CUSTOMIZED ECUADOR TOURS
QUITO - GALAPAGOS
6Days/5Nights
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9.000 feet. The city is literally surrounded by volcanoes. Quito is considered to be one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. The historic center of Quito, known as the "Old City" is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches and open squares.
Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO QUITO
DAY 2: QUITO - GALAPAGOS
DAY 3: GALAPAGOS
DAY 4: GALAPAGOS
DAY 5: GALAPAGOS
DAY 6: QUITO
DAY 1: WELCOME TO QUITO
Airport hotel(aprox. 15 min. ride depending on traffic and time of day).
Our guide/representative will be waiting at the airport with a sign with the our logo and passenger names listed, he or she will greet you and guide you to our vehicle and will accompany you to the hotel of your choice
DAY 2: QUITO - GALAPAGOS
Monday.
Disembarkation at Baltra Beach, here after a wet landing we will be greeted by sea lions that will be found bodysurfing, marine iguanas feeding on algae and the opportunity to swim at the beach and snorkel.
After lunch we visit Dragon Hill, after a dry landing at a dock, we hike to a hypersalinic(saltier than the sea) lagoon behind the beach often frequented by flamingos. We then start on a winding trail to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay, This area is a nesting site of a big number of land iguanas re-introduced by the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a Scalesia tree forest. As you admire these dragon like creatures, your guide will explain the life of the land iguana.
After our excursion we are welcome back on board with snacks prepared by our chef. This evening after dinner the following conferences are scheduled:
“Briefing on next days visits”.
For those who just want to relax, you have many choices, you can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, take salsa lessons at the lounge or enjoy one of our movie features at your own private in room television.
BLD
DAY 3: GALAPAGOS
All Galapagos mornings start very early, 6h00 AM. Our chef treats us to a delicious breakfast with a variety of fresh fruit, ommellettes, pan cakes, a variety of cheeses, juices and cereals. Today we start our visit at Prince Phillips Steps, also called “El Barranco” in Genovesa Island, dry & wet landing. Walk in lava terrain. On the sides of the steps passengers will observe red footed boobies and frigate birds perched on Palo Santo trees.
As you return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapés. You will have lunch, and some free time to relax and enjoy your ships facilities before your afternoon excursion.
Visit to Darwin Bay, wet landing. Observation of red-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, lava gulls and night herons, fiddler crabs. Opportunity to go snorkeling in the bay and observe Galapagos under water magic.
This evening after dinner the following conferences are scheduled:
“Briefing on next days visits”.
BLD
DAY 4: GALAPAGOS
Wake up call. Buffet Breakfast.
We disembark at Punta Suarez (Española Island), dry landing and walk on lava terrain. Aside from the sea lion colonies this is one of the most important sites for bird watching. Here as soon as we disembark many species can be spotted up close, among these the hood mocking bird, red billed tropic birds.
We will also spot large marine iguanas with traces of green and red along with lava lizards and colorful sally light foot crabs.
After a short trek we will run into colonies of masked and blue footed boobies and their nesting grounds sometimes overlapped over the trail. We will also find Galapagos doves, hawks and swallow-tailed gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds we will reach the world colony of waved albatross (15000 aprox.), they all come to the Galapagos for their mating rituals.
Finally we will visit the blowhole where water shoots into the air at almost 23 m. (75 ft.). After a 3 hour trek you will want to stay longer.
Lunch
In the afternoon dry landing at Baquerizo Moreno port in San Cristobal Island. We will visit the Interpretation Center, where we will learn a little more about the natural and human history of the islands enhanced by our guides presentations, this visit lasts more or less one hour. There is some time to shop in town for souvenirs or mail postcards.
This evening after dinner the following conferences are scheduled:
“Briefing on next days visits”.
BLD
DAY 5: THURSDAY WAKE UP CALL. BUFFET BREACKFAST
We embark our zodiacs for a cruise of exploration into Black Turtle Cove, named after the black sea turtles who inhabit its calm mangrove surrounded waters. We row through a channel of salt water mangroves in the hope of spotting mating sea turtles, white tipped reef sharks, golden eagle rays, and many species sea birds, pelicans, swallow tailed gulls, frigate birds.
Return on board the Galapagos Legend, Check out and depart to the airport, flight to mainland Ecuador.
Transfer in Quito and lodging at your hotel
BL
DAY 6: QUITO
Transfer out international
B
INCLUDED
All transfers
2 hotel night stay at selected hotel in Quito
4days/3night Galapagos cruise on board at selected yacht
Meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
NOT INCLUDED
airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito USD 400 per person
International airport tax USD 44 per person
not listed meals
gratuities & tips
Personal expenses
anything not specified
PICTURES - QUITO - GALAPAGOS
QUITO - BASILICA CHURCH
QUITO - PANECILLO
GALAPAGOS - TURTLE
MAP OF QUITO AND GALAPAGOS
