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“We have been home for two days and we are already talking about wanting to return to Ecuador. We had the time of our lives and a greet deal of that has to do with your team (...) Each day we woke up knowing that the day would be full of fun and adventure."
“Alan and I had a truly wonderful experience in Ecuador. Santiago and the rest of the staff were excellent hosts, as was the La Pinta and its staff. We had an amazing trip! Thank you for helping us to arrange this trip."
Mary and Alan Kennedy, USA,
November 2009
Hacienda Zuleta & La Pinta Cruise
“Had a wonderful time. Thanks for everything."
Michele Firon, Israel, November 2009
Hacienda Zuleta & Grace Cruise
» More testimonials
Arrival to Quito and airport meet and greet; transfer to your hotel in either modern or historic Quito.
You’ll have a panoramic view of the Guapulo Valley, modern Quito, and the famed UNESCO World Heritage colonial sector. In the colonial area you’ll see Independence Square, San Francisco and La Compañía cathedrals and Chapter Hall; end at Panecillo Hill for spectacular views of Quito and the surrounding Andes. You’ll also visit the Equator Line Monument and Ethnographic Museum, and the nearby Pululahua volcanic crater. Other options include art galleries or the archaeology museum.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Drive with your private guide to Antisana Ecological Reserve. Antisana is privately owned and regulated, with the goal of preserving native flora and fauna. In the foothills of the 5,705 m Antisana Volcano, the reserve is a high desert paradise of wildlife and vibrant colors. Hike or horseback ride within the reserve, enjoy a picnic lunch, and then continue on to a hacienda located southwest of Quito.
All meals included.
This morning your guide will take you horseback riding around the hacienda’s extensive property, where you will be surrounded by the spectacular Andes Mountains. Lunch at the hacienda, and then continue on to a hacienda on the fringe of the Cloud Forest and near the town of Baños.
All meals included.
Explore the small town of Baños, a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike to some of the area’s numerous waterfalls. Also visit the well-known handicrafts workshops. A stop at the local zoo, built on the slope of Tungurahua Colvano, with animals like eagles, jaguars, capybaras, spectacled bears and lots of monkeys, is another option. In the afternoon drive to Riobamba, one of the liveliest cities in Ecuador’s Central Highlands. It has plenty of colonial charm with its cobbled streets, pastel buildings and stately squares.
All meals included.
You’ll have an early morning today for the Devil’s Nose train adventure. The train passes through every one of Ecuador’s many climate zones, beginning in the cool highlands, passing through the cloud forest and ending in the hot coastal jungle. The train descends caboose first and goes along a series of switchbacks with thrilling twists and turns, offering spectacular views of Chimurazo and an exciting descent down the 45-degree gradient of the Devil’s Nose. Lunch and in the afternoon make a short visit to Ingapirca Inca ruins before continuing on to Cuenca.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Your private guide will take you on a full day visit to Cuenca and the surrounding areas, with lunch at a local restaurant. Cuenca is a beautiful, tranquil city with cobbled streets, ironwork balconies and red-tiled roofs, dozens of fascinating churches and museums, and excellent art galleries. Don’t miss the produce market, a weekly social occasion of buying, selling and gossiping, and look for high quality souvenirs here, where they sell Panama hats, leather jackets, embroideries, gold jewelry and ceramics.
Breakfast included.
Leave Cuenca in the morning and stop for a short hike at El Cajas Lakes. Then, after a picnic lunch, you’ll drive down from the Andes to the coastal city of Guayaquil. This drive is absolutely stunning and it is the best way to see the entire climatic and geographic bio-diversity of Ecuador.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Fly to the Galapagos Islands this morning to begin your exciting cruise or villa stay!
All meals included.
Spend five days and four nights cruising the Galapagos Islands on your luxurious, family-friendly yacht, catamaran or sailboat (weeklong programs are also available). You’ll have days full over island adventure, with hikes and plenty of snorkeling to get up close and personal with amazing Galapagos wildlife like blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises! Your bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on these daily excursions.
We have personally selected the finest yachts and sailboats to choose from based on the quality of guides and safety and environmental standards. If you prefer a smaller yacht or to charter a yacht, we would suggest boats such as the Eric/Flamingo/Letty, Nina or Athala II. If you are seeking a sailboat the Alta or Mary Anne are excellent options. Mid-sized yachts like the Eclipse and Evolution welcome families, and the Explorer and Legend are great larger cruise vessels. Please ask one of our Galapagos specialists to best choose the right boat for you and your family.
All meals included.
After your last visit, return to the airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador. Airport meet and greet and transfer to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Transfer to airport and check-in assistance for flight home, or on to other adventures.
Breakfast included
From: US$ 5,000 per person, depending on properties chosen; includes internal airfare.
