Ecuador's Haciendas and Galapagos
Culture and wildlife intertwined
Celebrate the unique biodiversity of Ecuador
Enjoy just over two weeks in Ecuador with a variety of cultural and wildlife experiences on offer. Commence in Guayaquil, the hub to the Galápagos Islands with a one night stay at the Hotel del Parque in the historic park. Already here feel a sense of Ecuadorian history and culture with the tram line that runs through the grounds of the property, enjoy the wildlife within the park area, appreciate the flora including the bounty of orchids in season, and feel a sense of comfort with a laidback, quiet start to your journey and in such a beautiful setting.
Fly to the Galápagos and spend a week about the M/Y Grace, an authentic classic adventure yacht for those seeking to explore the Galápagos in style. Further appreciate the history of the vessel itself and wonder at knowing you’re aboard the boat previously owned by millionaire tycoons and royalty, and while sailing from island to island, enjoy the days snorkelling, swimming, walking or with sundowners on the deck all in between seeing incredible wildlife such as seals, sharks, blue-footed boobies, penguins, frigate birds, tortoises, flamingoes, Sally Lightfoot crabs and more!
Continue the adventure back on the mainland near Guayaquil at a hacienda with outstanding farm to table food, great horse riding opportunities, cacao farm tours, hiking or perhaps try milking a cow by hand!
Fly across to cobble-stoned Quito city centre and stay at Casa Gangotena, the best property in the plaza area, enjoy an afternoon high tea, take the time to walk about the plaza area, head to the Middle of the World to experience being on a zero latitude and before the final part of your journey, stop in Otavalo and visit the markets and get an insight into Ecuadorian culture – from the weaving and weavers, to the musicians, and the hat makers.
You will love
- Glamping in the Galápagos
- Old world charm at Hotel del Parque
- Spotting giant tortoises
- Feeding sugar water to hummingbirds
- Riding on the skybike & dragonfly
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
15 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
DAY 1 | GUAYAQUIL | 1 NIGHT
Arrive to Guayaquil and check in to your hotel. The afternoon and evening is at leisure and you can explore the historical parklands.
DAY 2 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS | 7 NIGHTS
Fly to San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos and after a bus and zodiac ride, boat your boat, the MY Grace for your 7-night itinerary. Explore San Cristobal, Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock
DAY 3 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Explore Española Island, Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay
DAY 4 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Today visit Floreana Island, Post Office Bay and Baroness View Point, then in the afternoon go to Cormorant Point and Champion Islet
DAY 5 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Step ashore at Santa Cruz Island and visit Dragon Hill, then the Highlands and Puerto Ayora
DAY 6 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Head to Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach and in the afternoon, Chinese Hat
DAY 7 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Stop at the small island of La Rabida and later visit Santiago Island and Sullivan Bay
DAY 8 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Disembark onto Bartolome Island, Pinnacle Rock and Overlook. Later today explore North Seymour Island
DAY 8 | NEAR GUAYAQUIL | 2 NIGHTS
This morning visit Mosquera Islet and enjoy some last minute photos before transferring to the airport, then flying to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival to Guayaquil, road transfer for just over an hour to Hacienda La Danesa and the evening is at leisure
DAY 9 | NEAR GUAYAQUIL
Enjoy activities on site such as horse riding, milking the cows, biking, hiking, a cacao experience, river tubing, or walking about the gardens and enjoying delicious farm to table food.
DAY 10 | QUITO | 2 NIGHTS
Road transfer back to Guayaquil and fly to Quito. Check into Casa Gangotena and enjoy an afternoon high tea at your accommodation. Evening at leisure.
DAY 11 | QUITO
Head out with your guide on a walking tour of colonial Quito, meander the cobblestone streets, then drive to the Middle of the World and mark the Earth’s zero latitude.
DAY 12 | HIGHLANDS | 3 NIGHTS
Drive from Quito to the Andean Highlands, stopping at Otavalo to walk about the markets, for a local lunch and to visit the people of Peguche, famous for their weavings, hats, belts and music. Late this afternoon check into Hacienda la Danesa and enjoy cheese and wine and a home cooked meal and relax for the evening.
DAY 13 | HIGHLANDS
Enjoy activities at the hacienda such as cycling, horse riding, a carriage ride, bird watching and searching for condors, an embroidery class, cooking class, or enjoy farm activities.
DAY 14 | HIGHLANDS
Further enjoy activities at the hacienda today.
DAY 15 | END OF ARRANGEMENTS
Return to Quito and fly home/end of arrangements
ACCOMMODATION
A handpicked selection
Expeditionary Cruising | Galapagos Colonial Classic
NEED TO KNOW
The M/Y Grace runs according to a set schedule – journeys either commence in San Cristobal and finish at Baltra Island, OR commence in Baltra and end at San Cristobal.
8 and 15 day cruises are possible.
M/Y Grace and Evolution are child-friendly
Scuba diving is available at an additional cost
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
