I’m sure I’m not alone amongst us Mildrovers in occasionally having a bit of David Attenborough envy. Travelling to exotic places, getting up close to rare animals, ageing one year for our seven, he’s left a larger than life imprint on our blue planet.
Well, blow me down if Luxury Escapes isn’t giving us the chance to have a bit of a crack at Attenborough-ing, sans film crew but with our trusty phone cameras or 4K digitals SLRs.
I’ve never thought I had what it takes to roll around with mountain gorillas… but comparing my crows feet and wrinkles with a hundred year old Galapagos giant tortoise? Count me in.
Tour fascinating Quito, Ecuador & Galapagos Island Small-Group Tour with Expert Naturalists.
Traverse the equator, stand on the precipice of an active volcano and swim amid sea lions on this once-in-a-lifetime small-group tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (max. 16 travellers).
Search for wild and wondrous species found only in the Galapagos Islands, from playful penguins to ambling giant tortoises, with the help of your expert naturalist guide, and jump into the blue to explore an aquatic world teeming with vibrant marine life.
Fly to Quito and after an arrival day exploring the city and a good night’s sleep at the Swissotel Quito, wake to a hearty breakfast and take your private transport northwest of the city to visit the equatorial line.
Walk the fertile soil at the rim of the dormant Pululahua volcano and peer down the lush slopes at one of the only inhabited craters in the world.
Visit the nearby Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or ‘Middle of the World City’ and discover the geographic and cultural significance of this region at the Intinan Museum, positioned right atop the Equator. Cross the threshold and boldly place your feet in two hemispheres at once.
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for your one-of-a-kind chocolate tasting experience with a local ‘tree-to-bar’ chocolate maker
Thanks to Ecuador’s unique climate and cultural legacy, skilled farmers have been cultivating cacao, known as the ‘Food of the Gods’, since as far back as 5,600 years ago.
Then it’s off to Baltra Island and Santa Cruz island to find your inner naturalist (safari suit optional)
Meet the statuesque marine iguana, then look upon a breathtaking panorama at Sierra Negra, one of the largest craters in the world.
Seek out the Galapagos ‘Big 15’ animals on daily private yacht excursions.
Travel with ease thanks to private land and speedboat transfers, flights to and from the Galapagos islands and handpicked accommodation, including a stay at luxury beachfront eco-hotel Finch Bay Galapagos.
Just One of the Highlights
A bucket list destination for countless travellers, the Galapagos hold the prestigious honour of being the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.
Enter the ecological airport through an exclusive VIP lounge, where you can prepare for adventure over a refreshing beverage.
Transfer directly to the Itabaca Channel and take to the turquoise waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or dive straight in with a snorkel and a keen eye.
Glide through striking red mangroves and around volcanic cliffs and witness a busy world beneath the surface.
Your quest to spot some of the Galapagos ‘Big 15’ starts here, with the chance to sight the curious blue-footed booby and the playful Galapagos sea lion.
From the water to the highlands, cross over to Santa Cruz and visit a private reserve on the fringe of the National Park, where you can watch the beloved giant tortoise meander through the wild.
Enjoy a hearty lunch, then continue to your Puerto Ayora accommodation. Spend the evening at your leisure in the beachfront Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.
Your journey takes you to: Quito – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island – Isabela Island – Guayaquil.
For all the eco details and prices from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 670 243
