Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

QuitoisEcuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua.Quitois located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church inSouth America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are theMunicipalPalace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio deSan Franciscoand the JesuitchurchofLa Compañía. Most ofQuito’s colonial churches are located in theOldTown, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

Overnight at Swissotel.

Day 2 Quito

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the America's. Visit some of the most important churches such as the Majestic la Compania and iconic San Francisco. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at Panecillo hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. North of Quito is the middle of the world city complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0 (0"0').

Overnight at Swissotel.

Day 3 Quito

The central sierra of Ecuador is known as "The Avenue of the volcanoes" (325 km), a necklace of "snow-cones" like jeweled crown. Chimborazo, Antisana, Cayambe, Tungurahua and Cotopaxi to name perhaps the most emblematic are  al highly prized mountain-climbing destiantions that rise well over 16,000 fett (5000m) a.s.l and give the overall Andean landscape from large citeies to small towns a character of unsurpassable splendor.

This full day includes Antisana Reserve, 31 miles southeast of Quito, The Antisana volcano rises 18886 ft (5758 masl); the reserve's territory covers 120,000 hectares, where numerous bird species can be found, such as hummingbirds and the majestic Andean Condor. You will observe the rich variety of flora and stunning landscapes watered by the streams flowing from the snow peaks above. (includes box lunch)

Overnight at Swissotel.
    

Day 4 Galapagos

Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. The Baltra airport was originally constructed by theU.S.military during World War II as a base to protect thePanama Canalfrom enemy attack. It is linked by bridge to Santa Cruz Island. It is the main airport for arrivals and departures from the Galapagos.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

The $100 entrance fee to theGalapagos IslandsParkand the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos. This surcharge is included in your booking.

After a dry landing, you will walk to a salty lagoon behind the beach. Here you may see pink flamingos. Continuing on the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. You will also encounter a large colony of reintroduced land iguanas [hence the name, Dragon Hill] and a Scalesia tree forest. Returning to the shore, you will take a ride in a panga [Zodiac] boat to Venice Islet, to observe marine animals such as golden rays, sharks and sea turtles in the calm waters of the coves, as well as the land iguanas.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Crossing through threads of hundreds of stunning volcanic islands, theGalapagos Islandspromise some of the world's most incredible views and sights from the comfort of First Class Yachts, the Coral I and Coral II. The Coral I offers 18 cabins, while the Coral II offers 11, both providing a very intimate and private atmosphere. Rooms come with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Meals are served in the yacht restaurant or on deck, with a broad range of international, barbecue and South American cuisine. Spend time in the Jacuzzi or at the library. Watch from the deck for whales and dolphins, sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, birds, cacti and unique vegetation.

3N/4D Departs Sundays

4N/5D Departs Wednesdays

7N/8D Departs Sunday/Wednesday

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 5 Galapagos

Dry landing at the dark red-colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands. There is a short trail leading to a saltwater lagoon, a feeding ground for small colonies of Flamingos. Brown pelicans nest in the mangroves on the far side of the lagoon. It is also possible to spot boobies and 9 species of Darwin’s finches. Enjoy a dinghy ride by the reefs where you will have an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.

After a wet landing, visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, a good area for observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. You can see Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkelling in search of Octopus, Sea Horses, Starfish, and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance you can observe Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 6 Galapagos

After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, you will be able to see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea Lions. It is also an opportunity to see the nesting sites of the Flightless Cormorants. Among the flora and the volcanic formations, you will see Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Lava flows are always viewed from a safe distance. The island has numerous mangrove beds extending into the sea, indicating a healthy and thriving eco-system.

On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favourite anchor for pirates and whalers. Old graffiti is still found on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the unusual Palo Santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf out and spring back to life in the short wet season, which usually begins in Mar/Apr. An uphill hike through palo santo forest takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 7 Galapagos

Dry landing. Arriving on Bartolome island, you will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you will have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent, it is usually possible to see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. The vegetation here includes Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti. You will have a chance to snorkel after your walk. You may be able to see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance.

Arrive at Black Turtle Cove near Las Bachas Beach on the north coastline of Santa Cruz Island. This excursion provides passengers with a “dinghy” ride through the mangroves, during which the outboard motor is turned off to allow close observation of marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and yellow rays.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Overnight at Coral I & II.

Day 8 Quito

Take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato. Here you’ll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that give the islands their name. After this visit, return to Puerto Ayora.

Transfer by bus acrossSanta Cruz Islandand a short ferry ride to Baltra. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

The Swissotel Quito is a large, grand establishment that promises a friendly, enjoyable experience. The 277 rooms are clean and well-appointed, with a bed so comfortable it will be hard to leave behind. The panoramic views of the city are just as addictive. An extensive breakfast is memorable for its array of fruits, breads, and meats and dairy. A positive environment of caring service and impeccably-maintained lobby space contribute to the hotel's appeal. The fitness facilities are excellent and offer a lot of options for those who are keen on working out. Also try out the tennis, squash, and racquet courts.

Overnight at Swissotel.

Day 9 Quito

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Departure tax is not included in the tour price ($44.30 per person).

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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