Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands 10 Days

Highlights

• Discover the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands
• Cross the Equator line
• Hike through the Andean countryside and visit the condor restoration project
• Visit Otavalo, an indingenous market and UNESCO world heritage site
• Visit the leather town of Cotacachi
• Watch local weavers as they demonstrate artistic techniques used for centuries
• Enjoy deluxe historic accommodations and traditional local food.

Departure dates

YEAR ROUND: Where the weather and the water is always warm.

All Galapagos Island Tours are based on personalized departure dates.

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DAY 1, QUITO

Meet-and-greet at the airport. Whatever your time of arrival, our local guides will pick you up at the airport and bring you to our carefully selected hotel. The evening is on your own.

Mercure Alameda (or similar property)

DAY 2, QUITO AND OTAVALO

Begin with a comprehensive city tour of Quito and its residential neighborhood. Continue through the Gran Colombia Avenue to the Basilica Church for a perfect view of Colonial Quito. Visit the Independence Plaza and admire the architecture of the Government’s Palace and the Archbishop’s palace. Our guides will take you into the Compañia Church with its adornments and gold altars. Visit the Equatorial monument.

Accommodations: Hacienda Cusin (or similar property) (B,L,D)

DAY 3, CUICOCHA HIKE

Today we visit the Cotacachi-Cayapas National Park and learn about the particulars of the paramos or Andean ecosystem. This hike is a pleasure for every nature lover. You’ll walk around a bright blue colored lake that is located inside a volcanic crater. The beautiful scenery is the fabulous miniature orchids and other Andean flowers. If you are lucky, you may spot local animals such as the fox, llamas, Andean ducks and even the majestic Condor. Following the hike, visit the town of Cotacachi, renowned for its leather. Today we will enjoy a typical Ecuadorian lunch.

Accommodations: Hacienda Cusin (or similar property)

DAY 4, CUSIN

Hike through Andean villages to the Hacienda Zuleta. Enjoy the unique landscape, visit a cheese factory, a condor restoration project, and pre-Inca ruins. Overnight at Hacienda Cusin is a restored, 17th-century estate at 8.500ft/2.600m and located in the Ecuadorian sierra. This very personal hotel is famous for its gardens and Andean flowers. Each room is appointed Ecuadorian antiques and select Andean craft, most with log-burning fireplaces and beamed-ceilings. We have chosen this property for its authentic Ecuadorian experience.

Accommodations: Hacienda Cusin (or similar property)

DAY 5, PAPALLACTA HIKE

Our guides pick you up after breakfast and it is only a short drive to the high eastern Andes for an unforgettable hike in the Papallacta area. On clear days, you can see the volacanoes of Pchiniicha, Antizana, and Cotopaxi. Enjoy the hot baths in the thermal springs of Papallacta resort.

Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta (or similar property) (B,L,D)

DAY 6, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Today there is an early morning transfer to the Quito airport in time for the 8:30 a.m. Aerogal Airlines flight #32 to the Galapagos. Transfer to your cruise through Darwin’s “Enchanted Islands.” All cabins feature a private shower and air-conditioning. All meals, lectures, and shore excursions are include. Excursions and cultural programs are led by category III naturalist guides.

Accommodations: 16 Passenger first-lass Galapagos Yacht (Galaxy or other similar yacht)

DAY 7, 8, 9 GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE CRUISING

Visit the Galapagos Islands, including Santa Fe Island, Caleta Tortuga, Bartolome Island and more. See the famous blue-footed booby, Darwin finch, penguins, sea lions, and many other animals of the Galapagos Islands. Learn about the unique ecosystem of these Islands.

Accommodations: 16 Passenger first-lass Galapagos Yacht (Galaxy or other similar yacht) (B, L, D)

DAY 10 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

In the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before transferring to the airport for Aerogal Airlines flight #33 to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, our guide will meet you at the airport and help you transfer to your outgoing flight home or, for those staying on an extra night in Quito, our guide will accompany you to your hotel. We will be happy to help you book hotels in Quito after the Galapagos cruise.

Accommodations: (B)

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NOT INCLUDED: Air transportation both in Ecuador and to and from Ecuador, airport taxes, entrance fees to Ecuadorian National Parks, mandatory travel interruption-cancellation insurance. The fee for entrance to the Galapagos Islands is $120.00 U.S. and must be paid locally in cash by each visitor/passenger.

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Voyages GAMSPS Travel, Quebec Licensee.

* Personalized Departure Dates: We can customize any of our trips to begin on a date that is convenient to you. Supplemental charges may apply.