Straddling the equator at South America’s most western point, Ecuador is one of the smallest, yet most diverse countries on the continent.
Historical Quito is Ecuador’s capital and gateway to the Andean Highlands. Browse traditional markets, take in the Lake District and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and bask in the kind hospitality of authentic “hacienda” ranches and other luxury Ecuador lodging.
To the east, 7.5 million acres of primary Amazonian forest are protected in reserves like Yasuni National Park. Jungle lodges are a great way to experience rainforest life.
The Galápagos archipelago, located 600 miles off the Pacific Coast, is unique in the world for its colorful endemic species. It’s ideal for families and youngsters, who can approach the charismatic wildlife within a few feet.
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ODYSSEY (aboard the M/C Endemic) Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights Season: Year-round Land Cost: from $8,800
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ODYSSEY (aboard the M/Y La Pinta) Brought to the world’s attention by Darwin’s famous 1835 visit, Galápagos is Ecuador’s largest national park. The volcanic islands’ unique environment provides the perfect setting for birds, plants and reptiles which are are not found anywhere else on earth! Travelers of all ages can get up-close with approachable wildlife.
Length: 10 Days/9 Nights Season: Year-round Land Cost: from $9,600
GALAPAGOS AND MACHU PICCHU (aboard the M/Y La Pinta) Experience two of South America’s most important and renowned destinations. The Galápagos, a foremost natural history destination, offers visitors the chance to see unique species of wildlife on a 5-day cruise. Machu Picchu, the jewel of Inca architecture, allows visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant, fascinating past.
Length: 14 Days/13 Nights Season: April – December Land Cost: from $11,800
FAMILY WILDLIFE DISCOVERY Ecuador’s lush Amazon rainforest and its dramatic Galápagos Islands are two of the most wildlife-rich regions in South America! Kids of all ages will be amazed by the open-air zoo of animals in their midst. Enjoy active adventure activities and epic fauna-spotting that everyone can share.
Length: 12 Days/11 Nights Season: November – May Land Cost: from $7,350
ANDEAN HACIENDAS TOUR Ecuador’s central valley, a majestic region interspersed with centuries-old colonial farms or “haciendas”, features some of South America’s most beautiful countryside. Still working an array of patchwork fields, these haciendas have opened their doors to visitors wanting to be swept away to another time.
Length: 9 Days/8 Nights Season: Year-round Land Cost: from $5,300
AMAZON: SACHA LODGE A perfect rainforest experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Sacha is located in eastern Ecuador and within a private Reserve. Providing comfortable and recently renovated accommodations, the lodge is built with native-style construction. Highlights include: forest hikes, canoe rides, a canopy walkway, observation tower, and a butterfly farm.
AMAZON: NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER Built and administered by the native Añangu Kichwa Community on ancestral land, Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) is a luxury Ecuadorian lodge on the south bank of the Napo River that offers access to one of the best wildlife experiences there is. This exclusive Amazon eco-lodge includes the conservation of approximately 82 square miles (53,500 acres) of the most pristine Amazon rainforest within the Yasunì National Park.
HACIENDA CUSIN The history of Hacienda Cusín begins in 1602, when the Luna family purchased 100,000 acres from Philip II, King of Spain. Magnificent gardens flower year-round and attract some 50 species of birds. All rooms are individually-decorated, furnished with antiques, Andean crafts, a fireplace and hand-woven bed covers.
GALAPAGOS: ROYAL PALM The Royal Palm is an upscale secluded hideaway nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galápagos. Exclusive, spacious, and tastefully designed, the Royal Palm was built to complement this natural paradise. Royal Palm is the established leader in luxury suites in Galápagos, with a long history of prestigious and high-profile guests, including British royalty!
GALAPAGOS: FINCH BAY ECO HOTEL The Finch Bay Eco Hotel is one of South America’s leading green hotels and the only beachfront hotel in all of Puerto Ayora. Offering stellar hospitality, Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers guests the opportunity to explore, relax and seek adventure in the midst of comfort. The hotel’s privileged location in Santa Cruz Island makes it an ideal hub from which to enjoy an active and pleasant Galapagos experience.
GALAPAGOS: SAFARI CAMP Think luxury African safari meets the Galapagos Islands and you have the tented and lodge camp of this unique accommodation. Located on a 136 acre farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, you will find yourself surrounded and in harmony with nature while having expansive vistas, comfortable beds and delicious farm-to-table food grown right in the adjacent farmland.
GALAPAGOS UPGRADE: PIKAIA LODGE The Pikaia Lodge concept is designed for the environmentally conscious eco-adventure traveler, who seeks intimate contact with the unique natural heritage of the Galápagos along with all the comforts of a highly evolved lifestyle. Due to its central location in the Archipelago, the Santa Cruz Island next to a Giant tortoise reserve, Pikaia is the perfect home base in Galápagos.
LAKE DISTRICT HACIENDAS Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito Season: Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Choose from a variety of activities like hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents of nearby market villages.
INGAPIRCA & CUENCA Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Quito Season: Year-round
Explore the lovely countryside of the southern highlands with a guided tour of Ecuador’s finest remaining Inca site, Ingapirca, and a half day excursion to Cajas National Park. All excursions are based from a charming and historical hotel in Cuenca, Ecuador’s handicrafts and cultural center.
PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito Season: Year-round
At the Termas de Papallacta Lodge & Spa, relax among the clear natural hot spring pools and gardens. Nearby you can enjoy an optional 4-5 hour scenic day hike towards Laguna Volcan, with views of the snow-capped summit of Antisana Volcano.
CLOUD FOREST & WESTERN RAINFOREST Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito Season: Year-round
You can choose either Sachatamia Lodge, Mindo Garden hosteria or Arashá Rainforest Resort & Spa as a base. Each lodge is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.
AMAZON JUNGLE – SACHA LODGE Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito Season: Year-round
A perfect rainforest experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Sacha is located in eastern Ecuador and within a private Reserve. Providing comfortable and recently renovated accommodations, the lodge is built with native-style construction. Highlights include: forest hikes, canoe rides, a canopy walkway, observation tower, and a butterfly farm.
AMAZON JUNGLE – NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (NWC) Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito Season: Year-round
This eco-lodge benefits from its isolated location inside Yasuni National Park. The approach to NWC is a 2 hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, then a 1.5 hour dugout canoe journey up a pristine blackwater creek. Guests have spotted anacondas, river otters and several monkey species along this creek.
Southwind specializes in tailor-made trips. These sample itineraries provide ideas for popular combinations. Each can be fully personalized to your travel style, goals, travel dates, preferred trip length and budget. Please call us to speak to a Travel Consultant to receive a custom trip proposal with pricing and next steps. Learn more on our Private Trips page.
Smaller vessels offer an intimate atmosphere ideal for couples or groups of friends and typically accommodate between 16 and 24 guests. The two berths of a catamaran offer increased stability.
NEW! M/C CORMORANT II
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-catamaran
Length: 148 ft
Cruising speed: 16 knots
Since 2023 this mega-catamaran has been offering a chic top-tier experience with boutique accommodations, superb service, gourmet food, an exercise area and satellite internet. Each modern suite features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, AC, private bath and private balconies. Two Premium Suites include an oversized balcony with en-suite jacuzzi. The main deck features two pairs of connected cabins ideal for families.
Specifically designed for sailing the Galapagos Islands, this mega-catamaran made its debut in the summer of 2019. Elite offers boutique style accommodations, superb service, gourmet food and top tier experience among all vessels operating in the archipelago. Elite is one-of-a-kind, exhibiting tasteful elegance and sophistication, but also stability, safety and splendor in all areas.
As a new generation of luxury Mega-Catamarans, Endemic started cruising the islands in July 2018 offering superb service, gourmet food and 1st-class experiences. Endemic, known for its stability, elegance and comfort, features some of the largest Suites in vessels of this size.
The only luxury trimaran in Galápagos, Horizon was launched in 2018 to offer superb cruise experiences in the archipelago. Designed for functionality and comfort while exploring the “Enchanting Islands” and discovering its wildlife.
One of the finest catamarans in Galápagos, the Petrel offers a first-class way to visit these magical islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galápagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea.
M/C CORMORANT I
Type: 16 passenger Luxury Motor-Catamaran
Length: 108 ft
Cruising speed: 14 knots
The elegant Cormorant I incorporates the very best of Galápagos Catamaran design. The modern and ample accommodation includes Jacuzzi, huge sun deck and a private balcony for each of the spacious staterooms and suites.
The stylish M/C Ocean Spray was built exclusively for cruising the Galápagos and, as one of the few Mega-Catamarans in the islands, offers the best performance and comfort. With 11 crew members for only 16 guests, you are ensured top-notch personalized service.
M/Y SEA STAR
Type: 16 passenger Superior First-Class Motor-yacht
Length: 138 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
A beautiful way to discover the Galapagos Islands is aboard a spacious boutique cruise yacht. The M/Y Sea Star has all of the luxuries of home incorporated within her walls, and delivers one of the finest nature expeditions navigating the islands.
Our mid-sized boats accommodate up to 50 passengers and feature a comfortable, relaxed environment perfect for clubs, schools and families that prefer more spacious surroundings while still enjoying a very personalized Galapagos adventure.
M/Y CORAL I
Type: 36 passenger First-Class Motor yacht
Length: 131 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
The M/Y Coral I accommodates 36 passengers in 18 comfortable cabins. The yacht has plenty of places to relax, including a sun terrace, reading area and hammocks. There is also a boutique aboard and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
M/Y ISABELA II
Type: 40 passenger Deluxe Motor-yacht
Length: 183 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Refined Isabela II features amenities of a larger vessel while maintaining a tasteful yet relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Her facilities include a large bar and lounge, spacious semi-formal dining room, one of the Galápagos’ most complete libraries and an ample sun deck with Jacuzzi and solarium.
M/Y LA PINTA
Type: 48 passenger Deluxe Expedition Yacht
Length: 209 ft
Cruising speed: 10 knots
As one of the islands’ finest vessels, La Pinta accommodates 48 passengers in luxurious comfort, and is an ideal size for cruising the waters of the Galápagos. Elegant public areas feature a stylish and modern atmosphere, with plenty of natural light and a nautical touch.
Larger ships carry up to 100 guests and are suited for more sizable gatherings including alumni groups and organizations with large memberships as well as for travelers preferring more formal surroundings, larger spaces, greater comfort and maximum stability.
M/V SANTA CRUZ II
Type: 90 passenger First-Class Cruise Vessel
Length: 235 ft
Cruising speed: 10.5 knots
Indoors and out, the Santa Cruz II offers handsome installations that make the most of the Galápagos, ensuring your stay on board will perfectly complement the day’s outings. Since its maiden voyage back in October 2015 it has navigated the Galápagos seas regularly.
The M/V Legend features 56 cabins for up to 100 passengers. Fully refurbished in 2017 and recently renovated, this 4-deck vessel offers the amenities of a larger ship while still maintaining the ambiance and personalized attention of a small ship cruise. Ample social areas provide comfortable space to gather as a family or your group of friends to savor snacks or re-cap the exciting excursions of the day.
Season: Year-round
