Ecuador is a land of enormous cultural and natural diversity. Its cultural legacy encompasses the descendants of Spanish conquistadores and many distinct Indigenous communities. It also boasts extraordinary bio-diversity, with the jewel in its crown being the incomparable Galápagos Islands.
This remote island group encompasses cool lava landscapes, cactus forests, lush green highlands, turquoise coves and perfect white sand beaches, and is the only place in the world where it is possible to swim with penguins and tropical parrot fish at the same time.
This tour encapsulates the great variety to be found within this compact country. Experience colonial Quito, the exquisite cloud forests of Mindo, the high country thermal springs at Papallacta in the Andes and the incomparable Galápagos islands on a first-class yacht. There is the option to journey into the Amazon before the tour and stay at Sacha Lodge, an eco-lodge that blends seamlessly into its forest surroundings. You could see giant otters duck, dive and call to each other as you eat breakfast; caimans gliding under the walkway as you head back to your room; hear monkeys chattering outside your balcony; or see giant sloths hanging out on trees by the cabins.
Experience colonial Quito, the exquisite cloud forests of Mindo, the high country thermal springs at Papallacta in the Andes and the incomparable Galápagos islands on a first-class yacht.
Explore colonial Quito, including visit Monasterio de San Francisco, one of the oldest churches on the American continent.
Experience traditional culture and life in the Andes.
Relax in the healing hot springs at Papallacta Thermal resort in the high Andes.
Get up close to strange, fearless and beautiful creatures not seen anywhere else in the world.
Enjoy 4 nights on private charter basis on board the first class Tip Top II motor yacht, which caters for 16 passengers.
Explore the wild Amazon from a beautiful eco lodge on an optional pre-tour extension.
Extend at Sacha Lodge in the Amazon, which blends seamlessly into its forest surroundings. You could see giant otters duck, dive and call to each other as you eat breakfast; caimans glide under the walkway as you head back to your room; hear monkeys chattering outside your balcony; or see giant sloths hanging out on trees by the cabins. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active. Each day you will return to the lodge after the morning activity for lunch. Relax until the afternoon excursion between 3pm and 4:30pm, which often continues into the evening when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Days at Sacha Lodge do not end with the fading of the light, or even with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Between excursions, you are at leisure to enjoy the lodge, lounging on sun chairs on the Balsa with a book or cooling off in the Lake Pool.
Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.
We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.
This first class, stylish yacht is on private charter for this tour. It accommodates just 16 passengers in 10 cabins with private facilities.
If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.