Check in for your KLM flight to Quito via Amsterdam in Business Class.
On arrival in Quito you will be met and transferred to the hotel for 3 nights on B&B basis.
Private half day city tour including the Middle of the World Monument
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito, the capital of Ecuador has retained much of its colonial past. Steep cobbled stone streets, ornate churches and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of town. The modern new town is the business district and this is where you will find the best shopping and restaurants. The city was founded in 1534 and has a wonderful setting at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. In the distance the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi and its surrounding national park dominates the horizon. The Equatorial Monument 25 km North of Quito, marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador’s native groups.
Private Half Day Tour with Guide
Private transfer to Quito Airport on time for your flight to Coca
As you fly east from Quito, the mountain ranges give way to lowland primary rainforest. Viewed from the air, the landscape is a carpet of green with the occasional blue ribbon of water flowing through it. Covering much of Ecuador’s eastern territory, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s most impressive jungle system.
On arrival in Coca, you will be transferred to the motorised canoe for your transfer to Napo Wildlife Center for 3 nights on full board including shared activities.
Shared guided activities from Napo Wildlife Center A highlight of any stay at Napo are the famous clay licks, where you will be able to see flocks of brilliant green squawking parrots and parakeets! They arrive by the hundreds to eat the clay that aids in digestion of some of the unripe seeds and fruits they eat. The first blind, nearest the river and accessible by a 50m board walk, hosts Mealy, Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged and Blue-headed Parrots as well as Dusky-headed and occasionally, Cobalt-winged Parakeets. A second blind, reached by a 20-minute trail hike through the forest, is typically visited by Cobalt-winged Parakeets, with Orange-cheeked Parrots joining them October through April. Since the birds come to eat the clay at different times, both viewing blinds can be visited in a single day.
At up to seven feet long and up to 150 pounds, giant otters are also a real highlight of Napo. Due to a long history of hunting and environmental pressures, they are extremely rare and difficult to see. Fortunately, Napo Wildlife Centre has several families living in the lake and surrounding streams. These fearless creatures swim and call just feet from the canoe, making for wonderful viewing and photo opportunities.
Other wildlife includes over 565 species of birds which have been recorded here and the area is also home to 11 species of monkeys (including Monk Saki and Spider, Howler and Woolly monkeys, and Saddle-backed and Golden-mantled tamarinds) as well as Jaguars, Pumas and Tapirs. Exploring the lake and surrounding creeks in a dugout canoe, guests may be treated to views of Black Caiman, Paichi (huge Amazonian fish that can grow up to ten feet long!), colonies of pre-historic-looking Hoatzins, nesting Blue-and-yellow Macaws, turtles and butterflies. On the forest trails, you may see monkeys, tamarins, lizards, tortoises, frogs and army ants in addition to an array of birds, including toucans, parrots, manakins and hummingbirds.
Shared Activities
Shared Activities at the lodge.
Private guided 4-day / 3-night tour of the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ from Quito to Guayaquil
You will depart early in a private car travelling along the Pan-American Highway south of Quito, to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, set around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897m (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multi-coloured fields. After an hour and a half you’ll reach the entrance to the park and drive up a dirt road for approximately an hour. Upon arrival at the park you will have an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo (moorlands), its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Centre. Continue onto Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the observation of the Andean flora.
The Hacienda Hato Verde is a family-run working farm in a peaceful setting on the south face of Cotopaxi with great views over the spectacular scenery and of the volcano. The hacienda has its own private entrance to the volcano, so guests can explore the area on foot, by private vehicle or on horseback, away from the crowds. From here it is also possible to visit local markets and also the nearby lakes of Yambo, Anteojos and Quilotoa. Accommodation is in 10 spacious rooms, each with its own bathroom and fireplace. Guests have the run of the house with its various living rooms including the elegant library-bar where they can relax over a drink and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The restaurant serves a variety of fresh food including home baked bread and pizzas.
Enjoy lunch at Tambopaxi (included).
Private Guided Trip
Drive to Riobamba and stops will be made en-route for your to enjoy the scenery.
The Hysteria Abraspungo is an attractive hostería located in the Abraspungo Valley near Riobamba. Decorated in traditional Ecuadorian countryside style, the 26 guest rooms, bearing the names of Ecuadorian mountains, are spacious and comfortable. The property is surrounded by peaceful gardens and there is a lovely atmospheric bar and restaurant serving delicious country food. This is a pleasant place to stay prior to travelling on-board the ‘Devils Nose’ train
RIOBAMBA - DEVIL’S NOSE TRAIN RIDE - INGAPIRCA RUINS - CUENCA
After an early breakfast you will depart by road, skirting the flanks of the Andes, an astonishing ride, twisting and turning, along bridging ravines and river gorges. You will ride through Indian villages and cultivated fields where most of the cereals in Ecuador are grown, among them, the quinoa, considered the perfect grain for its nutritional value. After about two hours you will arrive at the small town of Alausí; the beating heart of the rehabilitation of the Ecuadorian Railway Company in the last years. Great effort has been made to restore the 100 year old train to its old glory and romance. The highlight of this excursion is the thrilling 800m (2630ft) descent on the zigzag cuttings on the rock of the Devil's Nose. At the bottom one finds the newly renovated Station of Sibambe. You will visit the local museum ‘Condor Puñuna’ built and run by the Nizag community, see the display of local handcrafts, fruit and medicinal plants and try the local coffee. The train whistle calls guests back on board for the return to the station of Alausí, where a light snack is served to regain strength. You will continue exploring the Andean as you travel south, visiting the Inca fortress of Ingapirca en-route.
Continue on to Cuenca.
CUENCA - EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK - GUAYAQUIL
Private morning tour of Cuenca
Discover the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums give this atmospheric renaissance town a relaxed, special feel. The architecture is captivating and the people friendly. Similar to Quito but without the hordes of people, Cuenca is without doubt one of South America’s most captivating destinations.
After you tour you will take a private road transfer to El Cajas National Park. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes with at least 200 lagoons, like the famous La Toreadora. After time for a short hike in the park, continue on to Guayaquil for overnight accommodation.
GUAYAQUIL – SAN CRISTÓBAL
Private transfer to the airport (approx. 20-mins) to meet your flight to Galápagos.
Upon arrival at San Cristóbal airport, you will be met by your guide, who will escort you on a short bus to the harbour. Once here staff will decide which people will be allocated to which of these two identical sister ships the MV Origin or Theory.
You will then be transferred by Zodiac to your boat, which will be anchored in the bay. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served on board.
Afternoon excursion to Cerro Colorado
Here the national park has established a breeding program for giant tortoises in their natural habitat. At the visitor centre, learn about the origin and evolution of tortoises, as well as threats from introduced animals. Along the trail, watch for the San Cristóbal mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Return to the origin for a briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner
Included: All meals and accommodation in cabins while on board, all excursions and activities while on board, bilingual naturalist guide.
Not Included: Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee of US$100 per person (payable on arrival in cash), drinks, wet suits, tips guide and crew on board, personal expenses.
The order and details of the itinerary can change without notice due to weather conditions or national park regulations.
GENOVESA ISLAND
Morning excursion to Prince Phillip’s Steps
After a dry landing you will climb up the fairly steep Prince Philip’s Steps that take you onto a lava rock trail leading you through a Palo Santo forest full of nesting birds. There’s a good chance of seeing the unique short-eared owl at this site.
Afternoon excursion to Darwin Bay
After lunch and a snorkel along the amazing cliff sides, you will visit the beach area of Darwin Bay, home to frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, flycatchers, lava gulls, storm petrels and Darwin finches, to mention some of the birds found in this bay, formed from a caldera collapse.
Return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner and an evening full of stars.
Shared Activities
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Morning excursion to Las Bachas
This morning visit Las Bachas, (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Explore the long stretch of a white sand beach and the interior lagoons populated by greater flamingo, then take the opportunity for some wonderful snorkelling from the beach.
Afternoon excursion to Cerro Dragon
This afternoon, step shore on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) for a majestic view of the bay and the island landscape. The trail also offers excellent opportunities to see Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, Audubon shearwater, as well as the endemic land iguanas, that were once part of the Station’s breeding program. In the saltwater lagoon, pink flamingos feed alongside other birds such as stilts, pintail ducks and sandpipers.
After the briefing and dinner, you will sail toward the western islands and cross the equator for the second time.
Shared Activities
ISABELA ISLAND
Morning excursion to Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca offers a dinghy ride, excellent for marine life observation, to a snorkel area where underwater wildlife take full advantage of the nutrient-rich Cromwell current that upswells in this area.
Afternoon excursion to Urbina Bay
Located to the south at the foot of the western side of Alcedo Volcano, Urbina Bay was uplifted in 1954 from the seabed leaving coral heads sitting out of the water. There is a large colony of land iguana, which has grown since the feral dogs and goats have been controlled through Project Isabela. It also affords an opportunity to see the Alcedo Volcano tortoise in its natural habitat.
Shared Activities
FERNANDINA ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND
Morning excursion to Punta Espinoza
Fernandina is the youngest island of the archipelago. As you disembark at Punta Espinoza, you must be careful not to step on the marine iguanas piled up together to retain body heat. This visiting site is rich in wildlife, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins, herons, Sally light-foot crabs and much more, all living side by side on this small point with its mangrove forest.
Afternoon excursion to Tagus Cove
The 30 minute hike at Tagus Cove takes you to the top of a cliff to view the volcanic landscapes of Darwin Volcano and Darwin Lake, the latter an uplifted ultra - saline lake saltier than the sea. Historically used as an anchorage site by pirates and whalers, this site is again an excellent place for marine and land birds.
Shared Activities
RABIDA ISLAND – ISABELA ISLAND
Shared morning excursion to Rabida Island
This morning, disembark on Rabida or Jervis Island, this small Island considered the geographic centre of Galápagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. The dark red colour of the beach comes from the high iron content in the volcanic stones. Follow the trail to a saltwater lagoon where greater flamingos migrate, keeping an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin’s finches. Afterwards, do not miss the opportunity to snorkel with a colony of sea lions and rays..
Shared afternoon excursion to Black Turtle Cove
This afternoon, there is a Zodiac ride to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) and through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. View turtles, white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays.
We return to the Origin or Theory for the Captain’s Farwell cocktail party and dinner as well as a special slide show presentation by your guides.
Shared Activities
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Morning excursion to Puerto Ayora
Disembark at Puerto Ayora, before travelling by bus to the highlands, passing through all seven vegetation zones found in Galápagos. Visit Rancho El Manzanillo, a privately-owned hacienda where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat. Stop at the lava tunnels at El Mirador, the largest in the archipelago, and visit Los Gemelos, (The Twins), a pair of large craters.
Afternoon excursion to Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena
This afternoon visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (formerly known as the Charles Darwin Research Station). Visit the tortoise corals and the breeding centre with hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated when grown. Visit the new exhibit honouring Lonesome George, a worldwide icon of conservation as the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island that tragically died of natural causes. Stop at a local chocolate shop to learn how high-quality Arriba cacao is produced in Ecuador. Stroll through town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café or museum. Or, if you prefer a more active afternoon, staff can arrange for kayaking at Punta Estrada or a bicycle ride (additional charges apply).
Return to the Origin or Theory for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore for dinner on your own. Zodiac shuttles from the Origin or Theory to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening.
Shared Activities
SAN CRISTÓBAL - BALTRA - PUERTO AYORA
Morning excursion to the Interpretation Centre
Travel by bus to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Travel by bus to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands.
Disembark the vessel.
Take a short taxi ride (own expense) to San Cristóbal airport. Meet your onward light aircraft flight to Baltra.
Private transfer from Baltra Airport to the Finch Bay hotel (approx. 1-hour) for 3 nights on B&B basis.
Only 10 yards from Alemanes Beach, Hotel Finch Bay offers 27 rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning in Puerto Ayora, on the Galápagos Island. It features a swimming pool and a restaurant, as well as a pier with yachts to visit the islands. The city centre is 1.9 miles away. Decorated with tiled and stylish furnishing, rooms at Finch Bay are very bright. All of them have private bathrooms, and some boast private balconies with sea views and hammocks. Breakfast with bacon, sausages, pancakes, fresh fruits and eggs is served daily. Regional and Asian dishes can be ordered at the property’s restaurant, as well as original chef-designed dishes. Drinks and snacks from the bar can be enjoyed by the pool. Hotel Finch Bay is 0.6 miles from the public harbour and 28 miles from Baltra International Airport.
Morning Shared Activity
Days at leisure. Optional tours and activities can be arranged locally.
Finch Bay has its own yacht which is perfect for exploring nearby islands. On board you will be able to travel to visitor sites within the Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve, accompanied by top naturalist guides, while enjoying lunch on board in air-conditioned comfort. All day trips include a chance to snorkel
no tours included
Finch Bay has its own yacht which is perfect for exploring nearby islands. On board you will be able to travel to visitor sites within the Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve, accompanied by top naturalist guides, while enjoying lunch on board in air-conditioned comfort. All day trips include a chance to snorkel
no tours included
Private transfer to Baltra Airport (approx. 1-hour) to meet your onward flight with Avianca.
On arrival, collect luggage and check-in for return flights to the UK, flying with KLM in Business Class
Arrive back into London Heathrow via Amsterdam.
