Pre-Cruise VIP Experiences
- Guayaquil
Hotel del Parque & Hacienda La Danesa
Ecuador’s largest city and seaport has been revitalized and its crown jewel is the Malecon 2000, a two-mile pedestrian walkway along the Guayas River, Las Penas and Santa Ana Hill, the centuries old neighborhood where restored homes line narrow streets, and Parque Historico, recreating Guayaquil’s past through its history and culture.
FRIDAY: Arrival to Guayaquil - Ecuador
Upon arrival at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport by an English-speaking guide holding a sign board with your name on it. Look for him/her as you exit the customs area. Your guide will escort you to a private vehicle waiting to transfer you to Hotel del Parque, a Relais & Chateaux property, located just 20-minute drive from the airport.
Hotel del Parque ***** (Relais & Chateaux)Â
The luxury boutique hotel features 44 elegant guestrooms and suites, with cozy beds, sitting areas, beautifully appointed marble bathrooms and sweeping windows with a view of the garden or historic building. It is the only hotel located in the upscale neighborhood of Samborondon and is a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection of fine hotels and restaurants.
Just steps from the hotel, you can visit Parque Historico (Historical Park). See the flora and fauna that once populated the area and a historic zone recreates architecture and traditions.
SATURDAY: Guayaquil & Hacienda La Danesa or Bodega Dos Hemisferios
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast provided by Hotel del Parque in their lovely courtyard. Meet your guide in the lobby and depart to spend the day at a winery or working farm. Return to Guayaquil late afternoon. Transportation is by comfortable mini bus and travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes each way.Â
Hacienda La Danesa Â
Founded in 1870, La Danesa is located near an old railway station in the Montubia coastal region. The hacienda and working dairy and cacao farm is owned and managed by the third generation Olsen family, who will introduce you to the hacienda’s history. There is a unique selection of activities including traills for horseback riding (additional charge), or bicycling, cow milking, and artisan chocolate making. After a 3-course lunch, there is time to relax or discover the lush property; Teca tree, organic garden, farm animals and cacao plantion.  La Danesa is also available for overnight stays (please inquire).
Bodega Dos HemisferiosÂ
Tour the vineyards, and learn about its history and the entire winemaking process, from planting to harvesting, and the challenges to produce wine in Ecuador, an unlikely location. When you arrive at the winery, you’ll be greeted by the enologists with a glass of rose. Sample wines are produced from 12 varieties of grapes (3 whites and 9 reds). Wine tasting and a gastronomic experience await at Gran Saman with a four-course lunch and wine pairing with Ultra brands Enigma, Paradoja, Cautivo and Tomas Carlos from Bodega Dos Hemisferios private stock.   Â
Optional (not included):Â A fine dining experience awaits at Casa Julian, just steps from the hotel, featuring delightful original creations using locally sourced ingredients.
SUNDAY: Guayaquil - Galapagos
Enjoy breakfast provided by the hotel in their lovely courtyard. Your guide will meet you in the lobby and transfer you by private vehicle to the airport. After a personalized check-in for Avianca Flight 1630 departing Sunday morning for Galapagos.
2024 Rates
| (Per person double occupancy based on 2 guests | |
|---|---|
|
DELUXE DOBLE |
$770 |
|
SIGNATURE ROOM |
$820 |
|
JUNIOR SUITE |
$950 |
|
4 GUESTS IN 2 DOUBLES |
$2150 |
31 Deluxe rooms (37-45 m2) with a King or two Full size beds, garden viewÂ
11 Signature rooms (51069 m2) King bed and sitting area, 2nd floor, panoramic window
2 Junior Suites (66 m2) King bed with a view of the garden
Rates Include:
- Hotel accommodation tax and service fees for two nights, free wireless internet, and breakfast.
- Private transfers to and from the airport upon arrival and departure.
- Fully guided tour to Hacienda la Danesa with private transportation from Guayaquil with lunch included.
Not Included:
- Dinner at Casa Julian in Guayaquil.
- Gratuities to porters, drivers and host.