A Luxury Galápagos Vacation
Discover natural wonders and exceptional wildlife in style on a 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
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
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 in 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
Make it mine
Sightseeing
Gastronomy
Beyond Quito
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.
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.
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.
Quito bites and delights
Begin at the Mercado de San Francisco, where you will enjoy a refreshing juice made from fresh Ecuadorian fruits. You’ll then sample a traditional Sierra breakfast at a café, followed by a tasting of local dishes.
Next you’ll walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía and some of the most important churches in Quito.
You’ll then enjoy artisanal ice creams before heading to Obscuro Casa de Experiencias to prepare coastal Ecuadorian ceviches. Finally you will choose between a chocolate tasting at Yumbos, or an exploration of craft beer at Sinners Microbrewery.
Days 3–8
Enjoy five nights cruising 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
Exploring the 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.
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
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both
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…
