Mashpi Lodge and Galapagos Islands

Quito walking tour

We head out for a walking tour of the Old Town, intent on understanding more about the people who live in the largest and best-restored historical centre in the Americas. The guide takes us through the nearby streets, stopping to meet artisans, shopkeepers, hat makers and sweet confectioners. Up the hill on Calle Rocafuerte, we explore the San Francisco Market, one of the oldest in the capital. Here, we learn all about the fruit and vegetables produced in Ecuador and some culinary traditions. From the market, we walk downhill to the emblematic street of La Ronda, considered one of the flagship regeneration projects in the city. It’s a quiet, cobbled street with typical balconies overflowing with geraniums. From La Ronda, we walk northwards through the handsome streets of the Old Town to the Plaza Grande, the political heart of the city. In the afternoon, we cross the street to the excellent Casa del Alabado Archaeological Museum.This tour also includes a visit to a panoramic viewpoint to appreciate Quito in all its Andean splendour.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Mashpi Lodge

We will depart at 08:30 to the Sky Bike and Observation tower. The Sky Bike makes for an original and exciting way to explore the forest canopy up close. Designed for two people to use at once, one person pedals the bike along a cable stretched between two points in the forest, around 200 m (655 feet) apart, crossing a gorge above a river flowing between rocks and trees below. In the afternoon walk the howler monkey trail. which goes across one the original forest were many of the centenarian trees survive login, being the “copal” tree the most emblematic. Along this trail our local guide will listen to any sound in the forest, so he can show you maybe a colourful bird or the very elusive howler monkeys, while our naturalist guide will take any opportunity to talk about the ecology and conservation of the forest. In the evening the forest is transformed completely during the night, the sounds and smells are intensified and other senses are awakened. On this “night safari”, unlike others, our guests find the beauty in the small details, the croaking of frogs or the hum of insects. 

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Quito - Galapagos Islands

Baltra Island Airport & Santa Cruz Island  - We arrive at Baltra airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora. Depending on local weather conditions up in the highlands, we may include a short hike which will be a great introduction to some Galapagos wildlife.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos excursions

North Seymour Island - The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling and coastal exploration with chances of spotting fur seals along the rocky coastline. 

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil

After breakfast, we leave for the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. On arrival into Guayaquil you are met and taken by private transfer to your hotel. 

INCLUDES : Breakfast