Ecuador, Galapagos (diving) and Amazonas
14-Day Luxury Travel Itinerary for Two People to Explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, including Diving and First-Class Accommodations:
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
- Arrival: International flight to Quito.
- Transfer & Accommodation: Private pick-up from the airport and transfer to Plaza Grande Hotel, a luxurious colonial hotel in the heart of Quito.
- Activity: Relax after the flight, followed by a light city tour of Quito's Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Dinner: Gourmet dinner at Theatrum restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Day 2: Quito & Equator Line
- Morning: Private tour of Quito’s Old Town, visiting the Basilica del Voto Nacional and La Compañía de Jesús church.
- Afternoon: Visit to the Equator Museum Mitad del Mundo to cross the equator.
- Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel.
- Dinner: Dinner at Zazu, one of Ecuador’s top restaurants.
Day 3: Otavalo and Cotacachi
- Day Trip: Drive to Otavalo to visit the famous indigenous market. Continue to Cotacachi for leather shopping.
- Luxurious Lunch: At a traditional hacienda.
- Accommodation: Return to Plaza Grande Hotel in Quito.
Day 4: Flight to Galapagos (Baltra Island) & Yacht Cruise
- Flight: From Quito to Baltra, Galapagos.
- Yacht Transfer: Welcome and transfer to the luxury yacht M/Y Grace (the former royal yacht of Grace Kelly, exclusive for up to 16 guests).
- Activities: Briefing and first exploration of Santa Cruz Island.
- Accommodation: Luxury suite onboard M/Y Grace.
Day 5: Diving – Seymour Norte & Mosquera Islet
- Diving: First dive experience at Seymour Norte, one of the best spots for hammerhead sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Second Spot: Mosquera Islet, famous for sea lions and colorful reef fish.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 6: Diving – Gordon Rocks
- Main Activity: Dive trip to Gordon Rocks, one of the world’s top dive sites, often visited by hammerhead sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, and barracudas.
- Afternoon: Relax on the yacht, snorkel, or explore land animals like marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 7: Española Island
- Land Activities: Excursion to Española Island, home to albatrosses and marine iguanas.
- Snorkeling: Afternoon snorkeling at Gardner Bay, where sea turtles and sea lions are very active.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 8: Floreana Island
- Morning: Visit Post Office Bay, a traditional spot where sailors have left mail for centuries.
- Afternoon: Snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a volcanic crater now a spectacular underwater paradise.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 9: Isabela Island – Puerto Villamil
- Activities: Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, walk to flamingo lagoons.
- Diving: Optional diving at Los Túneles, a volcanic lava formation underwater known for manta rays, rays, and sharks.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 10: Fernandina Island
- Exploration: Visit the youngest and most geologically active island, Fernandina, known for its lava fields and largest colony of marine iguanas.
- Snorkeling: Snorkel with Galápagos penguins, sea lions, and colorful reef fish.
- Accommodation: M/Y Grace Yacht.
Day 11: Return Flight to Quito
- Morning: Last excursion on the Galapagos Islands.
- Afternoon: Flight from Baltra back to Quito.
- Accommodation: Return to Plaza Grande Hotel in Quito.
- Dinner: Farewell dinner at Casa Gangotena, an upscale restaurant in the historic center.
Day 12: Amazon Lodge – Yasuni National Park
- Flight: Flight to Coca and boat transfer to Napo Wildlife Center Lodge, an exclusive lodge in Yasuni National Park.
- Activity: Explore the surroundings, wildlife observation in the Amazon rainforest.
- Accommodation: Luxurious lodge suites.
Day 13: Amazon Adventure
- Activities: Jungle hikes, visit to a local village, birdwatching (macaws, toucans).
- Boat Tour: Canoe trip on the Amazon rivers.
- Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center Lodge.
Day 14: Return Flight to Quito & Departure
- Morning Activity: Final nature walk and return to Coca.
- Return Flight: Flight back to Quito, transfer to the airport, and departure.
Additional Details:
- Diving: Private dive instructors and high-end diving equipment on the Galapagos. Dive sites may be adjusted according to weather conditions.
- Accommodations: 5-star luxury hotels and yachts.
- Meals: All meals on the yacht, fine dining at upscale restaurants in Quito and Otavalo.
- Exclusive Guides: Private nature and diving guides in both Quito, the Galapagos, and the Amazon.
This plan offers a luxurious combination of adventure, relaxation, and exclusive experiences.