Majestic Ecuador

Quito / Arrival Day

Upon your arrival, a friendly representative will greet you at the airport (Look out for a welcome sign displaying your name as you exit the arrivals area), assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in the charming Quito Old Town. Once the entire group has arrived, we will gather for a brief orientation, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* hotel  or similar 
Included meals: Dinner

Quito City Tour

Today, we are going to explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Quito's Old Town. We begin our journey at the heart of the city, Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande. This iconic square is not only the focal point of Quito but also symbolizes Ecuador's Executive Power. Here, we’ll find a monument dedicated to the heroes of August 10, 1809, a pivotal date marking the First Cry of Freedom from Spanish rule—a significant event in Ecuador’s fight for independence.

Our next stop takes us to the Church of La Compañía, a true colonial gem. The construction of this stunning church began in 1605 and was completed in 1650. Spanning over 4,500 square meters, its restoration has preserved both its structural integrity and its artistic beauty. Step inside to be captivated by its dazzling golden interior, where intricate paintings, sculptures, altars, and a magnificent cupola await your admiration. It’s no wonder that La Compañía is regarded as the crown jewel of colonial baroque in the Americas. After exploring the church, we’ll ascend a flight of stairs to the dome, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the church’s cupolas and the city below, including the towering Panecillo Hill.

Next, we’ll visit Yumbos, a charming chocolate store located in the heart of Quito’s colonial downtown. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delightful chocolate tasting experience (approximately 45 minutes) and discover the magic of Ecuadorian cacao through various presentations of this delicious treat.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll head to San Francisco Square, home to the largest colonial structure in Quito. The construction of the Church of San Francisco began shortly after the Spanish conquest in 1534, and though it wasn’t completed for nearly 70 years, it remains one of the city’s most important landmarks. Despite rebuilding efforts following an earthquake, parts of the church are still original, particularly the tile work in the Chapel of Señor Jesús del Gran Poder, located to the right of the main altar. The main altar itself is a magnificent example of baroque craftsmanship, while the ceiling reveals subtle Moorish influences.

Our final stop is the majestic Panecillo Hill, named by the Spanish conquerors for its resemblance to a small bread roll. At the summit, you’ll encounter the Virgin of El Panecillo, a towering statue that stands 135 feet (41 meters) tall—making it the highest statue in Ecuador and one of the tallest in South America. From here, the panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding landscape are simply unforgettable.

After our tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious, traditional Ecuadorian lunch at the Pims del Panecillo restaurant, where you can savor authentic flavors while soaking in the spectacular views.

This is just a glimpse into the wonders of Quito’s Old Town—a place brimming with history, culture, and beauty.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* hotel  or similar 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Quitsato Sundial - San Pablo Lake - Arrive to Otavalo

We will depart from Quito and head north on the Panamerican Highway for two hours, through varying landscapes of rolling hills, snow-capped volcanoes. We will stop in the Quitsato Sundial, a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del  Mundo, the actual Middle of the World. 

We will then head to a beautiful Hacienda, where we’ll take part in an interactive cooking class. Here, you'll learn the art of preparing traditional Ecuadorian dishes, guided by skilled chefs who will share their culinary expertise. After the class, we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor with a delicious lunch featuring the dishes we've just made. As a sweet treat, we’ll finish with the famous bizcochos—crispy, buttery biscuits traditionally served with hot, fresh cocoa. It’s the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the local culture. 

Before continuing to our next destination, we’ll take a brief visit to the serene San Pablo Lake, nestled between the towering Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes. The tranquil waters and stunning natural beauty make it a perfect spot for a short stroll or to simply take in the magnificent views.

From there, we will continue our journey to Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic and picturesque retreat. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and have time to relax, freshen up, and explore the hacienda’s stunning grounds. Whether you prefer to wander through the scenic gardens or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere, there’s plenty of time to unwind before dinner. In the evening, we will gather for a delicious meal, enjoying the warmth and charm of this welcoming hacienda.

Accommodation: Pinsaquí 4* hotel or similar  
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Calera community (Sumak Warmi Kuna Project)

After breakfast, we will head to the Calera community, where we will explore the Sumak Warmi Kuna Project, which aims to ensure that tourism development significantly contributes to improving the lives of women within the indigenous communities of this region. During our visit, you will have the opportunity to engage in the following enriching activities:

SUMAK MUYU Workshop: Led by Marisol Muenala, a member of a group of five mothers, this workshop focuses on the creation of beautiful tagua necklaces. You’ll learn about the intricate process of crafting these unique jewelry pieces, which are an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.

ALLÍ MAKI Workshop: This workshop will introduce you to the art of manual embroidery. The women use traditional and regional motifs to create a variety of items and clothing, offering a glimpse into the textile traditions of the area.

Next, we will visit the Sabores y Tradiciones community dining room, where we will be treated to a delicious traditional lunch. The meal will feature fresh, organic produce from the community’s gardens, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.

After lunch, we will embark on a short, 15-minute walk to a sacred site, a natural water source. Here, the community’s Shaman will perform a ceremonial ritual, demonstrating the spiritual and healing powers of Pachamama. During the ritual, you will gain insight into the use of medicinal plants and essences made from natural products, as well as their profound significance in the community’s traditions.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of the Calera community while supporting women’s empowerment and sustainable tourism.

After a day filled with enriching experiences, we will make our way to our charming hacienda.

Accommodation: Pinsaquí 4* hotel or similar  
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Otavalo Market - Quito

We will visit the world-famous indigenous market in Otavalo, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional craftsmanship. The heart of the market is the Plaza de los Ponchos, where rows of colorful stalls are brimming with a rich variety of handmade goods. You’ll have the opportunity to browse exquisite woven textiles, including intricately patterned ponchos, scarves, and blankets, all made by skilled artisans using age-old techniques passed down through generations. In addition to textiles, the market offers a stunning selection of jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, and leather goods—each piece reflecting the unique culture and traditions of the local Otavalo people.

As you stroll through the bustling market, you will also be treated to the lively sounds of traditional Andean music, with local musicians playing instruments such as the charango, panpipes, and drums, creating an enchanting soundtrack to your visit. 

After soaking in the sights and sounds of Otavalo’s famous market, we’ll return to our hotel in Quito to rest and prepare for the exciting journey to the Galápagos Islands the following morning.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* hotel or similar 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Quito - Galapagos - Bartholomew Island

In the morning: Baltra Airport Arrival

Morning flight from Quito to Galapagos Islands. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Horizon staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon: Pinnacle Rock

You will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! A beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.

Highlights: Pinnacle rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling: penguins, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.

Possible Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking

Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings

Difficulty: Moderate/difficult. Walk up to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Santiago and Rabida Islands

In the morning: Egas Port

Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos furseals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.

Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawk, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling and hiking

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

In the afternoon: Rabida

You will visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

Highlights: Snorkeling: white-cheeked pintail ducks, colorful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon, penguins, Galapagos hawk

Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Genovesa Island

In the morning: Darwin Bay 

Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

Highlights: Nazca boobies, red- footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish and hammerhead sharks

Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

Type of Landing: Wet landing.

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

In the afternoon: El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves

Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing

Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran  
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mosquera and Santa Cruz Islands

In the morning: Mosquera Islet 

Mosquera Islet is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

Highlights: Sea lions, shore birds

Possible Activities: Hike and snorkeling

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy

In the afternoon: Highlands

Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have lunch.

Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild turtles, tortoises breeding center.

Possible Activities: Hike

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate (long)

Afterwards: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity

Possible Activities: Hike

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran  
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

North Seymour Island

In the morning: North Seymour

In North Seymour you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef shark, fish, garden eels.

Possible Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure 

After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. Depending on the time of your international flight you will wait at the airport or you can book an additional night with us.

Guests can book their international departure flight from either Quito or Guayaquil at their convenience. However, please be sure to notify us of your chosen departure airport so we can coordinate your Galapagos flights.

Included meals: Breakfast