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Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by private yacht

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Dates
4 Nov
18 Nov
2026

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.

Price (sharing a room)
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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
ECU1126-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
Profession
Botanical History
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Nights
14
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Quito
Wednesday
,
4
November
Arrive in Quito, a beautiful city containing superbly preserved colonial architecture, and transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.
2
Quito
Thursday
,
5
November
Explore Quito on a guided tour. Walk through the attractive, palm-shaded Plaza de la Independencia, visit the gorgeously ornate 16th century church of La Compania de Jesus and visit Monasterio de San Francisco, one of the oldest churches on the American continent .Visit the chocolate factory. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a modern Ecuadorian restaurant.
3
Quito
Friday
,
6
November
Drive into the temperate valley of Guayllabamba, where cherimoyas (custard-apples) and avocados grow. Continue into the Andean highlands to vist Otavalo and its colourful handcraft market, the biggest in in all of Latin America. Return via Peguche, known for its textile and handicraft workshops, and visit an Andean musical instrument making workshop.
4
Quito / Mindo
Saturday
,
7
November
Drive to El Mitad del Mundo - the ‘Middle of the World’ – where you can straddle the equatorial line. Drive up to the rim of the biggest volcanic crater in South America, the extinct Pululahua Volcano, for lunch with spectacular views. After lunch continue to Mindo Cloud Forest, where you will stay at Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge Spa.
5
Mindo
Sunday
,
8
November
The cloud forests are a unique ecosystem fed by the misty clouds sitting on the slopes of the Andes. Rise early the following morning to watch an incredible variety of birdlife, including hundreds of species of jewelled hummingbirds. Visit the Mariposario Mindo Butterfly Farm. In the afternoon visit the waterfall at Pahuma Reserve.
6
Mindo
Monday
,
9
November
Full day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Mindo. Options to go ziplining through the forest, take part in chocolate therapy, further explore the cloud forest or simply relax at the lodge.
7
Mindo / Papallacta
Tuesday
,
10
November
Rise early to spot the early bird activity in Mindo. After breakfast drive to the high Andes of Ecuador, into the paramo and the montane forest, rich in unusual flora and fauna such as the gnarled Polylepis tree - one of the oddest and rarest trees on the planet. Continue to Papallacta and check into Termas de Papallactas thermal resort, where the waters reputedly have healing properties.
8
Papallacta
Wednesday
,
11
November
Visit the Antisana Ecological Reserve in the central highlands, located at the feet of the 5705 metre volcano, Mount Antisana. Explore the dramatic altiplano landscapes with spectacular snowcapped mountains as backdrop. Look out for the various local species of birds, including the Andean condor. Return to Papallacta late afternoon and dinner at the lodge.
9
Papallacta
Thursday
,
12
November
Full day at leisure. Options to trek in the Andes or relax in the natural hot springs.
10
Papallacta / San Cristobal Island, Galápagos
Friday
,
13
November
Onto Ecuador’s ecological wonderland – the Galápagos Islands. Fly to San Cristobal Island and board the MY Solaris private yacht. For four nights cruise around Espanola, Floreana, Santiago, Bartolomé and Santa Cruz Islands. Tour the Interpretation Centre & see giant tortoises. Cruise to Kicker Rock and onto Cero Brujo to walk on a white sand beach with sea lions, pelicans, marine iguanas, boobies.
11
Espanola Island, Galápagos
Saturday
,
14
November
Wet landing at white-sand Gardener Bay, home to sea lions, three species of Darwin’s finches, Española mockingbirds, green sea turtles, colorful tropical fish. Take a panga ride around Osborn Inlet and islets to see sea lions, corals and colourful fish including parrotfish. Land at Punta Suarez and see marine birds, including the nesting waved albatross.
12
Floreana Island, Galápagos
Sunday
,
15
November
Visit Cormorant Point to see Galápagos flamingos and many other birds. Continue to Champion islet to see to see marine turtles, sea lions and many fish. Options for swimming and snorkelling. Visit the historic site of Post Office Bay, where you can still post a postcard in the historic post barrel. Visit the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcano and the best site for snorkelling in the Galápagos.
13
Santiago Island, Galápagos
Monday
,
16
November
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, which is located next to Bartolome Island and features a dramatic lava field. Option to snorkel in the bay’s calm waters. Visit Bartolome Island for spectacular views and lava cones. See lava lizards, sea lions, Galápagos penguins, herons, finches.
14
Quito
Tuesday
,
17
November
Visit Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove estuary on Santa Cruz Island, naturally protected and virtually untouched by man, Black Turtle Cove is home to some truly remarkable species of animals and plants. Flight back to Quito and transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.
15
Quito
Wednesday
,
18
November
Depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

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.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Monasterio de San Francisco
Quito

Explore colonial Quito, including visit Monasterio de San Francisco, one of the oldest churches on the American continent.

Local life
Andean village

Experience traditional culture and life in the Andes.

Papallacta Thermal Resort
The high Andes

Relax in the healing hot springs at Papallacta Thermal resort in the high Andes.

Blue footed boobies
Galapagos

Get up close to strange, fearless and beautiful creatures not seen anywhere else in the world.

On deck the Solaris
Cruising the Galapagos

Enjoy 4 nights on private charter basis on board the firs- class Solaris yacht.

Pre-tour Amazon extension
Napo River, Amazon

Explore the wild Amazon from a beautiful eco lodge on an optional pre-tour extension.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

Enrich your journey

Extend your tour

Pre-tour

Amazon
30 Oct - 3 Nov 2026

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.

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.

Quito, Ecuador

Sheraton Quito Hotel

Mindo, Ecuador

Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge Spa

Papallacta, Andes, Ecuador

Termas de Palallactas

Quito

Wyndham Airport Hotel (extension)

Amazon

Sacha Lodge (extension)

Accommodation

Ship

This first class, stylish yacht is on private charter for this tour. It accommodates just 16 passengers in 11 cabins with private facilities, with 8 crew.

Private first class Galapagos motor yacht

Solaris

Solaris sun deck

Solaris

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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