Day 2: Quito City Tour - Equatorial Monument

Day 2: Quito City Tour & Equatorial Monument

Pick up: 08h00

Soon after enjoying our breakfast, we begin to explore Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Quito is surrounded by several of the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Andes and is only 14 miles south of the Equator. The city is known for its magnificent Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful street life. 

Quaint family owned shops and open air-markets are steps away from sky scrapers and Spanish Baroque cathedrals. Our tour begins by visiting the Guapulo Church, priviledged with a fantastic view of the valleys. The colonial area of "Old Quito" is a United Nations World Heritage Site. We will stroll down Independence Square where we'll be able to appreciate the Presidential Palace and Arch Bishop's Palace.

Soon after, we will visit La Compania Church, with its ornate facade and breathtaking golden altars, you'll appreciate the history of the land. Our next stops will be at the Monastery and San Francisco Church, filled with examples of Spanish art and sculpture all around. We see the Impressive Parliament Building were Ecuador's histor is recorded.

Just a little further is the Panecillo hill, offering a spectacular view of the city as well as an up close look of the Virgin of Quito. Time permitting, we will visit the artisans market (Mercado de los Artesanos).

We'll take a short break for lunch and will continue on to the "Equatorial Monument". At an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, one can be in two hemispheres at the same time with one foot on the North and the other on the South and your heart on Latitude Cero!

We'll continue to a fun activity at the open air Inti-Nam Museum were we'll try a few science experiments that can only be best appreciated at this location. Later in the afternoon we'll drive South through the Avenue of Volcanoes until we reach the small town of Lasso.

Enjoy a relaxing night at the Hotel and stay Overnight.

Day 3: Quito - Otavalo Indian Market - Quito

Day 3: Quito - Otavalo Indian Market - Quito

We'll enjoy an early breakfast and immediately drive North on the Panamerican Highway. During this drive we'll have an spectacular view of the Arid Guallabamba Gorge followed by the fertile Oasis of the Gallabamba village. The crip continues to Cayambe, best know for its snow capped volcano and for the countryside dairy farms adhorned and surrounded by many flower plantations.

Some of the sights we'll see here are the Lake Cuicocha which is a must see for all who visit and end it by the Plaza del Poncho in Otavalo. One thing to know is that the Otavalo Indians are the most ambitious and prosperous craftsmen/merchants of Ecuador. Their stalls bleed into the Artisan market world of handicrafts and jewelry of various kinds including silver and emeralds. As we walk though the town, we'll see a dazzling display of colorful clothes seeping from the Poncho Plaza.

If you've ever been curious about bartering, you can test and hone your skills at the stalls full of local specialist weavings -- colorful and inexpensive jumpers, hats, gloves, hammocks and cloth made of different fabrics. The better bargains are said to be at the main square, and the more you buy, the better your chances are to haggle the price down. Indigenous men and women sell their crafts in this beautiful picturesque artisan market set against a backdrop of mountains and volcanoes.

Our tour will end at the nice town of Cotacachi, known for its genuine leather work, you'll be able to find a piece that best suits your taste. Soon after we'll initiate our return to Quito for an Overnight stay.

Day 4: Quito - Airport - Galapagos: Charles Darwin Station

Day 4: Quito - Airport - Galapagos: Charles Darwin Station

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Galapagos. Upon arrival to Baltra Island, we'll go to Puerto Ayora on a private transfer of about 40 minutes by car. You'll have plenty of time to check in at the Hotel, unpack and freshen up. In the afternoon we'll givist the Charles Darwin Station to learn about the conservation and preservation of the islands. 

Overnight stay

Day 5: Galapagos: Tortuga Bay - Highlands of Santa Cruz

Day 5: GALAPAGOS - Tortuga Bay and Highlands of Santa Cruz

 Start off the day with breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the sights. After lunch we will take an excursion to one of the most beautiful beaches in Galapagos: Tortuga Bay. We will take a 30 minute walk on a marked math (approx 2 miles / 2.5km) west from Puerto Ayora. Along this route we'll get one of the best chances to connect to nature Tortuga Bay gets its name from the Sea Turtles that come here to lay their eggs. This island is a popular spot due to its white sand beaches, Pelicans and marine iguanas deligtening us with their natural lifestyle, as well as plenty of flying species to delight even the most savvy bird-watcher.

Later in the afternoon, we will take an excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery will continuously change as we ascend through all seven vegetation zones of the Galapagos. We will be able to view the giant tortoises at a farm in the highlands. Then we will visit The Twins (Log Gemelos), a pair of large pit craters or sinkholes where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher and then to "The Tunnels", the largest lava tunnels found in Galapagos.

We'll end our day back to Puerto Ayora for an Overnight stay.

Day 6: Galapagos: Bay Tour - Free Afternoon

Day 6: Galapagos - Bay Tour - Free Afternoon

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning at the hotel. Soon after we'll take you on a tour aboard a speedboat towards Loberia Islet to observe a big colony of sea lions and whenever possible, we will practice some snorkeling with them. Our next stop is at Playa Los Perros where we'll walk through the Optunia trees that lead to a rocky beach where the marine iguanas and sea lions spend their time by the amazing cliffs in the area. Continuing on to the Channel of Sharks where these species rest. Finally we disembark west of Academy Bay towards Las Grietas (hike through rock trail), a volcanic rock formation with interesting fissures formed by lava that split into two walls.If you are looking for a nice place to swim or snorkel, this is the place.

Return to the hotel and enjoy your Free Afternoon at your leasure.

Day 7: Galapagos - Twins - Airport - Quito

Day 7: Galapagos - Twins - Airport - Quito

After a good night sleep, wake up to a delicious early breakfast. We'll drive towards our hike site to visit the two volcanic craters known as Los Gemelos, located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading to Baltra. These formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. They are not real creaters, just figurative due to their shape.

We'll continue on the road to Baltra Island and transfer out to the Airport.

Day 8: Quito - End of Tour / Extension

Day 8: Quito - Flight back home

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport in order to take your flight back home. We look forward to hearing about your experience during your trip.

If you chose an extension package for your trip, or wish to add one during your tour, your guide will provide you with the necessary information. Please ask our office for further information.