Highlights of Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
Available in 3*, 4* & 5* deluxe versions
(
14 days, 13 nights
)
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Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Quito
After breakfast, a half day 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; as the President still conducts business here access to the inside may be limited. It is also the home of the tomb of Sucre and 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 which was constructed by the Spanish in 1553 has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches, which although damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior.
If time, we will visit 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. A visit to the middle of the world monument concludes the day. Return to your hotel
Day 3: Quito - Galapagos Islands - San Cristobal
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the
flight to the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the port and
boarding of your yacht for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
After an introductory talk and lunch, your Galapagos expedition
begins with a visit to La Galapaguera to observe giant turtles.
The day is concluded with a visit to the Loberia highlands.
Day 4: Santa Fe - South Plazas Island
A visit today to Santa Fe, home to a beautiful turquoise
lagoon with two small beaches and where you can view numerous
sea lions. Taking a trail along the coast and through an Opuntia
Forest where these prickly pear cacti are the largest on the
Galapagos; we shall also see Santa Fe land iguanas. After the
hike, a swim or snorkel in the bay in the company of sea lions.
Continue onto South Plaza, one of the smallest islands and
only 130 metres wide and 800 metres long. Here there
is a large colony of sea lions, with over 1,000 occupying
the smooth rocks. The small cactus forest is populated by
land iguanas, where they can be seen sunning themselves or
feeding on Opuntia pads and fruits. Along the cliff edge you shall see nesting
swallow-tailed gulls, the predominant seabirds of the island along with
tropic birds.
Day 5: Española - Gardner Bay - Punta Suarez
A visit to the isolated Española where there is a high
percentage of endemic fauna. Gardner Bay, on the eastern shore
has a magnificent beach. The beach is frequented by sea lions,
and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the
small islets nearby, snorkelers will come across many species
of fish, turtles and perhaps even sharks. On a trail leading
to the western part of the island, several nesting sites of
the waved albatross will be encountered. These huge birds nest
here from April to December. Finally at Punta Suarez, along
with many nesting seabirds there are mockingbirds, Galapagos
doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptile, including
the marine iguana and the lava lizard, are also inhabitants
of the island. Here you may also see a spectacular blowhole,
which shoots spray 30 metres into the air.
Day 6: Santa Cruz - Estacion Charles Darwin - Highlands
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.
Day 7: Santiago Island - Puerto Egas - Rabida
Today, we take a small path from the visitor center
at James' Bay on Santiago Island passing the ruins of a former
salt mine and seeing along the way sea lions, lizards, herons
and fur seals. In the afternoon, we shall a trip to the beach of the
small volcanic island of Rabida. A small path will lead to
a small lagoon populated with flamingos.
Day 8: Fernandina - Punta Espinoza - Isabela - Tagus
Cove
Fernandina Island is the most westerly island in the Galapagos and
has many attractions including the Lava-Cacti, sea lion colonies,
penguins, the flightless cormorant and iguanas. Tagus
Cove is also famous for its whalers and pirates of past. At
the shore of this deep-blue bay, several breeding bird species
such as penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies
and pelicans can be seen.
Day 9: Bartolome Island - Puerto Egas - North Seymour
Before breakfast, we disembark at Bartolome Island
for a hike to the summit and a spectacular panoramic view.
Later there will be a chance to snorkel with Galapagos Penguins.
We shall also visit North Seymour, an uplifted island which was once on the
the ocean floor. We shall observing
bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and also
sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 10: San Cristobal Island - Quito
On the last day, we follow in the path of Charles Darwin by navigating close to Kicker Rock, a small islet whose cliffs
are home to many sea birds. A visit to the Interpretation
Centre at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno before arriving to Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno for the transfer to the airport and return
to the mainland. Transfer to your hotel. (Option of spending a few days relaxing on Santa Cruz Island before returning to the mainland).
Day 11: Quito - Otavalo - Cotocachi
After breakfast, a visit to the colourful Indian market town of Otavalo, a short distance from Quito. With its wide range arts and crafts, the market is particularly famous for its weaving products. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. The journey continues onto Cotocachi, the leather capital of Ecuador. Here you will have ample opportunity to purchase fine leather products. Overnight stay in Cotocachi.
Day 12: Cotocachi - Cotopaxi
After breakfast, we head south through the avenue of the volcanoes and on towards Cotopaxi National Park. During the drive, we shall see several dormant and active volcanoes, including Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey.
Arrival to Lasso and lunch at the wonderful colonial Cienega Hacienda. After lunch, we shall make a visit to the fabulous San Agustin de Callo Hacienda, at the very foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. The Hacienda was first written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. This temple or palace 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 of the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. After the visit, a small hike or horse ride in the beautiful countryside in the foothills of Cotopaxi Volcano. Accommodation in the area.
Day 13: Cotopaxi - Quito
After breakfast, a visit to one of the many indigenous markets in the areas such as Saquisili and Puquilli.
Return to Quito for your final night’s accommodation.
Day 14: Quito
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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