ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS PROGRAM
Departures: Monday
9days/8nights

DAY 1
Quito (B)
Transfer in Quito
Accommodation at Dann Carlton Hotel or Similar.


DAY 2
Quito (B)
Colonial Quito and the Middle of the World

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city.
At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. For family parties it is offered "Inti Ñan" or "Pathway of the Sun" where children and teenagers can enjoy a didactic experience over earth subjects. Accommodation at Dann Carlton Hotel or Similar.

DAY 3
Quito – Otavalo -Quito (B,L)
Drive to Ibarra in order to take the (messenger train) runs on the railway built at the beginning of the 20th century connecting the northern highlands to the tropical coast. From Ibarra, the train climbs down to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui, through sugarcane plantations, magical landscapes, and tunnels and crossing ridges that span deep canyons and gullies. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges rom 2,200 down to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about two hours. Enjoy a unique lunch at Chaski Antawa Restaurant”, which is our way of helping the Valley of Salinas and its surrounding area become a tourist destination and raising the
standard of living of its inhabitants. Its menu was carefully selected and drawn up by the community using high quality standards. Other sites include Otavalo and its famous indigenous arts and crafts market,the largest in South America. Back to Quito. Accommodation at Dann Carlton Hotel or Similar.

DAY 4
Quito – Galapagos (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport. Departure from Quito to Baltra (aprox. 2 and half hour flight). Passengers will be picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to the M/VGalapagos Legend.

Bartolome. Dry landing. Passengers will see volcanic formations like lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After hike to the summit you’ll be impressed by the view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.

During the hike to the summit, travelers will often see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla, lava cactus, Scalecia tree and others.

Visitors will be able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance.

DAY 5
Galapagos (B,L,D)
Urbina Bay (Isabela). Wet landing. Passengers will visit the fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.
Fernandina (Espinosa Point). Wet landing. Passengers will visit the volcanic ash beach and coral area. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.

DAY 6
Galapagos (B,L,D)
Santiago (Egas Port). Wet landing on a beach of dark sand (volcanic ash). Most of the landscape is comprised of layers of rocks and lava flows. Here you can see great blue herons, striated herons, yellow-crowned night herons and American oystercatchers.

Passengers will see marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seals swimming in pools of cool water. This is a place where you can swim, snorkel and look for squid, starfish and a variety of colorful tropical fish.

Rábida (Jervis). Wet landing. The volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea lions. It’s considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands. You’ll hike to a salt water lagoon, where flamingos can sometimes be found.

July through September is a good time to observe brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed.
You can take a ride along the reefs in a dinghy, as well as snorkel.



DAY 7
Galapagos (B,L,D)
Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station). Here you will be able to observe the giant tortoises that are part of the reproduction program and the world’s most famous tortoise, Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species. Visitors can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Later on, you’ll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.

Santa Cruz (Highlands). Travelers can trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit Cerro Chato, where they will be able to observe the famous giant tortoises.
Additionally, travelers can walk inside the dormant lava tubes.

DAY 8
Galapagos – Quito (B)
Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach). Wet landing. This beach is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Visitors will encounter many sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and have the opportunity to swim on the white-sand beach.
Return to the Galapagos Legend, check out and transfer to Baltra’s airport.
Return flight to Quito via Guayaquil. Flight back to Quito

Shuttle in Quito.
Accommodation at Dann Carlton Hotel or Similar.

DAY 9
Quito (B)
Transfer out Quito