Quito & Galápagos: Crafted for the Well-Traveled Few

Head up to the Quito Teleférico, one of the highest aerial cable cars in South America. The cable car ride takes you from the city (at about 2,950 meters / 9,680 feet) up to the Cruz Loma viewpoint on the slopes of Rucu Pichincha, reaching an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000+ feet).

The ascent offers spectacular panoramic views of Quito, the surrounding valleys, and—on clear days—the snow-capped volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe.

Once at the top, you will have time to take photos, walk along scenic trails, or enjoy a cup of coca tea or hot chocolate at the viewpoint café.

Your guide will provide insights into Quito’s geography, Andean ecosystems, and the volcanic landscape that defines the region.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest and continue enjoying your stay in Ecuador’s beautiful capital city.

The experience begins with a hotel pick-up and a visit to Santa Clara Market, one of Quito’s most vibrant and authentic local spaces. Amidst colorful stalls of flowers, fresh produce, handwoven baskets, and ceramics, the atmosphere reflects the daily rhythm of life in the city. A freshly prepared juice adds a refreshing start, while an optional traditional limpia (energy cleansing) with a local healer offers a unique cultural connection through ancestral Andean practices.

The morning continues with a stop at La Basílica, the largest neo-Gothic church in Latin America. Its intricate architecture and towering spires provide an extraordinary setting, with sweeping views of Quito from its upper walkways offering a memorable perspective on the city’s blend of history and modern life.

Further into the historic center, the cobbled streets of La Ronda open into a world of creativity and tradition. Once a gathering place for artists, poets, and musicians, the neighborhood remains a cultural cornerstone. Inside a metalworking studio, pre-Columbian techniques—passed down through generations for over 11,000 years—are brought to life as local artisans guide the crafting of small artistic pieces. When available, the experience continues at a leather or inlay workshop, where traditional methods used in making classic bargueños are showcased.

At Casa de la Negra Mala, also known as the “Murcielagario,” the city’s culinary roots take center stage. Inside this historic colonial home, a cooking session led by Vicky, the owner of a celebrated Quito eatery, highlights the flavors of the region. Traditional empanadas de morocho are prepared together, served with fresh naranjilla juice and locally roasted coffee.

The journey continues along the Street of the Seven Crosses, where two iconic churches reveal the contrasts in Quito’s history and architecture. La Compañía de Jesús, with its lavish baroque design covered in gold leaf, reflects the wealth and artistic ambition of the Jesuits. In contrast, the nearby San Francisco Church, the oldest in the city, embodies a more austere and spiritual Franciscan style—highlighting two distinct eras and philosophies in Quito’s colonial past. Nearby, in a beautifully preserved colonial home, a chocolate tasting features premium dark chocolate paired with wine or hot cocoa, followed by a rich, handmade brownie.

In Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, centuries of learning and legend converge. San Gregorio Magno, Quito’s first university and now home to the National Library, stands as a testament to its academic legacy. Inside the Archbishop’s Palace, the storytelling continues with tales such as the legend of Father Almeida, complemented by traditional sweets including mistelas, caca de perro, maní, and dulce de leche.

Before returning to the hotel, an optional stop can be made at a traditional bakery for a final taste of freshly baked Quito-style bread and a warm cup of local coffee.

Additional experiences—such as entrance tickets or specialized workshops—may be added at an extra cost, extending the total duration of the tour. All elements can be adapted or tailored based on guest preferences.

Your day begins with a scenic drive north of Quito through the picturesque Andean countryside, arriving at Hacienda La Compañía, a beautifully preserved French Republic-style estate dating back to the 19th century.

Here, you will enjoy a guided visit that includes:

• A walk through the historic family house, filled with antiques and personal stories passed down through generations.
• A visit to the private chapel, with its original architecture and quiet charm.
• The rose showroom, where you will be amazed by the diversity of Ecuadorian roses—renowned as the finest in the world for their size, color, and longevity.
• A tour of the rose plantation, where you will learn about the cultivation process and sustainable practices that make Ecuador a global leader in flower exports.

After your tour, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients and served in the hacienda’s warm and elegant dining area.

In the afternoon, continue to Casa Agave, a unique cultural space dedicated to the history and production of traditional Andean agave spirits. Here, you will learn about the ancestral uses of agave in indigenous communities, visit the distillery to see how traditional techniques are used to produce mishki and other agave-based drinks, and stroll through the agave gardens and surrounding countryside. Guests interested in sampling artisanal agave spirits (non-alcoholic options are also available) may be offered optional tastings.

After this enriching experience, return to Quito in the late afternoon, carrying with you the colors, scents, and stories of Ecuador’s rich highland heritage.

RATES INCLUDE

Experience

– Signature Menu by a Renowned Chef

– Library Use

– Hammam Use

– Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic beverages from Signature Menu

– Accommodation in Double or Single Suite*

– Cocktail & Cooking Demonstrations

Service

– Butler service

– Laundry service**

– Signature pillow menu

– National Park Entrance Fee & Transit Control Card

– Mini bar

– Unpacking service

– Access to Galapagos Airport VIP Lounge

– Airport assistance for Galapagos flights on cruise departure days

– Satellite internet

Activities

– Wetsuit & snorkeling equipment

– Stand Up Paddleboard

– Kayak

– Walking Sticks

– All activities and excursions as depicted in itineraries in the company of a bilingual naturalist guide

*Two Single Suites available per departure with no surcharge

*A maximum of two Double Suites can be sold as Single ones (paying single supplement) per departure

**5 items on 3,4,6, and 7-Night Cruises / 10 items on 8-Night Cruises or longer.

RATES NOT INCLUDE

– Domestic Flights to/from Galapagos

– Gratuities for guide and crew*

– Drinks not included in the menu

– Travel insurance

– Massage treatments

– Personal expenses

– Single supplement (50%)

Flight to Baltra Island. You will be met by our guide and transferred to Hermes. You will then sail to Bachas Beach where your first exploration of the Galapagos begins. Bachas is a great introduction to the Galapagos. Here you can relax and swim on its crystalline waters. This site also allows visitors to see frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km (.6 mi) long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.

Arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow.

(When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.) Head back to the beach to see prehistoric-looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes – it’s a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.

Snorkeling in Rábida

Take a panga ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to find one of the best deep-water snorkeling spots in the islands.

Hike to Bartolomé’s summit for a stronger perspective of the islands’ not-too- distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.

Snorkeling in Bartolomé

Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.

Visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.

Lace up your hiking boots to explore the island’s flora and fauna. Trek toward the cliffs along the island’s northern shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favorite forest and feasting on Opuntia pads and fruit.

Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt.

Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it’s the only site in the Galápagos where it’s possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds.

Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sun-bathing sea lions.

Witch Hill is a breathtaking white sand beach on San Cristobal Island’s northern coast.

This beach was one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It’s an attractive spot for walking and enjoying the landscape, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The area is home to a large sea lion colony, and the nearby lagoon often hosts several bird species, including pelicans and blue-footed boobies.

The clear waters also make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can encounter rich marine life.

Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a panga ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions.