Enjoy the Best of Quito and Galapagos (3 Islands ) 8-Day Trip

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival at Quito⌄

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

   Overnight: Hotel selected in Quito

2. 2Quito City Tour – Mitad del Mundo - Teleferico⌄

   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 then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government’s 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.

   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.

   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 place complex, you will also be able to visit a fascinating ethnographical museum which 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.

   Meals: Lunch · Breakfast

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Quito

3. 3Otavalo Market – Cuicocha Lake⌄

   This full day starts with 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 where we will try some delicious biscochos (local traditional buttery cookies). Once we will 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 lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit Cuicocha Lake before heading back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Selected Hotel in Quito

4. 4Quito – Baltra – Santa Cruz⌄

   Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport in Quito and flight to Galapagos.

   Arrive at Baltra´s airport, your guide will pick you up at the airport and drive up to the ranch in the highlands. This area concentrates vast extensions of forests of Scalesia, Miconia, and giant tortoises. This is a great place to observe these iconic animals in their natural habitat. We will visit lava tunnels and the twin craters of the Galapagos; it is a rewarding visit for nature-loving tourists. The lush green landscape of the highlands stands in stark contrast to the more arid coastlines of the lowlands, providing a very different Galapagos experience. Lookouts over the crater sinkholes show off the stunning scenery, and there are plenty of interesting birds too. Overnight in a hotel in Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

5. 5Full Day Navigable Tour⌄

   Breakfast in 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. 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. Overnight in Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch: Box Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

6. 6Isabela - Tintoreras⌄

   At 6:30 am, you will take the speed boat to Isabela, (2 hours). On arrival, a 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, of visit (entrance free) the tortoise breeding center. In the afternoon, we will visit "Las Tintoreras," a chain of small islets full of the cove 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).

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Isabela

7. 7Isabela - Cabo Rosa Tuneles⌄

   Breakfast at 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. Later, take the speedboat back to Santa Cruz.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch: Box Lunch

   Overnight: Selected hotel in Santa Cruz

8. 8Transfer to Baltra⌄

   Breakfast and departure for Baltra to catch your flight back to the mainland – your flight shall depart at 11:30 am minimum, not before. Board on the flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival and connection with international flight.

   Meals: Breakfast