Ecuador by train & Galápagos Island stay

Prior to your overnight flight to the Ecuadorian capital, you’ll be able to relax in comfort with complimentary premium lounge access. Then, board your flight, arriving on day two.

On day two, you’ll be met for your private transfer to the Swissotel Quito, in the centre of the trendy La Floresta neighbourhood with an open-kitchen sushi restaurant and a stylish bar. You’ve got a full day today to explore the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial quarter that's the best preserved of its kind in South America, as well as the Presidential Palace, Monastery of San Francisco and Ethnographic Museum, where you'll learn about the Native American groups living within Ecuador. We've also included a visit to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo where you can stand on the equator line. If you've more time, perhaps ride on the TeleferiQo cable car to soar high above the city. This evening, soothe any sightseeing aches at the hotel spa for a massage or even a regenerative chocolate treatment, alongside the outdoor-indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna and plunge pool.  

After breakfast today, your tour begins as you head north towards the rolling hills of Otavalo and board a traditional restored steam train. Be sure to keep an eye out for the snow-capped Cayambe volcano as you traverse the thick forests and winding valleys of the Ecuadorian highlands alongside included wood-carving, weaving and musical demonstrations today. It all ends with a delicious tasting menu of Ecuadorian specialities before you speed back down to Quito for your final night in the capital, perhaps taking advantage of La Floresta's jazz clubs and artisan beer bars.

After a final breakfast in Quito, your journey continues as you board the Tren Crucero railway, one of the country’s most luxurious. You'll start by traversing along the Avenue of Volcanoes, a dramatic thread of seven mountain peaks that tower above the green-and-gold valley, before reaching Urbina – at 3,609 metres, it’s the highest train station in Ecuador. On board, expect everything from fried plantation to fresh tropical fruit juices, as well as local cocoa beans and quinoa created into gourmet Ecuadorian dishes. After visiting the interpretation centre to learn about Ecuador's 'Last Ice Man', alongside magnificent views of snow-capped Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest volcano, you'll take the short bus journey to your hotel for this evening.

Stay: Hosteria Abraspungo, La Andaluza or similar (Superior)

Start the day by visiting Ecuador's first ever church before continuing on to Guamote, an indigenous community who reside in tiny colourful buildings. Enjoy a guided city tour and visit the indigenous market, one of the largest and most famous in Ecuador, before boarding the Tren Crucero once more. It's then time for a trip highlight as you traverse the iconic Devil’s Nose, stopping at the viewpoint to take it in all in and admire the truly spectacular feat of engineering that makes this such a famous railway. You’ll then head back to the coastal plains to reach Bucay and check in to your river-view hotel for the evening.

Stay: Hosteria D'Franco or similar (Superior)

After breakfast you'll learn about the history and impact of cocoa beans on Ecuador's culture and economy on a visit to a cocoa plantation, alongside a traditional lunch. Then, board the Tren Crucero train for a final time, passing colourful colonial buildings, rice plantations and deep valleys to reach Guayaquil. Home to tumbling pastel-hued buildings and iconic architecture, it's a wonderfully laid-back city in which to relax before your Galápagos adventure begins tomorrow. Perhaps take advantage of the hotel's rooftop pool and spa before sampling some classic Ecuadorian fare on the al fresco dining terrace.

It’s time for the highlight of your trip today as you fly to the Galápagos Islands and check in to the award-winning, eco-luxe Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel. Situated on the beach on Santa Cruz island, home to sights such as Gordon’s Rock and the Charles Darwin Research Centre, you’ll be well-placed to explore. There's everything from cruise adventures on the hotel's private yacht to wildlife walks and kayaking on offer as you discover the wildlife that’s fascinated adventurers since Charles Darwin in the nineteenth century. Return each evening to the hotel for beachfront spa treatments and gourmet, al fresco dining.

NB: Lunch is included on days 9-11.

After breakfast, transfer to Guayaquil airport in time for your onward flight back to the UK, arriving on day 13..