GTMT-104C – QUITO & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Four Days Quito – Hotel Casa Gangotena – Private Quito City Tour & Full Day Otavalo with lunch
Five Day Galapagos Cruise – M/Y Isabela II – Southern Islands Itinerary – Friday to Tuesday
Eight Days / Seven Nights Tour Program
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Tuesday – Arrival in Quito
Assistance and private transfer from airport to hotel in Quito
Overnight accommodations Hotel Casa Gangotena – Luxury Room
DAY 2: Wednesday- Quito
Quito and Surroundings Cultural: Private Day Tour Quito & Middle of the World
Visits to: San Francisco Church & Convent – Recognized as one of the largest architectural structures within a historic center in the Americas, the San Francisco Church and Convent earned the nickname of “El Escorial” of the New World. La Compañia de Jesus Church – A lustre of gold hits visitors well before they’ve even crossed the doorstep of the La Compañia Church, known also as South America’s Temple of Solomon. It’s the crown jewel of Quito’s historic center and one of the most important manifestations of baroque architecture in the world. Independence Square (Main Square) – Located in the Historic Centre, Independence Square – also known as the Main Square – was the starting point for the planning and development of the city. It consists of four structures that serve as the corners of Quito society: the Presidential Palace (Carondelet), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Quito, and the Municipal Palace. San Francisco Plaza – Located in the Historic Centre, Independence Square – also known as the Main Square – was the starting point for the planning and development of the city. It consists of four structures that serve as the corners of Quito society: the Presidential Palace (Carondelet), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Quito, and the Municipal Palace. Middle of the World including the ethnographic Museum – A trip to Ecuador wouldn’t be complete without a photo depicting one foot in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere. Middle of the World City, located just 13.5 km (8.3 mi) north of Quito, stands to honor the Geodesic Mission that established latitude 0 in the 18th century. The central monument delineates the imaginary equatorial line and houses the Ethnographic Museum, which is filled with ethnographic and interactive exhibits about Ecuador.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight accommodations Hotel Casa Gangotena – Luxury Room
DAY 3: Thursday – Quito
Northern Highlands Cultural – Otavalo Full Day with lunch
This tour includes visits to: Mira Lago – A warm and inviting touristic rest stop that offers unparalleled views of the San Pablo Lake and the imposing Imbabura Volcano. Otavalo Market (Plaza De Los Ponchos) – The history of the Otavalo Market, also known as the Plaza de los Ponchos (Poncho Plaza), goes all the way back to the 16th century, when the indigenous merchants played a crucial role as traders and travelling salesmen. Vegetable Market – The city of Otavalo is known for its myriad markets that fill it with life and movement. Miguel Andrango’s Workshop – The traditional waistband loom dates back to the XVII century, to the times of the Spanish colonization. Visit artisan Miguel Andrango’s workshop for a closer look into the process of producing these intricate textiles that the master weaves with apparent ease. Ñanda Mañachi Andean Instruments Workshop – While in the small community of Peguche, known for its healing waterfalls and long musical tradition, visitors will have the chance to visit the Ñanda Mañachi Andean Instruments Workshop.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight accommodations Hotel Casa Gangotena – Luxury room
DAY 4: Friday – Arrival in Galapagos Islands
Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz Island)
We arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch.
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
We visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. The campus houses the islands’ headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5: Saturday – Galapagos Islands
Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove (Floreana Island): After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island): Our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like American flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. We can usually snorkel at the “Champion Islet” site, ride along the coast in the inflatable dinghies (pangas) or observe the underwater world from the comfort of our glass-bottom boat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6: Sunday – Galapagos Islands
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
Our morning outing at Punta Suarez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Galapagos albatross, boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for multi-colored (red, green and black) marine iguanas.
Gardner Bay (Española Island): In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak, inflatable dinghy-ride or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7: Monday – Galapagos Islands
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island): In the morning, we land on the eastern tip of the island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline and is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or an inflatable dinghy ride.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island): In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coraline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching including good views of seabirds and shore birds.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8: Tuesday – Depart Galapagos Islands
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal- Chatham Island): After breakfast, we depart to the pier and the airport for Your flight back to the mainland – Quito or Guayaquil or your next destination.
