Weather permitting, you’ll be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes before learning about the spectacular volcano’s major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Then visit Lake Limpiopungo on foot, or continue on a two-hour hike around the Cotopaxi area to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the Andean peaks.

Start with a walk through the ‘Plaza de la Independencia’ viewing the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important 16th/17th century churches. Then, it’s off to a traditional food market for a taste of Ecuadorian food and Quito market life, followed by a chocolate tasting session, a visit to the “Intiñan Museum” and simultaneously putting a foot in each hemisphere and, finally, aiming to stay on your feet after a big day with a visit to ‘Casa Agave’!

Local markets are a big part of Ecuadorian traditional culture, where communities come to buy from vendors they often know personally – and an eye-opening contrast to the way we shop in supermarkets. Then it’s on to a world-class rose farm that produces exquisite breeds of the flowers for discerning customers all over the world. You’ll learn about the process of producing these high-quality roses and the spectacular and intense range of colours they’ve cultivated.

A range of guided excursions and activities are on offer during your stay at Mashpi, during which you will discover the magic of the forest. Options include hiking, birdwatching, and rides on the Dragon Fly and Sky bike, taking you up through the forest canopy. There are also visits to the butterfly farm and night walks to see the nocturnal wildlife.

After being shown to your cabin and treated to a delicious lunch, you’ll be fitted with wetsuit and snorkelling gear. The yacht circumnavigates the islands for the next eight days, stopping for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, whale and wildlife-spotting, swimming with sea-lions… To put it bluntly, along with incredible dining, magic sunsets and Zodiac rides to sea-caves, this will be one of the most memorable weeks of your life.

Inspired by their love of nature, and appreciation of food and comfort, Niels Olsen Pons and his wife Sonia have transformed this 500-hectare dairy farm, into a magical destination where guests can go horseback riding through the scenic countryside, mountain biking, hiking, or birdwatching in the nearby cloud forests, learn about sustainable farming practices and cacao production, or (we highly recommend!) take part in the chocolate-making process.