Galapagos Yacht Expedition

Ecuador Rainforest &

Galapagos Yacht Expedition

Year round

From £10,350pp

Cruise & Land

11 Nights

Explore Ecuador from lush cloud forests to the untamed Galapagos islands

Embark on an unforgettable Ecuador adventure, where hidden gems and wildlife encounters await. Wander through the misty Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, a secluded sanctuary teeming with exotic birds, orchids, and lush flora. Explore Ecuador’s rich heritage in Quito before setting sail on the intimate Yacht La Pinta, boasting just 24 luxurious cabins, for a personalised Galapagos experience. Prepare your Big 15 checklist and marvel at iconic species—from Galapagos penguins to giant tortoises—as you navigate turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes, and pristine islands. Adventure, luxury, and wildlife combine to create memories that last a lifetime.

Itinerary highlights

Discover the hidden wonders of Mashpi cloud forest, Ecuador’s rainforest gem, with guided wildlife walks, canopy adventures, and night excursions.

Stand on the Equator Line and explore Quito’s colonial charm, rich culture, and historic sites.

Cruise the Galapagos islands aboard Yacht La Pinta, an intimate vessel with 24 luxury cabins for personalised experiences.

Encounter the Big 15 Galapagos species, including penguins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and waved albatross.

Snorkel and kayak among vibrant marine life, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Witness breath-taking sunrises over serene cloud forests and Galapagos bays teeming with wildlife.

Explore Ecuador from lush cloud forests to the untamed Galapagos islands

Itinerary highlights

Discover the hidden wonders of Mashpi cloud forest, Ecuador’s rainforest gem, with guided wildlife walks, canopy adventures, and night excursions.

Stand on the Equator Line and explore Quito’s colonial charm, rich culture, and historic sites.

Cruise the Galapagos islands aboard Yacht La Pinta, an intimate vessel with 24 luxury cabins for personalised experiences.

Encounter the Big 15 Galapagos species, including penguins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and waved albatross.

Snorkel and kayak among vibrant marine life, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Witness breath-taking sunrises over serene cloud forests and Galapagos bays teeming with wildlife.

Day 1

Journey begins

Board your overnight flight to Quito, Ecuador, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. Settle in and rest as anticipation builds for your adventure, imagining misty jungles, unique wildlife, and sparkling volcanic islands. Your journey of discovery and luxury is about to begin.

Day 2

Quito, Ecuador

Arrive in Quito and be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will escort you to your hotel. Along the way, gain insights into Ecuador’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Settle in and relax, ready to begin your rainforest and Galapagos adventure.

Day 3

Quito, Ecuador

Venture north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, where history and science meet. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at latitude 0º and imagine the French Geodesic Mission of 1743 measuring the world. Explore the Ethnographic Museum to discover Ecuador’s rich indigenous cultures and traditions. Stroll through the charming colonial-style town, with its lively main square, quaint church, cafés, and artisan shops offering postcards and souvenirs. Learn about the fascinating history of geodesic studies and marvel at the 30-metre monument, a symbol of human curiosity and Ecuadorian pride, as you capture memorable photographs on the equator line.

Day 4

Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, Ecuador

Depart Quito and descend from the Andean highlands to the lush cloud forest of Mashpi, a sanctuary of mist, orchids, and exotic wildlife. After lunch and a welcome briefing on conservation and local biodiversity, settle into your luxurious lodge and refresh. In the afternoon, venture on your first guided trail, discovering vibrant flora, iridescent birds, and the intricate layers of the forest. Learn about the Chocó region’s unique ecology and the importance of protecting this rare ecosystem. The gentle sounds of the rainforest, the scent of damp earth, and glimpses of elusive wildlife offer a perfect introduction to your rainforest adventure.

Day 5

Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, Ecuador

Awaken to the chorus of birds at dawn, sipping coffee or hot chocolate on the terrace as exotic birds flit among moss-draped branches. Spend the morning exploring trails alive with orchids, ferns, coiling vines, and sparkling waterfalls, or stroll to the Life Centre to reflect amid panoramic forest views. Experience the canopy from the Dragonfly ride or pedal the Sky Bike above rushing streams. Climb the Observation Tower for a breath-taking panorama, spotting toucans, parrots, and raptors. Visit the hummingbird viewpoint, then as dusk falls, join a guided night walk to encounter moths, frogs, and luminous fungi. Return to the lodge for a restorative meal and spa.

Day 6

Quito, Ecuador

The day begins with the forest coming alive as birds gather near the lodge. With a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand, follow your guide along forest paths in search of mixed-species feeding flocks, where over twenty colourful bird species forage together—a magical moment for bird enthusiasts. After returning for breakfast, spend your final hours in the rainforest on a short, guided hike or another chosen activity, soaking in the lush surroundings. Later, enjoy a complimentary box lunch before a private transfer through the Andean landscapes back to Quito, arriving at your airport hotel to rest or explore at leisure.

Day 7

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Fly from Quito to Baltra Island, then cross by ferry to the northern shore of Santa Cruz. Venture into the island’s highlands, where misty forests and volcanic landscapes shelter unique flora and fauna. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a reserve home to the iconic giant tortoises, roaming freely among lava fields and hidden tunnels. Observe these gentle giants in their natural environment, marvel at the rugged volcanic terrain, and feel the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galapagos. Later, continue to Puerto Ayora and board the luxurious Yacht La Pinta, your floating base for the adventures ahead.

Day 8

Santa Cruz Island & Chinese Hat, Galapagos

Begin the day with a panga ride to Eden Islet, a volcanic outcrop teeming with wildlife. Spot blue-footed boobies diving for fish, frigate birds soaring above, and reef sharks gliding beneath the waves. Enjoy snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat tour, marvelling at the vibrant marine life and dramatic lava formations. Later, explore Chinese Hat Islet, named for its unique shape. Walk its 400-metre trail from a pristine white beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and encounter Galapagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks. Learn how the Humboldt current brought penguins to these islands, where they adapted into the famed Galapagos penguin.

Day 9

Bartolome Island & Santiago Island, Galapagos

Begin your day at iconic Bartolome Island, where a climb up the wooden staircase rewards you with sweeping panoramic views over Pinnacle Rock. Glide around the island in dinghies and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, marvelling at Galapagos penguins and the vibrant marine life below through a glass-bottom boat. After lunch, explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Walk along the striking white coral sands, swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters, and traverse a lava field formed less than 130 years ago. Observe the resilient wildlife that calls this stark, dramatic landscape home.

Day 10

Genovesa Island & Darwin Bay, Galapagos

Today, relax on the pristine white coral sands of Darwin Bay, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or simply marvel at the colourful marine life and diverse seabirds. For a more adventurous outing, trek across jagged lava formations to take in dramatic vistas and observe the collapsed caldera from our anchorage. Later, visit Prince Philip’s Steps, climbing the wooden staircase to “Bird Island.” Wander along scenic paths spotting Nazca and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and short-eared owls hunting storm petrels. Keep an eye out for playful fur seals or enjoy a peaceful kayak paddle along the cliffs.

Day 11

Depart Galapagos Islands

After your unforgettable Galapagos adventure, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the UK. Reflect on the incredible Mashpi cloud forest, wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes, and turquoise waters you have explored, taking memories of this extraordinary archipelago with you.

Day 12

Arrive home

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Meals as indicated
Handpicked accommodations
Specialized lectures and shared guided visits in Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides
Taxes, fees, and port expenses

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

March 2026 from £10,350 pp

April 2026 from £10,460 pp

May 2026 from £10,640 pp

June 2026 from £10,860 pp

July 2026 from £10,950 pp

August 2026 from £10,790 pp

September 2026 from £10,580 pp

October 2026 from £10,470 pp

November 2026 from £10,430 pp

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Domestic flights
Seamless ground transfers
Meals as indicated
Handpicked accommodations
Specialized lectures and shared guided visits in Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides
Taxes, fees, and port expenses

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

March 2026 from £10,350 pp

April 2026 from £10,460 pp

May 2026 from £10,640 pp

June 2026 from £10,860 pp

July 2026 from £10,950 pp

August 2026 from £10,790 pp

September 2026 from £10,580 pp

October 2026 from £10,470 pp

November 2026 from £10,430 pp

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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

Galapagos Yacht Expedition

Ecuador Rainforest &