Ultimate Ecuador: Quito, Cloud Forest & Galapagos

The adventure begins at around 8:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The road passes along the western flank of the Andes next to the "Middle of the World" ("La Mitad del Mundo") which marks the equatorial line.

You will then continue westwards, downhill, following the course of the Rio Blanco, watching as the vegetation changes with every significant drop in altitude. After passing the town of Nanegalito, you will head northwest, along winding country roads, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and various farming communities. You will arrive at the Lodge at noon.

Your time at Mashpi is your own to experience. With the help of the expedition staff, you can choose from any of the activities on offer, always accompanied by a University-graduate naturalist guide and an experienced local guide - all at your own pace.

On your arrival day, you will plan your activities with the team and receive a talk about Mashpi and all its wonders. After enjoying lunch, you will be shown to your room for a rest before heading out in the afternoon for your activity, which could include a hike through the forest followed by gliding above and through the forest canopy aboard the amazing and unique Dragonfly aerial cable car... When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search of tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects, and even tarantulas during a night walk.

At 6:30 am in the hotel lobby after a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and cookies, you will go to the Life Center. On the path, you will surely see flocks of birds, hoping to spot the beautiful tanagers, characterized by its colorful plumage birds.

The best way to reach the center of life is through the forest following what we call the "Howler Monkey Trail". This trail runs through primary forest dominated by ancient trees, the copal (Dacryodes cupularis) being the most emblematic of them. Early in the morning, it is very popular with all kinds of animals. We can hear the rarest birds in the reserve (and hopefully see them too), as Quail Carirrufa (Odontophorus erythrops) or Antpittas Coronirrufa (Rufous-Crowned Antpitta). Your guides, always attentive to sounds and rustling leaves, birds or disclose seek elusive monkeys while explaining the ecology of the environment; They also shared with us his extensive knowledge about plants and their use medicinal. El Life Center offers a wonderful view of the forest from the comfort of a large wooden deck.

You will identify different species of birds and mammals that visit feeders fruit. Around 8 am, enjoy your breakfast outdoors. The center is designed as a place of learning, but also a place where guests can be disconnected. Butterflies, discover the many species found in the area Mashpi and its metamorphosis from larva to caterpillar and chrysalis and butterfly. Also you will discover different species of plants on which the butterflies lay their eggs, such as passion flower, bird of paradise and other tropical species in the garden. Not far from the center, it has also created a "tropical garden" where many varieties of fruit trees such as banana, cassava, cocoa, pepper, coffee and raspberries are grown wild.

At approximately 10:30 am, you will head back to the hotel to rest, enjoy the jacuzzi or enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, followed by a well deserved lunch.

At 3:30 pm, you will meet in the lobby again for a walk down the path Cucharillos, named after an Ecuadorian endemic tree (Magnolia striatifoliai), a threatened species throughout the country, but common within the reserve Mashpi. This hike will allow us to understand the functioning of the cloud forest depends on the smallest creatures. The hike requires some physical condition because of its steep sections, but thanks to the use of recycled plastic crates arranged by way of steps greatly facilitate walking and trail safety. Upon reaching the rocky river bed of the lagoon you will find pools and lakes where you can swim back and you can always stop at the waterfall for a revitalizing bath Cucharillos. The tour lasts about two hours.

At 6:15 pm before leaving the night walk you will have a little talk about the secret life of Mashpi, where you will see photos taken with camera traps.

The night walk will start at 6:45 pm as the forest is transformed at sunset: the sounds and smells awaken intensify and make new meanings. You can enjoy a walk at night to night croaking frogs. Turning off the headlights, observe fireflies and feel the fleeting passage of bats. On the ground, you can see the glow of the bioluminescent fungi and light the torches again, you will see the reflection of hundreds of small insects. Owls and other nocturnal birds often issue their calls at night (perhaps have the opportunity to see some), while the creaking of the branches above us could announce the arrival of a cusumbo (Potos flavus), an arboreal mammal like the raccoon It makes its way through the trees in search of ripe fruit. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour and then return to the lodge for dinner right.

The forest rewards early birds since the dawn light attracts a wide variety of fascinating species in their search for food. A good place for bird watching, with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in hand, is the terrace, where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the jungle, but also of the many species that come to feed on insects and fruit trees nearby. Your guides will help to show everything that can be found nearby, offering a look into a telescope to see the animals up close and experience the wealth of wildlife that Mashpi has. This activity starts at 6:30 am and lasts about an hour. Then you will enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

Around 8:30 am, you will to go to Air Bike and the Observation Tower (15 minute walk from the hotel).

To witness the jungle from above is a real treat thanks to the Mashpi Observation Tower. At 30 meters above the ground, this is an ideal place for nature lovers site. Allows not only appreciate the book in all its splendor, but also the many species that enliven the treetops (70% of the biodiversity of the forest is here!). You will climb 162 steps to reach the top.

Air bicycle is a different and exciting way with which you can explore the forest. Designed for two people at once: one pedal along a cable that extends between two points with a distance of about 200 meters, crossing a ravine and a river. Quiet, easy to use, and fun, it is an activity that offers a new perspective of exuberant nature of Mashpi. To ride the bike air one must measure no less than one meter high (over eight years old children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult).

The bike ride takes only 20 minutes. Also returning to the hotel, you would be done by taking one of the many trails, for example the Path Oxibelis, which also leads to a small waterfall. Alternatively take from the arrival station the path that leads to the waterfall of San Vicente, a steep 45-minute walk quite demanding, it is recommended only for people with good physical condition. The combination of activities (biking, observation tower and hike) lasts between 2 and 4 hours depending on the route taken.

In the hotel, a natural fruit juice was waiting for you, before enjoying a delicious and varied almuerzo. At 3:30 pm, you go to the station Hummingbirds. Mashpi has a total of 32 species of hummingbirds identified to date, many of whom live in different elevations, with around 19 species considered common in the station drinkers. Not only will you see all kinds of hummingbirds, but also toucans, tanagers, squirrels and more. The site is located in a natural viewpoint, which on clear days offers stunning views of the wooded hills of the reservation. This is a paradise for photographers, regardless of experience level.

On your last day, there's more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in.

You will return to the hotel for check out at 11:00 a.m. Your transfer will leave Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 a.m. You will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during your drive back to Quito.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Galapagos Islands, where nature thrives in its purest form. Depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport, a flight lasting roughly two hours and 30 minutes (included). Upon your arrival at the Baltra airport, a Hermes' guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and will escort you to the superyacht where you will enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about Hermes. In the afternoon you will have your first excursion at Bachas Beach, where the sand is made of decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. Spot abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs on the lava rocks along the water's edge-these crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on! Your afternoon visit will also give you the opportunity to see frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

In the morning, you visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, a historic anchorage once favored by whalers and pirates dating back to the 1800s. After a dry landing, you'll follow a fascinating trail up the slopes of the Darwin Volcano. The hike will reward you with stunning panoramic views and will lead you to the surprising Darwin's Lake-a saltwater crater lake located above sea level! Next, you'll embark on a thrilling dinghy ride along the cliffs where you will admire various seabirds, including Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Noddies, and the endemic Flightless Cormorant. Another highlight will be the snorkeling session in the cove: the cold, rich currents attract incredible life. You will swim alongside playful Galapagos Penguins, large schools of fish, and possibly even sea turtles, making this spot an underwater paradise you won't soon forget.

This afternoon, you will visit the extraordinary Urbina Bay, a place formed by a dramatic geological event in 1954 when a large section of the shallow sea bottom uplifted, exposing a sprawling coral reef above sea level. This site, located west of Isabela, will provide you with spectacular views of the towering Alcedo Volcano. After a wet landing, walk through this unusual landscape, where you'll witness the impressive coral fossils scattered across the plain, far from the water's edge. This area is also prime territory for observing large Galapagos Land Iguanas, often seen munching on vegetation. This area will be a fantastic spot for snorkeling: you can swim close to a small, resident Galapagos Penguin colony and you will have the rare chance to see the peculiar Galapagos Marine Iguanas feeding underwater on the algae, offering a truly intimate wildlife encounter.

Your morning will deliver an unparalleled wildlife experience at Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most volcanically active island in Galapagos. After a dry landing, you will embark on a fascinating hike across the black, basaltic lava flows. The morning timing is ideal, as you will witness one of the largest and most concentrated colonies of marine iguanas on Earth, often basking en masse to warm up after their cold nightly dives. Another highlight of the morning will be observing the endemic Flightless Cormorant. You'll have the chance to see these unique birds with their rudimentary wings drying in the sun, or executing clumsy but effective dives in search of food. You must pay attention to the natural tide pools carved into the lava rock, teeming with marine life, where vibrant Sally Lightfoot crabs add a splash of scarlet color to the monochrome landscape. From this privileged location, you will enjoy spectacular views across the Bolivar Channel toward Isabela Island and Fernandina's La Cumbre Volcano.

This afternoon, your exploration will take you to the truly unique Vicente Roca Point, located on Isabela's dramatic northwestern coast. This site, the remnant of a collapsed volcanic cone, will offer an adventure entirely in the water, as there is no landing here. Instead, embark on a thrilling panga ride alongside the towering cliffs, where you will seek out seabirds like Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and the endemic, Flightless Cormorants nesting on the rocky ledges. This site also offer event will be the world-class snorkeling experience. Due to the deep, nutrient-rich upwelling currents, the waters here are vibrant. You will jump into the ocean for an unforgettable swim, where you will very likely glide alongside dozens of graceful Green Sea Turtles. Moreover, you will have the chance to swim with playful Galapagos Penguins and look for exotic creatures like the peculiar Red-lipped Batfish and the immense Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) that sometimes frequent these rich feeding grounds. This marine spectacle will solidify your Galapagos experience!

Your exploration will take you to Egas Port on Santiago Island, a site characterized by its dramatic, black lava sand and volcanic rock formations. This location will immediately immerse you in history, as you will see the rusty remnants of a former salt mine that operated here in the 1960s. You will embark on a captivating coastal hike that winds past intriguing grottos and natural lava pools. You will witness the charismatic Galapagos Fur Seals, shyer than their sea lion cousins, basking and cooling off in the shade of the grottos. You'll also have the opportunity to observe large colonies of marine iguanas that blend seamlessly with the dark rock, alongside the vibrant, scuttling Sally Lightfoot crabs. Later, grab your snorkel gear for an incredible session right off the beach, where you will swim alongside playful sea lions, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters, guaranteeing stunning photos both above and below the surface.

After lunch on board, the adventure will lead you to the historic Buccaneer Cove, a favorite hideout for pirates, whalers, and buccaneers in centuries past, who used the area to stock up on food and water. This visit is entirely on the water, offering fantastic coastal exploration! Jump into the panga (dinghy) and cruise alongside magnificent high cliffs and unique rock formations, witnessing the erosion carved by time and sea. You will spot sea lions and fur seals relaxing on the small beaches below the high cliffs, and you'll see various sea birds like the Brown Pelican nesting in the crevices of the cove. This stunning, sheltered bay will give you fantastic opportunities for photography, capturing the dramatic geology and the abundant wildlife that now reigns supreme where outlaws once moored.

Your grand finale will be an unforgettable morning excursion to North Seymour Island, an uplifted ocean floor that is now teeming with life. Following a dry landing, you will enter one of the Galapagos' most active nesting colonies. You'll walk along the circular trail, where you'll literally share the path with the wildlife - you'll step aside for passing sea lions and prehistoric-looking marine iguanas! The main draw will be observing the famous Blue-footed Boobies performing their high-stepping courtship dance, often nesting just inches from the trail. Further along, you'll find the large nesting site of the Magnificent Frigatebirds. You will marvel at the males, who will sit perched with their huge, scarlet throat sacks spectacularly inflated to attract a mate. This site provides an unmatched, close-up encounter with Galapagos' most iconic bird species, making it a truly fitting climax to your adventure.

After your adventure to North Seymour Island, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. As you bid farewell to this paradise, take with you the unforgettable memories of one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.