Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. The city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’.
| DAY | ITINERARY | VISITS | MORE INFO | HOTEL | LUNCH | DINNER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Quito Transfer In | Arrive to Quito - hotel | Choosen | Included | ||
| D2 | Quito | Basilica del Voto Nacional Church - Panecillo - Plaza de San Francisco - Plaza Grande - La Ronda - Zona Rosa - Middle of the World City | Choosen | Not Included | Included | |
| D3 | Otavalo - Quito | Quito - Cayambe - Otavalo Market - Cotacachi - Cuicocha | Choosen | Included | Included | |
| D4 | Transfer Out |
| BASE PAXS | RATES per passengers |
|---|---|
| 6 | USD 440 |
• Lodging in a double room in the hotels mentioned, with American or Buffet Breakfast.
• Meals mentioned in the program.
• Entries and visits of the program.
• English parking Driver Guide.
• Luggage transportation (one piece per person).
• Entrance
• International and National flights.
• Full board.
• Personal drinks and any other expenses not mentioned in the program.
• All services not mentioned above.
• Tips to guide and driver.
• Freebies
Upon confirmation, a deposit of 30% of the total package booked is required. The balance must be paid 30 days before departure.
CANCELLATION PENALTY
| # Passenger |
|---|
Arrival in Lima, the “City of Kings” famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”, and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
Tour of Modern and Colonial Lima – This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.
Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet.
Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.
Tour of Cusco and Nearby Ruins – Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco’s Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.
New Year’s dinner at hotel
Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it – you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had a free day to discover this imperial city on their own a free day in Cusco is a MUST
Morning train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca “Virgins of the Sun” took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival.
Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress – Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a unique Indian Market takes place daily. The variety of products offered is overwhelming, from pottery with reproductions of archaeological pieces, to all kinds of textiles, jewelry and Peruvian handicrafts. During your visit to this bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders. Grab the items you like, you will hardly see the same one again.
Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a “Living Inca Town” since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight at the select hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Breakfast
The morning is dedicated to a beautiful panoramic hike to get to know the typical vegetation of the island
Visit an area with great mangroves, the Cerro Ochilla lookout with a beautiful view of the coast. Continue to visit a lagoon inhabited by pink flamingos.
Before returning to the country you will visit a turtle farm.
In the early afternoon transfer to the port and departure with quick boat to Santa Cruz (about 2 hours and 30).
Arrival transfer to hotel.
Free dinner
Breakfast
Alarm clock at 6:30 AM. Breakfast and Departure for the Sierra Negra Volcano at 8.00 am. You cross a dense vegetation area to get to where the road ends. From here you continue on foot. The Sierra Negra Volcano Crater is the second largest volcano in the world.
You reach the crater in about 2h30 walking. The view is amazing. Continue along the crest of the crater to the crater which has a diameter of about 8 KM. Continue to the Chico Volcano (45 m.). Here it comes into contact with the last volcanic passage walking in the middle of the lava.
The landscape is lunar, with small craters still smoking, lava flows fresh red and yellow, and an incredible view across the island, the sea, and the volcanoes to the north of Isabela. Box lunch on the volcano. The path is not difficult but requires good physical training. Trekking shoes with rigid soles are required. The first part of the trail is the steepest and you can encounter a lot of mud, while the crater to the Chico Volcano trail is almost always dry and with a lava-hard bottom. Indispensable waterproof windproof jacket, high protection cap, and sun cream.
Return to the car and return to the hotel. Arrival at the hotel is scheduled for 15/16. Snorkeling in the resort Concha Perla. Near the Isabela pier lies this creek where many puppies of Leoni marini meet normally.
TINTORERAS OPTION (lunch not included): passengers will have to choose one of the two options when confirming
For those who do not want to try the volcano walk you will be able to visit Tintoreras Island. Short boat transfer to the Tintoreras area. Along the way, they meet on the coast, pelicans, penguins, and blue-eyed ducks.
It then landed for a walk in the volcanic lava where the iguanas sunbathe. In an anfrat where the tide enters and exits the water forming a small river, rest the sharks. Shark is a fish that normally can not stand for long without moving; here it finds the ideal habitat to stop and rest. From a small belvedere, you see closely the sharks hanging on the backdrop.
LOS TUNELES OPTION WITH SUPPLEMENT
Also for those who do not want to try the volcano walk you will be able to take an alternative excursion to Los Tuneles with supplements. One of the best snorkeling sites on Isabela Island. The lava flows have formed tunnels, both outside and inside the water. You will be able to meet Leoni Marini, Turtles, Mante and multicolored fish.
Box lunch
Free dinner Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast
At 07.00 am Embark on the public speedboat for transfer to Isabela Island. Approximately two and a half hours journey.
Arrive at Isabela and transfer to Hotel.
Free lunch
In the afternoon visit to the island of Tintoreras. Short boat transfer to the Tintoreras area. Along the way they meet on the coast, pelicans, penguins and blue-eyed ducks.
It then landed for a walk in the volcanic lava where the iguanas sunbathe. In an anfrat where the tide enters and exits the water forming a small river, rest the sharks. Shark is a fish that normally can not stand for long without moving; here it finds the ideal habitat to stop and rest. From a small belvedere you see closely the sharks hanging on the backdrop.
Free dinner and overnight at the chosen hotel
Arrival at Baltra airport, reception from our representative and shared transfer without guide to the Itabaca Canal, across the canal (5 minutes) and arrival on Santa Cruz Island. Shared transfer without a guide to the HOTEL PRESCELTO with the town of Puerto Ayora.
Lunch included.
Visit the High Part of the Island. In this area, you will see numerous colonies of giant turtles in the free state. Return to Puerto Ayora. Visit to the Darwin station.
In 1835, Charles Darwin, then a young naturalist, landed at the Galápagos aboard the Beagle brigaded by Robert Fitzroy, who had the task of making a detailed map of the coasts of South America. Darwin used the observations made to the Galápagos to develop and confirm his ideas on the evolution of the species. In the 20th century, the islands were the destination of many scientists from all over the world. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared all the uninhabited areas a national park, and the Charles Darwin Research Center was founded in Santa Cruz. Tourism began in the 1970s with the arrival of a sailing vessel with 58 passengers.
The Charles Darwin research station leads and promotes scientific research at Galápagos to provide information and technical assistance to the National Park and government offices. It also organizes environmental education initiatives for local communities, schools and visitors who come to the islands every year.
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight.
Breakfast
Depending on availability you will be able to visit one of the following islands:
After breakfast Transfer to the Itabaca Canal, embarkation and departure for Bartolome.
It is one of the youngest archipelago islands and has an area of about 1.2 sq. Km. The island offers one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos. From the top of its volcano off as well as the two beaches and the famous Pinnacle Rock, you will be able to admire several surrounding islands.
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon landing wet on a beach (the inflatable will leave you a few meters from the beach you will have to walk a little in the water)
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer to the Itabaca Canal and departure for Seymour Nord, a small island near Baltra. The island is covered with shrubbery, it has a surface of 1.9kmq and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. There are important colonies of blue-eyed sublephans, frigates, and swallow-gulls.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz.
Free dinner and overnight stay.
PLAZA – Dry landingBreakfast. Transfer to the Itabaca Canal.
It is a small island located east of Santa Cruz. It has an area of 0.13 sq. Km and an altitude of 23 m. Covered by a mantle of red vegetation is Otarie’s habitat, land-based Iguana and swallowtail gulls. On the one hand, the isle overlooks a canal where the sea is quiet, while on the opposite side the landscape changes completely: the ocean is knocked down with all its strength on a high cliff.
Possibility to snorkel in a quiet sea area.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Ayora pier
Santa Fé (Barrington): named after the same Spanish city, it has an area of 24 km² and an altitude of 259 meters above sea level. Santa Fe hosts an Opuntia and Palo Santo cactus forest. Its corrugated cliffs offer shelter to swallow-shaped seagulls, tropical birds from the red beetle, and prostitutes. In Santa Fé there is a colony of sea lions, and often ground iguanas and lava lizards are seen. The island has a lagoon frequented by turtles and calm waters. Possibility of snorkeling. Lunch on board .. Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast
Bay Tours
We board and head towards Baia Academia in Santa Cruz. Visit the lobster, a small isle where you can swim and snorkel along with the sea lions (unique experience). You will know places such as the Love Channel, the Shark Channel, the crevasse, and the beach of the dogs. You will be able to see sharks, sea lions, and blue iguana paws. The tour takes about 3 hours approximately
Free lunch
Departure for a visit to the upper part of the island with its twin craters. Two large circular holes are similar to craters. At first, it was thought that they were two craters, later it was discovered that these are two colonies of the earth’s crust. The lava that tried to get out, without succeeding, formed two big bubbles of air in the ground. Subsequently, the earth’s crust, with the weight of vegetation, collapsed, forming these large, crater-like holes. The surrounding vegetation is lush and full of endemic birds.
Continue to visit a farm where, along with cows, live giant turtles in the free state. Short walk to the farm:
In most of the islands, the turtles were almost extinct. Passenger ships sailors picked them up to have fresh meat on board: In fact, turtles can live long without eating or drinking. Now after the declaration of the Galapagos National Park, parkers plant them in the Charles Darwin station for up to three years and then leave them free. These breeds are used to make the new predators introduced by humans, especially wild dogs, and cats, not eat when they are still small and with soft shells. In fact, one of the biggest problems of the Galapagos is not so much tourism as it is the presence on the islands of non-endemic animals.
The endemic species suddenly found themselves competing in the territory with other unknown animals against whom they had not developed any type of defense. So the turtle population has returned to be numerous: Your guide will explain in detail all the activities the park researchers are doing to preserve this paradise.
Free dinner and overnight stay
Breakfast
Boat excursion to the island of Leon Dormido will have to be seen from the boat, sea lions, frigates, and blue-eyed sule. Time to snorkel. (if you are interested in snorkeling rent a muddy, the water is a bit cold).
Lunch in the restaurant. Return to Puerto Barquerizo and visit Manglesito Playa.
Return to hotel, time available. Dinner in the restaurant and overnight at the hotel
Arrival, reception by our representative, and transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Installation in a hotel and lunch in a restaurant.
In the afternoon visit the Interpretation Center. Continue on foot for a nice walk to Cerro Tijeritas. Along the course, you will be able to see Frigates and Sule with blue paws. Stunning views of the island’s coastline.
Visit Loberia.
From Puerto Baquerizo you walk for 40 minutes, along the coral-colored beach, to reach a colony of sea lions, a spectacle! Here you can also see the great Galapagos marine iguanas (unique in the world), lava lizards, frigates, many species of fringes, and other fascinating creatures.
During the walk, you can find different mangroves, chala, holy pole, cotton, Tiquila and other species of typical coastal plants such as the Cacho de chivo, whose seeds are the main source of food for several kinds of fringes.
Return to the city, dinner at the restaurant, and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast
Depending on availability you will be able to visit one of the following islands:
After breakfast Transfer to the Itabaca Canal, embarkation and departure for Bartolome.
It is one of the youngest archipelago islands and has an area of about 1.2 sq. Km. The island offers one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos. From the top of its volcano off as well as the two beaches and the famous Pinnacle Rock, you will be able to admire several surrounding islands.
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon landing wet on a beach (the inflatable will leave you a few meters from the beach you will have to walk a little in the water)
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer to the Itabaca Canal and departure for Seymour Nord, a small island near Baltra. The island is covered with shrubbery, it has a surface of 1.9kmq and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. There are important colonies of blue-eyed sublephans, frigates, and swallow-gulls.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz.
Free dinner and overnight stay.
PLAZA – Dry landingBreakfast. Transfer to the Itabaca Canal.
It is a small island located east of Santa Cruz. It has an area of 0.13 sq. Km and an altitude of 23 m. Covered by a mantle of red vegetation is Otarie’s habitat, land-based Iguana and swallowtail gulls. On the one hand, the isle overlooks a canal where the sea is quiet, while on the opposite side the landscape changes completely: the ocean is knocked down with all its strength on a high cliff.
Possibility to snorkel in a quiet sea area.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Ayora pier
Santa Fé (Barrington): named after the same Spanish city, it has an area of 24 km² and an altitude of 259 meters above sea level. Santa Fe hosts an Opuntia and Palo Santo cactus forest. Its corrugated cliffs offer shelter to swallow-shaped seagulls, tropical birds from the red beetle, and prostitutes. In Santa Fé there is a colony of sea lions, and often ground iguanas and lava lizards are seen. The island has a lagoon frequented by turtles and calm waters. Possibility of snorkeling. Lunch on board .. Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast
Departure to the High Land are quite a special place to visit , as it is home to a variety of bio zones that you can see during your hike. San Cristobal highlands reach a maximum elevation of 730 meters (2400 feets) and have a cooler weather than Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Visit La Galapaguera a tortoise research and conservation center, also a sanctuary for giant tortoise where we will learn more about these unique creatures in a natural setting.
Lunch included
We will continue on to the last visitors site of our Galapagos day tour and reach Puerto Chino Beach , an isolated baylocated on the southeastern part of San Cristobal Island.On this beach we can swim and spot blue- footed boobies and sea lions.
Return to hotel, time available.
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight.
Overnight OPUNTIA HOTEL *** or similar
Breakfast
Boat excursion to the island of Leon Dormido will have to be seen from the boat, sea lions, frigates and blue-eyed sule. Time to snorkel. (if you are interested in snorkeling rent a muddy, water is a bit cold).
Lunch in the restaurant.
Return to Puerto Barquerizo and visit Manglesito playa.
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight.
Overnight OPUNTIA HOTEL *** or similar
Arrival, reception by our representative and transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Installation in hotel and
Lunch in restaurant.
In the afternoon visit of the Interpretation Center. Continue on foot for a nice walk to Cerro Tijeritas. Along the course you will be able to see Frigates and Sule with blue paws. Stunning views of the island’s coastline. Visit Loberia.
From Puerto Baquerizo you walk for 40 minutes, along the coral-colored beach, to reach a colony of sea lions, a spectacle! Here you can also see the great Galapagos marine iguanas (unique in the world), lava lizards, frigates, many species of fringes, and other fascinating creatures.
During the walk you can find different mangroves, chala, holy pole, cotton, Tiquila and other species of typical coastal plants such as the Cacho de chivo, whose seeds are the main source of food for several kinds of fringes.
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight.
Overnight OPUNTIA HOTEL *** or similar
Breakfast
FREE DAY OPTIONAL BELLOW
Depending on the availability, one of the following visits will be offered upon confirmation:
Depending on availability you will be able to visit one of the following islands:
BARTOLOME – Dry landing
After breakfast transfer to Itabaca Canal, embarkation and departure for Bartolome.
It is one of the youngest archipelago islands and has an area of about 1.2 sq. Km. The island offers one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos. From the top of its volcano off as well as the two beaches and the famous Pinnacle Rock, you will be able to admire several surrounding islands
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon landing wet on a beach (the inflatable will leave you a few meters from the beach you will have to walk a little in the water)
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer to the Itabaca Canal and departure for Seymour Nord, a small island near Baltra. The island is covered with shrubbery, it has a surface of 1.9km and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. There are important colonies of blue-eyed, collapsed colonies, and swallowtail gulls.
Dry landing. On board.
Return to Santa Cruz.
Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to the Itabaca Canal.
It is a small island located east of Santa Cruz. It has an area of 0.13 sq. Km and an altitude of 23 m. Covered by a mantle of red vegetation is Otarie habitat, land-based Iguanas and swallowtail gulls. On the one hand, the isle faces a canal where the sea is quiet, while the other side of the landscape changes completely: the ocean is knocked down with all its strength on a high cliff.
Possibility to snorkel in a quiet sea area.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Ayora pier
Santa Fé (Barrington): named after the same Spanish city, it has an area of 24 km² and an altitude of 259 meters above sea level. Santa Fe hosts an Opuntia and Palo Santo cactus forest. Its corrugated cliffs offer shelter to swallow-shaped seagulls, tropical birds from thered beetle and prostitutes. In Santa Fé there is a colony of sea lions and often the earth iguanas and lava lizards are often sighted. The island has a lagoon frequented by turtles and calm waters. Possibility of snorkeling. Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Alarm clock at 6:30 AM. Breakfast and Departure for the Sierra Negra Volcano at 8.00 am. You cross a dense vegetation area to get to where the road ends. From here you continue on foot. The Sierra Negra Volcano Crater is the second largest volcano in the world.
You reach the crater in about 2h30 walking. The view is amazing. Continue along the crest of the crater to the crater which has a diameter of about 8 KM. Continue to the Chico Volcano (45 m.). Here it comes into contact with the last volcanic passage walking in the middle of the lava.
The landscape is lunar, with small craters still smoking, lava flows fresh red and yellow, and an incredible view across the island, the sea, and the volcanoes to the north of Isabela. Box lunch on the volcano. The path is not difficult but requires good physical training. Trekking shoes with rigid soles are required. The first part of the trail is the steepest and you can encounter a lot of mud, while the crater to the Chico Volcano trail is almost always dry and with a lava-hard bottom. Indispensable waterproof windproof jacket, high protection cap and sun cream.
Lunch included
Dinner not included
Return to Santa Cruz
Upon arrival at Baltra airport, reception and transfer to Itabaca Strait (5 minutes) ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 minutes). From here you continue by car / private bus to the town of Puerto Ayora. Depending on the time of the flight Lunch is not included. RECOMMENDS BOOKING FLIGHTS THAT WILL GO TO BALTRA BEFORE AND NOT IN OUR HOURS 11.30
Visit twin craters. Two large circular holes are similar to craters. At first, it was thought that they were two craters, later it was discovered that these are two collapses of the earth’s crust. The lava that tried to get out, without succeeding, formed two big bubbles of air in the ground. Subsequently, the earth’s crust, with the weight of vegetation collapsed, forming these large crater-like holes. The surrounding lush vegetation is full of endemic birds.
The endemic species suddenly found themselves competing in the territory with other unknown animals against whom they had not developed any kind of defense.
By doing so the turtle population has come back to be numerous: Your guide will explain in detail all the activities the park researchers are doing to preserve this paradise.
Free lunch
Visit to the Darwin station
In 1835 Charles Darwin, then a young naturalist, landed at the Galápagos aboard the Beagle under the orders of Robert Fitzroy, who had the task of making a detailed map of the coasts of South America. Darwin used the observations made to the Galápagos to develop and confirm his ideas on the evolution of species. In the twentieth century, the islands were the destination of many scientists from all over the world. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared all the uninhabited areas national park, and the Charles Darwin Research Center was founded in Santa Cruz. Tourism began in the 1970s with the arrival of a sailing ship with 58 passengers.
The Charles Darwin research station leads and promotes scientific research at Galápagos to provide information and technical assistance to the National Park and government offices. It also organizes environmental education initiatives aimed at local communities, schools, and visitors who arrive each year on the islands.
The research station has a team of about 200 scientists, educators, volunteers, and young researchers who provide support to international staff. Information provided to the park’s administrative offices is used to optimize conservation programs for land and marine environments.
Time to walk to Charles Darwin Avenue, shop, and see one of the most picturesque fish markets in the world. Pike puppies, pelicans, and other birds stand near the fishermen waiting for their own fish ration … an impassable spectacle.
Free dinner and overnight at the chosen hotel
We recommend a night walk on the pier of Santa Cruz, where you will be able to admire the squalls that are attracted by the lights of the pier.
Breakfast.
Bay Tours
We board and head towards Baia Academia in Santa Cruz. Visit the Lobster, a small island where you can swim and snorkel along with sea lions (a unique experience). You will know places such as the Love Channel, the Shark Channel, crevices, and the beach of dogs. You will be able to see sharks, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and iguana paws. The tour takes approximately 3 hours.
Free lunch
Departure for a visit to the upper part of the island with its twin craters. Two large circular holes are similar to craters. At first, it was thought that they were two craters; later, it was discovered that they are two colonies of the earth’s crust. The lava that tried to get out, without succeeding, formed two big bubbles of air in the ground. Subsequently, the earth’s crust, under the weight of vegetation, collapsed, forming these large, crater-like holes. The surrounding vegetation is lush and full of endemic birds.
Continue to visit a farm where, along with cows, live giant turtles in the wild. A short walk to the farm:
On most of the islands, the turtles were almost extinct. Passenger ships and sailors picked them up to have fresh meat on board. In fact, turtles can live for a long time without eating or drinking. Now, after the declaration of the Galapagos National Park, park inhabitants plant them in the Charles Darwin Station for three years and then leave them free. These breeds are used to keep the new predators introduced by humans, especially wild dogs and cats, from being eaten when they are still small and have soft shells. In fact, one of the biggest problems of the Galapagos is not so much tourism as it is the presence on the islands of non-endemic animals. The endemic species suddenly found themselves competing in the territory with other unknown animals against whom they had not developed any type of defense. So the turtle population has returned to be numerous. Your guide will explain in detail all the activities the park researchers are doing to preserve this paradise.
Free dinner and overnight stay.
Depending on availability you will be able to visit one of the following islands:
After breakfast Transfer to the Itabaca Canal, embarkation and departure for Bartolome.
It is one of the youngest archipelago islands and has an area of about 1.2 sq. Km. The island offers one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos. From the top of its volcano off as well as the two beaches and the famous Pinnacle Rock, you will be able to admire several surrounding islands.
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon landing wet on a beach (the inflatable will leave you a few meters from the beach you will have to walk a little in the water)
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer to the Itabaca Canal and departure for Seymour Nord, a small island near Baltra. The island is covered with shrubbery, it has a surface of 1.9kmq and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. There are important colonies of blue-eyed sublephans, frigates, and swallow-gulls.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz.
Free dinner and overnight stay.
PLAZA – Dry landingBreakfast. Transfer to the Itabaca Canal.
It is a small island located east of Santa Cruz. It has an area of 0.13 sq. Km and an altitude of 23 m. Covered by a mantle of red vegetation is Otarie’s habitat, land-based Iguana and swallowtail gulls. On the one hand, the isle overlooks a canal where the sea is quiet, while on the opposite side the landscape changes completely: the ocean is knocked down with all its strength on a high cliff.
Possibility to snorkel in a quiet sea area.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Ayora pier
Santa Fé (Barrington): named after the same Spanish city, it has an area of 24 km² and an altitude of 259 meters above sea level. Santa Fe hosts an Opuntia and Palo Santo cactus forest. Its corrugated cliffs offer shelter to swallow-shaped seagulls, tropical birds from the red beetle, and prostitutes. In Santa Fé there is a colony of sea lions, and often ground iguanas and lava lizards are seen. The island has a lagoon frequented by turtles and calm waters. Possibility of snorkeling. Lunch on board .. Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Arrival at Baltra airport and transfer to Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. Check-in at the chosen hotel. Lunch and departure for Tortuga Bay visit. The beach can be reached by walking on a comfortable footpath in the middle of the typical vegetation of this Galapagos island; on arrival, after about 45 minutes of walking, there is a wonderful view: a white sandy beach where you can bathe in the company of sea turtles, marshes and marine iguanas. Return to Puerto Ayora .
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight at the chosen hotel.
Breakfast and departure to visit Quito colonial City + Middle of the world with the fantastic churches, attractions and colonial historical building
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Swissotel Quito *****or similar
Breakfast and depart to the hummingbird park where you will see 14 species of this specific bird it is a paradise next will go to the Papallacta Hot Spring where will have a relaxing pool. After lunch, head towards Quito, the historic masterpiece in the high Andes, at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Arrive at the hotel in this city.
Lunch included
Dinner not included
Overnight Swissotel Quito *****or similar
Breakfast and this morning, after a canoe ride you can hike in the Misicocha Private Nature Reserve for approximately two hours while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna up-close also visit the Kichwa family to know their Amazon life.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Casa del Suizo *****or similar
Breakfast and visit the powerful Devils Cauldron (El Pailon del Diablo) * one of Ecuador’s most striking waterfalls. After a box lunch, travel to the Amazon Lodge which is located inside the rainforest.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Casa del Suizo *****or similar
Morning breakfast and after visiting the archeological site of the Incas at Ingapirca, travel from Cuenca to the little village of Alausi, where you can ride the fabled “Devil’s Nose” train. After returning to Alausi, eat lunch at a local restaurant. then proceed to Riobamba.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Abraspungo*****or similar
After breakfast, travel to the little town of Gualaceo, where traditional textiles are made. After lunch, you will visit the colonial city of Cuenca, which has churches and other attractions, and meet with an orchid farmer who produces and ships thousands of orchids every year.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Mansion Alcazar*****or similar
Breakfast and a visit to a cocoa plantation to see how chocolate is made; Ecuador is a major producer of cocoa around the world, and chocolate is one of their successful exports; after lunch, travel to the magnificent city of Cuenca.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Mansion Alcazar*****or similar
Breakfast and visit Guayaquil City, Begin your tour of Guayaquil at Parque Centenario, home of the Monument of the Independence Heroes and Seminario Park, a favorite place of bird watchers, and visit the Malecon 2000, and las Peñas Hill.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Wyndham River ***** or similar
Departure from our designated hotels in Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving in Cayambe, where the passengers will have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos de Cayambe”, a type of cracker or bread baked in a clay oven (greatly paired with local cheese or caramel sauce). After admiring Lake San Pablo, we will arrive at the Otavalo Market, the largest in America, where the indigenous people of the area, known as “Otavalos”, one of Ecuador’s most recognized ethnic groups, make and sell their textiles and handicrafts.
Passengers may choose between staying in this area and enjoying more time from the market and our bus will pick them up at the end of the tour (they will not visit Cotacachi and Cuicocha), or continue with the journey to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts. On the way to Cotacachi, we will visit an Andean instrument workshop “Ñanda Mañachi” located in the area of Peguche, to spend some special moments with the local people and understand the Andean culture.
In Cotacachi you have enough time to visit the village, the shops of leather goods, and free time for lunch.
Lunch included.
Later we will visit the Ecological Reserve where the Cuicocha lagoon is located, inside the crater of the Cotacachi Volcano, which originated after a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. And if the weather permits it will be possible to make a walk by the lagoon, that is to say sailing in the crater of the volcano in small boats (with additional cost).
Dinner included
Overnight HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT OR SIMILAR ****
Breakfast and departure to Quito City
Visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where we will make a brief stop for an explanation of its facade, to later move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty, and where is a giant statue of the “Winged Virgin”, where you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Later we will continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city and full of history, from where we will walk to the Plaza Grande, the historical and political center of the city, surrounded by innumerable attractions including the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop’s Palace and the La Compañía church.
We continue our tour meeting the traditional La Ronda neighborhood, in whose romantic setting we can find workshops where our visitors will learn with a group of authentic artisans, how their works are elaborated, and trades of yesteryear that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city, in this emblematic street you will have the opportunity to visit an ice cream shop where you can find very traditional flavors of Ecuador, as well as a visit to one of the artisan workshops: Panamá hats or joinery or tinwork or products made from the honey bee. (Entrance to churches is not included).
We will stop at the “Zona Rosa” of the city, approximately an hour and a half to have free time for lunch (not included), and later we continue with our excursion “Authentic Middle of the World Tour”.
We go to the “Middle of the World City”, where you can see the monument that divides the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere of the planet. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line that divides the world and it is a must-see place for those who visit Quito. Includes entrance to the Middle of the World complex, where you can live experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. After visiting this privileged place and registering it in your passport, you will always see Ecuador and the Middle of the World in a different way.
Lunch included
Dinner included
Overnight Rio Amazonas hotel OR SIMILAR ***
Breakfast and departure to take the Devil Nose Train, Ecuador’s train system are quite remarkable. For the workers and engineers to have created a viable passage from Quito to Guayaquil over a century ago with the technology available at the time is nothing less than heroic. The track goes over rocky ravines, along raging rivers, through dense cloud forests, and around mountains. But by far the most impressive section of the railway is the so-called “Devil’s Nose”, a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes through some of Ecuador’s most breathtaking scenery.
Building the railway on the central plateau or on the coastal plains was relatively easy. The hard part was finding a spot between Quito and Guayaquil where they could be connected. In 1901, the engineers found their place: a mountainside known to the locals as “the Condor’s Aerie.” This section of track, now named “the Devil’s Nose” because of the many deaths among the workers that occurred there and the sheer difficulty of building it, connects the Alausí and Sibambe stations.
The elevation of the track drops some 500 meters over the course of only twelve kilometers; to put that in perspective, Quito is only about 2800 meters above sea level. The Devil’s Nose crossing is made by using switchbacks: the train rumbles ahead past a junction, then backs down the next section, before going forward again. It was the only way to get the lumbering trains down the hill.
The history behind the Devil’s Nose section is interesting. About 3,000 Jamaicans and 1,000 Puerto Ricans were brought in to work on the project. Many men died during construction; the number is estimated at around 2,000. After the project, many of the workers remained in Ecuador; about 300 Jamaicans decided to stay. Among their legacies is Ecuador’s most famous singer of the past, Julio Jaramillo, whose grandfather was one of the Jamaican workers.
The Devil’s Nose has always been the most popular section of Ecuador’s train track. Even in the 1990s, when nearly all of the train sections had fallen into disuse and decay, the Devil’s Nose remained open because of the many visitors who came to ride it.After of this activity return to Quito City
Lunch & Dinner included
Overnight HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT OR SIMILAR ****
Breakfast and departure to Cotopaxi National Park.
We will leave from Quito and take the road to the Andes and in only 1 hour approx, we will arrive to Cotopaxi National Park.
The Cotopaxi volcano, an almost perfect snow cone that rises to 5,897 meters is unique in the world and is perhaps, next to the Galápagos, the greatest symbol of our natural geography recognized worldwide.
Thousands of climbers from all nationalities have achieved this peak and many others dream of doing it. Because it is located in the center of the inter-Andean corridor and close to several cities such as Quito and Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most visited and where many people probably first touch snow.
The imposing Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, dominates the landscape of the protected area, which also includes two smaller volcanoes close by; Morurco (4,880 m) and Rumiñahui (4,722 m). Cotopaxi is located in an area called “Avenida de los Volcanes”(Avenue of the Volcanoes), named by German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt in 1802 referring to volcanoes of the central and northern Ecuadorian highlands. The predominant ecosystem in the park is moorland, with its own unique flora and fauna. Vegetation is principally scrub and small, low shrubs.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Jose Rivas refuge which is located at 4800mtr
Lunch included
After lunch will go to Alausí but along the route, you will have the opportunity to see the volcanoes route and a small short indigenous kichwas town.
Dinner included
Overnight Norris Hotel OR SIMILAR ***
Arrive to Quito airport where our tour guide will wait for you, after that will go to the Quito Hotel.
Dinner included
(Optional Quito City by NIGHT EXTRA COST )
Overnight RIO AMAZONAS OR SIMILAR ***
Arrival at Baltra airport, reception from our representative, and shared transfer without guide to the Itabaca Canal, across the Channel (5 minutes), and arriving on Santa Cruz Island. Shared transfer without a guide to the Hotel with the town of Puerto Ayora.
Lunch included.
Visit the High Part of the Island. In this area, you will see numerous colonies of giant turtles in the free state. Return to Puerto Ayora. Visit the Darwin station
In 1835 Charles Darwin, then a young naturalist landed at the Galápagos on board the Beagle brigandine captained by Robert Fitzroy, who had the task of making a detailed map of the coasts of South America. Darwin used the observations made in the Galápagos to develop and confirm his ideas on the evolution of species. In the 20th century, the islands were the target of many scientists from all over the world. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared all the non-inhabited areas a national park, and the Charles Darwin Research Center was founded in Santa Cruz. Tourism began in the 1970s with the arrival of a sailing vessel with 58 passengers.
Charles Darwin research station conducts and promotes scientific research at Galápagos to provide information and technical assistance to the National Park and Government Administration Offices. It also organizes environmental education initiatives aimed at local communities, schools, and visitors who arrive each year on the islands.
Dinner in the restaurant and overnight.
Breakfast
Day available for personal activities
Meals are not included.
However, it is advisable to book a different daily excursion in advance.
Otherwise, you can visit the beautiful beach of Tortuga Bay at a 30/45 minute walk from the Hotel.
If you decide to go get some water and something to eat, in Tortuga Bay over a kilometer of white sand there are only the sea and the iguanas. Return to Santa Cruz. Overnight.
FREE MEALS
Breakfast
Depending on availability you will be able to visit one of the following islands:
After breakfast Transfer to the Itabaca Canal, embarkation and departure for Bartolome.
It is one of the youngest archipelago islands and has an area of about 1.2 sq. Km. The island offers one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos. From the top of its volcano as well as the two beaches and the famous Pinnacle Rock, you will be able to admire several surrounding islands.
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon landing wet on a beach (the inflatable will leave you a few meters from the beach you will have to walk a little in the water)
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.SEYMOUR – Dry landing
After breakfast transfer to the Itabaca Canal and departure for Seymour Nord, a small island near Baltra. The island is covered with shrubbery, it has a surface of 1.9 km and a maximum altitude of 28 meters. Here there are important colonies of blue-eyed ducks and swallow-shaped gulls.
Dry landing. On board.
Return to Santa Cruz.Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to the Itabaca Canal.
It is a small island located east of Santa Cruz. It has an area of 0.13 sq. Km and an altitude of 23 m. Covered by a mantle of red vegetation are Otarie’s habitat, land-based Iguana and swallowtail gulls. On the one hand, the isle overlooks a canal where the sea is quiet, while on the opposite side the landscape changes completely: the ocean is knocked down with all its strength on a high cliff.
Possibility to snorkel in a quiet sea area.
Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast. Transfer to Puerto Ayora pier
Santa Fé (Barrington): named after the same Spanish city, it has an area of 24 km² and an altitude of 259 meters above sea level. Santa Fe hosts an Opuntia and Palo Santo cactus forest. Its corrugated cliffs offer shelter to swallow-shaped seagulls, tropical birds from the red beetle, and prostitutes. In Santa Fé there is a colony of sea lions, and often ground iguanas and lava lizards are seen. The island has a lagoon frequented by turtles and calm waters. Possibility of snorkeling. Lunch on board.
Return to Santa Cruz. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Departure days: Wednesday and Sunday
Navigation Time: 1 Hour 20 minutes
Pick up Time: 07:30 am – 08:00am
Tour description:
South Plazas is situated on the east cost of Santa Cruz Island, it`s formed from uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest island on the archipelago. This Island despite its size has a lot of concentration of wildlife.
We will disembark in a small dock frequently occupied by sea lions. After this we will continue through a small forest of prickly pear cacti with their yellow flowers where could be lots of land iguanas waiting for their fruits and flowers fall of to the ground, to get finally up to the cliff, where you can often see a shoal of the endemic yellow-tailed mullet.
The cliff is an excellent to view swallow-tailed gulls, tropic bird, frigate birds, pelicans, at the eastern end of the island bull sea lions congregate there to rest after losing their territory and recover energy and try to be again the beach master.
After this nice walk, we go back to the boat for lunch and sail to Punta Carrion for snorkeling activity where we can see sea turtles, white tip reef sharks, sea lions and lots of fish, back to Puerto Ayora around 16:30.
Departure days: Tuesday and Saturday
Navigation Time: 1 Hour
Pick up Time: 07:30 am – 08:00am
Tour description:
Enjoy a navigable tour to North Seymour, a 1.9 km² island located northbound from Baltra. The main fauna species of this island are Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate bird with their incredible scarlet regular pouch, blue-footed boobies and their particular courtship dance and sea lions surfing across the waves. Lunch on board. After lunch we will do snorkeling in Bachas OR Mosquera where you will be able to discover tones of different fish species and also swim with sea lions. Return to your hotel.
Departure days: Monday and Friday
Navigation Time: 2 Hours 20 minutes
Pick up Time: 06:30 am – 07:00 am
Tour description:
Early in the morning, transfer to Baltra to start our navigable tour to Bartholomew. Bartholomew is a small island located next to Santiago Island. One of the Islands´ principal attractions is the “pinnacle rock” In order to see it properly will make an easy hike for around and hour. In this excursion you will learn from the volcanic landscape of the island and see different species such as: lava lizard or cacti, once we reach the top will have a magnificent view of the Pinnacle rock in contrast with the volcanic landscape blended with the turquoise waters of the surrounding beaches. After the excursion we will proceed to do snorkeling in one of the coral beaches of the areas where if we are lucky we will see: Marine turtles, sea lions, multicolor fish and penguins. Lunch will be on board in the afternoon we will return to hotel for accommodation.
| Friday: | AM: Baltra Is: Airport and transfer |
| PM: Bartolomé Is. | |
| Saturday: | AM: Genovesa Is: Darwin Bay |
| PM: Genovesa Is: El Barranco | |
| Sunday: | AM: South Plazas Is. |
| PM: Santa Fe | |
| Monday: | AM: Santa Cruz Is: El Chato – Twin Craters |
| AM: Santa Cruz Is: Charles Darwin | |
| Tuesday: | AM: Santa Cruz North Is: Borrero Bay |
| PM: Baltra Is: Transfer and airport |
| Monday: | AM: San Cristobal Is: Airport and transfer |
| PM: San Cristobal Is: Interpretation Center/ Cerro Colorado | |
| Tuesday: | AM: San Cristobal Is: Punta Pitt |
| PM: San Cristobal Is: Brujo Hill/ Sleeping Lion | |
| Wednesday: | AM: Española Is: Gardner Bay |
| PM: Española Is: Suarez Point | |
| Thursday: | AM: Floreana Is: Mirador Baronessa/ Post Office |
| PM: Floreana Is: Cormorant | |
| Friday: | AM: North Seymour Is. |
| PM: Baltra Is: Transfer and airport |
| Monday: | AM: San Cristobal Is: Airport and transfer |
| PM: San Cristobal Is: Interpretation Center/ Cerro Colorado | |
| Tuesday: | AM: San Cristobal Is: Punta Pitt |
| PM: San Cristobal Is: Brujo Hill/ Sleeping Lion | |
| Wednesday: | AM: Española Is: Gardner Bay |
| PM: Española Is: Suarez Point | |
| Thursday: | AM: Floreana Is: Mirador Baronessa/ Post Office |
| PM: Floreana Is: Cormorant | |
| Friday: | AM: North Seymour Is. |
| PM: Bartolomé Is. | |
| Saturday: | AM: Genovesa Is: Darwin Bay |
| PM: Genovesa Is: El Barranco | |
| Sunday: | AM: South Plazas Is. |
| PM: Santa Fe | |
| Monday: | AM: Santa Cruz Is: El Chato – Twin Craters |
| PM: Santa Cruz Is: Charles Darwin | |
| Tuesday: | AM: Santa Cruz North Is: Borrero Bay |
| PM: Baltra Is: Transfer and airport |
| Tuesday: | AM: Baltra Is. Airport and transfer | |||
| PM: Rábida Is. | ||||
| Wednesday: | AM: Santiago Is: Caleta Bucanero | |||
| PM: Santiago Is: Egas Port/ Espumilla | ||||
| Thursday: | AM: Fernandina Is: Espinoza Point | |||
| PM: Isabela Is: Urbina Bay | ||||
| Friday: | AM: Isabela Is: Elizabeth Bay | |||
| PM: Isabela Is: Moreno Point | ||||
| Saturday: | AM: Isabela Is: Tintoreras/ Volcán Chico Sierra N | |||
| PM Isabela Is: Wall of tears - Tortoise Center | ||||
| Sunday: | AM: Santa Cruz Is. Charles Darwin Center | |||
| PM: Santa Cruz Is: Tortuga Bay | ||||
| Monday: | AM: San Cristobal Is: Isla Lobos | |||
| AM: San Cristobal Is: Transfer and airport |
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