Quito And The Galapagos Islands

Highlights

• Meander through the streets of Quito, a UNESCO world heritage city.
• Swim in warm blue waters teeming with marine life and some of the world’s best snorkeling.
• Marvel at creatures that are unique to the Galapagos Islands.
• Participate in daily on-shore walks and discover land animals that led Darwin to his theory of evolution.
• Relax aboard an adventure cruise in the waters off the coast of Ecuador with only the sounds of nature and the lights of the night stars in the sky.

Departure dates

Custom Departures

*Personalized departure date
Choose your own departure date.

Year round departures

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DAY 1 QUITO

WELCOME TO ECUADOR!

Arrive in Quito. Upon clearing immigration and customs we offer a private transfer to the ILLA HOTEL. you will have assistance with check in. The first evening is on your own but we are happy to assist with dinner arrangments depending on your arrival time. Accommodation in Luxury Rooms for 2 nights. Breakfast and taxes included.

DAY 2 QUITO

After breakfast we visit the Equator, Latitude 0 º 0’0 “. Our first stop will be at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo where the main monument is located. Here, you won’t miss the chance to take a photo with your foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the south! After a short walk within this small tourist complex, we will visit the INTINAN Museum, located about 300 meters from the monument. This interactive Museum will teach you about the different cultures of Ecuador and some other facts applicable on the Equator line.

Next, we return to Quito for a tour in the old colonial  main square, where the presidential palace, the main cathedral and some other important buildings can be appreciated. Then it continues to Plaza San Francisco, with a quick stop in the way so that you can try the typical sweets of Quito.  Quito is famed for the many churches filled with history and legends. The visit to the churches helps us appreciate how the indigenous cultures adopted Christianity while struggling to retain some of their own beliefs.

Our next stop will be a Chocolate Experience, where you will have a chance to discover and taste the finest chocolate in the world! Ecuadorians are very proud of being one of the most important world producers of cocoa seeds.

The final stop will be Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, one of the most beautiful churches in South America, or perhaps the world, truly a treasure, built on the backs of slaves.

The walk: Variable
Accommodations: Ilya (or similar property)

B,L

DAY 3 QUITO/GALAPAGOS

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra Island. Board the luxury Alya for a 5-night voyage and experience that will last a lifetime. Meet the ship’s expert guides and naturalists who will accompany you for the next four days on your adventure through the flora and fauna that is endemic to these islands. There are some wet and some dry landings so be prepared to get splashed. Want to learn more about the animals of the Galapagos Islands?The walk: While easy, the terrain is uneven and stepping off the dingy to the land can be tricky.

Accommodations: Alya Luxury Ship (B,L,D)

DAY 4, 5, and 6 GALAPAGOS

The ship visits Bartolomew Island, Puerto Egas, James Island and more. See marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and many other animals in their natural habitat. Discover why Darwin was so intrigued by the animals of these islands. For those who wish, snorkel in the warm equatorial waters and discover the abundant and colorful marine life.

The walk: Variable
Accommodations: Alya Luxury Ship (B,L,D)

DAY 7 GALAPAGOS/QUITO

Fly back to Quito and transfer to your hotel for one more glorious night in Quito. This is your chance to revisit places that wowed you or visit places that you missed. If time permits and if you are an art lover, we recommend a visit to the Fundacion Guayacamin. (B)

Accommodations: Airport hotel or Ilya depending on your flight schedule (or similar property)

DAY 8 QUITO

Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Many prefer to add an extension trip here and visit the Mindo Cloud Forest or the Ottavalo Market in the Andes. (B)

Price includes:

• Accommodation in 1 room (double occupancy) ILLA HOTEL Hotel upgrades available upon request.
• Accommodation in 1 cabin (double occupancy) ALYA * inquire if you are looking for single occupancy
• All meals as detailed in this itinerary
• Beverages such as water, coffee and tea
• Transfers in Galapagos (Airport – boat – airport )
• Excursions daily
• English speaking Naturalist Guide category III
• The use of snorkeling gear and wet suits

Price does not include:

• International air tickets
• Air tickets from Quito to Galapagos and back $450.00
• Entrance fee To the National Park $200.00 per person (subject to change)
• INGALA immigration card $20.00 per person (subject to change)
• Other soft drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Medical or travel insurance

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Garth Allen Marksted Travel, Quebec Licensee.

* Personalized Departure Dates: Prices for the Ecuador trip are based on personalized departure dates. Evia will provide the best consultation to customize any of our other trips to begin on a date that is convenient to you. You may modify the trip by choosing more luxurious or budge hotels. Supplemental charges may apply.

** A National Park fee of $200 U.S. per person and is not included in any pricing.