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DestinationsEcuadorGalápagos IslandsLuxury Galápagos & Ecuador

LUXURY GALÁPAGOS & Ecuador

Overview of Your LUXURY GALÁPAGOS & ECUADOR Tour

Experience three different regions of Ecuador, the Andes, the Ecuadorian Coast and the Galápagos Islands, while staying at some of the country’s most unique luxury properties. Each property is owned and operated by families who are excited to share their passion for the place that they call home. Guests enjoy warm hospitality, authentic and enriching experiences, world-class service, sustainable practices, and exquisite cuisine that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
 
Your adventure starts in the Andes at Hacienda Zuleta, a working colonial farm dating back to the late 16th century. Here you tour the extensive gardens, dairy farm and artisan creamery, and 60km of self-guided trails. The next stop is Hacienda La Danesa, located less than two hours from Guayaquil in the tropical coastal region of Ecuador. With three generations of passion for the region, La Danesa offers mindful approach to living the good life. The journey concludes at Galápagos Safari Camp or Montemar Galápagos Villas. During your time in the Galápagos Islands, you’ll experience the Santa Cruz Highlands, where you encounter giant tortoise lumbering around. Visit uninhabited islands where you will hike along natural trails showcasing the natural wonders of this magical place. Exploring the wildlife and landscapes is just part of the adventure. You’ll have opportunities to snorkel and swim, bike, stroll along beautiful beaches, and try fresh cuisine prepared with local products.

Trip Features
  • 12 Days
  • Starting at $8,900 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Wildlife, Hiking, Snorkeling, Land & Water Activities
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Galápagos Islands, the Coast, Andes, Quito

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A serene courtyard with a tree in a large planter on a cobblestone surface. The courtyard is surrounded by a white building with a brown tiled roof. The building has blue trim and is decorated with hanging plants. Hills and a clear sky are visible in the background.
A scenic view of a lush green valley surrounded by rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Yellow wildflowers and grasses fill the foreground, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape. The sun softly illuminates the expansive, vibrant scene.
A tranquil indoor spa room with a tiled hot tub surrounded by lush greenery on dark walls. Three wooden lounge chairs with blue towels are placed around the hot tub, under the wooden beam ceiling with skylights that allow natural light to flood the space.
A cozy cheese shop with wooden shelves displaying various cheeses. The left side features a small counter with decor items and a sign that reads "Nuestra Tienda." Shelves along the back wall hold neatly stacked cheese wheels and blocks. The ambiance is warm and inviting.
A person is receiving a massage outdoors on a patio beside a thatched-roof cabin. The massage table is set on a tiled area surrounded by greenery and tropical plants. A therapist is working on the client under the open sky, providing a calming and serene setting.
A bathroom with two wooden framed mirrors above a double sink vanity with a marble countertop and black fixtures. The wall is white brick, and there are towels hanging from the cabinet. A small vase with flowers is placed between the sinks.
A cozy tropical bungalow with a thatched roof and stone walls. The glass sliding doors reveal a well-lit bedroom with white linens. A wooden chair with gray cushions sits on the stone patio surrounded by lush greenery. Palms frame the entrance.
A cozy bedroom features a neatly made bed with a bedside table, a hat on the bed. Large windows and a sliding glass door bring in natural light, offering a view of greenery outside. There is a floor mirror and a cushioned chair on the patio.
A cozy, well-lit cafe with a high wooden ceiling and large windows. The space features wooden beams, lush green plants, and a variety of seating options including upholstered chairs and wooden stools around a central bar area. Warm, inviting ambiance.
A person wearing a white shirt and cowboy hat rides a horse down a tree-lined dirt path, leading a group of horses. The dense trees form a natural tunnel, and dust rises from the ground as the horses move forward. The scene exudes a sense of tranquility and unity with nature.
Modern single-story house with large glass windows and a minimalist design, set on a reddish-brown soil plot. A garden featuring tall, slender plants is in the foreground. The sky above is bright blue with scattered clouds. Lush greenery, similar to that found in Montemar Villas Galapagos, is visible in the background.
Montemar Villas presents a covered outdoor patio with a woven rattan seating area featuring cushions and a coffee table. Overhead, a slatted wooden roof with round lanterns provides shade. The patio overlooks a green, spacious field with trees under a cloudy blue sky.
A warm kitchen scene features three chefs preparing dishes at Montemar Villas Galapagos. The wooden counter is filled with ingredients and prepared food, including meat, vegetables, and fruit. Shelves, a stove, and kitchenware are noticeable in the background. A large pendant light hangs above.
A person wearing a hat sits at a wooden table on a deck at the Galapagos Safari Camp, enjoying a meal and looking at the scenic view. The table is set with plates and glasses. The scene is framed by draped fabric, suggesting an open tent. Trees and a blue sky are visible in the background.
Two blue-footed boobies stand facing each other against a rugged, textured rock backdrop. Their distinctive blue feet are visible, and their brown and white plumage contrasts with the dark and light hues of the rock. Both birds have long, pointed beaks—a stunning sight often seen on a Galapagos Safari Camp.
A scenic view of a coastal landscape with sparse cacti and colorful low vegetation in the foreground. A turquoise ocean and a boat anchored near a rocky island are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the serene beauty of Galapagos Safari Camp.
A person sits on a rocky ledge, overlooking a lush, green crater filled with vegetation. The landscape is vibrant with dense foliage covering the crater floor and walls. The scene is serene, bathed in sunlight, with distant hills under a clear sky—an experience akin to being at the Galapagos Safari Camp.
A large tortoise is resting on grassy ground, partially nestled in front of tall, green, bushy vegetation. Its head is slightly raised as it looks forward, displaying its textured shell and limbs. The background is blurred, emphasizing the tortoise as the focal point.
A blue-footed booby stands on a rocky ledge with the ocean visible in the background. The bird has distinctive bright blue feet, a white underbelly, and brown wings. It appears to be looking down towards the water.
A close-up of a sea lion pup resting its head on a rock, gazing forward. Green vegetation grows around the rock, partially obscuring the pup's face. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the pup's face.
Person with a backpack crouches near the edge of a pond, observing three large tortoises. The scene is set in a lush, green outdoor environment.
A snorkeler in a black wetsuit swims underwater alongside two playful seals near rocky formations. The water is clear, with sunlight filtering through from the surface. The snorkeler wears fins and a mask, enjoying the vibrant underwater scene.

Sample Itinerary

LUXURY GALÁPAGOS & Ecuador

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Upon your arrival, a Southern Explorations representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits, and other sites of interests.

Travel north from Quito toward the Otavalo region and to Hacienda Zuleta, a historic working colonial farm set on 4000 scenic acres. Choose from an array of activities during your stay at this lovely property. All activities can be arranged upon arrival. In addition to the 60km of self-guided hiking trails, guests are free to wander through the grounds, which include a cheese museum, organic vegetable garden, milking sheds, and more. Various horseback riding activities, mountain bike rentals, guided hikes, cooking classes, and guided tours of the surrounding areas, such as the famed Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Crater Lake, can all be arranged upon arrival for an additional cost. (B,L,D)

Today, explore the grounds of Hacienda Zuleta. The friendly staff can guide you in choosing your adventures for the day. After a hearty breakfast, you may decide to hike the self-guided trails on the property, sample fresh cheese from the creamery, wander the gardens or explore the Condor Reserve. Visit the local community where you can browse and purchase the beautiful embroideries handcrafted by local individuals. The Hacienda has many cozy common areas should you prefer to read a book by the fire or enjoy some tea. (B,L,D)

After your final breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the Quito airport for your short flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you are met by a representative from Hacienda La Danesa. From the airport drive to Hacienda La Danesa where you will be met by your lovely hosts who will orient you with your accommodations and the property facilities. Activities today are dependent on your arrival time. (B,L,D)

Your host will assist you with coordinating the activities for your time at Hacienda La Danesa based on your interests. Choose from the cacao & chocolate experience, biking, lazy river tubing, tasting local products, horseback riding, beekeeping immersion, or a relaxing massage. Ambitious travelers can partake in a half day hike to the cloud forest and waterfalls. You’ll keep busy, but also have time to relax and thoroughly enjoy this magnificent property. (B,L,D)

*More details about your activity options will come with your detailed itinerary.

Enjoy your final morning at the lovely Hacienda La Danesa before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Galápagos. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your accommodations. Loding options include luxury African safari style tents at Galápagos Safari Camp or private villas at Montemar Eco Luxury Villas. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with your island home and some of its’ most popular residents, the Galápagos giant tortoise. After an exciting introduction to the Enchanted Galápagos Islands, rest and relax while watching the sunset. (B,L,D)

The next three days are filled with many exciting activities!  We will customize your itinerary based on your interests and availability. You’ll experience the many wonders of the Galápagos islands through a combination of boat excursions to nearby uninhabited islands and Santa Cruz island based explorations. Wildlife is abundant everywhere and your guide will teach you about the natural history, and the flora and fauna that you encounter on your excursions. At the end of each exciting day, relax in your comfortable accommodations and enjoy a gourmet dinner. Using local and sustainable ingredients, your meals will leave you satisfied. Food preferences, dietary restrictions, and kid friendly meals are available with advance notice. (B,L,D)

*More details on your Galápagos itinerary will come after we check availability.

After your final breakfast in the Enchanted Isles, transfer to the airport for the trip back to Quito and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Your guide transfers you to the airport for your international flight home. Travelers with more time will begin extension tours. (B)

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Accommodations for Ecuador

Here is a sample of possible hotels on this trip. To see more, or discuss available hotel upgrades, please contact us.

Trip FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and we’re happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to Ecuador

Browse our in-depth travel guide of Ecuador to learn more about the destination.

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Testimonials

From start to finish of my trip, Southern Explorations helped make it one of the most memorable adventures I have ever had the pleasure of taking. They helped me plan where and when to visit areas, assisted in getting me lined up with the most knowledgeable birding guides I have ever used, made sure that I was met, on time, at each location needing pickup to make it to my hotels or flights, and helped me learn about what to expect throughout my trip, be it hotel, travel, the eco-lodges I visited, or my ship and visit in the Galápagos. Absolutely marvelous service throughout. Marisa was very responsive to my questions and emails, and made sure that all my inquires were promptly answered. She is familiar with the areas I visited and helped me plan my trip to make the most of my time and funds.

– Keith Giez

Trip Extensions

Make this the best trip to Ecuador!

Want to add something special or connect this trip to a larger itinerary? Browse these most-added trip extensions, or contact our travel experts for even more tours and activities to fulfill your dream getaway!

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