Ecuador & Galapagos Deluxe

Day 1: Quito
Welcome to Ecuador!
Arrive at Quito´s airport reception, transfer to the hotel in the modern district, and check in (15:00 hours). Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito City Tour + Mitad del Mundo & Teleferico
Breakfast in the hotel. Pick up from the Hotel in Quito. The tour will then continue from the Basilica Church, where we will make a brief stop to visit it. After walking through the colonial streets, we will stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government Palace. We will also visit La Ronda Street, The Company Church, Santo Domingo´s Church, The Sagrario´s Church, and San Francisco´s Church, which was built during the 17th century. After visiting the historical sights, we will go to Teleferico. This is one of the best ways to enjoy our city with views of beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, and the capital, Quito. From a point of more than 13,000 feet (4000 m), you will enjoy magnificent views of the city. After lunch, you will head to the Middle of the World monument, where you can stand right in the middle of the equatorial line and straddle the two hemispheres. In addition, you will have a chance to participate in several experiments at the Intiñan Museum, such as watching the water go down a drain in a different direction (only inches away from either side of the equator), or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an ancient sundial and much more. At this complex place, you will also be able to visit a fascinating ethnographical museum that gives a great overview of the
many distinct cultures of this small country. You will also enjoy the amazing landscape in Pululahua inhabited crater, just 5 minutes from the Equatorial line.

Day 3: Otavalo Market - Cuicocha Lake
Breakfast in the hotel. This full day starts with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Quito. From there, we will drive in a private vehicle to Otavalo and its marketplace to learn all about their culture. On our way, we can admire the gorgeous scenery and the Andes Mountain range. We will stop at San Pablo´s Lake viewpoint to take some pictures and we will try some delicious biscochos (local traditional buttery cookies). Once
we reach Otavalo, you will have the opportunity to walk through the market to see the different stands and local people exhibiting their multicolored handicrafts and souvenirs, and purchase some if you'd like. We will also visit a weaving workshop in Peguche. After that, you will enjoy lunch and then visit Cuicocha Lake before heading back to Quito.

Day 4: Cotopaxi Volcano
The excursion starts at 8 am from your hotel in Quito. Meet your guide and board a vehicle heading south of Quito and towards Cotopaxi National Park. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the Andes Mountain range and gorgeous natural scenery. Once you reach the National Park, you will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo Lagoon. Take a short hike in the surrounding Limpiopungo valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. Depending on your physical condition, you will get to the Glacier (5050 meters). Enjoy lunch
at a local restaurant that offers typical Ecuadorian meals.

Day 5: Baños - Quito
Breakfast in the hotel. A day of exploration of the town of Baños and the picturesque Valley of the waterfalls. The Pailon del Diablo is the largest and most spectacular Ecuadorian falls, but other smaller ones are also impressive. Also, visit Manto de la Novia waterfalls and the Tree House. There is also an opportunity to practice extreme sports, where our guide and driver are at your disposal for the whole day to give you the maximum flexibility
In the visits that you would like to make, such as a canopy or rappel in the waterfalls.

Day 6: Quito - Baltra - Santa Cruz
Breakfast in the hotel. You will be picked up at the airport by your guide. Then, we will move to the Itabaca Canal and cross on a ferry. Later, we will drive in the vehicle to the ranch "El Chato" in the highlands to see giant outdoor turtles. We will visit the
Charles Darwin Station is primarily an international scientific research station located on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora. We will go to your interpretation center to learn about the geology, climate, natural history, and conservation of the Galapagos Islands. In the evening, you can choose from many restaurants near the pier for dinner on your own.

Day 7: Full Fay Navigable Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the dates and/or navigable site available, pick-up from the hotel will be early in the morning (6 or 7:00 am) to take you to the small vessel at the embarkation point in Puerto Ayora for a unique experience with Galapagos wildlife and endemic vegetation. The destination can be either Santa Fe, Pinzon, or Floreana (it depends on the National Park availability). The activities will include hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and breathtaking sightseeing. After land and sea excursions, we will return to the hotel in Santa Cruz, where you can relax and later on have dinner at the restaurant specified by the guide.

Day 8: Isabela Island - Tintoreras
Early morning, you will take a private small plane for a short flight of 30 minutes from Baltra - Isabela. Upon arrival, our guide will transfer you to your hotel, and you will have the rest of the morning free. If you want, you can walk to the nearby flamingo lagoon to spot these graceful birds or visit (entrance free) the tortoise breeding center. In the afternoon, we will visit "Las Tintoreras," a chain of small islets full of coves and hidden
beaches. The islet of Tintoreras is situated in the south of Puerto Villamil. It has a bay where it is possible to see sea lions, marine turtles, iguanas, manta rays, etc. This bay is connected
by a superficial crack with crystalline water, which is closed off during low tide. In this crack, it is possible to see the sharks from Blanca Point swimming with the rest of the tropical fish and sea lions (snorkel).

Day 9: Cabo Rosa Tunnels - Santa Cruz
Breakfast in the hotel. Departure by boat to Cabo Rosa (45 min by boat), where lava flowed into the ocean and formed beautiful lava tunnels. There you will see penguins, blue-footed boobies, and sea turtles. However, the highlight is diving. You have the opportunity to see sharks, turtles/sea lions, sea lions, rays, seahorses, and many tropical fish. The tour to Cabo Rosa lasts approximately 5 hours. Then, we will take a flight to return to Santa Cruz Island.

Day 10: Baltra
You will have breakfast and depart for Baltra to catch your flight back to the mainland. Board the flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival and connection with the international flight.

Note: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute
weather conditions, and adjustments to Galapagos National Park policies.