An Action-Packed Galápagos and Ecuador Adventure
Trip highlights
- Enjoy a small boat tour to Los Tuneles to snorkel with white tipped reef sharks
- Tackle hikes up volcanic craters around the Galapagos
- Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre of Los Humedales
- Discover the Divine Bay Marine Reserve and its sea lions by kayak
- Spot blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds on a trip to North Seymour Island
- Relax and uncover the bucolic pace of life around the Otavalo
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Navigating narrow channels by zodiac boat
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Hikers looking out to crystal blue waters
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A pair of Galápagos giant tortoises in the highlands
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Adventurous travellers kayaking in the Galápagos Marine Reserve
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Otavalo market, full of culture, history and beautiful crafts
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
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…
- Days 1–2 Guayaquil
- Days 2–4 Isabela Island
- Days 4–7 Santa Cruz Island
- Days 8–10 The Otavalo Area
- Days 1–2 Guayaquil
- Days 2–4 Isabela Island
- Days 4–7 Santa Cruz Island
- Days 8–10 The Otavalo Area
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.
Overnight in Guayaquil
The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country’s economic hub and excellent international and domestic flight connections. With a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments, we can help you make the most of your short time here should you want to venture out.
Where you could stay
Guayaquil
Overview
Located close to the airport, the Hilton Colon is an excellent option for Guayaquil. It’s the best hotel in the city with the level of service and finish that one comes to expect from this brand.
Recent refurbishment means that the interiors are elegant and contemporary. Features include a large outdoor pool area, an excellent spa and a choice of different restaurants. There is also an adjoining complex with shops and banks.
→ Find out moreGuayaquil
Overview
Originally built as a grand charity centre in the heart of Guayaquil in 1891, it avoided demolition after being bought and reconstructed, piece by piece, in its current location within Parque Historico on the banks of the Daule River, and restored into an elegant boutique hotel.
There are 44 guest rooms classically furnished with period local pieces, in subdued hues to contrast with the tropical park outside.
Overlooking the waterfront, the Hotel del Parque’s restaurant serves sophisticated modern takes on Ecuadorian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
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Two nights on Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, surpassing all other islands combined in size. Home to penguins, flightless cormorants, marine and land iguanas and numerous marine birds, it features five volcanoes, including Sierra Negra with the world’s second-largest crater.
Where you could stay
Luxury Galapagos Hotels
Overview
Iguana Crossing is the perfect place for those who want to experience the fascinating Galapagos Islands from the comfort of a luxury boutique hotel, or to end their cruise with a few days on land.
Based on Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands, on a beach of ice-white sand with six shield volcanoes forming the backdrop, Iguana Crossing sits adjacent to the wetlands from which the marine iguanas migrate to the sea, affording the hotel its name. There are fourteen comfortable rooms across two floors; all rooms have ocean or volcano views and many of the water-view rooms have balconies from which to imbibe the incredible scenery.
After a busy day exploring the area or a week of cruising, you can chill out in the rooftop Jacuzzi or soak up some sun on the terrace by the pool. Sip a zesty caipirinha in the airy bar and order some ocean-fresh ceviche in the restaurant; as much food as possible is sourced locally.
Aside from providing a healthy dose of relaxation, Iguana Cruise is also ideally positioned for day-trips around the unique Galapagos terrain, from a romantic sunset champagne picnic on the beach, to horseback riding up Isabela’s Sierra Negra volcano.
→ Find out moreLuxury Galapagos Hotels
Overview
Nestled amidst the forested highlands of Isabella Island and overlooking the sea, Scalesia Galapagos Lodge envelops guests in wilderness of the archipelago’s most pristine main island.
16 large safari-style tents sit on hardwood decks and leaving a minimal footprint on the 16 hectare (40 acre) forest reserve. The tents are scattered around the main building, a strikingly modern piece of architecture that is the social hub of the lodge.
There are a vast array of activities on Isabela, from snorkelling and scuba diving excursions, hiking up active volcanoes (the island is the youngest in the Galapagos and the most volcanically active), kayaking, surfing, biking and bird watching. The lodge can also arrange island hopping tours combining Isabela with nearby Santa Cruz, Floreana and San Cristobal.
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Make it mine
At sea
New heights
The wetlands
The wetlands
Sail to Los Tuneles
Aboard a small boat, head to a place where lava flow has been impacted for many years by the oceans waves. This has formed the unique tubes, arches and bridges of Los Tuneles. This site is one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, a marine paradise for white tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays and parrot fish.
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano
This morning you will drive up to the highlands where you will hike into a world of recent geological history which is the second largest active caldera on the planet. On the hike up admire the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea and then walk along the rim of this enormous thirty square mile crater.
Discover Los Humedales
Head out to Los Humedales, to walk through all four species of mangroves that exist in the Galapagos, dotted with solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds. You will also visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and see some of the lumbering reptiles out on the trails. Finally see El Muro de las Lagrimas – the Wall of Tears – a wall was built from huge blocks of lava by prisoners as a punishment when Isabela was a penal colony from 1945 to 1959.
Three nights on Santa Cruz Island
Today, you’ll transfer by speedboat from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz, the central hub of the Galápagos Islands, where your explorations will begin. Santa Cruz has a fascinating blend of human heritage and natural wonders. The island features stunning white sand beaches, rugged lava landscapes and lush highlands.
The island has numerous vegetation zones and microclimates, evident in the higher altitude regions of Santa Cruz. During your time here you will get the chance to explore the area, visiting crater pits where you can walk along the rims and stopping off to see eerie and mysterious lava tunnels. Your guide will also ensure that you’re able to see Galápagos tortoises up close in their natural habitat at the Tortoise Reserve.
Where you could stay
Luxury Galapagos Hotels
Highlights
- Included activities such as snorkelling, hiking, biking and boat trips
- Open-plan lounge, bar and dining room
- Infinity pool
- 9 luxury en-suite tents with private deck
- Private three bedroom family suite
Overview
A truly unique way to enjoy the wonderful nature of the Galápagos islands. Set in 55-hectare grounds in a remote corner of Santa Cruz island, the GSC camp has just nine large and very well appointed safari style tents.
Each is appointed with private bathroom with a hot water shower. The tents are spaced well and have a large double bed and private balcony from which to enjoy the views. The new family suite has three bedrooms suite (master and two twins), and its location next to the main lodge makes it an ideal option for families who favour more private and cohesive lodging.
All the tents surround the main and very elegant contemporary lodge complete with restored antiques and furnishings installed by its well-travelled owners. There is a large main communal area where meals are served and a lounge to relax in. The hotel also boasts an infinity pool from which to admire the landscape. A variety of activities to explore the island and surrounds are possible from the camp. The camp is also renowned for its sustainable and positive impact efforts, including projects aimed at reforestation and protection of endemic flora.
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Make it mine
Wildlife on water
On two wheels
Island hopping
Island hopping
Kayak on Divine Bay
Paddling around the waters of the Marine Reserve is a great way both to spot unique endemic wildlife. Birds rest on the cliffs that form the edges of the islands and sea lions and their pups lie meters away on the beaches.
Mountain to Garrapatero Beach
Drive to an off-the-beaten-path area before switching to mountain bikes for a long down-hill glide on freshly paved roads to Garrapatero Beach. During the ride down pass little farms and ocean views and at the beach enjoy the atmosphere with hardly any other tourists around.
Sail to North Seymour Island
Take a shared boat out from Santa Cruz across to North Seymour Island. A low lying island that is an extraordinary place for breeding birds and sea lions, and is home to one of the largest populations of nesting blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds, as well as a growing population of the Galapagos land iguanas.
Pass by rose farms and markets as you transfer to Otavalo
Transfer to Quito, and then towards Otavalo, visiting one of the most important rose farms in the Cayambe area, and the Otavalo Indian Market, famous throughout the Andes for its handcrafts, textiles and tapestries. Lunch will be served at Hacienda La Compañia, one of the oldest haciendas in the area and still a private residence.
Two days enjoying the Otavalo
Spend your time in the beautiful countryside of the Otavalo region simply enjoy the relaxed pace of life, and then taking the opportunity to take part in one of our privately guided tours, exploring traditional Ecuadorian culture.
The region is the centre of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, so a stop at the huge daily market is one of the must-do activities while you’re here. The famous handicraft market is the ideal spot to find souvenirs and delve deeper into Ecuador’s indigenous heritage. Many stallholders wear traditional clothing, preserving and celebrating their strong culture. The fruits and vegetable market situated alongside is also a great place to immerse yourself in the everyday life here in Otavalo.
Where you could stay
Otavalo Area
Overview
Our favourite hacienda accommodation in Ecuador. This 17th century property was formerly the residence of a much-loved president and remains in his family to this day. The illustrious history of the property shines through in every room, many decorated with antiques dating back to the original owners.
The libraries and communal areas are replete with photographs, paintings and exotic furniture, many made as gifts from abroad to the former president. Far from being a museum piece the hacienda is still very active with more than 2,000 hectares of pastureland; mainly used for cattle and horses (the stables have around 100 horses) as well as a trout farm. The estate produces its own cheese onsite and there is also an interesting program for the rehabiliation of Condors.
The surrounding countryside and nearby village are beautifully picturesque and relaxing. There are fifteen well-appointed rooms and service is helpful and friendly. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that you make the most of the wonderful surrounds and there are a number of activities possible including horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and visits to the local community with its own weaving workshops.
The hotel is located some distance from the Otavalo Market itself (just over an hour) so it makes most sense to make the visit to the market on the journey to (or from) Quito.
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Guided excursions around Hacienda Zuleta
Accompanied by your own private guide, explore the beautiful Hacienda Zuleta and the surrounding area. Make the day your own with a choice of activities, from two-hour horse rides, to hikes, cultural tours to Otavalo, and visits to a condor conservation projects, Zuleta’s cheese factory and organic hardens. Other activities, such as extended horse rides, cooking lessons and mountain biking can also be added to the day at an extra cost.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
