Ecuador’s Four Faces

Ecuador is a land of snow-capped volcanoes, patchwork countryside, cloud forests shrouded in mist, the steamy Pacific coast, and so much more. From the deepest, wildest green of the Amazon to the high altitude Andean villages where weavers bring their centuries-old tradition to the weekly market, it’s a potpourri of visual and sensual stimulation.

Then there are the Galapagos, a remote, barely-populated archipelago tucked away in the Pacific where it’s possible to convene with nature, and even observe evolution, the way Darwin did.

On this Special Edition journey, go on safari, in style, in the Galapagos and ‘glamp’ in an exquisite, intimate camp as the base for your exploration of the islands. By day, head out on foot or by catamaran to swim with the dolphins, salute the blue boobies, or encounter a giant turquoise, and marvel in sunrise and sunset and symphony of nature.

Back on the mainland, where the Andes run down the country like the fossilized spine of a dinosaur, dive into Ecuador’s deep colonial history and food scene in Quito before heading high into the mountains to a working farm and hacienda that dates back centuries. An immersion into the history of Ecuador, it’s best discovered on horseback, hiking, and cooking from the organic garden.

End with a foray in the lesser know cloud forest, even more diverse than the rainforest at a modern lodge that melds into nature. Home to millions of species from the Andean Spectacled bear to vocal frogs, insects, colorful birds, its ecosystem is awe-inspiring. 

Chance Encounters Giant Tortoises: The Galapagos feels like the edge of the earth since only its native animal residents inhabit most of the archipelago. Part of the draw is this chance to commune with nature with few barriers. On a day at sea on the catamaran, diving into the deep turquoise waters to swim (and talk) with blue-nosed dolphins is an otherworldly experience. The novelty of a chance encounter a Giant Tortoise, gently plodding at its own pace in peace, is also a universal reminder to slow down. Doesn’t slow, steady, and present always win?

Colonial Quito: Sky-high and hemmed in by the Andes and two snow-capped volcanoes, Quito is one of the most dramatic capitals in South America with a beautifully preserved colonial center. From the tiled domes of the Catedral to the palm-shaded Plaza de la Independencia with its hustle and bustle, there are two hundred-odd churches, convents, and monasteries clustered in Old Town, a nod to its importance during the colonial days. Nothing is more pleasant than a stroll to go back in time to admire the handsome architecture along with noshing in old school establishments for quesadillas quiteñas or a treat like helado de mora, ice cream made from lush local blackberries.

The Real Panama Hat: The Panama hat is actually not made in Panama; rather it has deep ancestral roots tied to the Ecuadorian coast. Originally called a toca by the natives, it’s a hat made of a light natural fiber to protect from the sun. Woven entirely by hand, it is still made a highly artisanal process in the countryside that requires much mastery. Worn by Ecuadorians as part of their daily life, while in Ecuador, a visit to the country’s best hat maker is obligatory. There’s such an abundance of colors, styles, brim widths, and the gran pregunta…to use a ribbon (or not). Decisions…

This is a small group trip with limited space. Please contact us for a full itinerary with prices. If you have a private group or the dates don’t work, write us to discuss made-to-measure options using this itinerary as a base.

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