Awake to the striking vistas of Quito and choose how to spend your day. For history enthusiasts, the Colonial Quito excursion (optional) is a must. Start your exploration with a visit to Panecillo Hill, crowned by the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the city’s red-tiled roofs and the dramatic Andes beyond. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit landmarks like the Plaza San Francisco and the awe-inspiring La Compañía Church, famous for its intricate gold-leaf interiors.

For nature lovers, the Bellavista Cloud Forest excursion (optional) offers a tranquil escape. Travel two hours to this lush sanctuary, where you’ll be surrounded by misty trees, cascading waterfalls, and a symphony of birdsong. Hike along well-maintained trails, marvel at vibrant hummingbirds, and breathe in the fresh, cool air of this biodiverse paradise.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch included on the Bellavista excursion.

Today offers a choice of incredible excursions:

• Otavalo Excursion: Travel north through picturesque Andean landscapes to reach the famous Otavalo Market, renowned for its colourful textiles, handmade crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. En route, stop at a bird sanctuary to observe the majestic Andean condor, a symbol of Ecuador’s wildlife. Visit Peguche, where traditional Andean instruments are crafted, and learn about the region’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
• Bellavista Cloud Forest: Continue your exploration of this enchanting forest with another full day immersed in nature, perfect for those seeking serenity and wildlife encounters.
• Mashpi Lodge Excursion: For a luxurious experience, spend two days at the renowned Mashpi Lodge, a haven of modern comfort set within the pristine cloud forest. Enjoy guided hikes, gourmet dining, and panoramic views from the lodge’s observation decks.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch included on Otavalo and Bellavista excursions. All meals included at Mashpi Lodge.

Enjoy a day at your own pace. Stroll through Quito’s lively streets, visit local museums, or relax at your hotel. For those craving more time in Ecuador’s stunning wilderness, extend your stay in the Bellavista Cloud Forest or luxuriate in the tranquil ambiance of Mashpi Lodge (optional extra); Lunch included on the Bellavista excursion. All meals included at Mashpi Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. 

Leave the mountains behind as you fly to the Galapagos Islands, a natural wonder celebrated for its unique ecosystems and remarkable wildlife. Upon arrival, board the stylish Solaris yacht, your home for the next seven days. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew, and enjoy your first meal onboard as you prepare to explore the islands’ volcanic landscapes and thriving biodiversity.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Begin your Galapagos adventure with a visit to the captivating Tintoreras Islets, a network of small islands surrounded by turquoise waters. Here, a short hike through lava formations unveils a world teeming with life. Marvel at mangroves flourishing in this volcanic environment and spot an array of wildlife, including playful sea lions, Galapagos penguins, and the ever-fascinating marine iguanas basking in the sun. Keep an eye on the clear waters for white-tip reef sharks resting in the shallow lagoons, giving this site its name.

In the afternoon, explore Puerto Villamil, a charming coastal town on Isabela Island. Stroll along its pristine beaches or visit the nearby wetlands, home to flamingos and other bird species. Discover the Wall of Tears, a historical site built by prisoners in the 1940s, and gain insight into the island's unique history. With its serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife, Puerto Villamil offers an unforgettable introduction to the Galapagos.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Begin your day exploring the rugged volcanic landscapes of Punta Moreno, where dramatic black lava flows create an otherworldly environment. Amidst this stark beauty, spot unique wildlife such as Darwin’s finches, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins. The area also boasts tranquil lagoons, often visited by flamingos, creating a striking contrast against the dark terrain.

In the afternoon, embark on a zodiac tour of Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideaway surrounded by towering cliffs. As you glide along the coast, marvel at the abundance of birdlife, including flightless cormorants and noddy terns. The tour concludes with a hike to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Darwin Lake and the surrounding volcanic peaks, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine and untouched islands in the Galapagos. As you step onto the dried lava terrain, you'll encounter dense colonies of marine iguanas basking in the sun, their dark bodies blending into the volcanic landscape. Look out for the vibrant Sally Lightfoot crabs, their bright orange shells adding splashes of colour against the black lava. The area is teeming with other wildlife, including flightless cormorants, sea lions, and herons, offering countless photo opportunities.

In the afternoon, venture to Punta Vicente Roca, located on Isabela Island, for a magical snorkelling experience. The calm, crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting to swim alongside graceful sea turtles, playful sea lions, and an array of tropical fish. While exploring the area by panga (zodiac), marvel at the impressive volcanic cliffs, large caves, and tuff cones, which are home to blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and other seabirds.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Start your day at Espumilla Beach, a serene stretch of golden sand framed by lush greenery. This beautiful spot is a nesting site for marine turtles, and you may spot their tracks leading to carefully hidden nests. The nearby palo santo forest offers a chance to observe local birdlife, including Galapagos hawks and herons. The beach’s calm waters are ideal for snorkelling, where you might encounter colourful fish, octopuses, and even reef sharks in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, head to Puerto Egas, known for its dramatic black lava shoreline and stunning tide pools teeming with marine life. Here, fur sea lions bask on the rocky outcrops, while marine iguanas scuttle across the terrain. The unique geological formations, including lava caves and inlets, create a surreal landscape that’s both captivating and otherworldly. Take a walk along the coastal trails, keeping an eye out for playful sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs adding vibrant splashes of red to the scenery.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Day 10 (Sun): Discover Rabida Island’s Red Sands and Chinese Hat Islets

Begin your day at the breathtaking Rabida Island, renowned for its striking red sands created by the high iron content in its volcanic rocks. The vibrant beach is often dotted with sea lions, providing fantastic opportunities for close-up wildlife encounters. Follow a trail leading to a coastal lagoon, home to a small colony of flamingos. Along the way, keep an eye out for finches, doves, and other native bird species. The nearby snorkelling spots offer a kaleidoscope of marine life, including colourful fish, rays, and playful sea lions darting through the water.

In the afternoon, journey to the fascinating Chinese Hat Islets, named for their distinctive shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. This tiny island is a geologist’s dream, featuring unique lava flows, tunnels, and cones that tell the story of the Galapagos’ volcanic origins. Walk along the shore, where you’ll encounter Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, and sea lions lounging on the rocks. The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling, offering the chance to swim among vibrant reef fish and observe the underwater lava formations up close.

Meals included: All meals during the Galapagos cruise.

Begin your final morning in the Galapagos with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub for conservation efforts and home to the famous breeding program for giant tortoises. Learn about the ongoing work to preserve the fragile ecosystems of the islands. Fly back to Quito in the afternoon, where you’ll have one last chance to enjoy the city’s charm.

Meals included: Breakfast on the Solaris.

Spend your final hours exploring Quito or relaxing at your hotel. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the NEW YORK, bringing an unforgettable adventure to a close.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Meal on the flight.