Day	Activity	Accommodation
Day 1	Day flight from London Heathrow to Quito. Met and driven to hotel	Casa Aliso, Quito
Day 2	Drive to Otavalo and Northern Sierra	Hacienda Zuleta, Northern Sierra
Day 3	At leisure	Hacienda Zuleta, Northern Sierra
Day 4	Drive to Papallacta	Termas de Papallacta, Papallacta
Day 5	Transfer to the Oriente, edge of the Amazon	Hamadryade Lodge, Amazonia
Day 6	At leisure	Hamadryade Lodge, Amazonia
Day 7	Transfer to Quito	Casa Aliso, Quito
Day 8	Flight to Galapagos	Motor Sailor, Motor Vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 9	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor Vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 10	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor Vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 11	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 12	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 13	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 14	At leisure	Motor Sailor, Motor vessel or small cruise ship, Galapagos Cruise
Day 15	Flight to Quito. Transfer to hotel	Casa Aliso, Quito
Day 16	Transfer to airport. Overnight flight to UK	Overnight flight

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Day 1

Catch your day flight from London Heathrow to Quito

Day 1 – Day 2

1 Night at Casa Aliso, Quito, on a bed and breakfast basis

Casa Aliso, Quito, on a bed and breakfast basis

Homely 10 bedroom cosy boutique hotel located in a quite suburb less than 15 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from Quito’s UNESCO declared colonial heart. Exquisitely furnished, lots of antiques, wooden floors and gentle lighting. A perfect place to relax, feel at home and acclimatise to the Quito altitude. Excellent restaurants within walking distance or a take away service if you don’t want to venture from the cosiness of the hotel. Lovely fireplaces to lounge around and choose a book from the well stocked book shelves. Unlimited wireless connection at no extra charge throughout the hotel and gardens. Breakfast in the gardens in the summer is a real treat. Every reason to spend a little more time in Quito for.

Room Facilities: Free wireless, TV, safe, bathrobes.

Shared Facilities: Lounge, gardens, breakfast room, books!

Activities nearby: Colonial old city, best restaurants in Quito, cafes, art/craft shops, arthouse cinema.

To escape to verdict: A homely gem of a hotel. Simple in terms of facilities but there is a spa close by and concierge will be more than helpful in their assistance. Perfect for weary travellers after long flights and needing to acclimatise.

For a sneak preview and more images, please click here...

Quito

There is so much to see and do in Quito. There has been massive investment over the last few years in the historical colonial old city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quito definitely deserves at least 3 days and not just as a quick stopover en-route to the Galapagos Islands. There is an air of vibrancy, fun and improvement. The new city around Plaza Foch has bustling trendy, funky bars and an amazing variety of good restaurants. For those who feel that they can cope with even higher altitude then the cable car at the base of Pichincha Volcano which climbs to almost 14,000 feet is an amazing way to view the city and admire the incredible location, scattering the mountains and valleys.

Day 2

Drive north passing over the equator to the northern sierra stopping at the famous town of Otavalo

Day 2 – Day 3

2 Nights at Hacienda Zuleta on a full board basis

Staying in a hacienda is a wonderful way to really experience the warm hospitality of Ecuador and soak up the history and relax in the beautiful peaceful rural surroundings. Hacienda Zuleta ticks all the boxes for the authentic hacienda experience.

Zuleta stands in 2000 hectares of farmland at the edge of the Andes and is a working dairy farm as well as sheep farming, horse breeding and trout farm! The hacienda buildings date back to 1691 and this is where the 11 guest rooms are, within the main building of the family hacienda.

The rooms are beautiful with elegant touches and with roaring fires and a plenty of extra wood. Lovely garden or mountain views, some rooms with patio doors leading to private gardens. Adjoining suites are available for families.

Food is divine and delicious and straight from the farm and gardens, organically grown fruit and vegetables, fresh milk and dairy from the herd and unique recipes passed from generation to generation using the hacienda’s fresh produce.

Either enjoy the estate by horseback or walking trails. They have a little activity room where guests can plan the most enjoyable way to experience all that the hacienda has to offer.

Room Facilities: Fireplaces, garden and mountain views, some with private garden.

Shared Facilities: Dining, lounges and gardens.

Activities nearby: Riding, hiking, gentle walks, bird watching, mountain biking, farm participation, rural relaxation.

To escape to verdict: A very special and privileged place to really get off the tourist trail. Isolated and rural but extremely comfortable and tasteful with homely attention to detail.

For a sneak preview and more images, please click here...

Day 4

Drive south back over the Equator skirting around Quito and climbing up to beautiful cloud forest up to the little settlement of Papallacta where the hot springs have been very effectively developed into thermal swimming pools and general Spa area in a pretty rural setting.

1 Night at Termas de Papallacta, on a bed & breakfast basis

Termas de Papallacta is a Spa Resort high up in the cloud forest 40 miles east of Quito.

It’s the most developed area of thermal baths in Ecuador and the resort has created excellent surroundings to make the most of the natural waters

There are 32 rooms and 13 cabins. The cabins have a living area with fireplace. The 9 hot and 3 cold thermal pools are on the banks of the Papallacta River and are right outside the bedroom doors for handy changing.

There’s also an extensive Spa with an array of treatments from everything you could imagine….medicinal Andean mud treatments to baths in a Thermal cave, Finnish Saunas and a Meditation and rest area.

The restaurant serves healthy fare organically produced and the local trout is a delicious speciality.

Room Facilities: En-suite, direct access to thermal pools, 5 rooms have their own whirlpool (extra charge) cabins have fireplaces.

Shared Facilities: Thermal pools, Spa, gardens, restaurant.

Activities nearby: Relaxing in the pools, Spa treatments, walks, trekking.

To escape to verdict: An ideal one night stop en-route to the Amazon region or as a 1 night rural and Spa break from Quito.

For a sneak preview and more images, please click here...

Day 5

Descend spectacularly to the Oriente region around the mighty Rio Napo and the comfort of Hamadryade Lodge.

Day 5 - 6

2 Nights at Hamadryade Lodge, Ecuadorian Amazon on a full board basis

Hamadryade Lodge is something new, luxurious and exciting in the rainforest.

Sebastian, Melanie and their young family have created just four exceptional, romantic and exclusive large luxury cabanas in lush secondary rainforest overlooking the Rio Napo.Each cabana has a wall of glass with patio doors leading to a private deck for sunbathing and very romantic rainforest dinners if you prefer more privacy.

Sebastian and Melanie have thought of every detail for the utmost comfort in a challenging environment. Sebastian grew up in his parents Relaix and Chateau hotel in France and has learnt the qualities of the perfect host and the essentials to create a wonderful,relaxed stay.King size beds or large twins with the highest quality Egyptian linen cotton, all the space one could need with ample wardrobes, luxury appointed bathrooms delicious L’Occotane toiletries.

If you can be drawn away from your jungle retreat Sebastian has built a natural water swimming pool completely eco efficiently by recycling rainwater keeping it untreated but carefully filtered so that chemicals are not fed back to the water cycle. Hammocks and sun loungers surround the pool and are covered if you prefer to be outside but under canopy if it rains. The bar and dining area are open to theelement to ensure guests experience the sounds and senses of the jungle any time of day. Sebastian and Melanie prepare all the delicious meals and Sebastian incorporates French and Ecuadorian flavours expertly. Their small staff are from local communities all trained by Melanie.

Suite Facilities: Privacy, jungle and river views, floor to ceiling windows, large outside deck, fully insulated against insects, king or twin beds, large bathrooms and separate toilet, hot shower, lounge chairs, flask of spring water.

Shared Facilities: Pool, gardens, bar, dining area.

Activities nearby: The lodge’s own butterfly farm, rainforest excursions, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, visiting local communities.

To escape to verdict: A real to escape to favourite. Sebastian and Melanie are wonderful hosts and have put so much into creating a unique jungle retreat. Utmost privacy, space and luxury in harmony with the surroundings.

For a sneak preview and more images, please click here...

Day 7

Return to Quito and the Casa Aliso.

Day 8

Transfer to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Day 9 - Day 14

7 night cruise

Alta (motor sailor), Galapagos on a full board basis

Beautiful 3 masted schooner with elegance and style both inside and out.

Just 8 cabins with capacity for 16 passengers, 8 crew and 1 naturalist guide. Available for individual bookings, whole boat charter and special family departures. Comfortable outside deck space with sun loungers and el fresco dining to take full advantage of the hot climate, sea breezes and all important spotting of the Galapagos unique and enchanting wildlife.

Inside space includes a stylish dining room and sociable salon for daily briefings and chit chat around the bar. There are sea kayaks, wetsuits and snorkelling gear available for guests.

The cabins are well appointed and spacious with plenty of room for storage and clothes hanging. Individual climate control. Double or twin beds (request in advance).

Good use of space in the cabin en-suite bathrooms with hair dryers and space for toiletries.

Full safety compliance under all international standards for a ship in her class.

Cabin Facilities: Climate control with air con, en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, outside windows.

Shared Facilities: Salon, dining room, outside deck space with sun loungers.

Activities nearby: Extensive itinerary around the main Galapagos Islands including full services of naturalist guide, hikes, dingy excursions, sea kayaks, snorkelling, (diving specific departures).

To escape to verdict: A great option for those looking for a more intimate cruise with just 8 cabins in elegant surroundings. One of the most luxurious boats in her class. Alta looks stunningly graceful when the wind allows her white sails to be hoisted.

For a sneak preview and more images, please click here...

Galapagos Islands

The enchanting and unique Galapagos Islands lying 600 miles west (2 hour flight from Quito) off the Ecuadorian mainland. The volcanic archipelago is made up of 13 larger islands and numerous islets. The main attraction of the islands is not their physical beauty but the islands unique wild inhabitants…the frolicking friendly sea lions, the abundant and striking birdlife balloon red breasted frigate birds, albatross, Galapagos Owls and of course the endemic Galapagos Finches identified by Charles Darwin and used as his basis for evolution. There is a boat to suit all tastes from romantic schooner to comfortable small cruise ship. If you feel that a week is not enough and would like to explore the islands in more depth there are also some great boutique hotel options and specialist walking tours.

Day 15

Flight to Quito. Transfer to hotel

Day 15 - Day 16

1 Night at Casa Aliso, Quito, on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 16

Transfer back to the airport for your overnight flight back to Heathrow.

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PRICING:

Approximate cost (based on two people sharing during mid season) from: £ 5,075 per person

Cost includes:

· International flights from London Heathrow

· 3 nights at Casa Aliso on a bed and breakfast basis

· 2 nights at Hacienda Zuleta on a Full board basis

· 1 nights at Termas de Papallacta on a bed & breakfast basis

· 2 nights at Hamadryade Lodge on a half board basis

· 7 nights Galapagos Cruise on a full board basis

· All internal flights and transfers

Holidays are subject to our Terms and Conditions. Bookings are subject to availability at time of confirmation.

Please click here to view our booking conditions (if you need a hard copy please let us know and we will mail them over)

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About our Prices:

We believe in a ‘what you see is what you get’ policy with our pricing and not

springing any hidden surprises with extra costs. Everything is included in your

price as laid out above. Other expenses you should consider may include:

· Spending Money - We have first hand knowledge of eating, drinking &

shopping in your chosen destination and are happy to advise on this.

· Car Rental Costs - If you are renting a car please also consider fuel,

toll roads and additional driver charges.

· Travel Insurance - We advise you to take out fully comprehensive

travel insurance (not included).

· Visas - There may be additional visa costs for some countries, please

enquire at time of booking.

· Tips - we recommend 10 - 15% in restaurants, depending on your

satisfaction with the service

· Airline Surcharges - Increasingly airlines are adding surcharges to

their fares due to additional fuel charges. In most cases we absorb

these costs however in extreme circumstances (surcharges of £30 or

more) these charges will be passed on to you.

NB How to get the best from your quote:

We have put this itinerary together based on what you have told us you are

looking for from your holiday. It is our interpretation and is in no way set in

stone. You can depart on any day of the week, stay for shorter or longer

periods, add new properties, flights, car hire or transfers. Most importantly, if

the accommodation we have chosen doesn't look right, there are loads of

other options. So if you want to change anything we would be happy to do so,

just let us know - we want to ensure we put together the ideal holiday for you.

Example Itinerary

to escape to Path less travelled Ecuador and Galapagos

Quito

Galapagos Islands