This 10 day Ecuador tour includes a 5 day / 4 night cruise on board the Yacht Fragata in the Galapagos Islands, along with an overland adventure to experience the markets and lake distrist of Otavalo and the luscious world of the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Day 1 Monday Arrive Quito
Private transfer in from Quito airport to Boutique Hotel Café Cultura. Overnight in Boutique Hotel Café Cultura with breakfast included.
Day 2 Tuesday Quito – Otavalo
In the morning, after breakfast, explore the historical centre of Quito. First stop is Itchimbia Park which offers fantastic views across Quito´s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue on to visit the neo-gothic Basilica, Independence Square where you find the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, La Compañia de Jesus church famous for its gold leafed interiors and San Francisco Square and church. Lunch included in a top Quito restaurant. In the afternoon travel onto the Otavalo region. In the village of Peguche, you will get the opportunity to visit the home and workshop of a master tapestry weaver and learn more about this local craft. Peguche is also famous for the elaboration of musical instruments, such as rondadores (pan pipes) – visit a local workshop and discover more about the many musical instruments that originate from the Andes. Dinner and overnight at the colonial Hacienda Pinsaqui with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Wednesday Otavalo – Mindo
After breakfast it is time to visit the colourful, world-renowned indigenous market at Otavalo, where all kinds of marvellous handicrafts are on offer. You can find products here representing all the main indigenous groups of Ecuador. Then it is time to stop off in the small leather market town of Cotacachi.
Lunch included in Hacienda Pinsaqui. In the afternoon travel onto the Mindo cloud forest region of Ecuador. Dinner and overnight at Septimo Paraiso with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Thursday Mindo – Machachi
After breakfast enjoy a morning hike in the Septimo Paraiso Cloud Forest Reserve where there are over 300 species of birds recorded, before visiting the local town of Mindo and its amazing butterfly house. Return to Septimo Paraiso for lunch. In the afternoon travel south, passing through the Mitad del Mundo, where the equator line crosses Ecuador. Walk the equator line, get photographed on both sides of the world at the same time, or jump from one side of the world to the other! There is an interesting museum here showing artifacts and giving information about the many different indigenous groups that Ecuador boasts. After this visit continue onto Hacienda Umbria in Machachi. Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Umbria with breakfast included. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Friday Machachi – Galapagos – Yacht Fragata
After breakfast, you will be picked up for your morning transfer to Quito airport to catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please remember that there is a USD$10 INGALA fee to be paid per person in cash in Quito airport and USD$100 per person National Park entrance fee in cash on arrival in Galapagos. These amounts are not included in the final price. On arrival in Baltra airport in Galapagos you will be met by a representative from The Fragata and taken on board this first class motor yacht to begin your Galapagos cruise. In the afternoon you will visit Sombrero Chino. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board the Yacht Fragata (B,L,D)
Day 6 Saturday Galapagos – Yacht Fragata
Today you will visit Fernandina Island - Punta Espinosa and Isabela Island - Bahía Urbina. All meals and overnight on board the Yacht Fragata (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sunday Galapagos – Yacht Fragata
Today you will visit Punta Moreno and Caleta Tagus on Isabela Island. All meals and overnight on board the Yacht Fragata (B,L,D)
Day 8 Monday Galapagos – Yacht Fragata
Today you will visit Puerto Egas and Playa Espumilla plus Caleta Bucanero on Santiago Island. All meals and overnight on board the Yacht Fragata (B,L,D)
Day 9 Tuesday Galapagos – Guayaquil
In the morning you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, before being taken to Baltra airport for your return flight to the city of Guayaquil on the mainland. Private transfer in on arrival in Guayaquil to Boutique Hotel Mansion del Rio. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Mansion del Rio (B,L,D)
Day 10 Wednesday Guayaquil – home
Private transfer out to the airport to catch your international flight home. (B)
Included: All airport transfers, private transportation, English speaking guide, accommodation and meals as specified (B,L,D), activities and visits specified, entrance fees to visitors sites specified, flights Quito – Galapagos – Guayaquil, 5 day 4 night cruise on board the Yacht Fragata, snorkeling equipment.
Not Included: International flight, any meals not specified, soft and alcoholic drinks, INGALA transit control card, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park, any extra activities undertaken at haciendas, tips and personal expenses.
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