Ecuador brings together extraordinary wildlife, volcanic landscapes and rich local culture in one remarkable journey. Scalesia Lodge now combines two sides of the country through its new 10-day, 9-night Galapagos Heritage & Imbabura Geopark Tour, pairing the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands with an immersive escape into the Andean highlands.
The journey begins with seven days exploring Isabela and Santa Cruz, with stays at Scalesia Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel. Travellers can encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, snorkel among vibrant marine life and reef sharks, and visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.
Full-day yacht excursions add another sense of adventure, with possible trips to Bartolomé, Santa Fe, South Plazas or North Seymour. Combining wildlife encounters, ocean activities and moments of relaxation, this part of the itinerary captures the wild character that makes the Galapagos such a distinctive destination.
The final three days introduce a completely different side of Ecuador at Imbabura Geopark in the Andes. Staying at the historic Hacienda Pimán, guests move from tropical island landscapes to dramatic mountains, volcanic scenery and centuries-old local traditions.
Highlights include the crater lake of Cuicocha, Quitsato Solar Museum and the Cóndor Huasi rehabilitation project. Visits to Otavalo and Zuleta also reveal the region’s cultural heritage through traditional weaving, embroidery and local craftsmanship, adding a more personal dimension to the journey.
The itinerary brings the islands and highlands together with stays at Scalesia Lodge on Isabela, Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz and Hacienda Pimán in Imbabura. Each property reflects its surroundings, allowing travellers to experience a different atmosphere as the journey progresses.
The package also includes domestic flights within Ecuador, land and sea transfers, accommodation and guided excursions with English-speaking specialists. By combining wildlife, volcanic scenery, local culture and comfortable stays, the tour offers an easy way to experience two contrasting sides of Ecuador within a single trip.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.