Three worlds. Eleven days. One unforgettable adventure

This all-inclusive 11-day experience includes luxury nights in Quito, two extraordinary nights at a National Geographic–recognized cloud-forest lodge, and a full week based at Finch Bay Resort — a premier beachfront retreat in the Galápagos.

-Overall Trip Highlights

• Spectacular Island Hopping by Yacht: Cruise the pristine waters of the Galápagos aboard a comfortable yacht, discovering diverse islands and unique ecosystems with expert guidance.

• Wildlife Encounters Up Close: Delight in unforgettable sightings of iconic species – from playful sea lions and blue-footed boobies to flamingos at lagoon edges and marine iguanas lounging on volcanic rock.

• North Seymour’s Rich Birdlife: Walk alongside colonies of boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas on one of the archipelago’s most wildlife-rich islands.

• Beach Time & Snorkeling at Las Bachas: Relax on powder-white sands and enjoy swimming or snorkeling in calm waters teeming with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

• Volcanic Majesty of Bartolomé Island: Take in the dramatic volcanic panoramas from iconic viewpoints and explore underwater life while snorkeling near lava-formed reefs.

• Colorful Encounters at South Plaza: Explore this small yet vibrant island, where striking cactus forests, soaring seabirds, and endemic species create a truly distinct landscape.

• Island Tranquility at Santa Fe: Wander sandy beaches and open terrain amid sea lion colonies and ancient lava formations – a perfect blend of history and wildlife.

• Highland Vistas & Coastal Lagoons: Discover the contrasting beauty of Cerro Mesa’s highland views and the serene Garrapatero Beach, where flamingos and herons often gather.

• Seamless Beginnings & Farewells: Enjoy smooth flights between Quito and the Galápagos, with private transfers and attentive support from your Beatrice Bradley hosts from start to finish.

 The Mashpi Lodge – Above The Clouds
– 2 Nights –
Hidden deep in a private cloud-forest reserve, Mashpi Lodge is one of the world’s most celebrated nature retreats and a proud member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Floor-to-ceiling glass brings the rainforest to your doorstep, while expert naturalists guide you through waterfalls, canopy experiences, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. It’s a rare blend of adventure and refinement that feels both wild and wonderfully luxurious.

Finch Bay Resort – Galapagos
– 6 Nights –

Finch Bay Resort is the only true beachfront hotel in the Galápagos, offering an elegant, peaceful home base just steps from the sand. From here you’ll explore the islands by day yacht, then return each evening to ocean breezes, exceptional dining, and the kind of relaxed comfort that makes this journey feel effortless. It’s the perfect balance of discovery by day and serenity by night.

Beatrice Bradley’s Private Day Yacht Experience — Crafted Just for Us

Each day, you’ll explore the islands from your own day yacht, not crowded tour boats or rigid cruise schedules. Board the Sea Lion Yacht with certified naturalist guides and set out for a thoughtfully chosen site, with unhurried time to walk among wildlife, snorkel clear waters, and take in the wonder of this remarkable place.

After every day at sea, return to Finch Bay for relaxed evenings of dinner, sunsets over the Pacific, and stories shared with new friends.

Day One: And So It Begins — Welcome to Quito

Today, your journey of a lifetime officially begins.

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where you’ll be greeted by your smiling Beatrice Bradley host holding a cheerful BB welcome sign — your first friendly face in Ecuador. From the moment you step through customs, everything is taken care of. You’ll enjoy a smooth private transfer into the heart of historic Quito and check into your beautiful hotel, where you can unpack, refresh, and truly relax.

This evening is all about settling in, shaking off travel fatigue, and savoring the excitement of what’s ahead. Whether you choose to join new friends for a casual bite, enjoy room service, or simply put your feet up and watch the city lights twinkle below, tonight marks the beginning of something truly special.

Highlights

• Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO): Look for your Beatrice Bradley host and our bright BB welcome sign — we’re ready and waiting for you.

• Private Transfer to Your Hotel: Comfortable, stress-free arrival into Quito.

• Luxury Hotel Check-In: Unpack, unwind, and settle into your elegant accommodations.

• Evening at Leisure: Relax, connect with fellow travelers, and enjoy your first night abroad.

Fun Fact: Quito sits high in the Andes at over 9,000 feet above sea level and is one of the best-preserved historic cities in the world — tomorrow, you’ll start discovering why.

Day Two: Journey to the Top of the Rainforest & A Night at One of National Geographic’s Most Extraordinary Lodges

After breakfast, the adventure deepens as you depart Quito on a beautiful private 2.5-hour journey into the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest. Watch the landscape transform as city fades into mountain, then into lush, mist-covered rainforest — a drive so stunning it feels like part of the experience itself.

Soon, you’ll arrive at the gates of Mashpi Lodge, one of the world’s most exclusive eco-luxury retreats and a proud member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Set within a vast private reserve where cloud forest meets rainforest, Mashpi feels like stepping into another world — glass walls opening onto endless green, waterfalls tumbling nearby, hummingbirds hovering just beyond your window.

After check-in, take time to settle into your extraordinary surroundings before your first guided exploration of the reserve. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a beautifully prepared welcome dinner at the lodge, surrounded by rainforest sounds and soft cloud-forest mist — a moment that often becomes one of the most cherished memories of the entire journey.

Highlights

• Private Transfer into the Cloud Forest: A scenic 2.5-hour journey from Quito into a remote rainforest sanctuary.

• Arrival at Mashpi Lodge: One of only a select few properties worldwide designated as National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

• Check-In & First Explorations: Begin discovering the wildlife, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes of the reserve.

• Group Welcome Dinner: An unforgettable evening of fine dining and new friendships in the heart of the rainforest.

Fun Fact: Mashpi Lodge protects more than 1,300 hectares of pristine cloud forest, home to hundreds of bird species, rare orchids, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

Day Three: Journey to the Top of The Rainforest & Stay in a National Geographic Top Unique Hotels of the World

Today is pure magic.

After breakfast, your expert Mashpi naturalist team leads you through a full day of their most iconic experiences — all thoughtfully scheduled and fully hosted so you can simply enjoy every moment.

Glide silently above the forest on the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola, take in breathtaking views from the Observation Tower, and even pedal across the treetops on the famous Sky Bike. Wander lush rainforest trails to hidden waterfalls, encounter vibrant birds and butterflies, and discover why this cloud forest is one of the most biologically rich places on Earth.

Between adventures, enjoy beautifully prepared meals at the lodge and moments of quiet wonder surrounded by mist, hummingbirds, and endless green. As evening falls, gather for another unforgettable dinner together in one of the most extraordinary hotels in the world.

Highlights

• Dragonfly Canopy Gondola (360° rainforest views): Float above the canopy in total comfort — it’s one of the most breathtaking “wow” moments of the entire trip.

• Sky Bike + Observation Tower (treetop perspective): Get the thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime view from above the forest — where the mist rolls across the mountains and the jungle stretches forever.

• Guided cloud-forest walk to waterfalls: Easy-to-moderate trails designed for wildlife sightings, dramatic scenery, and incredible photo moments (without feeling like a grueling hike).

• Wildlife spotting with expert naturalists: This is where Mashpi shines — your guides know exactly where to look for hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, woodpeckers, and other spectacular birdlife, plus rainforest mammals that you may spot such as monkeys, kinkajous, coatis, and agoutis.

• Butterflies + micro-wonders: Up-close encounters with colorful butterflies, fascinating insects, and the tiny details that make this ecosystem feel like a living documentary.

• Luxury meals in the middle of nowhere: Hosted lunch and an elegant dinner together — the kind of dining that feels surreal when you remember you’re deep in a private rainforest reserve.

Fun Fact: Mashpi sits in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world — which means the wildlife isn’t just “pretty,” it’s genuinely rare.

Day Four: Mashapi Lodge Farewell and Journey to Quito

Wake up to your final morning in the rainforest and enjoy a peaceful breakfast surrounded by mist, birdsong, and the lush beauty of Mashpi’s cloud forest.

This morning features one last unforgettable Mashpi-guided experience — a chance to soak in the magic of the reserve, spot wildlife, and savor the feeling of being somewhere truly extraordinary. Before departing, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully prepared box lunch for the journey.

Then it’s time to begin your scenic private transfer back to Quito, watching the rainforest slowly give way to the city once more. Upon arrival, you’ll return to your same luxury hotel from your first night — a familiar and comforting home base — where you can unpack, refresh, and relax for the evening.

Tonight is intentionally unhurried, giving you time to prepare for tomorrow’s next chapter: your flight to the Galápagos Islands.

Highlights

• Breakfast in the Cloud Forest: Wake to hummingbirds, drifting mist, and the quiet magic of the rainforest one last time.

• Final Guided Mashpi Experience: A farewell adventure led by expert naturalists — your last chance to soak in the beauty, wildlife, and wonder of this extraordinary reserve.

• Scenic Rainforest-to-City Journey: A breathtaking private drive as jungle landscapes fade into the historic city of Quito.

• Comfort of a Familiar Luxury Hotel: Return to the same elegant hotel from your first night — a small detail that makes a big difference in how relaxed you feel.

• Peaceful Evening to Unwind: A gentle night to rest, repack, and get excited for tomorrow’s flight to the Galápagos.

Fun Fact: Mashpi’s cloud forest sits at the meeting point of multiple ecosystems, which is why the wildlife you’ve experienced here is so remarkably diverse.

Day Five: Flight to the Galápagos & Highlands Exploration

Today, the adventure takes a thrilling turn as you leave mainland Ecuador behind and journey to the legendary Galápagos Islands.

An early start brings you to the airport for your flight, where anticipation builds with every mile traveled. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to Finch Bay Hotel – your oceanfront home base for the next several nights, perfectly positioned between land and sea.

Later, you’ll head inland to explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the scenery shifts dramatically from coastal views to cooler, greener terrain shaped by volcanic soil. Rolling pastures, lava formations, and cactus-dotted hillsides reveal a quieter side of the Galápagos, offering a deeper sense of place beyond the shoreline. A relaxed lunch surrounded by nature completes the experience before returning to the hotel.

As evening arrives, enjoy your first dinner at Finch Bay Hotel – an easy, unhurried introduction to island life with views of the water setting the tone for the days ahead.

Highlights

• Flight to the Galápagos Islands: Leave the mainland behind as you journey to one of the most extraordinary natural environments on Earth.

• Warm Welcome at Finch Bay Hotel: A smooth arrival and transfer to your oceanfront home base, where comfort and island calm set the tone for the days ahead.

• Santa Cruz Highlands Exploration: Travel into the island’s lush interior to experience a different side of the Galápagos, with opportunities to spot native wildlife and take in sweeping landscapes.

• Lunch Surrounded by Nature: Enjoy a relaxed midday meal amid the greenery and open spaces of the highlands.

• Dinner at Finch Bay Hotel: An easy, unhurried evening meal overlooking the water — the perfect close to your first day in the islands.

Fun Fact: The highlands of Santa Cruz host unique species like Giant Tortoises and the colorful vermilion flycatcher – a perfect introduction to Galápagos biodiversity.

Day Six: Wildlife-Rich Islands & White-Sand Shores

Today invites you fully into the heart of the Galápagos, where wildlife encounters feel effortless and unforgettable.

You’ll set out by yacht toward North Seymour Island, one of the most wildlife-rich sites in the archipelago. A guided walk brings you remarkably close to nesting blue-footed boobies, soaring frigatebirds, marine iguanas basking along the shoreline, and sea lions whose playful antics seem to unfold at every turn.

The afternoon introduces a gentler contrast at Las Bachas Beach, a peaceful stretch of powder-white sand and calm waters. Whether swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing along the shore, nearby lagoons often add flamingos, wading birds, and sea turtles to the day’s growing list of sightings.

By early evening, you’ll return with salt air in your hair and stories to share, gathering once more for dinner at Finch Bay Hotel after a day rich with wildlife and wonder.

Highlights

• Yacht Excursion to North Seymour Island: Explore one of the Galápagos’ most wildlife-rich islands, home to nesting seabirds and lively sea lion colonies.

• Guided Island Walks: Easy coastal trails led by expert naturalists, offering close-up views of iconic Galápagos wildlife.

• Las Bachas Beach: Time to enjoy a peaceful white-sand beach, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, or unwind by the water.

• Dinner at Finch Bay Hotel: A relaxed evening meal back at the hotel, sharing reflections from the day.

Fun Fact: Sea lions are among the most social animals in the Galápagos and are often seen resting right along the shore, seemingly unfazed by nearby visitors.

Day Seven: Volcanic Vistas & Galápagos Icons

One of the most visually striking days of your journey unfolds as dramatic volcanic landscapes take center stage.

Today’s destination is Bartolomé Island, famous for its otherworldly scenery and sweeping views. A guided walk along a wooden pathway leads to the island’s iconic viewpoint, where layered volcanic cones, lava fields, and turquoise bays stretch out below – one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring scenes in the Galápagos.

Later, time along the shoreline and in the water offers a new perspective, as snorkeling reveals a vibrant underwater world shaped by volcanic rock. The contrast between land and sea makes this day especially memorable.

As the yacht carries you back across open water, the late afternoon offers time to relax and reflect before settling in for another shared dinner at the hotel.

Highlights

• Yacht Journey to Bartolomé Island: Cruise across open waters to one of the Galápagos’ most iconic islands, known for its striking volcanic scenery.

• Guided Walk to the Viewpoint: Follow a gently graded path to sweeping panoramic views that capture the dramatic beauty of the islands.

• Shoreline Time & Snorkeling: Explore the coast or slip into clear waters to discover life beneath the surface.

• Evening at Finch Bay Hotel: Unwind over dinner, sharing stories from a day that feels truly unforgettable.

Fun Fact: Bartolomé Island is home to some of the youngest volcanic formations in the Galápagos, offering a rare glimpse into how the islands were formed over time.

Day Eight: A Splash of Color & Island Characters

Today’s adventure is lively, colorful, and full of personality – a day where iconic wildlife and striking landscapes come together in unforgettable ways.

The morning begins at Punta Carrión, a sheltered bay known for its clear water and abundant marine life. Peering beneath the surface, you may spot colorful fish, rays, and occasionally even whitetip reef sharks gliding effortlessly through the water.

From there, continue on to South Plaza Island, one of the Galápagos’ smallest yet most visually dramatic islands. A guided walk gradually leads uphill to cliffs overlooking the ocean below, where cactus forests and vivid groundcover create bold contrasts against the deep blue sea. Seabirds soar on the breeze, and wildlife encounters often come one after another.

The journey back across the water offers a chance to sit back, enjoy the ocean air, and ease into the evening ahead.

Highlights

• Yacht Excursion to South Plaza Island: Visit a small but wildlife-rich island known for dramatic scenery.

• Guided Coastal Walks: Easy trails offering close-up views of land iguanas and nesting seabirds.

• Striking Island Landscapes: A colorful mix of cactus, cliffs, and deep blue ocean.

• Evening at Finch Bay Hotel: A relaxed dinner and evening by the water.

Fun Fact: The reflective sheen found on many of the rocks throughout South Plaza are the result of sea lions having rubbed against them over the course of time, polishing them with the oils of their fur. 

Day Nine: Calm Bays & Timeless Islands

Wake to another beautiful morning in the Galápagos, where ocean light and gentle breezes set the tone for the day ahead. After breakfast, head out by yacht for a full-day exploration of Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago.

As you sail across open water, enjoy time on deck taking in sweeping views before stepping ashore onto a soft white-sand beach, where sea lions lounge in large colonies along the shore. A guided walk leads you across the island’s open terrain, shaped by ancient lava formations and dotted with towering opuntia cactus.

Later, cool off with time in the water at a nearby visitor site, with opportunities to swim or snorkel before enjoying a relaxed lunch aboard the yacht. After a brief rest as you sail back toward Santa Cruz Island, return to Finch Bay Hotel in the afternoon, where the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy dinner together.

Highlights

• Yacht Excursion to Santa Fe Island: A peaceful island known for its beaches and calm waters.

• Shoreline Walks & Snorkeling: Time to explore both on land and in the sea.

• Sea Lion Encounters: Opportunities to observe large colonies up close.

• Dinner at Finch Bay Hotel: A relaxed close to a serene day.

Fun Fact: Santa Fe Island is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, shaped by millions of years of geological history!

Day Ten: Birds, Beaches & Big Sky Views

Today invites you deeper into Santa Cruz Island’s varied landscapes – from sweeping highland vistas to tranquil beaches brushed by gentle sea breezes.

After breakfast, you’ll set off for an exploration of Cerro Mesa, where open landscapes and expansive views reveal a quieter side of the Galápagos. Here, the highland air feels fresh and wide, and native birds flit through the brush as you take in the scenery at a thoughtful pace. Continuing on, you’ll reach Garrapatero Beach, a stunning stretch of sand backed by a serene lagoon where flamingos, herons, and other waterbirds often gather. Walk the shore, pause to admire the light and color of the lagoon, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the sparkling ocean — each moment feels beautifully unhurried.

As the day gently unfolds, take time to appreciate the rhythms of island life and the remarkable contrast between highland vistas and coastal calm. In the evening, return to Finch Bay Hotel for a special dinner together, a perfect way to reflect on the diversity of your Galápagos experiences.

Highlights

• Cerro Mesa Exploration: Open highland landscapes and panoramic island views set a peaceful tone for the day.

• Garrapatero Beach: A serene coastal escape where lagoon reflections and ocean breezes invite a sense of calm.

• Birdlife & Beach Time: Opportunities to wander the sand, watch waterbirds, or cool off by the shore.

• Dinner at Finch Bay Hotel: A relaxed evening meal with fellow travelers, celebrating the richness of the day.

Fun Fact:The freshwater lagoon at Garrapatero Beach attracts both resident and migratory birds – including flamingos – making it a dynamic and delightful wildlife-watching spot.

Day Eleven: Until Next Time – Return to Quito & Journey Home

This morning, your Galápagos journey comes to a close as you say farewell to the islands.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, you’ll continue on for your international departure, carrying home unforgettable memories of the Galápagos, its wildlife, and the shared moments that made this journey so special.

Note: This itinerary serves as a general guide to what we will be doing, seeing, and eating, with the final version provided approximately two weeks prior. The published itinerary is an example and may be adjusted to include accommodations, tours, or restaurants of comparable quality to ensure the best experience.

Fequently Asked Questions