Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Teeming with endemic species, postcard-pretty colonial centers, and breathtaking landscapes made up of Andean highlands and rainforests, Ecuador offers a dazzling array of wonders mixed with colonial gems of South America.
14 - 16 January | Quito | 2 nights | Casa Gangotena
16 - 20 January | Galapagos | 4 nights | Galapagos Safari Camp
20 - 21 January | Quito | 1 night | Casa Gangotena
21 - 24 January | Ecuadorian Rainforest | 3 nights | Mashpi Lodge
In January, Ecuador experiences varied weather due to its diverse geography. Along the coast, including destinations like Guayaquil and Manta, the weather is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F. In the Andean highlands, cities like Quito and Cuenca have mild days with temperatures around 68°F during the day and cooler nights. The Galápagos Islands, located off the coast, have warm and sunny weather in January, making it an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to explore and observe unique species both on land and underwater.
- A visa is not needed for Ecuador if you have a United States passport.
- Fully vaccinated travelers don’t need to have a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Ecuador.
- Fully vaccinated travelers must have a vaccination certificate with a QR code or a vaccination card. Travelers must show a full course of vaccination at least 14 days before arrival in Ecuador.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Flight arrival at Quito Airport where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal.
Private transfer to your hotel in Quito.
In Ecuador, the Andes Mountains separate Pacific beaches and Amazonian rainforest, so to call the scenset sublime is an understatement. There’s more than enough natural beauty to soak up on the mainland, but a jaunt to the Galápagos Islands is worth an entire trip on its own. Quito’s cobblestoned center, the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a dizzying mix of pre-Colombian and colonial treasures.
Explore “Florence of South America” with its colonial architecture and indigenous influences. Walk along narrow streets, step into gold-covered churches.
Claro Oscuro, a gem nestled in the heart of Quito, captivates diners with its unique blend of elegance and contemporary flair. The restaurant's sleek, minimalist decor sets the stage for a truly sophisticated dining experience. With an innovative menu that showcases the best of Ecuadorian cuisine, Claro Oscuro presents artfully plated dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From the rich flavors of traditional Andean ingredients to modern culinary techniques, this culinary haven delivers an unforgettable gastronomic journey for discerning food enthusiasts.
Explore Quito’s colonial treasures with your expert guide and learn about this historical city whose center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Sights include the Plaza Grande, the Presidential Palace, the San Augustine Monastery, and a number of colonial churches and basilicas which dot the old town. Climb up the steps of the main tower of the Quito Cathedral for impressive views of the city.
Included by scenset.
You will have the option to take a private guided tour of the impressive Archaeological Museum, or get a taste of contemporary Ecuadorian art by visiting Capilla del Hombre, a masterpiece and gallery by the late artist, who dedicated his life’s work to showcasing the suffering of the native people of Ecuador.
Included by scenset.
A chef who self-describes as ‘the most Latin American French chef’ has lived in Ecuador for over 20 years. Their food reflects a mix of French technique and influences with a touch of South America. In a historic house set within beautiful gardens, the chef serves seafood-centric dishes such as crunchy langoustines with honey and tomato, and meatier options like confit duck – and it wouldn’t be French cuisine without onion soup, frogs’ legs and a foie gras sandwich. The dining room is a sophisticated setting with white tablecloths and a stunning view of the mountains beyond the city rooftops.
Why we love it for you: This Relais & Chateaux property is located in the heart of colonial Quito, surrounded by fascinating historic sights including some of the most famous cathedrals and monasteries of South America. The rooms are elegant and sleek with spacious bathrooms and modern amenities.
Casa Gangotena
Junior Suite
- Breakfast included
Straddling both sides of the equator, the Galapagos Islands are a place that have inspired humans since Charles Darwin first wrote his theory of evolution. This singular destination could have easily been wiped out by tourism but, thanks to stringent conservation measures, this group of islands is still one of the most tenacious, diverse, and peculiar destinations in the world.
Fly from Quito to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands. A car transfer will pick you up and take you to the short (15-minute) ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island.
Jump right into the wild landscape of lush vegetation and volcanic craters to see some of the islands' most famous residents in their natural habitat: the Galapagos tortoise. The world's biggest tortoise species, these giants—called galápagos in Spanish—gave the archipelago its name.
Upon arrival at the camp, your guide will discuss your itinerary and activities for the following days.
Galapagos wildlife isn't limited to land animals. Put on your snorkel mask and dive into the clear waters around Garrapatero Beach, known for its picturesque white sand and abundant sea life. Hop in a kayak to explore the nearby mangrove groves, home to some colorful flocks of flamingos.
See the Galapagos as Charles Darwin first did by cruising to the nearby uninhabited islands. Without any human interference, you'll get to witness a totally uncultivated part of the world unlike anywhere else. You'll see local fauna on easy hikes as well as in the water, like Darwin's finches, aquatic iguanas, sea lions, and hammerhead sharks.
See for yourself why this remote stretch of sand is considered one of the most stunning beaches in the world. A trail through a forest of prickly pear cacti makes for a grand entrance, but the turquoise water crashing on the white sand is truly a vision. It's a perfect place for a surfing lesson, checking out the sea life, or for just laying out and relaxing.
Why we love it for you: The tents at Galapagos Safari Camp are luxurious enough to feel like a suite in a five-star hotel but at the same time so simple, they could be taken apart in a day without leaving a trace that they were ever there. Solar-powered energy and canvas materials help protect this fragile environment, so your entire stay never feels like a break from the nature around you, just an extension of it.
- Electricity: the electricity at the lodge and in all tents is 110 volt, 50 hertz, 2 flat-pronged US plugs (same as in the USA).
- All tents include fully equipped bathrooms with hot water showers powered by solar energy.
Galapagos Safari Camp
Double tent
- All meals and experiences included
Spend a night in Quito, and head to Mashpi Lodge the next day to immerse yourself in the lush cloud forest and its incredible biodiversity.
A car will pick you up after a short ferry ride from Santa Cruz Island, and take you to the airport.
Included by scenset.
Fly from Baltra Airport back to Quito.
Included by scenset.
Your driver will pick you up at arrivals in Quito Airport and take you to your hotel.
Included by scenset.
Unwind and rejuvenate at a hotel, enjoying its elegant ambiance and exceptional amenities.
Casa Gangotena
Plaza View King Room
- Breakfast included
Ecuador's cloud forests are a natural wonder, nestled within its Andean highlands and coastal regions, where misty, ethereal landscapes blend with vibrant biodiversity. These lush, enchanting forests are draped in verdant foliage, shrouded in mist, and home to countless species, including rare orchids, vibrant birds like toucans and hummingbirds, and elusive mammals like the spectacled bear. Visitors to Ecuador's cloud forests can hike through ancient trails, traverse swinging bridges over ravines, and immerse themselves in this captivating realm of biodiversity and tranquility.
The journey from Quito to Mashpi Lodge is a captivating adventure through Ecuador's diverse landscapes. Departing from the bustling capital city, you'll embark on a scenic drive that gradually reveals the country's natural beauty. As you wind your way westward, the bustling urbanity of Quito gradually yields to rolling hills, lush farmlands, and mist-shrouded Andean peaks. After approximately three to four hours of travel, you'll arrive at Mashpi Lodge, nestled deep within the heart of the cloud forest (3.5 hour drive with stops)
Included by scenset.
Arrive at Mashpi Lodge. After settling in, meet with a specialist guide who will explain the various excursions possible and assist you to create a daily program done in small groups according to your preference. You will have the choice of a variety of activities in small groups, according to your interests. Here are some examples:
Nowhere on Earth is the power of water more tangible than in Mashpi. Put your boots on and get ready to splash around in puddles and experience the raw power of the Mashpi waterfalls. Soak in the sounds of the forest and awake your senses as naturalist guides pinpoint each component of this natural environment.
The garden is located at the highest point of the reserve, in the midst of
the cloud forest. Of the 35 species of hummingbirds that inhabit the reserve, one can observe about 15 of them here; frantically flapping their
wings or dancing near the feeders and delighting in their sweet nectar.
Apart from hummingbirds, one may also observe other species of animals
pecking on the fruit in various feeders, including toucans, tanagers, and squirrels.
This path allows you to discover the lower part of the reserve. The trail extends to where the Mashpi Chico and Mashpi Grande Rivers join. Half of the species that can be found in the lower areas of the reserve are different than the rest of the species found in other parts. This hike allows you to experience different types of sounds and interactions with nature. The trail connects the reserve to the local village and is therefore used every day by the locals. The explorers that walk this trail will enjoy a “Tonga lunch” and participate in a chocolate tour.
The dragonfly, that agile flying insect, has the best-developed eyesight of any arthropod. With its panoramic vision, it can detect any movement, be
it predator or prey, as it hovers above the canopy. This cable car system
emulates this insect with its four available gondolas that
travel the 2.5-mile (4-km) -long circuit.
This activity starts with a walk from the Main Route to the Sky Bike departure station. This ride offers a unique way of exploring and appreciating all the different shades of green the forest has to offer; soft, bright, and yellow-tinged. The Sky Bike is designed for use by two people, with only one person pedaling at a time. Explorers travel a distance of almost 656 ft (200 m), and, at its highest point, the Sky Bike travels 197 ft (60 m) above the Lagoon River. Quiet and user friendly, it’s the ideal and fun way to observe the natural world.
Why we love it for you: Hidden deep within the heart of Ecuador's enchanting cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge emerges as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Coast, this eco-luxury haven offers an immersive experience into one of the world's most biodiverse regions. As you journey from Quito, a meandering drive through lush landscapes reveals the lodge's contemporary elegance amidst the wild. Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide uninterrupted views of the verdant canopy, while tastefully appointed rooms offer a harmonious blend of comfort and sustainability. Here, the enchanting sounds of the forest, punctuated by cascading waterfalls, form the backdrop for daily explorations led by knowledgeable naturalists.
Mashpi Lodge
Yaku Suite
- All meals and experiences included
Indeed, it's a universal truth that all good things eventually come to an end and it's time to bid farewell to Ecuador.
Your driver will take you back to Quito to catch your international flight home.
Included by scenset.
scenset invests in making the world a better place. scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please send a message in the app to let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.