Magical Ecuador and the Galapagos

Nestled among Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and is renowned for its breathtaking setting. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was a crucial part of the Incan Empire before being destroyed and later reestablished by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is one of Latin America’s largest and best-preserved. It boasts remarkable museums, churches, and art galleries.

Begin your exploration with a city tour, starting in downtown Quito and moving towards the historic district. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Independence Square, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Stroll past El Sagrario Church and marvel at the elaborate stone facade of La Compañía Church. Visit San Francisco Church, which was built on the remains of an Inca palace in the 16th century. For panoramic views of Quito, head to the Panecillo or Itchimbia hills.

During the tour, delight in a chocolate tasting at Galeria Ecuador, where you’ll learn about cacao cultivation and engage in interactive activities such as growing cacao plants and creating your own chocolate truffles with ingredients like cinnamon, Cusco salt, chocolate nibs, nuts, and cacao.

After your chocolate experience, proceed to Cafe Plaza Grande for a cooking class where you’ll learn to make ceviche and Ecuador’s famous helado de Paila (fresh fruit ice cream). Following a delicious lunch, visit the Equatorial Monument, built to honor the French scientists who determined the Earth’s shape in the 1700s. Nearby, explore the Ethnographic Museum, which highlights Ecuador’s diverse ethnic groups, or the Intiñan interactive museum, which delves into Incan theories of the Earth's center.

Set out on a yacht tour of the Galápagos aboard the Pikaia I, where you'll have your own private cabin. After a substantial breakfast, sail to North Seymour Island, which boasts a variety of flora and fauna. Observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine turtles, sea lions, and iguanas, and explore the Palo Santo forest. You can choose between hiking or snorkeling.

Following a traditional Ecuadorian buffet lunch, head to Bachas Beach Island. Relax on the white sands of Bachas Beach, explore the nearby lava lagoons, and keep an eye out for Pacific green sea turtles, flamingos, lava gulls, and Sally light-foot crabs.