Ecuador: Trip to the Galápagos Islands

Arrival at Quito international airport, perched at 2,800 metres above sea level, then transfer with your driver to a charming Casa de Campo just ten minutes away. Relax in the garden, read on the terrace or take a short stroll through the peaceful village lanes. After this first contact with the Andes, you share a dinner prepared from fresh, local produce.

Breakfast then a flight to the Galápagos, 1,000 km offshore. Arrival on San Cristóbal, welcome and transfer to your accommodation. In the afternoon: a visit to a local micro-enterprise coffee cooperative to discover the roasting process, circular economy practices and artisan production with a tasting. Return to the hotel for a moment of relaxation or an evening stroll along the seafront.

Breakfast then a boat excursion to León Dormido: a spectacular volcanic rock formation. After 1 hour's sailing, snorkel in waters rich in biodiversity: sea turtles, rays, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks and tropical fish. From June to November, hammerhead sharks may also be spotted. On the cliffs above, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds complete this raw-nature tableau.

Breakfast then a light aircraft flight to Isabela: the archipelago's wildest island. Check in to your family-run hotel with your feet in the sand. Afternoon boat excursion to Los Túneles - a fascinating labyrinth of lava arches and tunnels - and snorkelling in a true natural aquarium: green turtles, rays, sea horses, reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Set off on a guided hike on the flanks of Sierra Negra Volcano whose last eruption dates from 2005. With its 1,490-metre summit and a crater more than 9 km wide, it is the most impressive volcano in the Galápagos! The view from the summit is simply splendid.

Early morning departure by lancha to Santa Cruz (2h30 crossing). Welcome by your naturalist guide then a hike to Tortuga Bay: a white-sand beach fringed with cacti, frequented by marine iguanas and turtles. A local lunch, then a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station: discovery of the giant tortoise reintroduction programme, endemic species and the conservation challenges facing this unique ecosystem.

A full-day shared boat excursion to Bartolomé Island. A 45-minute hike to the volcano summit offers a spectacular view over Pinnacle Rock and the cinder cones. Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters: multicoloured fish, sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, sea lions and rays. Lunch on board. Return to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon.

Excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Ascent through lush scalesia forests (endemic trees) and a visit to a private ranch to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Discovery of the Los Gemelos craters (immense volcanic cavities) and birdwatching for endemic species including Darwin's finches. After lunch, fly back to Quito and transfer to your accommodation.

Visit the Mitad del Mundo site with your guide: discover the equator line dividing the hemispheres and the Intiñan Museum, dedicated to physical phenomena and ancestral traditions: a fun and cultural finale to a journey through Ecuador's four worlds. A free lunch, then transfer to the airport for your return flight back home.