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 - Santa Cruz 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: Sullivan Bay

You will visit Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in the form of small volcanoes formed by the lava flows.

Highlights: Variety of lava formations and landscapes, pahoehoe lava which is found primarily in Hawai'i and the Galapagos islands, 'a'a lava, and pristine coral sand beach

Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling and dinghy ride

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Be sure to wear good solid walking shoes or boots as the 'a'a lava is very sharp and pointy

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

Isabela and Fernandina Islands

In the morning: Vicente Roca Point

Comprised of two separate coves, Vicente Roca Point is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sunfish) while you snorkel.

Highlights: Penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, Nazca boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: sea turtles, rays and puffer fish.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling

Type of Landing: No landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

In the afternoon: Espinoza Point

Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

Highlights: Flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, 'a'a lava, sea lions, penguins, active volcano “La Cumbre”

Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling

Type of Landing: Dry and slippery at low tide

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

Isabela Island

In the morning: Tagus Cove

You will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views.

Highlights: Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake Darwin

Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride and kayaking

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

In the afternoon: Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

Highlights: Land iguanas (the biggest in the Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish

Possible Activities: Snorkeling and hike

Type of Landing: Wet landing

Difficulty: Easy / moderate

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

Isabela Island

In the morning: Elizabeth Bay

Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.

Highlights: Mangrove forest (unique in Galapagos), sea turtles, penguins, rays, herons, sea lions.

Possible Activities: Dinghy ride

Type of Landing: No landing

Difficulty: Easy

In the afternoon: Moreno Point

Moreno Point is located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.

Highlights: Flamingos, gallinules, pintail ducks, turtles, white-tip reef sharks.

Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike

Type of Landing: Dry landing

Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

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

Santa Cruz Island

In the morning: 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

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