When an opportunity to take a luxury Ecuador itinerary came around, we didn’t hesitate to say yes! It would be our second visit to Ecuador, including the Galapagos, and this time we’d be exploring some new places, too.
We consider the Galapagos Islands one of the most spectacular places on the planet. We’re happy to report that it was just as good as we remembered the second time.
This itinerary starts and ends in Quito, Ecuador, while also visiting the Galapagos Islands and the Mashpi cloud forest. It’s a fantastic way to spend 12 days in the country.
This article is a full overview of our experience on this trip, including everywhere we went and what we did. Enjoy!
Our 12-Day Luxury Ecuador Itinerary
We traveled with Metropolitan Touring – The Experts in Ecuador
Metropolitan Touring was founded in 1953 and is Ecuador’s pioneering travel company. Over the decades, they’ve been instrumental in developing the country’s tourism infrastructure. In the late 1960s, they introduced nature-focused cruising in the Galápagos Islands and set the stage for a future of sustainable, wildlife-focused travel to the region.
We chose to visit Ecuador with Metropolitan Touring because of their commitment to conservation and high-quality service. The company owns and operates lodges, yachts, bus services, and hotels, ensuring seamless, end-to-end experiences across Ecuador.
Not to mention that their naturalist guides are highly trained and passionate, their itineraries are thoughtfully crafted, and they partner closely with the Galápagos National Park to minimize impact. Whether cruising the islands or exploring the mainland, their programs deliver education, immersion, and conservation.
Your bucket list trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is once in a lifetime, so why not travel with the best?
Where We Stayed in Ecuador
In Quito, we stayed at the lovely and upscale Casa Gangotena. It is located in the heart of the Centro Histórico.
In the Galapagos Islands, we cruised for five days on the La Pinta Yacht and then stayed for two nights at the luxurious Finch Bay Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
We also stayed two nights at the stunning Mashpi Lodge in the middle of Ecuador’s cloud forest.
All of these properties, including the La Pinta Yacht, are owned and operated by Metropolitan Touring.
Day 1 – Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
The first day of our itinerary is the arrival day. Depending on where you are coming from, you may arrive early enough to start sightseeing in Quito. If you do, we highly recommend it!
We flew in from Buenos Aires, and our flight arrived in the evening. We were met at the airport by our transfer and taken directly to the stunning Casa Gangotena in the heart of Quito’s Centro Historico.
Day 2 – Quito, Ecuador
Today would be our first full day in Ecuador, and we were up early to set off on an immersive city tour of Quito. Each of our stops was unique, so rather than making a list, we want to share a bit about the places we visited.
Mercado San Francisco
The Mercado San Francisco was established in 1897 and is one of Quito’s oldest enclosed markets. The highlight of our visit was the colorful stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and flowers alongside the indigenous herbal medicine stalls.
If you’re lucky, you may even have the chance to witness an ancestral cleansing ritual, performed at one of the herbal medicine stalls.
El Panecillo
El Panecillo is easily the most visited overlook in Quito. The location is set on a steep volcanic hill rising about 200 meters above central Quito on a natural lookout that is perched between the modern city and the Andes.
The hill was once called Shungoloma by indigenous people and later became home to Inca sun worship before Spanish colonizers demolished the temple. Today, it’s crowned by an impressive 45-meter aluminum statue of the Virgin of Quito. It was installed in 1976 and is known for its unique wings, globe, and serpent motif.
Museo Dominicano de Arte
The Museo Dominicano de Arte is housed inside the Santo Domingo convent, which was founded in 1541. It showcases religious paintings and sculptures from the Escuela Quiteña of the 17th and 18th centuries.
We spent time in the Capilla del Rosario admiring ornate floral patterns and handcrafted gold ornamentation before exploring the adjacent galleries.
Each room reveals the profound influence of Dominican friars on local culture, education, and religious life. Each piece is brought to life through centuries-old masterpieces by artists like Pedro Bedón and Bernardo de Legarda.
Casa del Alabado Museo
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we love a good museum, and visiting the Casa del Alabado Museo in Quito is a fascinating look at Ecuador’s pre-Columbian heritage.
The museum is housed in a restored 17th-century colonial mansion in the heart of the historic center and focuses exclusively on pre-Hispanic art. Its collection includes over 5,000 artifacts, with around 500 on display at any time.
We viewed ceremonial objects, stone carvings, pottery, and jewelry created by cultures that lived in the region long before the Inca or Spanish arrived. The exhibits are arranged thematically, focusing on topics like the underworld, ancestors, and shamanic practices.
La Iglesia de Oro & Gold Leaf Workshop
Put this stop at the top of your Quito must-do list. The Gold Church, or La Iglesia de Oro, features an entire interior that is covered in shimmering gold leaf. Seriously, every column, arch, and ceiling pane glitters in gold under soft illumination. It’s a sight to see.
To learn more about the gold leaf process, we joined a short gold-leaf workshop held inside the chapel, where a local artisan guided us in carefully pressing thin sheets of gold onto wood, recreating an ancient technique used throughout the church.
Overnight: Casa Gangotena in central Quito
Day 3 – Fly to Galapagos Islands
We rose early to catch a flight from Quito to the Galápagos Islands for the next part of our luxury Ecuador itinerary. Traveling to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador requires strict biosecurity checks, so you’ll want to ensure you arrive at the airport with extra time.
The mandatory baggage inspection is part of strict environmental controls designed to protect the fragile Galápagos ecosystem. You’re also required to provide proof of your Transit Control Card, which was handled by Metropolitan Touring.
Once in the air, the journey took around two and a half hours, including a brief connection in Guayaquil. Our flight landed at Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, which serves as the main gateway for visitors headed to Santa Cruz.
When we landed, the process was efficient, but every traveler is required to undergo an immigration process before they can enter the Galapagos Islands. This includes another biosecurity check and verification of your Transit control Card. You are also asked to provide proof of payment for the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, or pay the fee. The fee during our visit was USD 100.
We were then cleared to collect our luggage and meet up with the representatives of Metropolitan Touring to start our first day in the islands!
Getting to Santa Cruz from the Airport
Getting to Santa Cruz from the airport requires a series of short transfers. First, an airport bus takes you a few minutes to the Itabaca Channel. From there, a public ferry crosses the narrow channel to Santa Cruz Island itself. Finally, travelers board a bus, taxi, or arranged transfer for the roughly 45-minute drive across Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora
In our case, Metropolitan Touring had arranged a visit to the Rancho El Manzanillo for our first wildlife encounter in the Galapagos Islands.
Rancho El Manzanillo
Decades ago, Rancho El Manzanillo was originally established as a cattle ranch. Over time, the owners recognized the ecological importance of the area and shifted their focus to conservation.
Today, it functions as both a working ranch and a private tortoise reserve. Giant Galápagos tortoises are free to roam across open pastures and native forest patches.
During our visit, dozens of tortoises could be seen grazing, resting in the shade, or wallowing in pools to keep cool. The sheer size of these creatures is humbling, and being able to observe them in their natural habitat, without barriers, was unforgettable.
What stood out most was how Rancho El Manzanillo plays an active role in protecting tortoise migration routes and supporting research. Our naturalist guide, Dennis, shared insights on the efforts to monitor tortoise populations and restore native vegetation.
Embarkation on the La Pinta Yacht
Leaving Rancho El Manzanillo, we continued to Puerto Ayora, where we enjoyed an hour of free time in the town before being introduced to the La Pinta Yacht.
The La Pinta Yacht is a lovely ship that offers comfort, elegance, and a sense of purpose. From the moment we boarded, the yacht’s naturalist-led orientation set the tone for what lay ahead.
We were off to explore remote islands, have rich wildlife encounters, and engage in thoughtful conservation. The vibe onboard is intimate, with only 48 guests, and we immediately appreciated the vessel’s thoughtful layout, designed for both comfort and easy exploration.
Our journey spanned five days across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolomé, and Genovesa, as we experienced Metropolitan Touring’s Origin of the Species itinerary. Each day was packed with Zodiac cruises, landings, guided hikes, and snorkeling.
What stood out most was how La Pinta integrates luxury with purpose. The onboard naturalists were more than guides. They were educators, sharing insights into geology, evolution, and conservation measures on every island.
The ship itself is equipped with gear and design to minimize environmental impact, while still delivering a high-end expedition feel. Sailing aboard the La Pinta on this itinerary wasn’t just a vacation. It was an immersive lesson in Darwinian evolution, island ecology, and why protecting the Galápagos Islands demands both science and stewardship.
Day 4 – La Pinta Yacht, Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet
Eden Islet sits just off the northwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island and is a small volcanic cone that rises gently from the sea. It’s not permitted, nor possible, to land on the island, so we explored it by zodiac.
As we cruised along the coast, we were struck by the contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the brilliant blue water. The cliffs were topped with coastal vegetation, including prickly pear cactus, and the rock surfaces were alive with wildlife.
We saw blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges, brown pelicans gliding low over the water, and marine iguanas warming themselves on the rocks. The bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling over the black lava were impossible to miss.
The waters around Eden Islet were just as rich with life. After our Zodiac cruise, we opted for a snorkel excursion along the coast of the island. The waters were alive with large schools of fish, and we were even greeted by a playful sea lion!
Chinese Hat
In the afternoon, we arrived at Chinese Hat. The small islet sits just off Santiago Island and looks exactly like a traditional Chinese hat! The island was formed by volcanic eruptions, where magma met seawater and created this dramatic, steep-sided cone surrounded by rough lava fields.
We landed on a small white sand beach, where a trail led us through a landscape of black lava rock dotted with lava cactus, coastal vegetation, and white sand.
Sally Lightfoot crabs clung to the lava at the water’s edge, adding a splash of color to the stark scenery, and lava lizards raced across the trails.
Snorkeling at Chinese Hat was another highlight. The waters here are calm and clear, and we swam alongside reef sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish. It was the perfect way to end our day.
Before heading back to the ship, we spotted a group of Galapagos penguins on the rocks! It was nice to spend some time with them, as they are the farthest north penguin species on the planet.
Day 5 – La Pinta Yacht, Galapagos Islands
Bartolomé
Visiting Bartolomé Island is one of the most memorable parts of any visit to the Galápagos Islands. As our ship approached, the stark volcanic landscape came into view. The island is young in geological terms, formed by underwater volcanic activity, and everywhere we looked, the land told that story.
Onshore, our guide led us along a wooden staircase comprised of boardwalks and about 370 steps that wind up to the summit. The climb isn’t difficult, but it offers plenty of places to take in the surreal terrain that includes lava tubes, spatter cones, and fields of hardened lava stretching toward the sea.
The views from the top are iconic and simply stunning. Below, Pinnacle Rock rises dramatically from the shore, a jagged volcanic spire surrounded by turquoise water and black lava flows. It’s one of the most photographed places in the Galápagos Islands, and seeing it in person is even more impressive.
After the hike, we took a zodiac to the backside of the island to snorkel the coastline. The snorkeling there was unforgettable. In the clear water, we swam alongside hundreds of fish, but the highlight was swimming with Galápagos penguins!
Sullivan Bay
It’s hard to top a morning of iconic views and Galapagos penguins, but visiting Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island felt like stepping into another world. As we set foot on the black lava plain, it was hard to believe the landscape was shaped by eruptions that happened just over a century ago, between 1897 and 1906.
The lava flows here look as if they cooled only yesterday. The landscape is covered in smooth, ropy pāhoehoe patterns that wind across the surface, while jagged ‘a‘ā rock creates sharp contrasts. Everywhere we looked, the ground told the story of fire meeting sea, with features like lava bubbles, tree molds, and small spatter cones dotting the terrain.
Walking the trail, we started to notice the first signs of life taking hold in this seemingly barren place. Small lava cacti and scattered pioneer plants clung to cracks in the rock, and lava lizards moved quickly. Our guide pointed out how these hardy species are part of the slow process of ecological succession that gradually turns a lifeless lava field into a living ecosystem.
Day 6 – La Pinta Yacht, Galapagos Islands
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the itineraries in the Galapagos Islands. But the ones that visit Genovesa Island are exceptionally special.
Genovesa Island is shaped like an amphitheater, and the bay itself was formed when part of the island’s volcanic caldera collapsed, creating a sheltered cove edged by cliffs.
It’s located away from the main group of islands and is completely exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. It experiences harsh weather, but also offers a sanctuary to many species of seabirds. It’s an incredible place to view wildlife in the Galapagos Islands!
Darwin Bay Beach
Since it takes so long to reach, this itinerary spends an entire day on the island, which is incredible. In the morning, we came ashore on the only beach in Darwin Bay. The trail along the beach and into the mangroves revealed an incredible diversity of birdlife.
We stood just feet away from nesting red-footed boobies perched in low shrubs, while male frigatebirds inflated their red throat pouches to attract mates to the bushes. Swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull in the world, nest along the cliffs, and Nazca boobies showed off their odd displays.
Darwin Bay Snorkeling
After our visit on land, we made a short stop back to the ship to prepare for a deep water snorkel along the caldera walls. This is an advanced snorkel due to currents, visibility, and water depth. So, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re confident in the water, you shouldn’t miss it.
Due to the location of Genovesa and the cold-water temperatures, it’s a fantastic spot to look for hammerhead sharks! Luck was on our side, and we were able to witness many hammerhead sharks approach the rocks and clean themselves.
It was truly surreal to be so close to them. We also enjoyed a spotted eagle ray encounter, where a large group surrounded us as they moved from the deep water to the shallows and back.
Half of the magic of the Galapagos Islands is in the water! Don’t miss it during your visit!
Genovesa Island
In the afternoon, we made our way onto the island via Darwin’s Steps. This is the only way to reach the top of Genovesa. The climb is short but steep, and as we reached the plateau, the view opened up to reveal the volcanic landscape.
What made the visit truly special was the sheer abundance of wildlife. Nazca boobies nested right beside the trail, their chicks resting in shallow scrapes in the ground. Red-footed boobies and frigate birds perched in the bushes here too.
But our main mission was to locate the endemic Galapagos short-eared owl. They are one of the few raptors in the Galápagos, and the only owl that hunts during the day. We were lucky enough to spot two owls during our visit!
One was hiding under a bush, while the other successfully hunted a storm petrel right in front of us. He then placed it on a rock and stood there, eyeing us up for over 30 minutes while we sat on the ground and observed. It was quite surreal to experience.
Day 7 – Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
After such an incredible day in Genovesa, we were a little sad to wake up in Puerto Ayora. This morning, we would say goodbye to the incredible staff of the La Pinta Yacht and make our way back to Santa Cruz.
But instead of heading back to mainland Ecuador, we were staying a couple more nights in Santa Cruz to experience being land-based in the Galapagos Islands.
Check in to the Finch Bay Hotel
The Finch Bay Hotel is located just outside of Puerto Ayora. To access it, you have to take a private water taxi from town to the opposite bank. Once there, it is a short walk through a lovely community until you reach the hotel.
We’ve never stayed on land in the Galapagos Islands. The hotel sits along a pristine coral-sand beach, backed by mangroves that hum with finches and herons. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the new Evolution suites with a second-story view of the ocean. We loved the quiet mornings on our private balcony.
Finch Bay’s commitment to conservation was clear throughout our visit. Solar panels, grey‑water recycling, and biodegradable amenities quietly minimize impact. It felt good to relax knowing that luxury here supports sustainability.
The food at their onsite restaurant is also fantastic. They use fresh, locally sourced, and grown ingredients in all their dishes. This includes fish and seafood. The dishes are inventive, with modern takes on traditional dishes.
Day 8 – Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
Morning Birdwatching
Every day, the Finch Bay hotel offers a variety of activities to choose from. One of the complimentary activities was an early morning bird walk. This journey took us away from the hotel, down onto the beach, where we followed a boardwalk.
We spotted many species of birds, including some of the iconic Darwin finches. It was also possible to view marine iguanas moving between the water and land.
Charles Darwin Research Center
After lunch, we made our way to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Established in 1964, it is the epicenter of Galápagos conservation. The Exhibition Hall offers an overview of over six decades of wildlife research. It offers educational displays that include a whale skeleton and interactive presentations on giant tortoises, land iguanas, and marine ecosystems.
Inside the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, giant Galápagos tortoises ranging from tiny hatchlings to impressive adults can be observed. It’s here that vulnerable offspring are carefully raised before being released into the wild. This program has already seen thousands of tortoises returned to their native islands.
The station is more than just tortoises. In the shade house and native gardens, we also saw land iguanas and endemic flora, part of ongoing efforts to restore native plant communities. Our guide explained how over 200 scientists and volunteers collaborate daily on research, invasive species management, and education.
Our visit was an active lesson in how science and public engagement combine to safeguard the Galápagos’ future.
Puerto Ayora
Walking through Puerto Ayora gave us our first real sense of daily life in the Galápagos. The town is lively but relaxed, with a mix of locals, visitors, and wildlife all sharing the same spaces.
The waterfront is lined with small shops, cafés, and tour offices, and we enjoyed browsing artisan stalls selling handmade jewelry and crafts inspired by the islands’ wildlife.
In the late afternoon, we made our way back to the Finch Bay hotel for some downtime before dinner. We enjoyed a couples massage before taking a dip in the pool. It was the perfect last day in the Galapagos Islands.
Day 9 – Fly back to Quito, Ecuador
We enjoyed a slow morning, which was the perfect way to ease into a full travel day back to Quito from the Galapagos Islands.
Our journey involved two ferry rides and two bus rides to return to the Baltra airport. We then retraced our steps to Quito with another short stopover in Guayaquil before landing in Quito in the early evening.
It was nice to have a slow evening back at the lovely Casa Gangotena in the historic center of Quito.
Day 10 – Mashpi Lodge
Today would come with a complete change of scenery. We were traveling down from the Andes into the dense, green world of the Chocó bioregion in Ecuador’s cloud forest. After a journey of about three hours from Quito, we arrived at the Mashpi Lodge.
Arrival at Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge sits at 900 meters above sea level, surrounded by one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. It was purpose-built for conservation and research, located within a 2,500-hectare private reserve that protects one of the last remnants of Ecuador’s lowland and foothill rainforest.
The modern, glass-walled design blends into the forest, allowing for nearly uninterrupted views of the trees, valleys, and mist that often cloaks the landscape. The lodge has only 22 rooms, and each is designed to maximize views and minimize environmental impact.
Guided activities that focus on the forest’s unique flora and fauna are offered daily. During our stay, we explored trails that revealed rare orchids, climbed observation towers for panoramic views, and spent hours watching birds and other wildlife.
The lodge also operates its own research station, supporting studies of species found nowhere else in the world.
Life Center Visit
Our first adventure took us on a 30-minute walk from the main lodge to the Life Center. This center is part interpretive station and part butterfly sanctuary, offering panoramic views of the lush surroundings and inviting guests to slow down and observe nature up close.
Inside the center’s open-air pavilion, we watched the process of caterpillars transforming into butterflies and wandered through a small greenhouse where dozens of species fluttered around tropical blooms.
Outside, we enjoyed some fantastic bird watching with various tanagers, a red-rumped toucanet, and woodpeckers, among several other species. The naturalist guides place fruit onto a natural feeding platform. This brings birds out of the trees and to a place where they are easier to view.
Day 11 – Mashpi Lodge
A Waterfall Breakfast
To start our second day, we hiked up and away from the lodge until we reached a lovely waterfall. Upon arrival, we were treated to a stunning breakfast in the forest! There’s something peaceful about starting your day in nature with fresh food, coffee, and good company.
This is a new offering at Mashpi Lodge, and if you have a chance to do it during your stay, we recommend that you do!
Waterfall and River Hike
On the day we arrived, we couldn’t figure out why so many of the rubber boots we tried on were wet inside. After this hike, we knew why!
Wet feet aside, this is the best hike you can take at Mashpi Lodge if you’re looking to truly connect with the forest. It starts out on a normal trail through the forest and climbs down into the valley. When you reach the bottom, you have the option to swim in a series of hidden waterfall pools.
Leaving from there, the trail becomes the river. So yep, that means you get wet! Climbing over boulders and wading through water as we followed the river was the highlight of our stay.
We got up close to some amazing plants along the way and saw the cloud forest from an incredible, unique perspective. At the end of the hike, we climbed back up from the valley to the start of the dragonfly route.
The Dragonfly Experience
After hiking through the river down below, riding the Dragonfly was a neat way to experience the cloud forest from above. This open-air cable system stretches nearly two kilometers across the reserve, gliding slowly over and through the canopy.
We boarded the gondola-like carriage with our guide, and as we began to move, the perspective shifted dramatically. The Dragonfly isn’t about adrenaline but instead is about immersion.
The quiet ride gave us time to truly appreciate the scale, diversity, and beauty of the cloud forest while learning from the guide about the plants and animals that call this ecosystem home.
Canopy Tower
After lunch, the adventures continued with a visit to the canopy tower. A sturdy staircase leads up through towering trees until we reach an open platform high above the forest floor. The tower’s elevated vantage offered a rare glimpse of the forest’s structure, featuring multiple vegetation layers and the distant ridgeline.
With camera in hand and a knowledgeable guide by our sides, we learned how this upper layer of the forest supports specialized species and is critical for connecting habitats.
Sky Bike
Suspended about 25 meters above the forest floor and stretching nearly half a kilometer across a gorge, the Sky Bike gives a unique, bird’s-eye perspective. It is self-propelled and allows you to navigate through the forest, versus above it. It was an interesting way to engage the forest, and there were times we had birds land right next to us.
Night Walk
Night walks are one of our favorite things to do in the forest, and Mashpi Lodge was no exception. The forest comes alive at night, with an opportunity to see many species that do not move around during the day. For us, we were in pursuit of snakes and endemic species of frogs.
It didn’t take long for us to start spotting various insects and frogs. We even viewed one of the stunning glass frogs, unique to Mashpi. As the night wrapped up, we spotted a gorgeous juvenile snail eater snake on one of the giant leaves.
The night walk is a great introduction to Mashpi’s hidden biodiversity, offering a glimpse into the lives of creatures we rarely get to encounter. A true reminder that this vibrant ecosystem also thrives after dark.
Day 12 – Departure from Quito, Ecuador
On this day, we woke up at the stunning Mashpi Lodge and enjoyed a nice breakfast. As we had a late-night flight booked out of Quito, we were able to do one more activity at Mashpi Lodge before departing.
Hummingbird Garden
The absolute highlight of our stay at Mashpi Lodge was visiting the Hummingbird Garden. Mashpi Lodge is a true hummingbird hotspot with over 30 species documented in its reserve. This makes it one of the richest hummingbird sites in the world.
Around 19 species can be seen at the dedicated Hummingbird Garden alone! With our guide’s help, we could identify the many species that showed up during our visit.
It’s an unforgettable experience, watching tiny iridescent birds hover just inches away. The gentle hum of their wings, interwoven with the sounds of the cloud forest, is an experience we won’t soon forget.
Transfer back to Quito
We then transferred back to the Quito Airport. Metropolitan Touring booked us a room at the Wyndham Airport Hotel, allowing us to rest and shower before our late flight.
Just before midnight, we boarded our flight and started our journey back to Wisconsin. Until next time, Ecuador.
Our luxury Ecuador itinerary was in partnership with Metropolitan Touring. However, all opinions, stories, advice, and insane love for blue-footed boobies is 100% ours, as always.
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