A Galápagos Adventure

IN A NUTSHELL 

This prize includes 

• Return Premium Economy flights for 2 from London to Quito, Ecuador 
• 2 nights for 2 in a luxury room at Casa Gongotena, Quito (with breakfast) 
• 7 nights for 2 in an ensuite stateroom onboard the Origins & Theory yacht (all-inclusive) 
• 2 nights for 2 in a standard room at the Hacienda Zuleta including breakfast, lunch and dinner. 
• 1 further night for 2 in a luxury room at Casa Gangotena, Quito (with breakfast) 
• Activities include: your choice of daily Galapagos tours and excursions, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving, whale watching, horseback riding, panama hat making, Andean cookery class and local embroidery class and a visit to Oswaldo Viteri’s atelier 
• All domestic flights and transfers 
• Up to £1,000 spending money 

FLIGHTS 

You and your lucky plus one will be treated to luxury in the skies with return business class flights from London to Quito, Ecuador where your adventure begins.  

ACCOMMODATION 

What do a 5-star Boutique Hotel, a super-luxe yacht, and a stunning 17th century Hacienda have in common? You! You and your mate will get the chance to stay in 3 of the most epic accommodation spots in the world. After arriving in Quito for the first leg of your adventure, you’ll be whisked away to the 5-star Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel where you’ll spend two nights in luxury. Located in the heart of Quito’s Old Town (the first ever World Heritage Site btw), Casa Gangotena is just minutes away from the iconic La Compaña Church as well as the City Museum, Presidential Palace, numerous cultural hotspots and the bustle of one of the capitals most iconic neighbourhoods. Head out and explore it all – after tucking into the mouthwatering breakfast included in your stay of course.  

Following your stay in Quito, you’ll hit the high seas for 7 nights of all-inclusive adventure in a deluxe en suite cabin onboard the incredible Origin & Theory super yacht. After a full day of exploring the untamed beauty of the Galapagos, you’ll be able to let your hair down and put your feet up in truly unrivalled luxury. Head out to the sundeck to unwind on the daybeds and chaise lounges, cool off in the outdoor shower or heat things up in the hot tub after enjoying an al fresco lunch or smoky barbecue and drinks from the wet bar. Venture inside for décor just as breathtaking as the nature surrounding you. Sample mouthwatering Ecuadorian dishes made freshly for you from the best sustainably-sourced ingredients, read a book or two in the cozy library, get yo sweat on in the state-of-the-art fitness center or, our personal fave, sip a tipple or 8 in the stylish bar open to you all day every day! Then retire to your spacious stateroom equipped with panoramic views of the Pacific, climate controls and a memory foam mattress. 

Think the luxury ends there? No chance. You’ll then head up into the heart of the Andes for 2 nights in a standard room in the stunning 17th century hotel and working-farm of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso, Hacienda Zuleta. Beautiful antique rooms, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine and a wealth of activities all await you on this leg of your accommodation journey. Start each day with a delicious breakfast before visiting mountain lakes and vistas on horseback, exploring hidden trails by foot or bike, or taking up a cookery or local embroidery class before tucking into a 3-course lunch and mouthwatering dinner all included in your stay. 

You’ll then head back to Quito to finish up your bucket list adventure exactly where you started it – in a deluxe double room in the Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel complete with all its luxurious trimmings.  

ACTIVITIES 

Cobblestone streets, whitewashed hoses adorned with intricate balconies and grand plazas are all quintessential feature of Quito, and you’ll be able to explore them all for the first 2 days of you trip! You’ll also get the opportunity to visit the workshop of one of the best-know proponents of contemporary art in Ecuador, Oswaldo Viteri. On this tour, you’ll learn new and old techniques as you trace the journey of Latin Americas art scene to the present day before having lunch with the iconic artist and his wife. 

You’ll then leave the cultural delights of Quito behind to fly to Baltra Island where the real adventure begins. You’ll step aboard the Origins yacht for 8 days of exploration and adventure around the incredible Galapagos islands. Every day, your experienced guides will lead 2 walks around the island you call upon that day. Explore lava fields, hike alongside cliffs, stroll along a secluded beach or experience close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, all while being treated to entertaining lectures and tips from your guides.  

Prefer to get wet? We got you covered! Snorkel over the untouched coral reefs, swim alongside native sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, or head out to deep water to bump noses with whale sharks and schools of hammerheads. You can also explore the islands’ secret coves and colourful beaches from on the water, rather than in it, by way of kayak or paddle-boards, or head out to open water for a hefty dose of whale watching. You’re almost certain to spot Sperm and Killer whales, along with a dolphin or 2.  

Once back on land, you’ll fly back to Quito before being whisked away to the highlands where you’ll experience true relaxation as you slip into the quieter pace of hacienda life. Explore the breathtaking surrounding pastures, woods and mountains by horseback or foot with countless hiking and riding trails along with guided tours. Or sit back and watch the scenery float by from the comfort of a horse drawn carriage. Head back to the ranch and learn to cook Andean specialties together with a local chef in an unforgettable cookery class, try your hand at embroidery with the help of friendly local experts, or experience traditional Andean music and culture sat around a roaring bonfire when the sun dips low (marshmallows obvs included). On arrival back in Quito, you’ll get the chance to make your very own Panama hat as a memento of your trip. Too good to be true? We think not! 

EXTRAS 

We’ll also cover all your transfers and throw in up to £1,000 spending money to sweeten the deal!