Private Galapagos Marvels by Land and Mashpi’s Cloud Forest

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your charming boutique-style hotel conveniently located in the Historic Center neighborhood.  Overnight at Mamá Cuchara by Art Hotels, where comfort, local charm, and stunning surroundings create the perfect retreat.

Today we explore the northern coast, where we’ll visit either Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt, or Cerro Brujo – the specific site depending on the weekday and Galapagos National Park regulations. First, we’ll scour the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. This is our chance to get up close with playful sea lions in their natural playground.

Then, we’ll snorkel through underwater wonderlands, possibly spotting eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. With luck, we might even encounter majestic hammerhead sharks gliding through the depths.  As dusk falls, we’ll return to the hotel after our day of aquatic adventures, ready for a relaxed evening. Overnight at the Golden Bay Hotel.

Today we explore the northern coast. We either visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site depends on the weekday and the Galapagos National Park regulations. On our exploration trip, we make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground. As we snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks.  As the sun sets on our day under the waves, we return to the hotel to for a relaxed evening.  Overnight at the Golden Bay Hotel.

In the morning, we take a short inter-island flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. It´s constantly changing and evolving due to the six shield volcanoes, rendering it one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. After a short small aircraft flight, we settle into our hotel.  We then set out on a one-of-a-kind hike that will take us through an incredible variety of coastal ecosystems, along the way we spot giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife as we pass through white sand beaches, the alluring poison apple forest, a gaping lava tube, dark mangroves and brackish lagoons.  After a nourishing lunch, we explored Tintoreras, a group of small islets filled with hidden coves and isolated beaches. Here we find the endemic Galapagos penguin, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. At the end of the day, we retire to our hotel.  We finish the evening with a delicious dinner and an optional stroll down the expansive beach and the sand streets of idyllic Puerto Villamil. Overnight at Iguana Crossing Hotel.

We board a speed boat or internal flight to Santa Cruz Island early in the morning, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins in the ocean around us. Upon arrival, we check in and head straight to El Chato Nature Reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the iconic Galapagos giant tortoise. It’s an honor to walk among these gentle giants, who often live over 175 years! The reserve also shelters pintail ducks, finches, frigatebirds, egrets, and the vibrant vermilion flycatcher.

Next, we venture through remarkable lava tunnels formed by ancient magma flows. Local legends claim pirates once hid stolen Inca gold in these very caves! After hearing swashbuckling tales from our guides, we visit Los Gemelos – twin volcanic sinkholes at Santa Cruz’s highest point. Wandering through Scalesia forests draped in ferns and epiphytes, we’ll watch for the elusive short-eared owl.

If time allows, we’ll stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation programs protecting Galapagos wildlife. Scientists here breed endangered species and restore native ecosystems, offering fascinating insights into preservation efforts.  As evening approaches, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, savoring our final night in paradise. With twinkling bay lights and the peaceful hum of the town, we reflect on an unforgettable adventure. Overnight at Angermeyer Hotel.

Finally, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the magic island as we transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland (not included). Note: To optimize travel time to Mashpi, it’s recommended to prioritize booking the earliest flight arriving in Quito before 2:00 pm.

 Upon arrival, a land transfer takes you on a 4-hour drive to Mashpi Lodge and Reserve.  Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Ecuadorian Chocó rainforest, your next two days will be spent immersed in the wonders of Mashpi Lodge. This luxurious eco-resort offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, allowing you to experience the cloud forest’s magic fully. Upon arrival at the Lodge, you are warmly greeted in a dedicated expedition room. Here, friendly staff will handle your check-in, provide your room keys, and offer a comprehensive orientation to everything Mashpi offers. This informative session ensures you have a clear understanding of the lodge’s operations and gets you excited to explore the wonders of the surrounding rainforest.  Overnight at Mashpi Lodge.

Included on your stay is the Dragonfly Cable Car System.  Inspired by the remarkable dragonfly, known for its exceptional vision, our Dragonfly Cable Car System offers a breathtaking perspective of the rainforest canopy.  Glide through the treetops in one of our four gondolas, aptly named “dragonflies,” along a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) circuit.  The 15-minute walk (1444 feet/440 meters) from the lodge to the departure station is a pleasant prelude to your aerial adventure. The cable car system itself features two main stations and six support towers. For added convenience, gondola boarding and disembarking is available at Tower 4.  Each gondola comfortably accommodates four explorers and a guide.  Spaced approximately 1640 feet (500 meters) apart, they travel a distance of nearly 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) in each direction at a leisurely pace of less than 2 miles per hour (3 kilometers per hour).  The entire round-trip journey takes approximately 2 hours.  Unfold the wonders of the rainforest ecosystem as you soar above the tree line.  Panoramic vistas unveil the rich tapestry of the reserve’s flora and fauna, with its vibrant colors, captivating scents, and the constant movement of life.  This unforgettable experience can be seamlessly combined with other hiking trails detailed within this guide.  After your exhilarating Dragonfly Cable Car adventure, the rest of your stay remains open for you to design your perfect rainforest exploration.  Mashpi Reserve boasts a diverse selection of guided tours, each offering unique opportunities to delve deeper into the wonders of this remarkable ecosystem.  Whether your interests lie in birdwatching, exploring hidden trails, or encountering nocturnal creatures, knowledgeable guides are always available to lead the way.  Overnight at Mashpi Lodge.

After your immersive experience at Mashpi Lodge, unwinding amidst the breathtaking cloud forest, it’s time for your comfortable 4-hour drive back to Quito. Overnight at Mamá Cuchara by Arts Hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to visit more of Ecuador’s natural wonders.