Day 1: Arrival in Quito or Guayaquil (Saturday)
Arrive and meet your transfer from the international airport to the hotel. Overnight in Quito or Guayaquil.
Day 2: Excursion of the City
Quito: A full day visit of colonial Quito, the largest historical centre in the Americas, elected the first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. During the excursion you will visit the Plaza de la Independencia, Parque Alameda, Church of San Francisco and the Middle of the World Equator Monument.
Guayaquil: A half day visit of the enchanting old town of Guayaquil. During the trip you will visit the romantic Las Peñas neighbourhood, the Malecon 2000 boardwalk, Central Bank Archaeological Museum and Centenario Park. Overnight in Quito or Guayaquil. (B)
Day 3: Fly to the Galapagos Islands. Commence 4 Day / 3 Night Galapagos Cruise
Today you will fly from Quito to the spectacular Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to your cruise vessel and commence your trip of a lifetime!
MV Santa Cruz II is a magnificent 70m expedition vessel equipped with 5 decks for a maximum capacity of 90 guests. Refurbished in 2015 with state-of-the-art materials and amenities, Santa Cruz II features 50 comfortable cabins, a variety of exceptional interior and exterior common areas, 2 hot tubs, a fitness room, bars and observation decks. Staffing includes 60 crew members and 8 naturalist guides.
During the cruise you will visit various islands during where you will have many opportunities to observe the famously varied Galapagos Islands wildlife including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, sea lions, Darwin’s finch, land iguanas and marine iguanas.
Naturalist guides will accompany you on daily shore excursions to explore and explain the significance of the history, biodiversity and evolution of the Galapagos Islands.
Swimming and snorkelling opportunities abound with the chance to spot sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, colourful reef-dwelling fish and perhaps even penguins. Overnight on cruise vessel. (B, L, D)
Days 4-6: Galapagos Cruise
Explore the islands during daily excursions. Overnight on cruise vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Disembark Cruise. Fly to Quito
Morning sightseeing or excursion. Disembarkation from cruise. Fly to Quito and overnight. (B)
Day 8: Full Day Private Excursion to Otavalo Market
This morning depart Quito for Ecuador’s most famous indigenous market, Otavalo. Here you will be dazzled by the mosaic of colours and handicrafts. Stallholders offer shoppers superb bargains on handicrafts unique to the region which attracts locals and foreigners alike. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 9: Airport Transfer
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
US$3995
Price per person based on Double Occupancy.
Depart on the date of your choice.
Included:
Not included:
