Day 1 – Arrival to Quito
After arriving to Ecuador we will take you to a hotel for relax. The rest of the day is at leisure. Night in the hotel with breakfast.

Day 2 – Quito City Tour (B)
We will take you after breakfast to this magnificent city for an excursion. The tour starts on the city’s central square Plaza de La Independencia and with a show-around in the Cathedral. Then we continue to the Presidential Palace, Archbishop Cathedral and an old town hall. A bit further well-known La Compaňía de Jesus with its beautifully decorated interior will enchant you. Church and Convent of St. Francis is our next stop. Here you can admire unique frescoes, the atrium and baroque interior. This old “downtown” is the historical centre where there are beautiful works of architecture. Our last visit is to Panecillo, a hill that is a natural lookout having an impressive panoramic view of Quito and the surrounding valleys. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 – Quito – Galapagos (B, L, D)
Flight to the Galapagos to Baltra Island where you board the yacht after a short drive to the harbour. Welcome to the Galapagos Islands of volcanic origin! Your cruise starts with lunch and the first excursion to the Black Turtle Cove. It is on the north side of Santa Cruz. You have to go by panga (motorized canoe) to reach it and see its mangrove swamp where there are nesting marine turtles during certain seasons of the year, and also sharks and rays.

Day 4 – Bartolome Island, Santiago Island (B, L, D)
You continue today to the Bartolome Island. It offers the possibility to climb to the summit, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones, lava flows and lava tubes. The moon like landscape provides one of the most scenic panoramas in the archipelago. And you also have the chance to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers great snorkelling opportunities. Multi –coloured fish and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been here. After lunch a panga ride in Sullivan Bay is waiting for you. You will have plenty of time for observing birds and local lava creations.

Day 5 – Plaza Islands, Santa Fé Island (B, L, D)
You set out first of all to two small islets that were formed a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz, Plaza Island. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. The principal attractions of the Plazas are the land iguanas, sea lions and swallow–tailed gulls. It is possible to observe land iguanas relaxing in the shade of cactus plants and swallow-tailed gulls nesting on the rugged southern cliffs. And that’s not all as the protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. Also we will be able to see yellow – tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans gliding past the cliffs. In the afternoon you visit Santa Fé Island (Barrington), known mainly or sea lions. You can not only observe them but also swim with them.

Day 6 – Santa Cruz – Quito (B, L)
The deserted, picturesque beach Las Bachas at the northern shore of Santa Cruz invites you for a swim in the crystal-clear water or to relax in the sun. Afterwards you will be visiting the bay Caleta Tortuga Negra which is close by. This bay is surrounded by mangroves where you can spot pelicans and herons. While snorkelling you can have a swim with turtles, white tip sharks and rays. In the afternoon you will say goodbye to these magnificent islands where it seems that time has stopped and you will be taken to the Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito. Here you will be transferred by taxi to the hotel.

Day 7 – Equator (B)
You depart from the north part of Quito in the morning and take the Manual Córdoba Highway to the Equator Monument that marks the equinoctial line established by the French Geodesic Mission in the 18th century. Here you will be able to jump from the southern to the northern hemisphere in an instant. Inside, there is an interesting ethnographic museum and you can visit a lot of souvenir shops. Return to the hotel.

Day 8 – Cotopaxi NP (B)
Cotopaxi National Park is a protected area that goes from an altitude of 3.200 up to 6.000m. It has 4 climatic zones: Andean forest, paramo, high plateau and glacier. Cotopaxi is claimed to be the highest and the most perfectly shaped mountain in the world. It is Ecuador’s most famous volcano. Return to Quito.

Day 9 – Otavalo (B)
North of Quito, you will find one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Otavalo Indians are a very prosperous trade’s people, as you will see at this outdoor emporium. While the most colorful market occurs on Saturdays, there are smaller markets each day of the week. While some markets focus on agricultural products, others are famous for their refined crafts like baskets, ponchos, hats, sweaters, tapestries and leatherwork.

Day 10 – Quito – departure (B)
Transfer to the airport after breakfast, for your flight home. End of our services.

• local airfare as detailed in the program
• all services and transfers detailed in the program
• all meals specified in the program (B: Breakfast L: lunch D: dinner)
• excursions detailed in the program
• local English speaking guide
• entrances fees and permits
• taxes
• all nights accommodation in a 3* hotel in Quito
• Quito City Tour with English and Spanish speaking guide
• 3 Nights accommodation on an economy class boat (in twin cabins)
• 4 Days long Galapagos cruise – full board on the boat (alcoholic drinks excluded), snorkelling

• international airfare
• airport tax
• meals and services not detailed in the program
• tips for guides
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• Galapagos National Park Entrance fee 100 USD
• transfer (INGALA) card 20 USD

• single supplement
• Galapagos cruise upgrade to superior or luxury level
• 4* hotel upgrade
• extended stay at Galapagos Islands and Ecuador
  

• Departure date is subject to Galapagos cruise departure.
• Price per person (2 people in double / twin room).
• The program can be customized according to your requirements.
• The price is subject to availability and actual airfare cost.