Check in at Casa Gangotena 

The three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel is host to 31 rooms with unique Art Deco-inspired interiors, eye-catching antique furnishings, and quintessential technological conveniences.

Casa Gangotena has played an important role in Quito’s rich history. Over the past few centuries, wealthy families aimed to build their homes in the vicinity of the plaza. The earlier incarnation of Casa Gangotena served as a residence for several Republican-era presidents until 1914, when disaster struck and the structure succumbed to a calamitous fire

Guided Walking Tour of Quito

Head out for a walking tour of the Old Town, intent on understanding more about the people who live in the largest and best-restored historical centre in the Americas. Begin by meeting our local resident guide, part of a grassroots NGO organization that has created a walking tour of its Quito neighbourhood, called San Roque. 

The guide takes you through the nearby streets, stopping to meet artisans, shopkeepers, hat makers and sweet confectioners. Up the hill on Calle Rocafuerte, you explore the San Francisco Market, one of the oldest in the capital. Here, you learn all about the fruit and vegetables produced in Ecuador and some culinary traditions.

This tour also includes a visit to a panoramic viewpoint to appreciate Quito in all its Andean splendour.

Day of Leisure

Options are to explore the Market, the excellent Casa del Alabado Archaeological Museum

The adventure begins at around 08:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito. 

The road passes along the western flank of the Andes next to the “Middle of the World” which marks the equatorial line. You then continue westwards, downhill, following the course of the Rio Blanco, watching as the vegetation changes with every significant drop in altitude. After passing the town of Nanegalito, you head northwest, along winding country roads, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and various farming communities. 

You arrive at the Lodge at noon.

Your time with us at Mashpi is your own to experience. With the help of our expedition staff, you can choose from any of the activities on offer, always accompanied by a University-graduate naturalist guide and an experienced local guide – all at your own pace. On your arrival day, you will plan your activities with the team and receive a talk about Mashpi and all its wonders.

After enjoying lunch, you will be shown to your room for a rest, before heading out in the afternoon for your activity, which could include a hike through the forest followed by gliding above and through the forest canopy aboard our amazing and unique Dragonfly aerial cable car (additional fee involved).

When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search out tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects and even tarantulas during a Night Walk.

The next day might begin at first light on the panoramic terrace, watching – and hearing – a menagerie of birds stirring around the Lodge. After breakfast, you could hike towards a waterfall, bathing in the tremendous crash of water, head to the Hummingbird Garden, or discover the winged wonders of the Life Centre’s butterflies.

After lunch, how about pedalling between two points of the forest around 200 m (655 ft) apart on the aerial Sky Bike, followed by a climb up the Observation Tower to take in the Reserve in its entirety and watch the sun go down behind the clouds…

For the evening, you have prepared a series of different lectures such as the “Secret Wildlife of Mashpi: The Camera Trap Project,” “The Choco: A Biological Hotspot” about the formation and diversity of the Chocó, or about our scientific research projects. The lectures will be given by one of our naturalists or our resident biologist at 19:30

On your last day, there’s more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in

Within Mashpi Reserve, each activity is led by an expert naturalist guide. Excursion groups are small. Guests are provided with rubber boots, hiking poles, day packs, and their own refillable water bottle. Explorers can prepare snack packs for the trek, choosing from an assortment of dried fruits and nuts.

On your last day, there’s more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in.

You return to the hotel for check out at 11:00. 

Your transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30. You will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during your drive back to Quito.

Upon arrival, be greeted by a representative and taken to your cruise where you will spend the next four nights exploring the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos Islands rank among the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Although every inch of our world has something that makes it ‘unique’, the islands are that much more sui generis than other places due to the archipelago’s isolation over millennia, which have alloyoud species to evolve amid the stark volcanic landscapes into new and apparently strange life forms that exist nowhere else on the planet. And on top of that, the creatures one encounters are virtually fearless of humans. It’s a truly magical place.

Today you will visit the impressive lava flows at Sullivan Bay, and the famous Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomew Island.

Today visit Genovesa for white sand coral beaches, sensational views, and red-footed boobies among many other species.

Today Santiago will be your destination, to include snorkelling, marine iguanas and an abundance of marine life. You will also look for sea turtles at Buccaneer Cove.

Today your amazing journey comes to an end. 

After your final morning in the Galapagos Islands you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Quito.

After an overnight flight arrive back to London Heathrow at 3pm

Welcome home!