The Andes & the Galapagos with a Golden Galapagos voyage

Accompanied by your guide, explore the historic centre of Quito. Highlights include Independence Plaza, the ornate La Compañía de Jesús church, and the impressive San Francisco Monastery, renowned for its blend of Baroque and Moorish influences. This afternoon, continue to the Intiñan Equatorial Monument, located on the Equator just north of the city. Here, you'll have the opportunity to stand in both hemispheres at once while learning about the geography, cultures, and scientific curiosities associated with this unique location.

Discover a different side of Quito on a guided culinary tour through the city's historic centre. Beginning at the Mercado de San Francisco, you'll learn about local ingredients and traditional Andean food culture before sampling a variety of regional specialties, including locro quiteño, ceviche, and Ecuadorian chocolate. Along the way, you'll also explore the historic streets of La Ronda, gaining further insight into the city's heritage, before concluding with a tasting of locally brewed craft beer.

Today, you'll travel into the Otavalo Highlands for a two-night stay at Hacienda Zuleta, a historic working estate set amid the Andean countryside. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to explore the hacienda's grounds and gardens, enjoy one of its walking trails, or simply take in the views of the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a day at leisure at Hacienda Zuleta, where a range of activities are available within the estate. You can explore the surrounding countryside on foot, horseback, or mountain bike, visit the hacienda's renowned Condor Huasi conservation project, take part in a cookery or traditional embroidery workshop, or simply relax at the spa.

Leaving the Otavalo Highlands, you'll travel south to Cotopaxi National Park and Chilcabamba Lodge, where you'll spend the next two nights. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes, the lodge enjoys exceptional views of Cotopaxi Volcano and provides a comfortable base for exploring the region.

Spend the day exploring the landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park. Activities available from the lodge include guided hikes, mountain biking, and horse riding through the Andean páramo, with opportunities to enjoy views of Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, and other surrounding peaks. Alternatively, enjoy a different perspective on life in the highlands through trout fishing or a traditional cow-milking experience.

Today, you'll travel to Quito for an overnight stay at Hacienda Jimenita. Set within extensive gardens on the outskirts of the city, this characterful hacienda-style hotel offers a peaceful setting inspired by Ecuador's rural traditions, while remaining conveniently close to the airport.

This morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, you'll be met by a cruise representative and transferred to your ship. This afternoon, visit Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island, known for its white-sand beach and sea turtle nesting sites. Later, you'll cruise around Daphne Major Islet, an important nesting area for blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and other seabirds.

Rábida Island is known for its distinctive red-sand beach, volcanic landscapes, and abundant birdlife. Depending on conditions, there may be opportunities for walking, snorkelling, kayaking or a dinghy excursion. Later, visit Chinese Hat, a small volcanic islet off the coast of Santiago Island. Its rugged lava formations and surrounding waters provide excellent opportunities to observe the unique wildlife and landscapes for which the Galapagos Islands are renowned.

Head to Vicente Roca Point, on the northwest coast of Isabela Island, where the nutrient-rich waters attract an abundance of marine life. Depending on conditions, there may be opportunities for snorkelling or a dinghy excursion, with chances to spot sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife. This afternoon, visit Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. Here, you'll encounter marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, and striking volcanic landscapes while exploring one of the most untouched environments in the islands.

Lava landscapes, interspersed with lagoons and mangroves that attract flamingoes, penguins, and herons, greet you at Moreno Point on Isabela Island. Opportunities for snorkelling and dinghy excursions may also reveal sea turtles and reef sharks. This afternoon, discover Elizabeth Bay by dinghy, exploring a protected area known for its calm waters, mangroves, and abundant marine life.

Journey onward to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, home to land iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants. There may also be opportunities for walking, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach. This afternoon, explore Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once used by sailors and pirates. Walking trails, snorkelling and dinghy excursions offer opportunities to discover the island's volcanic landscapes and wildlife.

This morning, visit Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island, a stretch of white sand frequented by marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and a variety of seabirds. Opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking and dinghy excursions provide a chance to discover the island's rich marine life. This afternoon, explore Buccaneer Cove, a former refuge for sailors and whalers. Today, its dramatic cliffs and rocky coastline provide a habitat for blue-footed boobies, sea lions, fur seals and nesting sea turtles, best observed from the water by dinghy, kayak or while snorkelling.

The final stop on your Galápagos adventure is North Seymour Island, renowned for its abundant birdlife. Here, you may encounter blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigatebirds, particularly during the breeding season. This afternoon, explore Mosquera Islet, a sandy islet situated between Baltra and North Seymour. Known for its large sea lion colony, it also offers opportunities to spot Sally Lightfoot crabs, rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks in the surrounding waters.

A final call at the Charles Darwin Research Station is a fitting end to your journey. Spend some time at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, where conservation efforts focus on protecting and breeding the different subspecies of the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise. Afterward, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito, before taking your international flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.