Day 1: Arrive Quito, 2 nights

Arrive in Quito from Lima and transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz or Sheraton Quito Hotel, our home for the next two nights. Surrounded by the Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes, Quito’s landscape offers a dramatic welcome to Ecuador. We meet our guide upon arrival and settle in for the night.

Day 2: Quito

Enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, including Independence Square, San Francisco Monastery, the ornate Jesuit Church, La Compañía, and the chance to sample Ecuadorian chocolate at a cacao museum. We also visit the Equatorial Monument at the ‘Middle of the World’ to learn about the equator’s discovery. Here’s our chance to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time!

Day 3: Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, 4 nights

Today we embark on our island adventure. Fly to the Galápagos and transfer to Santa Cruz Island by ferry. Explore the island’s shifting landscapes – from coastal cacti to lush highlands – en route to Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s most important harbour and location of Ikala Galápagos Hotel, our base for the next four nights. Travelling through seemingly baron landscapes to lush jungles, we stop to visit twin volcanic craters and walk through a dramatic lava tunnel to experience this island’s fascinating geological history. Next, we stop for lunch at a Giant Tortoise Reserve, where we can watch these famous reptiles in their natural habitat.

Day 4: North Seymour

Over the next three days we embark on full-day boat trips to three of the archipelago's islands of North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartolomé or Santa Fé, each with their own unique geology and wildlife habitats. The choice and order of island visits over the coming days, is determined by the local conservation teams.

North Seymour Island is a flat island teeming with wildlife and one of the best locations for birdwatching. Spot the famous Blue-footed boobies nesting along the coast and witness aerial acrobatics by magnificent frigatebirds and gulls as the avian population competes for food in this vibrant ecosystem.

Day 5: South Plaza

Take to the water again and cruise to South Plaza Island, home to a lively sea lion colony and fascinating Galápagos flora. Watch as the friendly colony sunbathes (this is a great photo opportunity, as the sea lions are known for their amused ‘grins’!) Stroll among towering cacti and look for land iguanas, cactus finches, lava gulls, Yellow warblers, and Red-billed tropicbirds.

Day 6: Bartolomé Island

Today we sail to Bartholomé Island for panoramic views and volcanic landscapes. A challenging and rewarding hike takes us to the summit of Pinnacle Rock, for some of the best views of the archipelago (and perhaps glimpses of penguins swimming in the bay below). During our walk, we see volcanic formations including lava flows and tubes, all part of the island’s unique geology.

Alternative Island Day

Tour Santa Fé Island, one of the archipelago’s oldest. Encounter endemic species of land iguana and gecko, before stopping at Bahía Barrington, a wildlife-rich bay. As well as being home to two sea lion colonies, this is a great place for spotting Green sea turtles, eagle rays, marine iguanas, pelicans and Blue-footed boobies.

Day 7: Quito, Overnight

After an exhilarating few days in this remote, natural sanctuary filled with extraordinary life and untouched beauty, we farewell the Galápagos Islands and fly back to Quito and return to Hotel Patio Andaluz or Sheraton Quito Hotel. Spend the evening exploring more of Quito’s charming Old Town or relaxing at your leisure.

Day 8: Depart Quito

Head to the airport for your international flight via Amsterdam or Paris to London or your chosen U.K. regional airport.