WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU ARRIVE AT LEAST TWO DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR GALAPAGOS CRUISE IN CASE OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT DELAYS.
THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY ONLY TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF LOGISTICS. FINAL H OTEL AND SHIP CHOICE WILL VARY.
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport outside the arrivals area by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. You’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your accommodations for the evening.
Your Quito flight: To be advised
At the hotel, you’ll receive a welcome envelope including important information about airport transfers and daily pick up times for your excursions and COVID testing times, along with important emergency contact details during your stay. PLEASE LOOK FOR THIS LETTER AT THE HOTEL AND KEEP IT WITH YOU. Our partners in Ecuador will be assisting you throughout your stay on the mainland not only to help you enjoy your adventure, but also to step in and assist with any problems you might encounter. Feel comfortable knowing you’ll be well looked after.
Welcome to Ecuador!
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FULL DAY EXCURSION WITH PRIVATE GUIDE INCLUDING LUNCH
The breathtaking city of Quito is located about 9,300 – 10,000 feet altitude. Nestled in an Andean valley of volcanoes, the capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful in South America and in 1978, was the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. On your private city tour, you’ll wander among cobblestone streets, stop at several of Old Town’s gold-encrusted colonial 16th century churches and monasteries (nearly 90 dot the city) and stand on top of Panecillo Hill (shaped like a bread loaf) where the Madonna of Quito keeps a watchful eye over the city. Overall, the city’s amazing blend of Spanish, Moorish and Flemish architecture is a pleasure to explore.
We've added a ride on Quito's teleferico (cable car), which runs from the edge of the city center up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma Lookout. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m (10,226 ft) to 3,945 m (12,943 ft). The ascent takes about twenty minutes, traveling 2237 linear metres. On a clear day, the views will be spectacular.
At the Equator, just 13 miles from the city, you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres and learn about the geographical and astronomical importance of “El Mitad del Mundo.”
Breakfast, Lunch
WE WORK WITH THE BEST FIRST-CLASS AND LUXURY GALAPAGOS YACHTS, CATAMARANS AND EXPEDITION SHIPS. WE WILL RECOMMEND THE BEST SHIP FOR YOU BASED ON YOUR TRAVEL DATES, PREFERENCE FOR TYPE OF SHIP, AND BUDGET. THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY A SAMPLE.
Early morning private transfer provided to the airport. Most cruises have a representative waiting for you at the airline counter to assist you with luggage and both your flight and cruise check-ins. Migration cards and Galapagos National Park fees have been pre-paid on your behalf, unless you are doing a land-based itinerary.
All Galapagos cruise passengers must have their luggage x-rayed and hand inspected before boarding your flight to the islands. You will have a brief layover in Guayaquil, but will remain on the plane before continuing on for the 90-minute flight to the Galapagos..
Confirmed Galapagos Flights: Depart in the morning in time to arrive in the Galapagos and board your ship by lunchtime
Upon arrival in the Galapagos, please enter the designated lines for “Pre-Paid Galapagos National Park Fees.” Your name will be on a master list of all travelers arriving that day who have already paid this fee.
Your carry-on luggage will be hand inspected and then you can proceed to pick up your luggage. Outside the small airport, your naturalist guide(s) will be waiting to welcome you to the islands. Each guide wears a uniform designating which ship they represent. You and your luggage will be transferred to the ship.
PRO TIP: The Galapagos Islands is one hour behind mainland Ecuador, though not all ships choose to honor this.
After lunch and a safety briefing, your first excursion will be this afternoon. Sailing itinerary will depend on your ship choice.
All meals
Exploring the Galapagos
All meals and activities
Exploring the Galapagos
All meals and activities
Exploring the Galapagos
All meals and activities
Transfer from your Galapagos ship to the local airport will be provided by the ship crew. You'll have a brief layover in Guayaquil (do not disembark) before continuing on to Quito, arriving very late in the afternoon.
YOUR GALAPAGOS FLIGHT: Disembark ship after breakfast and fly back to Quito
Upon return to Quito, you will be met by a local representative (always look for someone in the arrivals area holding a sign with our Premier Tours logo and your last name on it). Continue on to your convenient airport hotel. Rest, relax and catch up on civilization.
Breakfast
Private airport shuttle transfer will be provided back to the airport about three hours prior to your international flight home.
Buen retorno! (Safe travels home)!
Breakfast
