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December 22. QUITO
Arrival to Quito. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

December 23. 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 24. QUITO – OTAVALO
After breakfast, a visit to the colourful Indian market of Otavalo, some two hours drive from Quito. With its many impressive arts and crafts of the local people, the market (best on a Saturday) dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. Trip to Pinsaqui, one of the oldest Haciendas in Ecuador and dating back to 1790. Enjoy a superb lunch before visiting the Lago de San Pablo and the Lagunas de Mojando, Cuicocha, and Yahuarcocha. Return to Quito for accommodation.

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. SANTA CRUZ – CHARLES STATION - HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Baltra. You will be met at the airport by the Estrella del 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 27. CERRO DRAGON - BARTOLOME ISLAND
Before breakfast, a visit to Cerro Dragon, along the northwest coast of Santa Cruz, which contains two lagoons where flamingos and land iguanas can sometimes be seen. Vegetation in this area includes Palo Santo trees and Opuntia cacti. Later 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.

December 28. SANTA FE – GALAPAGUERA
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.  A visit to the newly opened site called La Galapaguera. We travel by bus into the highlands passing El Junco Lake. At La Galapaguera, we should find the Galápagos tortoise living in the wild. Return to the yacht.

December 29. CALETA TORTUGA NEGRA – QUITO
Our last day on the Enchanted Islands where after breakfast we will visit Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Beach), here among the mangroves, turtles enjoy swimming in the calm waters peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays and small sharks circle below. To the west of Black Turtle Beach lies Bachas beach whose sand is made of decomposed coral, making it white and soft, and a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally we can observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel.

December 30. QUITO (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

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