Galapagos Luxury Lodge Tours
Private adventures in the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of luxury lodges
Quito | Santa Cruz Island
ECUADOR LUXURY TOURS
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ECUADOR LUXURY TOURS
LUXURY TRAVEL ECUADOR
Home to the legendary Galapagos Islands and one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, Quito, there’s a reason private tours of Ecuador are high on the lists of many world travelers. The Galapagos Islands host the most biodiversity anywhere on Earth, and it was this unique wildlife that inspired Darwin’s revolutionary theory of evolution. Maybe even more remarkable, the island animals have no fear of humans because of the lack of natural predators, making for unforgettable experiences as you explore the archipelago. The country’s mainland has a lot to offer, too. Perched between the peaks of the Andes, the capital city of Quito boasts incredibly well-preserved colonial architecture in the historical center. Experience the impressive diversity of the ethereal cloud forest during your luxury tour with a secluded forest lodge as your base for private excursions into the surrounding nature. In the scenic Andean highlands, travelers can visit sprawling working haciendas and explore markets brimming with colorful goods created by the prominent local indigenous population. Journey into the heart of the jungle while touring the Ecuadorian Amazon to enjoy unique flora and fauna from sunrise to sunset.
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Discover inspiring example trips to Ecuador below
ECUADOR'S HIGHLIGHTS
ECUADOR'S HIGHLIGHTS
Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have the most diversity of living creatures in the world. Encounter an unfathomable variety of wildlife, including albatrosses, penguins, boobies, giant tortoises, whales, and dolphins, and discover why Charles Darwin began his ground-breaking theory of evolution here. Our Galapagos tours journey through the islands from a base either on the land or sea. Blue Parallel travel experts will help you select the perfect option depending on your preferences and group size. For sea-based explorations, there are a variety of ships to choose from, ranging from 40 passenger shared vessels to 16 passenger privately chartered yachts. For those who prefer a land-based tour of the Galapagos, accommodation options vary from sleek, modern eco-lodges to luxurious glamping tents.
Quito
Nicknamed “the Florence of South America” for its beautiful and well-preserved colonial architecture that is mixed with indigenous influences, Quito has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. While visiting Quito on a private tour of Ecuador, explore the capital city’s narrow streets and its most impressive churches with a private guide and enjoy exclusive access to the Convent of Santo Domingo in the evening. This opulent church was constructed in a Latin American Baroque style and is known for its breathtaking interiors and beautiful views of the city from its rooftop. Indulge in a gourmet meal in Quito’s vibrant culinary scene, where many restaurants highlight traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and ingredients.
Amazon
Take a private tour into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to discover its unique flora and fauna. The Ecuadorian Amazon also offers a fascinating look into the lives of indigenous populations. Using a luxury eco-lodge as a base, enjoy daily excursions with your expert naturalist guides to explore the Amazonian jungle from sunrise to sunset. Visit a mysterious parrot salt lick in the early morning to watch the Napo river banks come alive with the colors and sounds of hundreds of birds. During the day, trek through the terra firme forest to see ancient trees, bromeliads, and orchids, as well as different species of monkeys, birds, or even tapir. In the evening, a night walk will introduce guests to the nocturnal wildlife of the area. Our bespoke Amazon tours also offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a local Kichua village where female community members will show their extraordinary way of life.
Highlands
Stunningly picturesque, the Andean highlands are not to be overlooked when planning your luxury tour to Ecuador. To experience this incredible region, stay at Hacienda Zuleta, a working, colonial-era farm located between the peaks of the Andes mountains at over 9,000 feet above sea level. This charming property has been owned by the family of former President Galo Plaza Lasso for more than 100 years. While at the hacienda, enjoy horseback riding on their exclusive breed of Andean Zuleteño horses, a mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English, and Quarter horses. En route to the highlands from Quito, stop at the famous Otavalo market, one of the most important indigenous markets in Latin America, where one can purchase everything from livestock to fresh produce to artisanal jewelry and crafts.
Cloud forest
The varying altitudes of the cloud forest create cooler temperatures than the Amazon and numerous microclimates, resulting in an incredible assortment of flora and fauna. So while it is less well known than some of Ecuador’s other highlights, the beautiful cloud forest is a perfect addition to a tour of Ecuador. Perched on a plateau at 3,117 feet, the five-star Mashpi Lodge is both a private, luxurious hideaway in the clouds, as well as an active nature reserve. Trek through the enchanting cloud forest with a personal guide who will point out some of the fascinating plant and animal species of the area, including orchids, trees, frogs, and 400 species of birds. The forest is equally as intriguing at night - as the sounds and smells of the forest intensify, listen to the croaking of nocturnal frogs, spot nocturnal birds, and then turn off your flashlight to observe sparkling fireflies and bioluminescent fungi.
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