In this itinerary you will enjoy the very best of Ecuador, starting in Quito, its capital, the four days in the impressive Galapagos Islands, and to end up with this unique trip, you will travel to Peru, to visit its renowned gastronomical capital city, Lima and its millenary Machu Picchu citadel, recently named as a New World Wonder.
Day 01 Quito
Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Day 02 Quito
A 4 hours visit to downtown Quito to relish in 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 visit 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; 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. Then continue 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
Included: Breakfast
Day 03 Quito
Early departure from Quito to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. Lunch is at a restaurant of the area before returning to Quito in the afternoon. The entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra.
Overnight in Quito
Included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 04 Quito
Upon your arrival, transfer to Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy an underwater program designed for divers that want to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Highlights: North Seymour, Daphne Minor, and the always amazing Gordon Rocks. Right on Santa Cruz, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station has been planned; this is the home of the captive-rearing program for the famous giant tortoises. Full scuba gear provided.
Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 05
Second day at Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy an underwater program designed for divers that want to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Highlights: North Seymour, Daphne Minor, and the always amazing Gordon Rocks. Right on Santa Cruz, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station has been planned; this is the home of the captive-rearing program for the famous giant tortoises. Full scuba gear provided.
Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 06
Third day at Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy an underwater program designed for divers that want to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Highlights: North Seymour, Daphne Minor, and the always amazing Gordon Rocks. Right on Santa Cruz, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station has been planned; this is the home of the captive-rearing program for the famous giant tortoises. Full scuba gear provided.
Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 07
Fourth day at Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy an underwater program designed for divers that want to experience the beauty of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Highlights: North Seymour, Daphne Minor, and the always amazing Gordon Rocks. Right on Santa Cruz, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station has been planned; this is the home of the captive-rearing program for the famous giant tortoises. Full scuba gear provided.
Overnight at Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
At appropriate time, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to the continent. Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Overnight
Included: Breakfast
Day 09
This full day excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas, flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. Continue to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts, hats, handbags and much more. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and beliefs. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area like Pinsaqui, Puerto Lago or Cusin.
Overnight in Quito
Included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 10 Quito
Free day to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Overnight in Quito
Included: Breakfast
Day 11 Quito
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Included: Breakfast
