GTMT-107C – QUITO & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Four Days Quito – Hotel Casa Gangotena – Quito City Tour. Full Day Otavalo with lunch
Five Day Galapagos Cruise – M/V Santa Cruz – Western Islands – Thursday to Monday
Eight Days / Seven Nights Tour Program
DAY BY DAY 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: 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: Thursday – Quito / Galapagos
Private transfer hotel to airport and check in assistance for flight to Galapagos Islands
Arrival in Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II. Welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5: Friday – Galapagos Islands
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, sea lions, hawks, penguins.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6: Saturday – Galapagos Islands
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7: Sunday – Galapagos Islands
Baroness Tower – Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. We follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana and visit the historic Post Office.
Champion Islet – Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Following lunch and a siesta, we take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant to view American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8: Monday – Depart Galapagos Islands
Baltra Island
We disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito or Guayaquil or your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
