Galapagos Islands and Mindo Cloud Forest
Credit: Mashpi Lodge
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: South America
Region: Ecuador
Trip Price: $12,250
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Quito, Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador
National Parklands:
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive in Ecuador this evening, spending the night in Quito’s historic center. Rest up after this day of travel, and prepare to embark on a Galapagos cruise!
This morning, fly to the Galapagos Islands to board a fully staffed, amenity-rich, small yacht. This week will be one to savor and remember, taking you from island to island, to see the amazing wildlife and natural features found on each. Not only are there wildlife and plant species endemic to the Galapagos Islands, but some are even native to specific islands. Over the course of the week, there will be time for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and lots of wildlife viewing! Onboard dining is excellent, and sweet dreams are to be expected!
Return to Quito for another night in the heart of the historic district, with time to explore Quito’s “Old Town,” a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, plazas, cathedrals, and public buildings.
The amazing cloud forest awaits! For the next three days, immerse into the heart of the Mindo Cloud Forest, one of the planet’s most important hot spots for biodiversity. Lodging is at Mashpi Lodge, a sophisticated and contemporary property, and a springboard for exploring the Mashpi Reserve. These days of active exploring include wildlife and bird watching, hikes to waterfalls, taking in the canopy from the observation tower, and a ride on the unique “sky bike,” for an intimate look at the life in the cloud forest. Delicious meals and relaxing evenings round out active days.
Return to Quito for one more night in the Old City, before flying home tomorrow.
This lovely hosteria is located close to Quito's international airport, and serves as a perfect stopover for travelers as well as a nice escape for Quito's downtowners. The hosteria boasts a lovely property with plenty of open air space for guests to relax and enjoy, as well as two dining options on site serving up delicious local and international cuisine. Each of the 18 rooms include premium linens and bedding, with a variety of bedding configurations to meet the needs of any couple, family, or group. A swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, business center, game room, and reading room ensure there is plenty of to do during your stay.
The M/C Athala II is an outstanding catamaran that combines adventure with comfort. She can accommodate 16 passengers in 8 spacious fully air-conditioned cabins. There are four cabins on the Upper Deck, which have interconnecting doors, and four cabins on the Main Deck with private balconies.In addition to an indoor dining room and lounge, the Athala II provides ample outdoor space, including a large sun deck, an open-air bar and an al fresco dining area, where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and friendly. Cabins are well-appointed, meals delicious, and the service reminiscent of a private yacht.
The three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito is situated in a newly restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco. The hotel and its 31 rooms are a beautiful mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology, and quintessential comforts. Enjoy the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden, and panoramic third-floor terrace.
Mashpi is a one-of-a-kind travel experience where the features of the property complement the surrounding biodiverse ecosystem which is now protected as a nature reserve. The lodge has 24 guest rooms and suites designed to completely immerse you in forest life.
An Interview with Katie Arenas, Avid Traveler & OBP Travel Planner Katie Arenas grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors through immersive travel with family, friends, and as a solo traveler. She let her passion for active outdoor adventure lead her all the way to her role at Off the Beaten Path, where she […]
A Conversation with OBP Traveler Ryan Smith Ryan Smith is a frequent solo traveler with Off the Beaten Path. He has explored the country with OBP, from the unique deserts of California and Texas, to the coasts of the Pacific Northwest, the staggering, wild landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, and beyond. In this interview, Ryan […]
Meet Phil and Marilyn, Intrepid DIY adventurers with a passion for exploration. Intrigued by Alaska’s stunning beauty, vast terrain, and unique culture, they’d set their sights on the challenging frontier of visiting the five national parks without road access. They turned to OBP to craft a customized journey tailored to their goals and interests – […]
Celebrating a Lifetime of Inspiration, Adventure, and Stories As 2024 approaches, we celebrate the remarkable career of longtime Off the Beaten Path guide Kurt Westenbarger. From the rugged Northern Rockies to the mystical Desert Southwest, Kurt has emerged as a traveler’s favorite, bringing to life the landscapes with his in-depth knowledge and captivating narrative style. […]
Stay in the know and feed your spirit of adventure. Get travel inspiration sent straight to your inbox!
