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    Luxury Galápagos Vacation
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      Home > Latin America > Luxury Galapagos Vacation

      A Luxury Galápagos Vacation

      Duration7 days
      Ideal time to visitDecember–April
      Price guide
      From
      $0 PP
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      Destinations

      Days 1–3

      Quito

      Full moon casting soft light on the Basilica del Voto Nacinoal in Quito, Ecuador at twilight
      Days 3–7

      Cruising the Galápagos

      Discover the natural wonders and exceptional wildlife of the Galápagos Islands in style on your Luxury Galápagos Vacation. This adventure showcases the flora and fauna of this incredible archipelago, and gives you the chance to explore Ecuador’s historic capital, Quito, the world’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage city. After your time in the city, you’ll make for the incredible islands themselves on a luxury cruise, where you'll have the chance to observe giant tortoises, sea lions and the famous blue-footed boobies in the wild.

      Highlights

      • Marvel at the Galápagos' incredible wildlife
      • Get up close to the marine wildlife in panga boats
      • Snorkel and swim with playful sea lions
      • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito
      • Hike the islands' most alluring landscapes
      • Set off on excursions led by expert naturalists
      A cloudy view of Quito in Ecuador, taken from atop a hill.
      Quito shrouded in cloud
      Quito local surrounded by their fresh local produce, Ecuador
      Market life in Quito
      Two people share a kayak in the waters of the Galapagos Islands
      Kayaking around San Cristobal island
      A blue-footed booby scratches itself with its beak
      Blue-footed booby with chicks
      A Galápagos sea lion poses for a picture
      A Galápagos sea lion poses for a picture

      Bespoke trips with Jacada

      We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

      • Luxury accommodation throughout
      • Insightful tours guided by experts
      • Meticulously selected experiences
      • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
      Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
      “Amazing galapagos adventure‌”

      This is the second trip we have taken to South America with Jacada and every detail has been perfect both times. The trip works seamlessly, there is always someone to meet you at the airport (and help you get your pcr test!) One of my favorite things about these trips is the local agencies they partner with have the best…

      Published 14th January 2022 on Trustpilot
      Wendy Flanagan

      Itinerary in detail

      Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

      Days 1–3

      Begin your adventure with two nights Quito

      Enjoy Ecuador‘s capital, Quito, the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You’ll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to help you 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.

      Where you could stay

      Exterior and patio area of Casa Gangotena illuminated at twilight, Quite, Ecuador
      Quito

      Casa Gangotena

      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
      Light and airy interior of the rooms at Illa Experience Hotel, Quito, Ecuador
      Quito

      Illa Experience Hotel

      The Illa Experience Hotel can be found in the neighbourhood of San Marcos, long the home of Quito’s artists, writers and musicians, aiming to encapsulate the traditional hospitality of quiteños. In a restored colonial mansion, each floor represents a different period in the city’s history – colonial, Republican and contemporary – with six rooms and four indulgent suites featuring hand-embroidered linens and artisan-crafted furniture. As well as well-stocked wine cellar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and a spa with Jacuzzi, the restaurant here is a partnership with the award-winning minds behind Nuema, offering a refreshing take on Ecuadorian cuisine with farm-to-table produce.

      Make it mine

      Sightseeing

      Gastronomy

      Beyond Quito

      The interior of an orange-hued church

      A classic Quito half-day tour

      Start your private 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.

      Traditional Ecuadorian dishes, empanadas, line the stalls of Quito

      A culinary & cultural tour

      Stop at San Francisco Market to delve into Quito’s customs and traditions, learning about ancestral medicine and natural remedies. Be sure to taste some traditional Ecuadorian dishes at one of the many food stalls here. Stroll along the charming La Ronda street, visiting small shops to try treats like empanadas and canelazos. The sweets continue on Rocafuerte Street where the air is perfumed with vanilla, coconut and spices and you’ll try prestiños (deep fried dough covered in honey or cinnamon sugar) and other confectionery delights.

      Stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and another in the Southern Hemisphere with a visit to the equator

      Visit Middle of the World City

      Today you will stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and another in the Southern Hemisphere. Middle of the World City, located just north of Quito honours the Geodesic Mission that established latitude 0 in the 18th century. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Intiñan Museum, offering an ecological and scientific space that allows visitors to learn about the worldview, customs and traditions of ancient cultures.

      Days 3–7

      Cruise the Galápagos Islands

      Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galápagos Islands on your choice of Jacada’s selected luxury expedition cruises. This volcanic archipelago not only boasts stunning, sun-drenched beaches 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 will be unforgettable.

      Your choice of luxury boats

      La Pinta yacht moored at sea in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
      Latin America

      La Pinta Yacht

      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.
      Origin, Theory & Evolve moored at sea in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
      Galapagos - Cruises

      Origin, Theory & Evolve

      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.
      The Alya catamaran moored at sea, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
      Galapagos - Cruises

      The Alya

      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.
      Aerial view of the Ocean Spray yacht moored at sea, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
      Galapagos - Cruises

      Ocean Spray

      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.
      Positive Impact
      Galapagos - Cruises

      Endemic

      The Endemic is one of the newest catamarans in the Galápagos and offers guests a comfortable and luxurious experience while exploring these enchanted islands.
      Positive Impact
      Galapagos - Cruises

      Elite

      Solo travellers and couples alike are welcomed onto the Elite, a superb small ship that sails the waters of the Galápagos Islands. With either double suites or single cabins, you will sleep on supremely comfortable beds and wake to views of the ocean through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead onto a private balcony. 

      Exploring the islands

      A guided tour takes place across one of the Galapagos Islands

      Guided nature walks

      You’ll explore a number of varied nature trails on the different islands, depending on your itinerary. With expert guides, you’l see wildlife up close and discover 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 out as you explore.

      A small group take a Panga ride on the waters of the Galapagos

      Panga rides and snorkelling

      Small group excursions by inflatable ‘panga’ zodiac boats will take you across the water to land on nearby islands. Sometimes the panga will stop just shy of the shoreline, allowing you to jump straight into the water and wade ashore, and at other times taking you to a small jetty or up onto the beach for a dry landing. Snorkelling can either take place directly from your cruise ship, or on a panga ride, which can often get you closer to areas known for exceptional marine life.

      Why book with Jacada

      Pesonalised design illustration image

      We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice

      Authentic experiences illustration image

      Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience

      Responsible travel illustration image

      Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both

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      Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline