Masphi Lodge | Ecuador | Ultimate Travel Company
Courtesy of Masphi Lodge

ITINERARY INSPIRATION

The Cloud Forest to the Galapagos Islands

Experience some of the diversity this country has to offer, staying in some of the most comfortable accommodation available.
THE CLOUD FOREST TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ABOUT THE ITINERARY

In just under two weeks you will stay in a 5* hotel in the beautiful colonial capital of Quito, experience one of National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodge’s of the World’ in the Ecuadorian cloud-forest and end with six-nights in the Galapagos Islands, splitting your time between an expedition cruise and a stunning hotel on the coast of Santa Cruz Island.

See the churches and cobbled streets which have led Quito to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture into the steamy cloud-forest, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet and home to Mashpi Lodge, featured in the BBC television show ‘Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby’, before ending with six nights in the majestic Galapagos Islands. Swim with sea-lions and turtles, kayak with Galapagos penguins and discover giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies in their natural setting. Before flying home, relax, unwind and reflect at the beautiful Finch Bay hotel.

Experience some of the diversity this country has to offer, staying in some of the most comfortable accommodation available whilst being looked after by our expert naturalist guides.

Cloud Forest | Ecuador | The Ultimate Travel Company
ITINERARY INSPIRATION

DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS

Bear in mind, these are just a starting point as all holidays are customised to the specific requirements of our guests. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular interest or to go to a different destination all together, every itinerary is created individually around your preferences.

Ecuador | Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 1 – 2

QUITO

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your 5* hotel in the heart of the Ecuadorian capital’s old-town.

With your expert local guide you will be taken on a guided tour of the world’s second highest capital. You will have the opportunity to explore the historical centre of the city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay: Two nights at Casa Gangotena – bed & breakfast

Mashpi Lodge, Mindo Cloud Forest | The Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 3 – 4

CLOUD FOREST

After breakfast on day 3 you will be driven out of Quito onto a windy road which will take you down into the lush cloud-forest, approximately 4 hours by road from the capital. En route stopping at the archaeological site of Tulipe, dating back to 800AD.

Soon you will arrive at Mashpi Lodge, a solid glass structure, surrounded by forest and built deep inside Mashpi’s own private reserve. This will be your base for the next two nights as you discover the secrets of the cloud forest.

During your stay the lodge’s expert guides will take you on daily activities into the cloud forest. Explore the trails of the 2,500 acre reserve, climb the 85ft observation tower, swim in waterfalls or strap yourself in for a ride on the ‘Dragon Fly’ – an open-air cable car system, which takes guests above the forest canopy. Huge numbers of tropical birds and mammals can be seen in the reserve and with Mashpi’s expert guides on hand, you will be well looked after as you explore one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet.

Stay: Two nights at Mashpi Lodge – full board

Ecuador | Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 5

QUITO

After a morning activity at Mashpi Lodge you will be driven back to Quito, for a final night in the city before flying to the Galapagos Islands

Stay: One night at Casa Gangotena – bed & breakfast

DAY 6 – 9

GALAPAGOS BY CRUISE

After an early breakfast on day 6 you will return to Quito airport for your flight to the Galapagos. On arrival you will be met by guides and crew of the Santa Cruz II expedition ship and taken on board for lunch and your first activity that afternoon.

Over the next four days the naturalist guides on board the Santa Cruz II will take you on a variety of activities, discovering the wildlife which makes the islands so iconic. From nature trails on the islands, to snorkelling with sea-lions in the crystal-clear waters, you will discover what makes the archipelago so special. Daily presentations take place on board the boat and each day you will be treated to delicious meals on board.

Stay: Four nights on the Santa Cruz II – full board

Galapagos Islands | The Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 10

GALAPAGOS BY LAND

Disembark the boat in the morning of day 10 and taken to your hotel, in a tranquil setting on the coast of Santa Cruz island. Organise an activity at the hotel, visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station or simply relax by the pool or on the beach. The final two days are for you to unwind before flying home.

Stay: Two nights at Finch Bay – bed & breakfast

DAY 12 – 13

FLY HOME

Fly from the Galapagos back to mainland Ecuador and the coastal city of Guayaquil. Here you will connect onto your overnight international flight home.

THE PRICE BREAKDOWN
13 days from £7,992 per person

PRICE INCLUDES

  • Domestic flights
  • Private transfers
  • Bed and breakfast at Casa Gangotena and Finch Bay
  • Full board at Mashpi Lodge and on board Santa Cruz II
  • Guided activities in small groups at Mashpi Lodge and on Santa Cruz II and private tour of Quito
  • Galapagos National Park fees and transit cards

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • International flights
  • Extend to a six-night cruise on the Santa Cruz II in the Galapagos for an additional £1,165 per person
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“BEAUTIFULLY ORGANISED AND PERFECT RECOMMENDATIONS. ”
“What a fantastic trip organised by Ultimate. They listened to what we wanted and set up perfect destinations for us. Everyone was friendly and professional from the office in London through to on-the-ground support. The organisation of pick-ups, connecting flights and so on, went like clockwork.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“MY FIRST PORT OF CALL FROM NOW ON. ”
“Efficient, friendly and helpful throughout. made everything a million times easier, Ultimate Travel Company will by my first port of call from now on.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“FANTASTIC!”
“Sophie went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic honeymoon. We had 0 stress relating to planning and everything was taken care of from the moment we stepped off the plane. Sophie anticipated what we wanted when we didn’t even know ourselves. We will certainly be booking with Ultimate again.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“PROBLEM FREE EXCELLENCE.”
“Efficiently organised, everything went like clockwork. This is all the more remarkable since the tour involved considerable complexity.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“AN EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE COMPANY.”
“We have continued to ask Ultimate Travel to make our distant overseas travel arrangements for many years and they have always given us great service.”
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

ITINERARY INSPIRATION

Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa Cruz Island | The Ultimate Travel Company
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