Discover Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands 

Day 1-3: Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital, with arguably one of the finest settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Incan Empire, before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial centre – declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 – is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. It is home to excellent museums, churches and art galleries. Embark on a fascinating tour of the city.

Your adventure begins downtown, passing through the modern section of Quito, towards the city’s historic district. Take in the atmosphere of the Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Stroll past the El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone facade of La Compañía Church. Visit the San Francisco Church, built over the ruins of an Inca palace in the 16th century. Ride up the road to the Panecillo or the Itchimbia hills for a breathtaking view of Quito. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a wonderful chocolate tasting at the Galeria Ecuador, whilst learning about the cultivation of cacao plants. This adventure is fun for the whole family as the Galeria boasts an interactive game that allows you to practice sowing, growing and cultivating the cacao plant. You will also have the opportunity to make your own chocolate truffles. Under the guidance of an expert, use an array of different ingredients such as cinnamon, salt from Cusco, chocolate nibs, nuts and cacao, to create a mouth-watering morsel.

After your tantalising foray into all things chocolate, you will be driven to the Cafe Plaza Grande where you will have another opportunity to delve into Ecuador’s scrumptious food traditions by participating in a cooking class. Learn how to prepare ceviche and the country’s famous Helado de Paila (an ice cream made with fresh fruits). After savouring a delicious lunch, your adventure will continue to the Equatorial Monument, situated “in the middle of the world”. The monument was built as a tribute to French scientists who determined the shape of the earth in the 1700s. Nearby, visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases various elements attributed to Ecuador’s different ethnic groups, or visit the Intiñan interactive museum, which shows the different Incan theories of determining the middle of the world