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 Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) 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”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured.

Overnight at Swissotel.

Day 3 Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galapagos. Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, and has the best hotels, restaurants and stores. Other services include grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware store, boat supplies, a small hospital and a hyperbaric chamber. It is located on the southern side of Santa Cruz island, and is connected by road and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island. Charles Darwin Research station is located near the city. The Highlands in the center of the island are a common hiking area. On the north side of the island there are several landing spots including; Dragon Hill, Venice, Bachas Beach and Black Turtle Cove.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Fly to Galapagos making a brief stop in Guayaquil. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours.

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.

Arrival to Galápagos by plane, to the airport at Baltra Island, and then cross the Itabaca Channel, which separates it from Santa Cruz Island. On the other side, a bus will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve in their natural habitat, a unique experience! A stop is made at the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material, formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Box lunch is provided and then on to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy its multiple attractions: pool, the white coral beach in front of the hotel or rest in your hammock.

In the evening, dinner includes the flavors of local and international gastronomy, one more attraction of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Located on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, it is situated in a quiet location, with only pedestrian and bicycle circulation - there are no cars in the neighborhood. The hotel has been fully renovated and transformed, with important changes to upgrade its facilities and landscaping. The hotel's new look features environmentally friendly materials and use of natural light with large windows, beachfront access, large pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. The charming Finch Bay Hotel - named after the famous Darwin's Finches abundant in the surroundings - is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay.

Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island

Your excursion today is to:

SANTA FE ISLAND (Barrington)

A short trek leads through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas (endemic to Santa Fe), lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. There is opportunity to swim and snorkel.

Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Day 5 Santa Cruz Island

Your excursion today is to:

PLAZA ISLAND

This small island is teeming with wildlife, sea side and along the cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors with the seasons.

Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island

Your excursion today is to:

BARTOLOME ISLAND

Enjoy the spectacular Galapagos views as you ascend the hillsides of this unique island. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed. Sea lions and penguins swim in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach.

Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Day 7 Quito

Leave early in the morning for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Then, overland transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to the continent.

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

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 8 Quito

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary

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 International Airport. End of itinerary.

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

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