Overview
Wildlife, culture and unforgettable landscapes
Discover the best of Ecuador on this 15-night luxury adventure from its beautiful capital and epic volcanoes to verdant cloud forests, ending with a weeklong cruise in the incomparable Galapagos islands.
Stay in cutting-edge ecolodges, a grand city-centre gem overlooking five centuries of history and one of the finest island-hopping luxury yachts, this trip blends breathtaking biodiversity and up-close wildlife encounters with Ecuador’s rich culture and incredible landscapes.
All to be experienced alongside expert guides on hikes, horseback, by snorkel and bike.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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A full week island hopping aboard a luxury yacht
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Horse riding under Cotopaxi's peak
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Quito's rich history and culture
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A rich variety of wildlife between the Galapagos, Cloud Forest and Andes
Inclusions
What's included
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15 nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and wildlife activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two people sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and yachts chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 3
Acclimatise in the Quito
In a green valley surrounded by Andean volcanoes at an altitude of 2,850m, Ecuador’s capital Quito is breathtaking in both senses of the word. Staying at a grand boutique hotel in the Historic Quarter, overlooking the UNESCO-protected Plaza San Francisco. Plaza San Francisco, you’ll have time to acclimatize before a private guide will show you around this handsome city.
Learn about the city’s Incan roots and colonial Spanish history which is incredibly well preserved here in cobbled streets, grand squares, palaces and cathedrals. You’ll also experience the capital’s contrastingly modern side and culture, visiting markets and trying your hand at creating local favourites like ceviche in a cooking class.
Days 3 — 6
Adventure under a volcano
Next follow the Andes south into the Avenue of Volcanoes, a chain of eight towering snowcapped peaks, to the foot of the mighty (and still active) Cotopaxi which reaches up to 5,897m. Below, a landscape of grasslands, forests, rivers crater lakes and farms is home to proudly traditional indigenous cultures and high-altitude wildlife.
Based at the ultra-contemporary Sanctuary Lodge, enjoy outstanding views between activities exploring the area. Hikes, mountain biking and horseback rides are favourite ways to explore the hacienda where red-brocket deer, Andean fox, pumas and even the rare Andean-speckled bear, along with wild horses and a variety of endemic birds including the Andean Condor can be spotted.
Days 6 — 8
Immerse in the Cloud Forests
Between the Andes and the coastal plains, Ecuador's Chocó cloud forests are some of the most important and under threat ecosystems in Latin America. You'll discover a pocket of pristine habitat around Mashpi Lodge, a pioneering place just three hours from Quito that has been supporting research and championing this biodiversity hotspot for two decades.
Meet biologists at the forefront of protecting the rainforest, spotting some of the reserve's 400+ types of bird, iridescent butterflies, fascinating amphibians and mammals like mantled howler monkeys and silky anteaters, along with thousands of orchids. Hike, climb observation towers, cool off under waterfalls or even pedal through the canopy.
Days 8 — 9
Overnight in Quito
You'll be driven out of the cloud forests and back up to Quito for a relaxing evening at leisure back in the capital before your flight out to the Galapagos in the morning.
Days 9 — 16
Cruise the Galapagos
Fly due west out to Galapagos where you'll be met and escorted on to your awaiting. Over the next seven nights, explore a selection of the Galapagos' islands with an exciting mix of shore excursions, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and RIB boat trips accompanied by expert naturalist guides.
Rugged geology, clear Pacific waters, volcanic sand beaches and lush island interiors host the archipelago's iconic wildlife. Look forward to up-close encounters with the playful sea lions, marine iguanas, lumbering giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, the world’s northernmost penguins, raucous bird colonies, reef sharks, rays and a riot of marine species. There is nowhere else on the planet quite like it.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
