Galapagos and Southern Highlands

The southern highlands of Ecuador are a wonderful blend of stunning scenery, fascinating Andean culture, and interesting history. Add the uniquely special Galapagos islands to this mixture and you have truly brilliant holiday!

After a day exploring the capital city of Ecuador, you head south via the Avenue of Volcanoes with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park and the highest active volcano in the world. The next few days are spent with your own private guide and driver and you can explore the region as you like, including the town of Banos, and an overnight in the city of Cuenca, one of Ecuador's most beautiful cities. From Cuenca travel overland to the city of Guayaquil and explore the craggy landscape of El Cajas National Park en route.

You then have the pleasure of a 8 day cruise around the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's greatest wildlife experiences. Your home for the next week is a prestige class yacht. The Beluga is an elegant, comfortable motor yacht with lots of space and different deck areas for relaxing. The food is excellent, and the yacht crew offer a great service.

And what will you be doing during your week-long wildlife cruise? Well, talking to the animals of course! Having a chat with a penguin, taking a stroll with an iguana, swimming with a sealion, shooting the breeze with a magnificent frigatebird... The Galapagos is a wildlife-lover's paradise and one that will leave you with some incredible memories.