Thursday February 26th - Sunday March 8th 2026
Just 3 spots left in this co-ed adventure!
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? If you've always dreamed of exploring South America and the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands you'll love this Luxury-meets-Local, small group Culinary & Culture experience!
Your trip starts in Quito, the capital city of beautiful Ecuador, nestled in the spectacular Andes mountains on the west coast of South America. Next you'll island hop through Ecuador's world-renowned Galapagos Islands, located just 600 miles off her coast.
This high end, all-inclusive trip features exclusive food & artisan experiences, incredible 5 star luxury & historic stays, plus knock your socks off wildlife, vistas, and seascapes!
Don't wait! This trip will fill up fast!
✔️ 10 nights of 4-5 star hotels as listed or equivalent
✔️ 10 days of experiences in Quito, Otavalo, Zuleta, and multiple Galapagos Islands
✔️ Private transfers to and from Quito International Airport on arrival and departure
✔️ Full luggage handling and private drivers throughout the trip
✔️ Small group experience hosted by Julie and our own bilingual expert local guide for the duration of the trip,
✔️ Your roundtrip flights to/from the Galapagos with our group
✔️ Breakfast daily and most meals as per the itinerary
✔️ Private chef tasting menus, culinary & culture experiences, private tours
✔️ $220 Galapagos Park Entrance Fees
✔️ Snorkeling gear and lessons, private Galapagos expert guides
✔️ All Galapagos transportation including speedboats, ferries, and private boat excursions as we island hop and explore
NOT INCLUDED:
✔️ Mandatory International Medical Insurance
✔️ Flights to/from the US to Quito
✔️ Meals not listed on the day by day itinerary
✔️ Optional additional activities such as: horseback riding, e-biking, massages
✔️ Andes indigenous garden-to-table picnic lunch or "Pamba Mesa" celebration where we learn to make everyone's favorite Aji sauce
✔️ Luxury Ecuadorian tasting menu dinner at award winning Quitu restaurant
✔️ Posh rooftop Welcome Dinner with cocktails overlooking one of Quito's most gorgeous squares
✔️ Ecuadorian bean to bar chocolate tasting & demo
✔️ Market to table cooking class at one of Quito's hippest restaurants, followed by an Ecuadorian Rum Tasting
✔️ Visit a family bakery to learn to make Ecuador's beloved Bizcochos cookies with Dulce de Leche & Queso Fresco
✔️ Learn to make the freshest Ceviches with just caught fish in the Galapagos
✔️ Street food tour through vibrant Quito tasting specialties like Canelazo, Helado de Paila (fresh fruit ice creams), Corn Chulpi snacks & more
✔️ Handcrafted local cheese tasting paired with Ecuadorian wines by the cozy fireplace in the Andes Mountains
✔️ Farewell Tapas Party with Ecuadorian Masterchef Andres Arrata at Ayora Restobar
✔️ Island hopping and snorkeling in the Galapagos including iconic Kicker Rock & Tortuga Bay
✔️ Up close experiences with Galapagos wildlife such as Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Hammerhead Sharks, Giant Tortoises, Golden Rays, Marine Iguanas, Darwin Finches, Blue Footed Boobies, and so many more
✔️ Quito Historical Center guided tour & Colonial Mansion Visits
✔️ Visit an uninhabited island; surrounded only by wildlife
✔️ Stay at a gorgeous Presidential Hacienda tucked away in the Andes mountains with horses, condors, & more!
✔️ Local Otavalo artisan visits with weaving and embroidery
✔️ Private ferries, yachts, tour guides, and beaches
✔️ Explore natural lava tunnels & meet endless Galapagos wildlife by land and by sea!
Trip pricing includes your Galapagos flights and all Galapagos admission fees.
NOTE: Only 1 Private Room (single occupancy) is left on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional $1600.
$7,795 PER PERSON
Pay $500 now to secure your spot
50% balance ($3,647.50) due by August 21, 2025
Remaining balance ($3,647.50) due by November 1, 2025
$9395 PRIVATE ROOM
Pay $500 now to secure your spot
50% balance ($4447.50) due by August 21, 2025
Remaining balance ($4447.50) due by November 1, 2025
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Arrive to Quito International Airport & enjoy a warm welcome and private driver to our fabulous 5 star Relais & Chateau property in the colonial capital city of Quito - Casa Gangotena. This luxury hotel was once a Presidential Palace & is a winner of "Leading Boutique Hotel" of the world. Treat yourself to a massage at their spa to unwind from your travels and get rested for the adventure to come. Tonight we'll enjoy a fabulous group kickoff dinner & cocktails on our gorgeous hotel rooftop overlooking one of Quito’s most spectacular squares - San Francisco Plaza. If you'd like to arrive a day early we can make arrangements for you to stay in the same room
Stay: Casa Gangotena
Included: Pickup at the airport & group kickoff dinner!
Friday, February 27, 2026
After breakfast and an exclusive Ecuadorian coffee tasting at our hotel we’ll head out for a walking tour of the vibrant capital city of Quito!
You'll learn about the local culture and history as we stroll the historic district of this UNESCO city including a visit to an incredible church lined entirely with gold!
We’ll stop at a local market to meet Chef Edwin & Chef Denis where we'll hand shop the freshest produce for a market-to-table cooking class at their hip restaurant Claro Scuro. After lunch you'll be guided through an Ecuadorian rum tasting before we continue our adventures in town!
That afternoon you’ll visit one of the oldest monasteries in Quito and learn about local ice cream or "Helado de Paila" as well as world-renowned Ecuadorian bean-to-bar chocolate making. Afterwards you'll have time to unwind at our hotel or do some local shopping.
Get ready for a spectacular high-end dinner tonight at one of Quito’s most highly awarded & gorgeous restaurants Quitu Culinary Identity. We'll enjoy a fabulous tasting menu designed for us by talented local chef Juan Sebastián Pérez. His fine dining approach to classic Ecuadorian flavors and locally sourced ingredients will immerse you in this rich culture!
Stay: Casa Gangotena
Included: breakfast, lunch, cooking class with rum tasting, chocolate tasting, posh multi course dinner at Quitu
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Today we'll check out & leave Quito to head north into the Andes mountains and the countryside towards historic Otavalo - known for its indigenous tribal culture and artisan markets.
Along the way we’ll stop at a family run bakery to learn to make the iconic Ecuadorian treat Bizcochos - served with fresh cheese and homemade dulce de leche (paired with coffee or hot cocoa).
Next you're in for a lunch to remember! We'll visit Claudia Ferrez, the talented founder of Kawsayme, an organic farm and cooking experience honoring her local Kichwa tribal traditions. Claudia is one of the 1st in her village to attend higher school and open her own business- she'll show us how to prepare a traditional picnic or Pamba Mesa with ingredients from her own garden.
We’ll drive past rural farms and then arrive to our mountain retreat - the historic hacienda and former home of the President of Ecuador “Hacienda Zuleta” in time for wine by the fireplace, dinner, and a bonfire.
Stay: Hacienda Zuleta
Included: Breakfast, Bizcochos class, Pamba Mesa lunch experience, dinner at Hacienda Zuleta
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Today you’ll enjoy and explore the Andes Mountainside and the sprawling grounds of our hacienda.
Try horseback riding, take a guided hike, relax with time in their spa, get an optional massage, visit their on premise, condor preserve, try a hands on embroidery experience, or take an optional day trip to the nearby indigenous artisan markets of Otavalo. Famous for their hand weaving, wood carving, jewelry making and more.
Don’t miss the exclusive cheese tasting and wine by the fireplace at happy hour at our hacienda! They make over 15 hand-crafted European style cheeses on the property including all your favorites like Manchego, Gouda, and Cheddar.
Stay: Hacienda Zuleta
Included: breakfast, lunch, wine and cheese tasting by the fire, and dinner at Hacienda Zuleta
Monday, March 2, 2026
After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Zuleta to continue our adventures in the countryside. First we'll stop at "Casas Lindas" a unique Ecuadorian embroidery cooperative run by 4 generations of local women. They'll show us how they hand-embroider stunning table linens, clothing, and more; keeping tradition alive.
Next you'll visit Hacienda La Compania near the snow-capped mountain of Cayambe. Founded in 1584 this historic property has its own chapel, and one of the world's biggest rose growing farms! Most of the roses in the US come from Ecuador and you'll see these stunning rose fields up close.
You’ll enjoy an incredible 3 course lunch of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine in an unforgettable setting filled with decor from the mansion's colonial era.
We'll end the day with a quick overnight to rest for our early flight to the Galapagos in the morning! Our airport hotel is a charming place surrounded by beautiful gardens, water fountains, art, peace and tranquility; or as our clients like to refer to us, “an oasis of wellness”. You'll enjoy a sauna, heated pools, & Turkish bath and dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Rincon de Puemba
Included: breakfast, embroidery experience, rose farm tour, 3 course lunch
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
We’ll be up early to head to the nearby airport for our flight together to the Galapagos! We'll land in San Cristobal - home to 1000's of sea lions, private beaches, and crystal blue waters.
On arrival we'll enjoy a private Ceviche Making class at the beautiful waterfront restaurant Post Office before checking into our beautiful hotel. Next we'll grab our snorkel gear and you'll enjoy a private snorkel lesson and time in the water at a nearby beach immersing yourself into the wonders of the Galapagos.
For the next 2 nights we stay at the posh, waterfront Hotel Golden Bay directly on the beach filled with adorable families of frolicking sea lions outside your balcony. This 100% sustainable 5 star hotel is a model for the hospitality world, combining posh with purpose.
Enjoy a stroll through the cute town just steps away for nightlife and dinner on your own tonight.
Stay: Hotel Golden Bay
Included: airfare & fees to Galapagos, breakfast, ceviche class lunch, snorkeling
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Get ready for a full day’s adventure on a private chartered boat to world famous Kicker Rock! (It's shaped like a shoe...get it?!)
One of the most photographed spots in the Galapagos, this iconic snorkeling spot is home to schools of fish, slowly swimming giant Sea Turtles, Golden Rays, and peaceful Hammerhead Sharks.
We’ll start with some snorkeling in a bay on an private beach followed by deep water snorkeling off our boat at Kicker Rock. Bring your water tight phone case or go pro for this day! We'll have lunch on the boat with a celebratory cocktail too.
When we return to our hotel late afternoon you'll have the option to meet our pioneering hotel owner, Brazilian-Italian Chef Luciana Bianchi who helped create the Worlds 50 Best list, has consulted to NOMA, Thomas Keller, and more -she has an incredible rootop garden and culinary research center right at our hotel! She'll share her mission for Galapagos sustainability and supporting the local community through the Galapagos Foundation.
You can enjoy incredible, authentic Neopolitan pizza at our hotel for dinner (Chef Luciana had a pizza oven made just for her and flown in from Naples!) or have a stroll through town for dinner on your own.
Stay: Hotel Golden Bay
Included: breakfast, private kicker rock boat trip, snorkeling, catered lunch on the boat, culinary research center tour
Thursday, March 5, 2026
After all that fun we'll relax with a leisurely morning to sleep in, go for one more swim, and stroll San Cristobal (plus take those memory making photos with the adorable Sea Lion families and Blue Foot Boobies that are EVERYWHERE)
That afternoon we'll head to the pier for a speedboat ride to our next Galapagos Island, the lively capital of Santa Cruz!
After an exciting 2 hour speedboat ride we’ll arrive to our gorgeous boutique Hotel Ikala in the buzzing town of Porta Ayora where we'll stay for the next 3 nights as we island hop around the Galapagos.
After a dip in the pool and optional cocktails by the pool bar you'll have time on your own to explore this lively waterfront town for live music, shopping, and dinner on your own
Stay: Hotel Ikala
Included: breakfast, speedboat and island transfers
Friday, March 6, 2026
This morning we’ll take a private ferry to gorgeous Tortuga Bay on the south side of the island - on this pristine stretch of white sand you’ll see marine iguanas nesting, as well as the brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crab.
Brown pelicans can also be found here as well as sea turtles nesting in the white sand on the beach. Flamingos can even be seen at times in the lagoon which sits behind the beach as well as blue footed boobies.
If you opt to snorkel you may get to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, as well as white tip reef sharks, and if you are very lucky, maybe a tiger shark.
We'll enjoy lunch together at gorgeous waterfront Bahia Mar restaurant, change at our hotel, and then head up to the Highlands of Santa Cruz to visit one of the Galapagos’ most famous residents!
We'll get up close to the gentle Giant Tortoises (some up to 150 years old!) in their natural habitat and also explore enormous naturally formed lava tunnels.
During the visit you’ll also be able to sample Galapagos brewed beer, see Galapagos finches and other birds.
That night you’ll enjoy dinner on your own with time to wander the lively town of Porta Ayora, filled with shops, art galleries, cafes and nightlife.
Stay: Hotel Ikala
Included: breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, Giant Tortoise preserve, lava tunnel tour
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Today we’ll be up early to take a boat to visit one of the most beautiful and photographed uninhabited (by humans anyway!) islands in the Galapagos archipelago - North Seymour Island.
While onboard, you will pass rugged coastlines and volcanic formations that look like no other place on earth. On arrival we'll enjoy a guided hike led by a Galapagos expert as we traverse the arid volcanically formed landscapes surrounded by wildlife like you've never before experienced.
Witness the iconic blue-footed boobies performing their intricate courtship dances and observe frigate birds displaying their vibrant red-throat pouches.
Next, we'll snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, from playful sea lions to baby hammerhead sharks and graceful sea turtles.
You'll marvel at the kaleidoscope of colorful fish and vibrant coral formations beneath the surface. This incredible experience will immerse you in the Galápagos' natural wonders, offering memories to last a lifetime.
Note: The other possible uninhabited islands may be Bartolome, Santa Fe, Pinzon, or South Plazas Island. The Galapagos is a strictly regulated park to protect the wildlife and ladscapes from overtourism.
We’ll return to our hotel at 5pm to shower and change before our final FUN group celebration together - an incredible Ecuadorian Tapas and wine tasting dinner hosted by Julie's friend, the Ecuadorian Masterchef winner Andres Arrata. We'll toast to each other and the incredible memories we made during our adventure together.
Stay: Hotel Ikala
Included: breakfast, lunch on our boat, snorkelling, Galapagos expert guide, celebration multi-course farewell dinner
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Today after breakfast we'll check out to head home or optionally continue your travels through South America (or stay for more island hopping fun in the Galapagos!)
We’ll take a private morning transfer from the hotel and then a ferry to the airport right on our island of Santa Cruz to take you back to the Quito airport where you can take your return flight home that night (after 5pm to be safe)
OR you can extend your trip with optional additional South American or Ecuadorian adventures that Julie can help arrange!
Note: Late night “redeye” flights are available back to the US. If you prefer to stay overnight and fly home on Monday, Julie can help arrange an airport hotel for you.
Optional Additional Travels! Since you’re already in South America- why not continue the journey? Some options:
Extend your time in the Galapagos: If you'd like even more time and more islands to explore we can arrange a full experience for you.
Thermal Bath Spa: Just one hour from Quito you’ll find an incredible Thermal Bath Spa and Resort nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Rainforest - if you’d like to extend your trip you can add on one night at the resort, including private drivers, to unwind and rest from your adventures.
Additional South America Experiences: We can also arrange for you to extend your trip to spend time and tour the nearby Ecuadorian Rain Forest. the gorgeous city of Cuenca, Columbia, or Peru and Machu Picchu while you’re in South America.
Included: breakfast and all transfers and flights from the Galapagos back to the Quito airport where we started!
You'll enjoy 5 star boutique hotels, waterfront properties and historic haciendas to relax, unwind, & get pampered during your Ecuadorian adventure!
This posh Relais & Chateaux historic hotel is a piece of Ecuadorian history! The former Presidential Palace overlooking the stunning San Francisco Square features a spa, stunning rooftop bar and restaurant, gardens, as well as a classic cocktail bar. You'll enjoy incredible service and pampering as we start our trip together. Learn more here!
This jewel in the heart of the Andes was chosen as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine and named one of the best hotels by National Geographic Traveler. This stunning 17th century hacienda and farm features fireplaces, a spa, endless mountain views, and was the home of two former presidents of Ecuador. Learn more about this incredible property here.
Situated on the Golden Beach on San Cristobal Island directly in front of the sea where sea lions, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, and other animal citizens of the Galapagos frolic. Their focus on luxury without ostentation and sustainability mission makes Golden Bay a gem of the Galapagos. More here!
This gorgeous 5 star boutique hotel on the Galapaogs Island of Santa Cruz features a stunning pool with pool bar, a gorgeous oceanview rooftop restaurant, bicycles to borrow to explore town, and posh rooms and suites. It's the perfect place to unwind and relax after our fun-filled days! Take a peek here!
This BW Signature Collection property has a heated pool. sauna, and two restaurants for our night's stay ahead of flying to the Galapagos! It's a unique and charming location surrounded by beautiful gardens, water fountains, art, peace and tranquility - “a true oasis of wellness” while being conveniently located. Check it out here.
Julie Hartigan is an NYC-based Trained Chef and lifelong Travel Lover who designs and hosts boutique Culinary & Culture tours around the globe.
Her fun-loving personality, perpetual curiosity, plus deep culinary knowledge and chef network make her the perfect person for foodies to travel the globe with!
Julie believes some of the most memorable moments in life come when immersed in another culture, enjoying the good life with locals and fellow food & fun loving travelers.
She’s tasted her way through Ecuador, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Italy, France, Cuba (and as many more spots as she can squeeze in this lifetime.)
Follow Julie on Instagram @juliehartigan for more of her travel adventures & go to JulieHartigan.com for more about her group tours, private trip planning services, and recipes too!
YOU MAY BE WONDERING...
That’s a big YES! These tours are specifically designed to be welcoming and fun for people traveling on their own to make new friends.
We’ll host several online meet and greet happy hours ahead of the trip where we’ll get to know each other and Julie will help coordinate a roommate for you for a shared room.
Nope! Just a $500 deposit to secure your spot and then payments are spread out over the months leading up to the trip.
We’ll be sending you additional information soon where you can specify a roommate if you sign up for this trip with someone. We’ll also be having online happy hour meet and greets before the trip so we can get to know each other and Julie can help guide you to a wonderful roomie match.
Yes! You’ll be able to specify your specific dietary needs after signing up for the trip so Julie can make sure you’ll have delicious options throughout the tour.
No problem! Julie will help you with her recommended trip interruption insurance through her preferred provider so you can get a refund should something happen that impedes your trip.
Definitely! After you sign up for the trip Julie will be there to help you with travel logistics including packing tips, and even how to use points to source reduced rate or free flights.
Julie also hosts a series of group calls leading up to our trip together to answer questions about the destination we're headed to.
Yes! If you’d like to stay longer or continue your South America adventures Julie and her local trip planners can help you with those arrangements.
Mainland Ecuador is nestled high in the mountains so year round temperatures average in the 60’s with nights in the 50’s (and occasional pop up showers) The Galapagos are set in a tropical environment in the South Pacific with warmer air and water temps in the 80’s. No matter what? Plan to don a hat and sunscreen!
We’ll be going over specific packing details once you’ve signed up for the trip, but no special gear beyond walking shoes, a rain jacket, a bathing suit, and water friendly sandals (like Tevas) are required.
No previous snorkeling experience is required and we'll provide the gear. We will be walking quite a bit on our tours as well as spending time on boats and in water with guides. Floating vests are included to keep you feeling secure while swimming.
Not at all! As long as you’re up for walks in the outdoors and getting in the water with a snorkeling mask on (with a local guide to teach and assist you) you’ll be all set for this trip. We include life vests for the utmost safety too.
Do note that we move around a bit by transport, plane, and even speed boat.
Downtime, free time, spa time, and rest time is built into this itinerary but it’s more adventure than “lay on the beach” vacation.
You also have the option to add on a day or two at a thermal bath spa hotel at the end of our tour to rest from your Galapagos outdoor adventures!