Wonders of Ecuador with Galapagos 

Departure Dates Prices 12 nights 23 May - 21 Jun 12 £3,799 22 Jun - 7 Aug 12 £4,149 8 Aug - 31 Aug 12 £3,829	Departure Dates Prices 12 nights 1 Sep - 30 Nov 12 £3,799 1 Dec - 15 Dec 12 £3,909
Prices correct as at 6pm on 21/05/2012. Please call for final price.

What’s Included

Transatlantic flight on scheduled services 12 nights accommodation in hotels specified or similar Meals as specified on day to day itinerary Shared and private transfers with local English speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary Island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only. Snorkeling gear Taxes and transfers in the islands Permanent assistance during the trip Sightseeing/ excursions with local English speaking guides as follows:- Quito Quito & Centre of World Tour Galapagos As specified on itinerary What’s Not Included Entrance to Galapagos National Park $100 per person Transit control card $10 per person Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary Airport Departure Tax of $2 from Guayaquil / $40/80 from Quito Airport Departure Taxes are subject to change

Holiday Details

Airline	Airport	Class	Room Type	Board Basis	Transfers
Scheduled	Heathrow	Economy	Standard	See Itinerary	Coach

Hotel Upgrades (per person per night from)

4 Star Hotels	5 Star Hotels
£6	£22

Flight Options

Flights are available with a choice of airlines, regional departures also available. Please call for details.

For other dates or durations, please call for your tailor made quote.

Prices correct as at 6pm on 21/05/2012. Please call for final price.

Tour Information

MT. 12 night Tour. 2 nights Quito, 1 night Patate, 1 night Riobamba, 1 night Cuenca, 1 night Guayaquil, 5 nights on M/V Santa Cruz, 1 night Guayaquil.

Ecuador, a country to explore, to enjoy, to rediscover life!

DAY 1

Fly from London to Ecuador
You will be met on arrival by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.
3 Star: Dann Carlton
4 Star: Hilton Colon
5Star: Swissotel Quito

DAY 2

Quito (B)
This morning you will make a visit to downtown Quito to enjoy this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; with its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.
Continuing on to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator. Overnight in Quito
3 Star: Dann Carlton
4 Star: Hilton Colon
5Star: Swissotel Quito

DAY 3

Quito-Cotopaxi-Patate (B,L,D)
Quito- Yanapi Hat Shop - Cotopaxi National Park - Hacienda San Agustín de Callo - Patate
Today the artisan tradition of Quito is shown with a visit to the Yanapi Hat Factory, where guests can observe the process of making hats by hand and machine, of wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality hats are exported to European, Australian and American markets. You will trtavel along valleys and mountains, arriving into Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Experience a close-up view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight! At the foot of the volcano lies a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a dining room consisting of perfectly preserved, centuries old Inca walls, and is a true archaeological jewel. After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation of many varieties and colours, ready for exportation. From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where, as the afternoon mist descends, stories are told about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis - and never returned...
Overnight in Patate.
3 Star: Hacienda Leito
4 Star: hacienda Leito
5 Star: Hacienda Manteles

DAY 4

Patate-Banos-Ambato-Riobamba (B,L,D)
After breakfast, take the spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge. Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) -the most adventurous guests will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending. Lunch is served at an hacienda / hostel in the surrounding area, and in the afternoon a short stroll along Baños -a town with a cosmopolitan feel, full of people from all over the world, as well as many locals who make pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. Continuing on from here, the route to Riobamba climbs up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper in a protected Fauna Preserve. There are great photo opportunities on this route! Arrive into Riobamba in time for dinner. Overnight in Riobamba.
3 Star: Abraspungo
4 Star: Abraspungo
5 Star: Abraspungo

DAY 5

Riobamba-Cuenca (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast you depart your hotel and begin the journey to Cuenca, skirting the flanks of the Andes, along twisting and turning roads alonf bridges over ravines and river gorges. Ride through Indian villages and cultivated fields where most of the cereals in Ecuador are grown, among them, the quinoua, considered the perfect grain for its nutritional value. After approximately 2 hours you will arrive into the small town of Alausí, the beating heart of the rehabilitation of the Ecuadorian Railway Company in the last years. Great effort has been made to restore the 100-year old train to its former glory. Stations have been renovated, railways and sleepers replaced, engines and classic coaches refurbished, and, most important, the project provides jobs for the local community. The highlight is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the zigzag cuttings on the rock of the Devil’s Nose. At the bottom you will see the newly renovated Station of Sibambe. There will be time to visit the local museum "Condor Puñuna" built and run by the Nizag community, see the display of local handcrafts, fruit and medicinal plants and try the local coffee. The train whistle calls guests back on board for the return to the Station of Alausí, where a light snack will be served. You will continue onwards exploring the Andean scenery travelling south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Lunch in the area. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner. Overnight in Cuenca.
3 Star: Santa Lucia / Carvalllo / El Dorado
4 Star: Santa Lucia / Carvalllo / El Dorado
5 Star: Mansion Alcazar

DAY 6

Cuenca-Guayaquil (B,L)
This morning you will have a chance to see more of Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it a very special place. Your tour includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold. You will also visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art and then on to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here, a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. AContinuing onwards with a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city’s overhanging houses. Lunch is at one of the excellent restaurants in Cuenca, and in the afternoon, we make a short stop to visit a ceramics handcraft shop, and then observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw. We then continue on to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On arrival you will be met be a representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.
3 Star: Hampton Inn
4 Star: Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil
5 Star: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

DAY 7

Guayaquil- Galapagos (B,L,D)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport at Guayaquil for your flight to the Galapagos.. )
Arrive into San Cristóbal Island where you will be transferred to the M/V Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. After embarkation your cabin will be assigned and then you will have lunch. After lunch there will be an introductory talk.

Interpretation Centre and Cerro Tijeretas (San Cristóbal Island)
In the afternoon, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (dry landing) and visit the Interpretation Centre where visitors will acquire a greater understanding of Galápagos’ uniqueness throughout informative visual aids. From the Interpretation Centre, we stroll along an easy boardwalk to the north shore of San Cristóbal, to the site considered as the spot where Darwin set foot for first time on Galápagos in 1835. A bust of the naturalist was placed there to commemorate this event. This area is teeming with life: Darwin finches, San Cristóbal mockingbirds, marine iguanas, sea lions, etc. Hills frame this turquoise bay, home to two species of frigates. A staircase leads to the top of Cerro Tijeretas, from where a good proportion of northern San Cristóbal is visible: Wreck Bay, Lobos Islet, Punta Carola and the impressive Kicker Rock. Return on board. Enjoy a welcome cocktail while the expedition plan for Saturday is discussed, before having dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 8

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal Island)
A dinghy ride along the shores of tough stone layers takes you to Cerro Brujo’s white coralline beach (wet landing). The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding bird watching and good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, herons, frigate birds, and more shore birds. Also, look out for Galápagos sea lions. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. Cerro Brujo is an excellent site for acquainting oneself with snorkelling gear and techniques. Back on board for lunch.

Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)
In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt Point is an eroded area and the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or snorkel at the nearby islets. Back on board to discuss the expedition plan for Sunday and have dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 9

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, a wet landing on a sandy white beach with many sea lion colonies. Bulls vie for the right of “Beach Master”, while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat for non-snorkellers. Lunch on board.

South Plaza Island
Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a lavishly colourful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ‘Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Back on board for the expedition plan for Monday and have dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 10

M/V Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest which is home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After lunch, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of the twin pit craters known as Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the M/V Santa Cruz for a discussion about Tuesday’s expedition plan and dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 11

M/V Santa Cruz
Punta Suárez (Española (Hood) Island)
Morning outing at Punta Suárez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow-hole”. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or a ride aboard the glass-bottom boat. In the evening there is a departure briefing and farewell cocktail reception before dinner. Overnight on board.

DAY 12

M/V Santa Cruz-Guayaquil (B)
Disembark from Santa Cruz and return to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Guayaquil
3 Star: Hampton Inn
4 Star: Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil
5 Star: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

DAY 13

Guayaquil (B)
Escorted transfer from airport of Guayaquil to Quito airport for your return flight.

DAY 14

Arrive UK


Important Tour Information

Day 2
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and climbing stairs. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Entrance fees are included.
** Tour visits to churches on Sundays are not allowed.

Day 6
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat for evening and rain protection.. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
Average Temperature:
Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.


B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner


Please note: Maximum Altitude on this tour will be 12,120 ft

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