Tour: Introducing Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

This superb 17 day itinerary combines the fantastic train journey through the Valley of the Volcanoes, a tour of Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca site, and colonial Cuenca with a few days at a hacienda near Otavalo before flying out to the Galapagos Islands for a week's cruise on the Galapagos Explorer.

The first few days are spent in Quito, with a tour of the delightful colonial architecture of the old quarter. Then enjoy a scenic journey through the Valley of the Volcanoes aboard the “Chiva Express”, a modified train that resembles the local open-topped Chiva buses. Travel via Cotopaxi Volcano past charming traditional villages, to Riobamba, a market town nestling in the slopes of Chimborazo volcano. Stay overnight at a local hacienda, the Abraspungo. Next day pick up the Chiva Express for the spectacular ride along the "Devil's Nose" switchback, where the track twists and turns through spectacular gorges and mountains. The day ends with a tour of Ecuador’s most important Inca ruins at Ingapirca before travelling on to Cuenca.

Our full day tour of Cuenca includes the impressive cathedral as well as some of the charming villages in the magnificent countryside (lunch is included at a hacienda). We fly back to Quito and drive straight out to La Mirage for a few days relaxation at this delightful country retreat and spa near the colourful market at Otavalo. From here we drive back to Quito before flying out to the Galapagos Islands.

*The Galapagos Explorer is a luxurious motor yacht (capacity 100) and our 7 night Galapagos itinerary makes for a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience and a perfect honeymoon. If this boat is unavailable for your dates we can modify the itinerary to include another boat of a similar standard.

Highlights:  The Galapagos Islands, Quito, Valley of the Volcanoes, Ingapirca, Cuenca, Otavalo