Ecuador Eco Deluxe

Itinerary Highlights

For many there is no greater luxury than authentic wildlife experiences in the world’s most unique ecosystems alongside top naturalist guides. In the case of Ecuador, the country abounds in such luxuries, combining not only a plethora of unforgettable eco destinations but also exclusive accommodations that enhance guests’ experiential encounters in nature.

Ecuador Eco Deluxe offers this combination in both of its featured inclusions. Begin your journey in Ecuador’s famed cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge. This modern architectural wonder doubles as a hotel situated deep in one of the country’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

After a night in Quito, Ecuador’s charming capital rich in colonial history, venture onward to the Galapagos Islands. Here in the land of Darwin you’ll board the Ecoventura Origin. With a maximum capacity of 20 guests, this Relais & Chateaux yacht is the archipeleago’s most luxurious vessel with immaculately appointed staterooms, five-star cuisine and the region’s top naturalist guides.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Ecuador! After clearing Customs & Immigration you will be met by your driver who will immediately begin your journey to Masphi Lodge.

Located three hours and a world away from the bustle of Quito, Mashpi Lodge offers nature lovers an oasis of calm and luxury, enveloped within the swirling mists of the Ecuadorian Chocho Bioregion. The surrounding region is a haven of biodiversity boasting more than 400 species of birds, including some 35 endemic, and lush forest that is 80% primary growth. Monkeys, peccaries and even puma make their homes inside the Reserve crisscrossed with waterfalls between dramatic, verdant hills. Guests discover the flora and fauna through naturalist led hikes, excursions to hummingbird feeding stations and observation towers, talks detailing ongoing research projects and by pedaling through the canopy on the tandem Sky Bike. Environmental immersion continues within the eco lodge; all 22 guest rooms boast floor to ceiling glass windows which open to allow in the chorus of birdsong, best enjoyed while soaking in the Philippe Stark-designed bathtubs. Spa treatments highlight products from the surrounding forest and the restaurant features exquisite and innovative Ecuadorian cuisine with a focus on native ingredients.

Upon arrival one of the lodge’s naturalist guides will provide an orientation on the cloud forest and the lodge itself, explaining its sweeping conservation efforts as well as the various activities available during your stay. Schedule permitting you may head to the Napa Trail. The trail crosses areas where the forest is regenerating with large patches of pristine jungle, highlighting the ecological succession processes and the importance of forest conservation for the Chocó region. You will find the unique attraction of a forest of “iron palm” (Iriartea deltoidea), as well as excellent bird watching.

Every evening guests who are interested in immersing themselves in cloud forest ecology are invited to participate in Mashpi’s lecture series with topics such as the “Secret Wildlife of Mashpi, the trap camera project” or “the “Chocó, a biological hotspot” about the formation and diversity of the Chocó, or other scientific research projects being conducted onsite.

Overnight at Mashpi Lodge (Dinner)

Today you'll have an early start to witness morning birding inside the forest and the beauty of the butterflies at Mashpi’s Life Center. The activity begins at sunrise in the lobby with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and cookies. Your walk to the Life Center will be an experience onto itself as you cross through the Howler Monkeys’ trail (Aulladores), with high likelihood of bird sightings crossing the road or colorful tanagers seeking for fruits in the treetops. This trail goes across one the original forests where many of the centenarian trees, the Copal tree (Dacryodes cupularis) being the most emblematic, survived logging and deforestation attempts. Along this captivating trail you’re likely to see and/or listen to the call of some of the rare birds such as the Rufous-fronted Wood-quail (Odontophorus erythrops) or Rufous-crowned Antpitta (Pittasoma rufopileatum). Along this trail your local naturalist guide will be on the lookout for the highly elusive howler monkeys (Alouatta palliate).

Once in the Life Center you’ll enjoy from the comfort of the expansive wooden deck all sorts of wildlife, from birds to rodents and other mammals, most of them visiting the structure’s various fruit feeders. Here overlooking this magnificent landscape enjoy a picnic breakfast. Learn more about the butterflies that inhabit the region as you observe the process of their transformation from eggs to larva or caterpillar to chrysalis or pupa to winged wonder. Other points of learning include various species of host plants use by the butterflies to lay there egg and feed the larvae, like passion flowers, birds of paradise, milk weeds and many others found in the lush and extensive gardens surrounding the Life Center. Nearby is an area for growing useful plants and beyond, with many varieties of bushes and fruit trees, including banana and plantain, manioc, cacao, hot chili pepper, coffee and wild raspberries.

After a very exciting morning head back to the lodge where prior to lunch you will have time to rest or maybe enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa or the comfort of the Jacuzzi in the wellness area. After lunch enjoy a bit more downtime before departing on your afternoon excursion.

In the afternoon, embark on a hike to the breathtaking Cucharillos Waterfall. The trail is named after the Cucharillo tree (Magnolia striatifoliai) meaning “teaspoon” in Spanish, a tree endemic to Ecuador, threatened by its value as timber and common on this trail. This trail is of moderate difficulty because of its steep climbing. Most of the trail has been specially adapted to make walking easier, using embedded recycled plastic crates to create steps and firm paths. At the end of the trail is a massive waterfall and rocky riverbed with beautiful ponds and little waterfalls.

Take advantage of Mashpi’s night hike, as the forest is completely transformed and the sounds and smells are intensified with all senses awakened. On this night safari, you’ll find the beauty in the small details, from the croaking of frogs to the hum of insects. if you turn off your flashlight you can observe the sparkling of fireflies in the woods, or listening to the flutter of bats. On the ground surrounding you you’ll find the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi (foxfire or fairy fire). As you turn your flashlight back on you can see the reflection of hundreds of tiny eyes of insects all around. Hear the call of owls and night birds or the rustling of the branches above you when the kinkajous (Potos flavus), an arboreal mammal relative to the raccoons, begin their evening commute through the treetops, searching for ripe fruits.

Return to the lodge for dinner after what is sure to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Mashpi Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy some early morning bird watching before a delicious final breakfast at the lodge. Hike to Copal Waterfall or take a ride on Mashpi's notorious "Sky Bike", an aerially suspended bicycle from which you can peddle over the awe-inspiring cloud forest and witness its beauty from hundreds of feet above ground. 

You will be back to the hotel by noon, where you can refresh yourself and prepare for check out. We will be waiting for you at our restaurant where you can enjoy your last meal at Mashpi, after lunch you will head back toward Quito where you’ll be dropped off your hotel nearby the airport for an evening at leisure.

Local experiences in Quito can be arranged, such as chocolate tastings, historical walking tours or culinary experiences.

Overnight at Casa Gangotena (Breakfast & Lunch)

Your driver will meet you at your hotel in the morning and escort you to the airport where you will board your flight to the Galapagos Islands and be met by a representative of the Ecoventura Origin.

Discover intimate adventure on these luxury expedition yachts for just 20 guests, whose ten spacious staterooms afford panoramic views of the passing sea.

When you land at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, your yacht’s guides will be there to greet you and escort you to your yacht by bus and Zodiac. Once you’ve boarded, you’ll have a welcome briefing and a short safety drill. Begin your Galapagos journey with a delicious buffet lunch before traveling to Cerro Colorado to visit Centro de Crianza Jacinto Gordillo. Here, you’ll learn about the breeding program for giant tortoises that the national park has established to ensure that these animals continue to thrive despite the endangered status of some species. At the visitor center, you’ll have a chance to learn about the evolution of tortoises and the threats they face, from invasive species to habitat loss. Along the trail, your first exposure to Galapagos wildlife may include the San Cristobal mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Back on the yacht, after a briefing, the captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception. An elegant multi-course dinner, prepared by the yacht’s accomplished chefs and accompanied by wine, will be served, and you’ll set sail for Genovesa Island.

Lounge in your light-filled spacious stateroom during the day and retreat here in the evenings. The gentle churning of the pacific will lull you to sleep, enjoy the fine bed linens, climate controls and both memory foam mattresses as well as soft pillows that will ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

In the morning, you’ll land at Prince Philip’s Steps, Genovesa Island is one of the most spectacular places in Galapagos for bird watching because of its diversity of species. Throughout the day, you’ll want to have your camera ready. Your guides will point out red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies nesting near the trail, and storm petrels gathering in large numbers in an open lava field. With luck, you may even get to see the elusive short-eared owl. After a BBQ lunch on the yacht’s sun deck and a demonstration on how to make Ecuadorian ceviche, you’ll have the option to explore the cliffs up close, either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or on a deep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac. Look for the red-billed tropic bird hiding in the crevices of the rock.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll land at Darwin Bay, a gorgeous coral sand beach. Here, you’ll see both swallow-tailed gulls and lava gulls gathered near the tide pools. A forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves provide shelter for Great frigate birds. Males looking to attract a mate inflate a red pouch on their chests. Round out the afternoon by relaxing on the beach, or choose to swim with friendly, playful sea lions in these warmer northern waters. When you return to the yacht, you’ll have a short briefing followed by a delicious dinner. If the night is clear, take a stroll on the deck and enjoy the sky full of bright stars. Your guides can point out constellations and help you identify the species of birds flying alongside the yacht.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning you’ll visit Las Bachas (1), (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Dozens of bright pink flamingos feed on the interior lagoons, and a long white sand beach is a beautiful site for a stroll. Your guides will point out endemic plant species and share some fascinating Galapagos history. Before returning to the yacht for lunch, you’ll have time to snorkel from the beach. Bring your underwater camera to take photos of colorful tropical fish and sea stars, along with sea turtles and maybe even sharks along the ocean floor. Your guide will offer an enrichment lecture that is informative and entertaining, the topic is on marine currents, climate and geology of the Islands.

In the afternoon, when you step ashore on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), you’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of the bay and island landscape. You may see flamingos in the brackish lagoon, along with a variety of plants, including opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Muyuyo trees (Cordia letea). As you walk the trail, look for Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, and Audubon shearwaters. The guides will also pause to point out birds such as stilts, pintail ducks and sandpipers. Scan the path for yellow Land iguanas, strikingly different from their marine cousins, resting in the sun. These iguanas, which are endemic to the Galapagos, were once part of the Station’s breeding program. After walking the trail, you’ll return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Begin your morning with a Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca (1). Your skilled driver will navigate you through the wave-sculpted caves and bring you up close to the tuff walls covered in colorful Sally light-foot crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel here (2), with penguins diving playfully in the water or grooming themselves on rock formations. Look for sea turtles poking their heads above water before swimming gracefully beneath the surface. After lunch, take a seat on the sun deck to enjoy the scenery as you sail through the Bolivar Chanel. In addition to the dramatic scenery, you might get to see whales riding the bow wave or dolphins jumping in graceful arcs. You may even spot the Mola-Mola, an odd-looking giant sun fish with triangular fins on the top and bottom and a short, stubbly tail fin.

In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island and see some surprising evidence of volcanic activity. Four files of coastal seabed were exposed due to a dramatic uplift during an eruption in 1954, and some of the remaining coral skeletons still stand several feet high. A diverse collection of animal species await on the island as well, including Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, and the occasional giant Galapagos tortoise. When you’re finished exploring, you’ll return to the vessel for your nightly briefing and dinner. After dessert, step outside and observe the pale glow of the Milky Way. As you cross the Equator, you may get a visit from King Neptune himself! Guests of all ages will enjoy this fun filled evening and maritime ritual, where crew dress as pirates and guest participation is optional.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning you’re in for another geological wonder. Stop at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos, formed by active volcanoes that stretch around the coast. With no introduced animals on this island, you can observe the ecosystem at its most pristine. Sea lion harems lie on the beach, with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory and keeping a lookout for sharks that threaten the colony’s pups. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony in Galapagos, warm themselves along the rugged shoreline, blending in with the dark rocks. Out on the point, your guide will show you the nests of flightless cormorants, which stay close to shore since they lost their ability to fly. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel here, in the company of the large sea turtles that frequent the area. Return to the yacht for lunch served on the sundeck where you’ll have a prime view for whale watching.

Your guide will offer an enrichment lecture about Charles Darwin and his Theory of evolution as well as social/environmental projects that benefit the Galapagos. After lunch, you’ll get to see some of the human history of the Galapagos when you go ashore on Tagus Cove. This was a favorite stopping point for pirates and whalers for centuries, and sections of the rocky cliffs are covered in graffiti from as far back as the 1800s. Hike at a faster pace to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, and take in the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. You may choose to explore the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard. There are many animals to see, including Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. Tonight, as you sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, you’ll cross the equator for the third and final time.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning, you’ll disembark on the dark red beach of Rabida. This small island is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. A short trail will lead you to a saltwater lagoon filled with greater flamingos. Along the way, look for marine iguanas, mockingbirds and yellow warblers. You may also see Darwin’s finches. Over a dozen species of finches live on the islands and observing them contributed to Charles Darwin’s ideas that formed the basis for his theory of evolution. If you choose to snorkel this morning, you may be able to see a colony of sea lions or rays. Several species of rays live on the Galapagos, but golden rays and spotted eagle rays are the most common.

In the afternoon embark on a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of peaceful coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves whose large roots rise out of the water. View pairs of mating sea turtles (Sept to Feb), white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays. Return to the vessel for the Captain’s Farewell cocktail with the crew, and dinner as well as a special presentation by your guides.

Overnight aboard the Ecoventura Origin (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

On your last morning in the Galapagos you’ll disembark after breakfast and travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), where you’ll find nesting colonies of both species of frigate birds; Great and Magnificent, lava lizards, medium ground finches and San Cristobal mockingbird. Follow the trail to Punta Carola for a spectacular view.

Before your flight back to the mainland, you’ll have time for any last-minute photos or shopping. A short bus ride will get you to the airport with plenty of time for check in for your departing flight home or to your next destination.

(Breakfast)

• 9 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Mashpi Lodge and aboard Ecoventura Origin

• Breakfast at Casa Gangotena

• Small group excursions with fellow guests at Mashpi Lodge and Ecoventura Origin

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as described

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at participating hotels:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • $100 property credit

  • **benefits vary by property; member properties in this itinerary are: Mashpi Lodge, Casa Gangotena and Ecoventura Origin

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (including Galapagos Islands visa and fees to be paid directly at airport), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described below, items of a personal nature

• As the Ecoventura Origin departs on Sundays, the official start date of the itinerary will be Thursday. For those arriving into Quito from their international flight after noon, we recommend arriving a day earlier and spending a night in the capital or at the airport hotel, depending on your arrival time.

• Ecoventura’s fleet contains an identical ship, Theory, that can be considered in lieu of the Origin.

• This itinerary features the Ecoventura’s "B” itinerary covering the western and northern islands of the Galapagos. We like this as it includes Isabela and Fernandina, islands that are truly magical but harder to reach if staying in a lodge on either Santa Cruz or San Cristobal islands. There are hotels on Isabela but the options are not on par with the accommodations included elsewhere. The “A” itinerary, which includes landmark islands such as Floreana and North Seymour, can be included instead for those who prefer it. The itinerary also begins on Sunday.

• As mentioned above, the “B” itinerary wonderfully complements a land-based program in the Galapagos. A 2-3 night stay at lodges like Galapagos Safari Camp, Pikaia or FInch Bay work very well as an extension to this itinerary.

• For birders, January to early March is peak season at Mashpi Lodge.