Private arrival transfer.
Transfer out from Quito to take the flight from Quito to Baltra´s airport where a naturalist guide will transfer you to Puerto Ayora. Your guide will take you to hotel and you have the afternoon free to enjoy Puerto Ayora and the hotel area which is nice as you have a beach in front of it.
Your flight to the Galapagos:
Avianca #1688 Departing Quito at 1000- Arriving Baltra at 1110
Flight from Quito to Baltra´s airport where a naturalist guide will transfer you to Puerto Ayora. The guide will give you the Galapagos National Park entrance fee as well as the Transit control card. Your guide will take you to hotel and you have the afternoon free to enjoy Puerto Ayora and the hotel area which is nice as you have a beach in front of it.
Overnight: Finch Bay hotel standard room incluiding Breakfast.
Highlands and Tortuga Bay
After breakfast, the guide will pick you up and take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will see tortoises in their natural environment. The Highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation of the highlands is the scalesia trees, which grow in a lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a very unique, surreal experience. After lunch in town, you will visit Tortuga Bay. Here, you walk for approximately 45 minutes, through a cactus trail on to the first beach, which is called Playa Brava due to its strong currents. On this beach you would see a lot of marine iguanas, marine birds and pelicans. After visiting Playa Brava, we continue with an additional 15 minute walk to reach Playa Mansa. This second beach is a natural lagoon visited by blue footed boobies and pelicans. It is also a beautiful place for swimming and relaxing on the beach. You will be walking the same distance to return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation
The guide will pick you up from hotel and take you to the Elite yacht, she is near the hotel pier and will take only few minutes to get there. The guide will give you the Galapagos National Park entrance fee as well as the Transit control card. You will enjoy 5d/4n onboard Elite yacht.
PM: Dragon Hill
In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill you will see a flamingos’ lagoon, pintail ducks and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Kicker Rock - Witch Hill – Lobos Island In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds. Additionally, curious sea lions, and marine life can be found, such as fish, turtles, sharks, rays, representing the main attraction for snorkeling. This is a nice spot to take pictures. The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located south west from San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher. A zodiac ride will take passengers into amazing rock formations along the island shore. A white sand beach and crystal-clear waters are part of this enchanted location. Fantastic opportunity for snorkeling. In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND:
Gardner Bay/ Osborn & Gardner islets – Suarez Point Española Island will be explored today. You will have the chance to observe endemic wildlife such as the Hood-Mockingbird. This is the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. Spectacular views from the top of a cliff. In the morning, after breakfast, the first attraction to be seen is Gardner Bay that provides an excellent beach for swimming. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. The bay is also frequented by colonies of sea lions which like to swim with you. Or visit the Osborn and Gardner islets that are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight on this visitor point. After lunch, Point Suarez will be visited, which represents one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beach.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
SANTA FE ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND:
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center In the morning, after breakfast, Santa Fe island will be visited, which is one of the most entertaining destinations for shore excursions in the Galapagos Islands. It has two trail choices for visitors, one of which takes you to the tallest Opuntia cactus in the Galapagos. While the other trail takes you into the highlands where land iguanas can be seen. After a long walk, the opportunity to swim in calm waters or snorkel with playful sea lions will be pretty tempting. In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, which is also known as Charles Darwin Research Station. This place has an information center, a museum, a library and a tortoise breeding station. In the tortoise breeding station, you can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this Station is probably the Lonesome George turtle, that already died in 2012.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND– BALTRA AIRPORT
In the morning, South Plazas island is the next island to be discovered. It has unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cactuses scattered across the landscape which provide some of the most interesting wildlife observations available in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, frequently under the shade of cactuses, waiting for a prickly pear to fall. After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport
Your flight:
Avianca #1637 Departing San Cristobal at 1209 - Arriving Gayaquil at 1457
On arrival in Guayaquil your local guide will take you to Cuenca passing by El Cajas national park that is full of water: around 786 lakes and lagoons and this means plants that form a green big sponge absorbing water, which helps to find unusual plants. You will have opportunity to see stunning glacial valleys, moors and forests, and pristine mountain lakes. There are some chances to see the Andean Condors, Spectacled bears, hummingbirds and wild alpaca. This is a place to enjoy the nature in its best form. We will have lunch and continue with our trip to Cuenca.
Overnight: Itza Hotel Boutique (Superior Deluxe) including Breakfast.
Cuenca private tour half day
Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special and the city is considered by many the most beautiful in all of Ecuador.
After breakfast, you will visit Ingapirca. These ruins are the most important architectural legacy of the Incas in Ecuador, dating back to the 15th century they are a significant part of Ecuador’s pre-hispanic legacy. They are located in the province of Cañar, about an hour and 45 minutes from Cuenca. You will be taken on a guided tour of the ruins, which is believed to be both a religious and administrative center, as well as a fortress. The vast archeological complex includes a roofless fortification, courtyards, terraces, temples, houses, and a ¨castle¨ possibly the Temple of the Sun. A museum is now open at the site, with both archeological and ethnographic displays. There are also exhibitions of ceramics and jewelry. We continue our journey to the small village of Guamote where we will visit the educational centre of the Inti Sisa community and the house of a traditional weaver who will show us how they make their typical ponchos from the wool of their own sheep and alpaca. Finally we will visit an authentic Andean house, also called a Choza to get an idea of how people live in the mountains (Box lunch included).
After enjoying the typical Andean landscapes, continue our trip to Riobamba. Overnight Abraspungo hotel or similar (Junior suite)
Devil's Nose train is not operating this October.
Chimborazo National Park - Baños
Today you will spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of the area. In the Chimborazo province around Abraspungo, there are many trails perfect for hiking and expeditions through various ecosystems such as paramos, lakes, mountains and Andean forests. Chimborazo, (6,310 meters/20.697 feet above sea level) is Ecuador’s highest mountain. Its name comes from Quechua: Chimborazo, razo,rasu = snow and chimbo probably from chimbana = to cross, since three snow covered passes surround the mountain. Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, including: one of the most representative species is the Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer’s flower) llamas, birds as well as experiencing the unique environment of the Andean paramo. Overnight Luna Volcan (Romantic suite) inc Breakfas
Baños Full Day
After breakfast we will take a short tour and visit the center. The city enjoys a pleasant subtropical zone climate. Later, we will stop at the Tree House that has The Swing At The End Of The World, it is a charming swing located on top of a mountain alongside the Tungurahua volcano. This swing is very famous and recognizable because it hangs down a lush tree with a beautiful wooden tree house next to it. From the right angle it looks like you’re swinging into nowhere with a giant drop off beneath you. Then, we will visit the impresive Pailon del Diablo Waterfall or the Tarabita (Cable car). Accomodation at Luna Volcan (Romantic suite) inc Breakfast
Enjoy this full day in Baños to do a canopy, biking, rafting, go to the Aventura Park or just relax at your hotel
Baños-Cotopaxi National Park
Baños-Cotopaxi National Park Today after breakfast you will visit Cotopaxi Volcano and its famous lake Limpiapungo. Cotopaxi is Ecuador´s highest volcanoe and actually one of the tallest in the entire world. Its names come from the Quechua and means "cuello de luna" neck of the moon. In the morning after arriving at the reserve you will hike and drive up to LimpioPungo Lake. From there it is possible to observe the traces left by the ancient volcanic eruptions of the majestic Cotopaxi; same activity that has given rise to the formation of the Limpiopungo Lake, if you are lucky you can see herds of llamas, some other species of mammals, especially rabbits and deer, and a great variety of birds After visiting the Cotopaxi Reserve you will go to your hotel Overnight at Los Mortiños (Suite) inc Breakfast
Quilotoa - Quito
After breakfast, we will head to the breathtaking Quilotoa Volcanic Lake (3900 m.a.s.l.) along with the Amazing “Avenue of Volcanoes” and enjoy going through small colorful Indigenous Towns. The majority of the population in this zone are Indigenous, which means that several ancient customs are still observed nowadays; for example, Zumbahua is a Town that maintains these traditions on a daily basis. One of those traditions was painting and in Tigua we will enter one of those workshops to see the paints. Quilotoa is a collapsed volcano that has been inactive for thousands of years. A 9km cauldron was formed in its crater due to the eruption of the volcano. According to studies, the lava managed to reach the Pacific Ocean and the cauldron is now home to a picturesque Lake that turns greenishblue when sunlight hits the surface for a gorgeous view. We will hike along the trail along the rim of the Lake, an easy hike that is rarely crowded and you are going to love the view of the Quilotoa Lake from this point! After enjoying lunch, we will visit Insilivi town to enjoy some local activities and the warmth of the locals.
Quito City Tour+Equatorial Line
Your day starts exploring the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas, visiting some of its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic Compañía, and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You begin the tour by visiting the Main Square, then you go through the colonials churches and you will finish at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains. CITY & EQUATOR LINE TOUR As an addition to the Quito Colonial City Tour, you will travel to the “Equatorial line” complex. Its monument is located at the latitude 0º 0´0" and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres or hop between the two in the blink of an eye. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. The site occupies an important place in the solar-based Andean cosmovision since ancient Andean people were aware of its significance many thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a fine overview of Ecuador’s varied cultures and geography. Overnight at Illa Experience hotel (Luxury room) inc Breakfast
Day at your leisure.
The room is booked until the next day.
0830PM Private departure transfer.
The majority of the flights are departing few minutes after midnight.
