GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR SAMPLER ITINERARY

DAY 1, SATURDAY: ARRIVE ECUADOR

As you clear customs at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, Ecuador your private driver and guide will meet you and assist you with your luggage. They will transfer you to your hotel. En route you will receive a brief overview of Quito and answer any questions you may have.
(Hotel)

DAY 2, SUNDAY: VISIT THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST

Today you will set off and cross the equator at Mitad del Mundo on your way to the luxurious Arasha Spa and Resort. This region is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world, the resort itself it set upon 130 acres of tropical plant, flowers and fruit trees. Home to a plethora of tropical birds it's a true sanctuary unto itself. Upon arrival at the Spa, settle in and perhaps indulge yourselves on one of the many spa treatments available or perhaps a tempting visit the to see how chocolate is made.
(B, L, D...Hotel)

DAY 3, MONDAY: TROPICAL RAINFOREST & RETURN TO QUITO

The choice is yours today to choose between a series of tours, from discovering the primary forest, learning the medicinal values of native plants from a local shaman or attending a workshop to learn local secrets for creating jewelry or tropical floral arrangements - the day is your to delight and explore the local scenery & culture. In the early evening a driver will take you back to Quito.
(B, L ... Hotel)

DAY 4, TUESDAY: TRAVEL TO GALAPAGOS, VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN STATION AND SNORKEL WITH SEA LIONS

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival in the Galapagos your guide will be waiting to meet you and transfer with you to the island of Santa Cruz. Once in Puerto Ayora you will have time to relax and unpack before lunch and your afternoon tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Your afternoon is completed with a spectacular tour of Academy Bay. Heading out on a small speed boat you will discover the plethora of wildlife that lives in Academy Bay and neighboring Devine's Bay. Frequent wildlife sightings include blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, frigatebirds, brown pelicans, marine iguanas, golden rays, and sharks to name a few. The bay tour is an excellent opportunity to test your snorkeling skills and perfect your sea lion rolls as you swim and snorkel with the fun loving sea lions that live on the island at the head of the bay.
(B, L...Hotel)

DAY 5, WEDNESDAY: FLOREANA

Known as one of the best dive and snorkel spots in Galapagos our visit to Floreana allows us to snorkel in a virtual fish tank of colorful tropical fish, play and play with sea lion pups! We kayak around the island viewing nesting boobies and frigate birds. Your day continues with a journey into the highlands for a breathtaking view and to view the caves which were once home to some of the islands first inhabitants.
(B, L ... Hotel)

Day 6, THURSDAY: TORTOISES IN THE WILD & TRAVEL TO OTAVALO

In the morning you will visit the most popular attraction in the Santa Cruz highlands - a visit to El Chato where giant tortoises have been given free reign to roam the fields undisturbed by other animals. This is one of the best places to observe giant tortoises in their native habitat, rarely encountered in the wild.

Then you’ll continue on to the Baltra Airport for your return flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito your transfer agent will meet you outside of baggage claims holding a sign with your name on it. You’ll travel north along the Pan-American Highway crossing the equator to the lush Otavalo Valley and arrive at your lodgings for the next two days, Hacienda Cusin.
(B, D...Hotel)

DAY 7, FRIDAY: OTAVALO VALLEY & HIGHLANDS

Today you will have the option to remain at the hacienda and enjoy various activities including horseback rides in the countryside. Alternatively, you can head out to visit some of the best craft villages in Ecuador. If you do choose to venture out be sure to visit the weaving village of Peguche where master weavers demonstrate the skills passed down for generations. You can also enjoy a short walk to a local waterfall.

After lunch you may wish to enjoy a stroll along the historic shores of Lake San Pablo, the site of one of the great battles between the Inca's and the local people. Here you can observe the beautiful scenery created by this lake, which sits inside a volcanic crater. The afternoon can be topped off with a visit to the Village of Cotacachi famous for its leather goods before settling into your historic Hacienda for the night for the night.

(B, D...Hotel)

DAY 8: OTAVALO MARKET & RETURN TO QUITO

Market days mean an early rise to visit the animal market where locals come to swap livestock. You return to the Hacienda for a sumptuous breakfast and then return to town to visit the world famous Otavalo Market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Walking from Ponchos square, the main square of the Indian Market, you have time to wander the entire market and shop for handicrafts. You are sure to find amazing bargains and gain more insight into the lives of the colorful local people you’ll meet.

After lunch you'll begin the journey back to Quito for your final night in Ecuador.
(B...Hotel)

DAY 9: ECUADOR DEPARTURE

In the morning you will be met and transferred to your international flight three hours prior to departure. Bon Voyage!
(B...Hotel)

*Please note the itinerary may vary due to changes in air schedules, weather, national park regulations, local conditions, safety or unforeseen emergencies.

TOUR DATES

This tour is available year round upon individual request - a minimum of 2 people is necessary
Please note Christmas and New Years departures are subject to higher rates.

DETAILED ITINERARY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST