Itinerary

DAY 1
Flight to Quito / Hotel

You will be met at the airport by an English speaking guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice in Quito. Dinner on your own (it is likely you will be on a plane during dinner, arriving late at night).

Otavalo Indigenous Market

    

DAY 2 - OPTION 1
Otavalo Market & Craft Villages in the Hacienda Highlands (view in detail)

Early in the morning we set out north with our guide along the famed ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ to the village of Otavalo. The Otavalo Indian market is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Then it is on to the village of Peguche for a weaving demonstration, followed by Cotacachi, home to Ecuador's finest leather craftsmen. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L)
Papallacta Thermal Hot Springs



    

DAY 2 - OPTION 2
Papallacta Hot Springs (view in detail)

If you are looking for maximum relaxation and the ultimate way to decompress after your flight to Ecuador we recommend a visit to Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa. Outdoor pools brimming with natural thermal waters beneath green volcanic peaks await. There is a wonderful hike through the area’s nature reserve beside a very lively creek with water falls. But the real attraction is the springs and spa, on par with just about anything you will find around the world, but at extremely reasonable rates. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
Hummingbird Excursion to Tandayapa




    

DAY 2 - OPTION 3
Hummingbird Excursion in the Tandayapa Cloud Forest (view in detail)

Just an hour and a half north east of Quito stands a primeval cloud forest set in the mountains above the Tandayapa River. Here a North American has discovered what could be the birders’ paradise of the world. Even without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds who frequent the feeders of this former cow pasture, the list of bird species seen here would rival—and may well surpass—any single location in the world. If you want your species list to expand exponentially, this is a must visit. We return to Quito late in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
Quito City Tour

Quito's Equator Monument

    

DAY 2 - OPTION 4
Full Day Quito City Tour with Aerial Tram or Equator Monument (view in detail)

On a walking tour along its cobblestone streets we will have the chance to view the colonial section of Quito. This section is a living museum of grand en colonial architecture; its mansions, cathedrals and squares have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will also marvel at the ornate interior of the Baroque/Moorish Church of San Francisco as well as the golden interior of La Compañia church. For the second part of the tour you can choose to visit the Equator monument, the site of a small colonial town crowded with craft shops and restaurants. This excursion includes a visit to the marvelous Ethnographic Museum, which traces the history and archeology of Ecuador’s native peoples back to the Pleistocene. Or, you can choose to take a ride on the Aerial Tram which in just 10 minutes takes you to 4,050 meters, for a spectacular city overlook, as well as a breathtaking view of the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. (B, L, D)
Flight to Galapagos Islands     

DAY 3
Transfer to Airport for Galapagos Flight

After an early breakfast and pickup you be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. (B, L, D)
Galapagos Islands Cruise     

DAYS 3 - 10
Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/V Evolution or M/Y Grace

See M/V Evolution's Day by Day Itinerary

See M/Y Grace's Day by Day Itinerary
Galapagos Islands Flight

    

DAY 10
End of Cruise - Return Flight to Mainland / Hotel

Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred from the airport to you hotel. This evening is free to relax. You can enjoy your hotel or go back to visit the Colonial section of Quito. Enjoy your last night in Quito and Ecuador!
Farewell to Ecuador & Galapagos     

DAY 11
Transfer to Airport for Return Flight Home

Today we say farewell to Ecuador and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.

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