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Ecuador and Galapagos Christmas and New Years 2007

(4 Day Cruise)

Fully Booked

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December 23. QUITO
Arrival to Quito. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

December 24. QUITO
After breakfast, a full day’s guided visit of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar. The Plaza de San Francisco was constructed by the Spanish in 1553, and the church has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches. Damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, it has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior. If time, we will visit the some of the markets, including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El Panecillo and the Ipiales market. These are best visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main market days. Lunch at Café Mosaico; affording excellent views of Quito from its incredible location above Quito. Continue the tour to the middle of the world monument before returning to your hotel.

December 25. QUITO - COTOPAXI
After breakfast, we start our journey south through the spectacular avenue of the volcanoes towards Cotopaxi, the most famous of all Ecuatorian volcanoes. We shall pass Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey. Arrival to the magnificent Hacienda Cienega, one time residence of the German scientist Von Humboldt. After lunch at the hacienda, we shall visit the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo at the very foot of Cotopaxi. This Hacienda has been written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. The temple was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Cápac, and to this day the remaining rooms prevail as a magnificent sample of the unique style of Inca construction. The site is currently being investigated by Dr. David Brown of the University of Texas, the funding of which was provided by the National Geographic Society. Previously unknown portions of Inca walls and foundations have been discovered throughout the restoration process of the house. Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. Continue the tour into the Cotopaxi National Park for a closer view of the volcano. Before returning to Quito, time permitting, we shall visit one of the Indian Markets, either Pujilí or Saquisilí. These are amongst the most authentic markets in Ecuador with their colourful displays of spices, fruits and hand woven ponchos. Return to Quito.

December 26. QUITO – ANTISANA
After breakfast, private transfer over the Andes to the Ecological Reserve of Antisana, with its lagoons and cloud forests. In this reserve, we will- find the Antisana volcano at 5758m. The reserve, created in 1993, is located on the edge of the Amazon and is considered as a corridor between the Ecological Reserve of Cayambe-Coca and the Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park. These three areas converge to one of the warmest areas in Ecuador and possess incredible biodiversity. The Antisana volcano is an active volcano and has grown on a previous boiler and is approximately 800,000 years old. The flow of lava in the environs is not product of an eruption but here are just some licks that went through the cracks of the mountain. This is a very good place to observe condor. After lunch, we drive to Papallacta for overnight accommodation and the best hot springs in the area, the Papallacta Lodge.

December 27. PAPALLACTA - QUITO
After breakfast, free time to enjoy the spa facilities of Papallacta which is located on the "Cinnamon Trail", the same route that the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana followed in 1542, leading to his discovery of the Amazon River. Papallacta hot springs spa & resort serves as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

December 28. QUITO – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - CHARLES STATION - HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Baltra. You will be met at the airport by the ship’s crew for the start of your Galapagos tour. A visit to the second largest island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz. With six different zones of vegetation: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are also based here. The station is also a tortoise breeding centre, where tortoises of different species are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most famous inhabitant is probably Lonesome George, the only survivor of this specific turtle species. The lush green scenery of the Santa Cruz highlands is a welcome contrast to the aridity of the lower islands.

December 29. BARTOLOME ISLAND–NORTH SEYMOUR
Before breakfast, we will disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase but the view from the top is worth the effort. Return to the boat for breakfast. Panga ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock, with time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and perhaps some snorkelling with the Galapagos Penguins.
Afternoon outing to North Seymour (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas.

December 30. PLAZAS SOUTH – SANTA FE
Located in the east of Santa Cruz, the main characteristics of the small island of South Plaza are the Opuntia cacti and the carpets of red sesuvium, a succulent plant that turns green in the rainy season. The cactus is the main food of land iguanas, which are usually, found resting in the cacti's shade. The island contains one of the largest sea lion colonies of the Galapagos, along with swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Boobies are also found roosting on the southern cliffs of the island.
Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the archipelago. A turquoise lagoon with two small white sandy beaches are protected by a peninsula where sea lions rest. A trail runs along the side of the coast and then crosses through an Opuntia Forest. These prickly pear cacti are the largest found anywhere in the Galapagos. The Santa Fe species of land iguanas are also larger and of a paler yellow than on the other islands. After the hike you can swim or snorkel in the bay in the company of sea lions.

December 31. SAN CRISTOBAL– INTERPRETATION CENTRE - QUITO
Our last day on the Enchanted Islands where after breakfast we will visit the Interpretation Centre at Puerto Baquerizo, the second largest port of the Galapagos Islands. We will visit the information center which provides visitors with an excellent overview regarding the history and nature of the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and Gala at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel.

January 1. QUITO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.