting up close to the Galápagos’ incredible marine wildlife.
- Ten deluxe double staterooms
- Inside and outside dining and bar areas
- Sun deck with loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi and hot tub
- Fitness centre
- Library
- Kayaking and standup paddle boarding
- Snorkelling and diving expeditions
Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the Galapagos, the Origin, Theory and Evolve feature panoramic windows, a hot tub and while on board you’ll enjoy locally sourced, gourmet meals. They are both the only Relais & Châteaux-certified yachts operating in the Galápagos Islands and have been built with environmentally friendly, zero-emission material.
With ten deluxe double staterooms, each with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms, seating areas, local art work and satellite TVs, the yachts are able to accommodate up to 20 passengers in the utmost levels of comfort. The guide to passenger ration is one of the best in the Galápagos ensuring you enjoy first-class service.
The spacious interior features a dining and bar area, lounge, fitness centre, library, boutique and a computer station. Outside, the large sun deck features outside dining space, loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi, hot tub and BBQ.
To ensure you make the most of your visit to the Galápagos Islands, daily excursions are led by two highly trained naturalist guides in small groups of no more than ten. You’ll enjoy nature walks with plenty of time for photographs and questions.
- Nine en-suite cabins
- Dining room
- Two bars
- Library
- Sundeck with Jacuzzi
The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the world.
The 105-foot catamaran accommodates up to 16 guests in nine comfortable en-suite cabins, eight of which feature private balconies. Rooms are bright and fresh with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in.
Itineraries combine hiking, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking with expert guided tours led by naturalist guides who will take you to the best spots on each island and help you get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos.
Back on board, there is a dining room, a library where you can unwind and watch a DVD, two bars and a sundeck with Jacuzzi – perfect for sinking into at the end of a day exploring, drink in hand.
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Five night Galapagos cruise
Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galapagos Islands on your choice of Jacada's selected luxury expedition cruises. This volcanic archipelago not only boasts stunning, sun-drenched beached lapped by crystal waters, but the wildlife here is astounding. Whether you're dipping below the surface to discover an underwater wonderland, or venturing out onto islands in search of fascinating creatures, this cruise is definitely a memorable one. You'll also have time to fill with enjoying the various watersports your chosen vessel may be equipped to offer.
The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose, our travel designer will help you choose which suits you best.
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. Depending on where you venture ashore, you can look out for reptiles like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as a plethora of marine birds. The islands' diverse vegetation is also home to a variety of smaller creatures, so it pays to keep a close eye on the plants as you explore.
Panga rides and snorkelling
Small group excursions by inflatable 'panga' zodiac boats to snorkel and see the dense marine wildlife.
Flight
Flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil)
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
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Luxury Galapagos Vacation
How we work
The ideal trip for those hoping to discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos in the very finest style, the Luxury Galapagos Vacation adventure is designed to showcase the flora and fauna of this incredible part of the world, as well as give you the chance to explore Ecuador’s historic capital, Quito. Beginning in the beautiful and culture-rich capital, Quito, you’ll have the chance to explore the world’s first ever UNESCO World Heritage city, discovering its 16th-century colonial area and range of impressive and memorable landmarks. After your time in the city, you’ll make for the incredible Galapagos Islands. We’ve selected the best boats in the area for you to choose from, ensuring you get to see all of the unique flora and fauna of this exceptional wildlife kingdom, including the species that inspired Charles Darwin’s novel ‘Origin of Species’. You’ll be guided by naturalist experts throughout, from your land excursions and nature trails to snorkelling and far-reaching wildlife tours. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Quito |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Quito airport to your hotel |
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|
Accommodation in Quito
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Casa Gangotena - $$$$$
Resembling something you are more likely see on a street corner of some Parisian...
•
Hotel Plaza Grande - $$$$$
The Plaza Grande, set in a beautifully converted Belle Epoque mansion of one of the...
|
|
| Two nights in Quito Enjoy Ecuador's capital, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this historical city and contemporary hub. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours, as well as book fine restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here. |
|
| Classic Quito half day tour Start the tour seeing the 16th century colonial area of the city. These buildings include Independence Square, San Francisco and La Compañía churches. The tour continues with a visit to Itchimbía Hill from where you can have a wonderful view of downtown Quito and the surrounding mountains. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from your Quito hotel to Quito airport |
|
| Flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands (via Guayaquil) | |
Days 3-9 |
Galapagos |
|
Galapagos cruise ships and yachts
•
La Pinta Yacht - $$$$$
One of the top expedition vessels in the Galapagos, La Pinta is an excellent choice for those...
•
Silver Galapagos - $$$$$
The latest addition of luxury cruise ships to explore the Galápagos Islands, Silver...
•
Ocean Spray - $$$$$
The only mega, luxury catamaran sailing the Galapagos, Ocean Spray is a well-equipped and very...
•
Isabela II - $$$$$
The Isabella II is a comfortable expedition yacht and also one of the smaller vessels of this...
•
Origin, Theory & Evolve - $$$$$
Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the...
•
The Alya - $$$$$
The Alya ensures a relaxing, informative and fun journey through this wonderful part of the...
|
|
| Five night Galapagos cruise Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galapagos Islands on your choice of Jacada's selected luxury expedition cruises. This volcanic archipelago not only boasts stunning, sun-drenched beached lapped by crystal waters, but the wildlife here is astounding. Whether you're dipping below the surface to discover an underwater wonderland, or venturing out onto islands in search of fascinating creatures, this cruise is definitely a memorable one. You'll also have time to fill with enjoying the various watersports your chosen vessel may be equipped to offer. The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose, our travel designer will help you choose which suits you best. |
|
| 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. Depending on where you venture ashore, you can look out for reptiles like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as well as a plethora of marine birds. The islands' diverse vegetation is also home to a variety of smaller creatures, so it pays to keep a close eye on the plants as you explore. |
|
| Panga rides and snorkelling Small group excursions by inflatable 'panga' zodiac boats to snorkel and see the dense marine wildlife. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil) |
