Galápagos Adventure at a Glance

My journey began at London Heathrow on 29 January 2025. Flying business class with Iberia via Madrid set the bar high from the start.

At Heathrow, priority check-in and fast-track security meant I could move from landside to lounge in a matter of minutes. With time to enjoy a quiet drink, a bite to eat and a chance to relax before boarding, the usual pre-flight stress simply melted away.

The short hop to Madrid was a comfortable warm-up: a seat at the front of the cabin, a light meal served on proper crockery and the feeling that I was being well looked after from the very first leg.

In Madrid, the Iberia business class lounge became my base between flights, with good food and drink options, plenty of space, showers and runway views. By the time I boarded the long-haul flight to Quito, I felt refreshed and ready for the overnight journey.

On the Madrid–Quito sector, Iberia’s business class really came into its own. The fully flat bed, direct aisle access and generous storage made it easy to settle in. A multi-course dinner with Spanish touches and well-paired wines felt more like a restaurant experience than a typical airline meal. After dinner, I reclined the seat into a bed, wrapped up in the duvet and managed several hours of proper sleep, landing in Quito ready to explore rather than exhausted.

A Night at the JW Marriott Hotel Quito: Comfort at Altitude

I arrived in Quito on 29 January 2025 and checked in for a one-night stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Quito.

Set in the modern part of the city, the hotel felt like an oasis at altitude. Quito sits high in the Andes, so the extra comfort of a five-star property really matters after a long journey. My room was spacious and elegant, with a wonderfully comfortable bed, city views and all the amenities you would expect from an international luxury brand.

That evening I took things gently, allowing my body to adjust to the altitude, enjoying a relaxed dinner and a good night’s sleep so I would be ready for a full day of exploring historic Quito.

Historic Quito & Middle of the World: Culture and the Equator

The next day was dedicated to discovering Quito and its unique setting on the Equator.

The “Historic Quito & Middle of the World” excursion was the perfect introduction to Ecuador:

• Quito’s Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre is a beautiful blend of colonial churches, cobbled streets and colourful facades. Strolling past plazas, markets and grand old buildings, you really feel the weight of history and culture.
• Churches and viewpoints: From ornate interiors to sweeping views across the city and surrounding mountains, the tour revealed just how dramatic Quito’s location is.
• Middle of the World: Later, we travelled out to the monument that marks the Equator. Standing with one foot in each hemisphere is a fun photo moment, but it is also a reminder of how unique this part of the world is geographically and scientifically.

By the end of the day, I knew I was not just passing through Quito as a gateway, but had genuinely connected with the city before heading on to the Galápagos.

Historic Quito & Middle of the World: Culture and the Equator

The next day was dedicated to discovering Quito and its unique setting on the Equator.

The “Historic Quito & Middle of the World” excursion was the perfect introduction to Ecuador:

• Quito’s Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre is a beautiful blend of colonial churches, cobbled streets and colourful facades. Strolling past plazas, markets and grand old buildings, you really feel the weight of history and culture.
• Churches and viewpoints: From ornate interiors to sweeping views across the city and surrounding mountains, the tour revealed just how dramatic Quito’s location is.
• Middle of the World: Later, we travelled out to the monument that marks the Equator. Standing with one foot in each hemisphere is a fun photo moment, but it is also a reminder of how unique this part of the world is geographically and scientifically.

By the end of the day, I knew I was not just passing through Quito as a gateway, but had genuinely connected with the city before heading on to the Galápagos.

Itinerary: Your Adventure at a Glance

Daily highlights, included activities and the key themes that made this trip so special.

Day 1: Vibrant Quito

Arrival in Quito after business class flights with Iberia from London Heathrow via Madrid. Check in to the JW Marriott Hotel Quito for a relaxing night at altitude, with time to unwind, adjust and enjoy the city’s modern side.

Day 2: Visit Historic Quito

Join the full-day Historic Quito & Middle of the World excursion. Explore the colonial heart of Quito, its plazas, churches and viewpoints, then travel out to the Equator to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Overnight again in Quito.

Day 3: Your Cruise Begins

Fly from Quito to Baltra, in the Galápagos (Capitanía Seymour), and board MS Santa Cruz II in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin, join the first safety briefing and enjoy your welcome dinner as your Galápagos expedition begins.

Day 4: San Cristóbal’s Tortoises

Discover San Cristóbal, one of the key islands in the archipelago. Visit highland habitats and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, then enjoy coastal walks or snorkelling, depending on the day’s programme.

Day 5: Santa Fe and South Plaza

Explore Santa Fe and South Plaza, two islands known for their dramatic landscapes and wildlife. Look out for sea lions, land iguanas, birdlife and striking volcanic scenery. Zodiac rides and snorkelling sessions reveal the rich marine life just below the surface.

Day 6: Darwin’s Santa Cruz

Return to Santa Cruz Island, closely associated with Charles Darwin’s work. Visit highland farms or reserves where giant tortoises roam freely, and learn more about conservation efforts and the unique ecosystems that define the Galápagos.

Day 7: Dramatic Española

Sail to Española, one of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago. Expect rugged cliffs, blowholes, nesting sea birds and beaches filled with sea lions and marine iguanas. Landings and hikes here are a real highlight for both scenery and wildlife.

Day 8: Reef Life on Eden Islet

Discover Eden Islet and surrounding waters, a haven for reef life. Snorkelling, kayaking or Zodiac rides (depending on conditions and programme) reveal turtles, rays, reef fish and more, with your guides explaining the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem.

Day 9: End of Your Expedition

Disembark MS Santa Cruz II at Baltra and fly to Guayaquil. Spend a final night at Hotel Palace Guayaquil on Chile 214, giving you time to rest, enjoy a final Ecuadorian dinner and gradually re-enter city life before your flights home.

Extend Your Trip: Pre & Post-Trip Programmes

If you have a little more time, this style of itinerary can easily be extended. Popular add-ons include:

• Extra nights in Quito to explore more museums, markets and viewpoints.
• Stays in cloud forest retreats, such as eco-lodges near Mashpi, for birdwatching and jungle walks.
• Additional nights in Guayaquil to enjoy the riverfront and local cuisine.

These extensions can be tailored to your interests, whether that is wildlife, food, culture or pure relaxation.

What Else Is Included?

Here is a snapshot of what was built into this Galápagos journey:

Flights

• Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra and Baltra and the mainland, including all taxes.
  (International flights from London to Quito and back from Guayaquil were taken in Iberia business class via Madrid.)

Hotels

• Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
• Dinner included on Day 2, following the Historic Quito & Middle of the World excursion.
• One overnight stay at Hotel Palace Guayaquil after the cruise, including breakfast.

Transfers

• Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise.
• Local transfers associated with the Galápagos flights and cruise embarkation/disembarkation.

Excursion

• Full-day Historic Quito & Middle of the World tour, including lunch, before the expedition cruise.

On Board MS Santa Cruz II

• Six-night expedition cruise from 31 January to 6 February 2025.
• Board basis: Full Board, plus expedition meal and beverage packages.
• Guided landings and activities with expert naturalist guides.
• Briefings, talks and use of onboard facilities.

(Exact inclusions can vary slightly by departure, but this is the structure I experienced.)

Baltra to Guayaquil and a Night at Hotel Palace Guayaquil

On 6 February 2025, we disembarked at Baltra and took the flight from Capitanía Seymour back to Guayaquil.

Rather than rushing straight home, I spent a night in the city, staying at Hotel Palace Guayaquil on Chile 214.

The hotel provided exactly what was needed after an expedition cruise and flight:

• A comfortable, well-located base in the heart of Guayaquil
• A chance to repack, enjoy a proper shower and a good meal
• Time for a short stroll to get a feel for Ecuador’s largest city, with its riverside setting and buzzing atmosphere

It was a gentle transition from the wildness of the Galápagos back to urban life, and a practical stepping stone before the long journey home.

Homeward Bound: Guayaquil to London via Madrid

From Guayaquil, I flew back to London Heathrow with Iberia, once again via Madrid and in business class.

The return felt like a mirror image of the outbound:

• Priority check-in and boarding in Guayaquil
• A comfortable long-haul sector back to Madrid, with a flat bed, good meals and attentive service
• Time in the Madrid lounge for a shower and breakfast
• A final short flight to London, arriving relaxed and surprisingly refreshed considering the distance travelled

Business class really proved its worth on the way back, transforming what could have felt like an endurance test into a calm and considered end to an exceptional journey.

A Special Thanks

This trip was the perfect blend of comfort, organisation and adventure. A very special thank you to Megan Lewis at HX for arranging such a seamless and memorable experience. Her support and attention to detail helped turn an already extraordinary destination into a truly exceptional journey from start to finish.

If you would like to follow a similar path to the Galápagos, with business class flights, carefully chosen city stays and an immersive cruise on MS Santa Cruz II, I would be delighted to design a tailor-made itinerary for you.

Contact me today to start planning your own Galápagos adventure in comfort and style.