Ecuador: featuring the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador is a country of rich, indigenous cultures and spectacular natural scenery. From the moment you land in Quito, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, until your departure from Guayaquil, you will delight in one stunning vista after another. A highlight of your tour is sure to be a five-day cruise of the lush tropical landscapes of the Galapagos, teeming with exotic wildlife, including fur seals, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Duration
- 12 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Miami | Miami, Florida : Ecuador is a country of rich indigenous cultures and spectacular natural scenery. From the moment you land in Quito, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, until your departure from Guayaquil, you will delight in one stunning vista after another. A highlight of your tour is sure to be a five-day cruise of the lush tropical landscapes of the Galapagos, teeming with exotic wildlife, including fur seals, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Join us for an overnight stay in Miami*, in preparation for an early morning departure for Quito, Ecuador. |
| Day 2 | Otavalo | Quito, Ecuador - Otavalo : Arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes. Upon arrival, travel north to the province of Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands. Here you will see how traditions thrive as local artisans create "Mazapan" bread dough figurines and talk about their unique art form. This evening enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda. These colonial estates hold an important place in the history of Ecuador and offer warm hospitality and Old World elegance to travelers from around the world. This evening, an introductory lecture is followed by a welcome reception and dinner.Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 3 | Otavalo | Otavalo : This morning, travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to a rose plantation hacienda for a tour. Surrounded by the colors and fragrance of roses, you will learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador's major exports. Afterwards, take in the sights and sounds of the famous Otavalo Market as you browse the colorful displays of yarns, blankets, ponchos, panama hats and much more. Get to know some of the local people and customs during a lunch followed by a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Then, watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of "helado de paila," a local ice cream specialty.Today breakfast and lunch are included. |
| Day 4 | Quito | Otavalo - Andes Mountain Train - Quito : The breathtaking beauty of the Andes is on display today. Begin your day with an unforgettable train ride through this region's mountainous landscapes. On your descent from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet, view fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Your train ride ends in the community of Salinas where a lunch is held featuring regional specialties as well as cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. This evening return to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Today breakfast and lunch are included. |
| Day 5 | Quito | Quito : Quito's mild climate and dramatic mountain landscapes make it a pleasure to explore. Spend your morning touring the charming colonial center where you will see the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compania with its breathtaking gilded altars. Next, visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum where you will cross from one hemisphere into another! The remainder of the day is at leisure so you can experience this historic city on your own.Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 6 | Bartholome Island | Quito - Baltra Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship - Bartholome Island : Today begins your adventure in the Galapagos! A morning flight* takes you to beautiful Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. Upon arrival you will enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. This afternoon, disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. At the summit of the island, enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit and see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila, and various cacti enroute. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel to see Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks - from a safe distance!Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. |
| Day 7 | Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point) | Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point) : Explore Isabela Island where you will visit the incredible fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. After the nature walk, snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wondrous Fernandina Island, where you will see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galapagos penguins. In addition to the diverse wildlife, look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea.Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. |
| Day 8 | Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis) | Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis) : Today you will explore Santiago, whose landscape is characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Birdwatchers will want to look out for hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons, and oyster catchers. You may also see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking in deep pools of cool water, and coral-colored crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Your next stop is the island of Rabida, the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. The island's volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. During your exploration you will hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. If you are visiting between July and September, you are likely to see brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. The eccentric boobies and nine species of Darwin's finches can also be observed here. Cap off your day of sightseeing stargazing from the deck. With no lights around to spoil their splendor the night sky is especially vivid.Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. |
| Day 9 | Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station) - Santa Cruz (Highlands) | Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station) - Santa Cruz (Highlands) : Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a world-class facility where international scientists conduct biological research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station's breeding program. Later, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit breathtaking Cerro Chato, where you'll find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. These gentle giants are sure to impress you with their size and humble beauty. Finally, you may choose to walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands.Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. |
| Day 10 | Guayaquil | Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach) - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil : Today you will experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Among the sand and surf, you're bound to find many of the sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles that make their home at Bachas Beach. You'll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Later, return to the Galapagos Legend to check out and transfer back to Baltraas airport. Your afternoon flight* brings you to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city.Today breakfast and dinner are included. |
| Day 11 | Miami | Guayaquil - Miami, Florida* : Known as the "Pearl of the Pacific", Guayaquil is a bustling coastal community. Your city tour showcases the picturesque waterfront area of Malecon 2000 and the 19th-century neighborhood of Las Penas, with its colorful, Spanish-style wooden houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Your tour highlights the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region. Finally, visit the Botanical Garden where you can observe over 73 bird species and 60 species of butterflies. After enjoying this last taste of Ecuadorian natural beauty, transfer to the airport for your flight home* to Miami.Today breakfast is included. |
| Day 12 | Miami | Miami - Tour Ends : Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida Hacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin, Otavalo, Ecuador Swissotel, Quito m/v Galapagos Legend Cruise Oro Verde Hotel, Guayaquil Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida
- Dining
- Total meals - 23
- Breakfasts - 10
- Lunches - 6
- Dinners - 7
- Disclaimer
- Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Hartsfield Intl Airport-AtlantaTour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.
*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.
