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Tourist cycling in Otavalo near Karanki Magdalena
A Fusion of Nature and Culture

GO 2: GALAPAGOS CRUISE & ANDEAN CROSS-CULTURE EXPERIENCE

Experience the Best of Ecuador with Our 10-Day Galápagos & Andean Adventure! Discover the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, snorkeling with sea lions and spotting blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. Then, immerse yourself in Andean culture, visiting indigenous communities and experiencing local traditions. Unwind in the soothing hot springs of Papallacta. This unique journey blends wildlife, nature, and culture for an unforgettable Ecuadorian experience!

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10 days / 9 nights

Enjoy 5 days land (Quito) / 5 days cruise (Galapagos Island)

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All meals included onboard

All meals included onboard, welcome and farewell cocktails.

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From $4,270

Per person in USD (subject to change)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Quito
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Quito

Quito

Quito Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the Middle of the World.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: GO Quito Hotel
TOUCH

GO Quito Hotel

GO Quito Hotel

Start in Quito with a city view from the best five-star hotel, GO Quito Hotel.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Galapagos
TOUCH

Galapagos

Galapagos

Navigate the Galapagos Islands, an iconic conservation landmark.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A red footed booby
TOUCH

Galapagos

Galapagos

Navigate the Galapagos Islands, an iconic conservation landmark.
GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A chuch in the historic center of Quito
TOUCH

Quito

Quito

Quito Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the Middle of the World.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: View of GO Quito Hotel
TOUCH

GO Quito Hotel

GO Quito Hotel

Start in Quito with a city view from the best five-star hotel, GO Quito Hotel.

Choose your Ship

Galapagos Legend
Coral Yachts
Boutique Expedition Cruise

Galapagos Legend

This exquisite vessel, designed for 100 guests, offers an intimate glimpse into the Galapagos’ charm. Await a voyage filled with culinary delights and extraordinary adventures. Elevate your experience with the knowledge* of our expert Galapagos guides, ensuring an adventure rich in discovery and luxury.

LEARN MORE
Go1 Package Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Galapagos Legend

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito (airport - hotel)

AM
✈ Transfer Quito (airport – hotel). Welcome to Quito. A representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have free time to explore the city, relax and settle in.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 1 Welcome to Quito

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

AM
Colonial Quito.
Stroll through the busy streets and squares of the most significant historic center of the Americas: a multi-ethnic, artistic, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 2 Quito Old town tour

PM
The Middle of the World.
Afterward, our guide will visit the Middle of the World Complex at latitude 0*0*0. Return to the hotel for the night.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 2 Quito Middle of the World
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 3 - Quito - Otavalo & Magdalena Community

Day 3 - Quito - Otavalo & Magdalena Community

AM
Driving north from Quito, we pass through various ecosystems and agricultural zones, even crossing the equator. Along the way, we taste local flavors and enjoy scenic views of volcanoes, including “El Taita” Imbabura.

At the Otavalo market, visitors can engage with locals, negotiating for woven goods, bags, hats, flutes, and other crafts.

We visit villages like Peguche, known for traditional looms and Andean instruments, and Cotacachi, famous for its leather work. Next, we explore Cuicocha Lagoon in Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. Enjoy free time for lunch with recommendations from your guide.

NewWeb-HB-LT-CityPackQuito-gallery-church

PM
Our journey continues to the Karanki-Magdalena Community, at 3,100 meters above sea level. The landscape resembles a colorful patchwork, and locals are known for their exquisite embroidery, which is available for purchasing directly from artisans.

Experience their daily life, unhurried by modern distractions. Overnight in a comfortable room with private facilities and hot water. Enjoy authentic Andean home cooking and optional activities like horseback riding and hiking.

  • Meals Included: Dinner at Magdalena Home Stay.
  • Accommodation: Magdalena Home Stay.
Day 4 - Magdalena Community - Ibarra & Quito

Day 4 - Magdalena Community - Ibarra & Quito

AM
Join the locals in Magdalena for their morning activities, including milking cows.

Next, we head to Ibarra, famously known as “La Ciudad Blanca” and the capital of Imbabura. Your guide will delve into the city’s rich history while we admire its stunning architecture.

Our journey continues to “Parque Cóndor,” a rescue center for birds of prey. Here, you’ll learn about the significant challenges faced by Andean condors and owls.

community-karanki-magdalena

PM
In the afternoon, we visit Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic site in Imbabura Province. Savor a traditional lunch, stroll through the picturesque gardens, and interact with the horses.

Later, we drive back to Quito, ensuring your drop-off at either your hotel or the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast at Magdalena Home Stay, Lunch at Hacienda Pinsaqui.

landscape-karanki-magdalena

 

Day 5 - Welcome to Galapagos & San Cristobal Island

Day 5 - Welcome to Galapagos & San Cristobal Island

AM
✈ Welcome to Galapagos. Departure from Quito to Baltra Island is a 2 1⁄2 hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Galapagos Legend.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 3 Galapagos Legend

PM
Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal) The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos. Following a hike to Frigate bird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), we will have a great look at both species of frigate birds, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Interpretation Center & Frigatebird

 

Day 6 - Española Island

Day 6 - Española Island

AM
Gardner Bay (Española Island). One of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters, is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions. Hood mockingbirds are endemic to this particular island. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

NewWeb-HB-islas-española-island-gardner-bay-family

PM
Punta Suarez (Española Island) is a naturalist’s paradise. The oldest extant island in the archipelago is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic wave albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

NewWeb_HB_islas_Española-punta-Suarez-gallery

 
Day 7 - Floreana Island

Day 7 - Isabela Island

AM
Post Office (Floreana Island) The famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been first set up in 1793 by Captain James Colnett. The system involved whalers and fur sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward-bound colleagues. Actually visitors often take letters and hand- deliver them to their home countries.

NewWeb-HB-islas-floreana-post-office-postal

PM
Cormoran & Devil's Crown (Floreana island) Our walk takes us to a large, shallow lagoon, often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater flamingos. We arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area for green turtles. Devil’s Crown is one of the favorite snorkeling sites on the islands.

hero banner flightless cormorant_14_11zon

 

Day 8 - Santa Cruz Island

Day 8 - Santa Cruz  Island

AM
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) Arriving at a small lava dock, our first encounter is with marine iguanas that blend in perfectly with the dark rock. Walking past a large prickly pear cacti, we arrive at one end of a long, sickle-shaped beach with Dragon Hill standing in the distance. Our walk takes us on a circular path, past a shallow lake where flamingos frequently come to feed.

NewWeb-HB-islas-Santa-Cruz-dragonhill-volcanic-beach

PM
Punta Browditch (Santa Cruz Island) Feel the indescribable feeling of being where no one else has. Relax on a powdery beach. Snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. Be one of the first humans –to visit Punta Bowditch at Galapagos Legend.

 

NewWeb-HB-islas-san-cristobal-punta-pitt-red-booby

 

Day 9 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

Day 9 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

AM
Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island). Dry landing. In the Galapagos mountains, admire diverse bird species like finches, flycatchers, crakes, warblers, and egrets (often perched on tortoises’ shells). The journey to the reserve showcases the island’s contrasting ecosystems, from coastal areas to dense humid forests. Look out for Galapagos Giant tortoises wandering through pastures. This spot is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts a wide range of land birds that reside or migrate her.

Baltra Island Airport. After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Quito.

20160613_Model_with_Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise_386

PM
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 6 Accommodation in GO Quito Hotel

 

Day 10 - Transfer to Airport

Day 10 - Transfer to Airport

AM
Transfer to Quito airport
Transfer to Quito airport or guests can also extend their stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer.
 
GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 7, buffet in the GO Quito Hotel

 

Expedition Yachts

Coral I & Coral II

Coral I & Coral II are gorgeous and comfortable sister yachts. They offer charming social areas on three decks with outdoor and interior spaces that allow you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience on your way. They can accommodate 36 and 20 guests, respectively.

LEARN MORE
CORAL-FACADE

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito

Day 1 - Welcome to Quito (airport - hotel)

AM
✈ Transfer Quito (airport – hotel). Welcome to Quito. A representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have free time to explore the city, relax and settle in.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 1 Welcome to Quito

Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

Day 2 - Quito Old Town Tour & Middle of the World

AM
Colonial Quito.
Stroll through the busy streets and squares of the most significant historic center of the Americas: a multi-ethnic, artistic, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 2 Quito Old town tour

PM
The Middle of the World.
Afterward, our guide will visit the Middle of the World Complex at latitude 0*0*0. Return to the hotel for the night.

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: Day 2 Quito Middle of the World
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

Day 3 - Quito - Otavalo & Magdalena Community

Day 3 - Quito - Otavalo & Magdalena Community

AM
Driving north from Quito, we pass through various ecosystems and agricultural zones, even crossing the equator. Along the way, we taste local flavors and enjoy scenic views of volcanoes, including “El Taita” Imbabura.

At the Otavalo market, visitors can engage with locals, negotiating for woven goods, bags, hats, flutes, and other crafts.

We visit villages like Peguche, known for traditional looms and Andean instruments, and Cotacachi, famous for its leather work. Next, we explore Cuicocha Lagoon in Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. Enjoy free time for lunch with recommendations from your guide.

NewWeb-HB-LT-CityPackQuito-gallery-church

PM
Our journey continues to the Karanki-Magdalena Community, at 3,100 meters above sea level. The landscape resembles a colorful patchwork, and locals are known for their exquisite embroidery, which is available for purchasing directly from artisans.

Experience their daily life, unhurried by modern distractions. Overnight in a comfortable room with private facilities and hot water. Enjoy authentic Andean home cooking and optional activities like horseback riding and hiking.

  • Meals Included: Dinner at Magdalena Home Stay.
  • Accommodation: Magdalena Home Stay.
Day 4 - Magdalena Community - Ibarra & Quito

Day 4 - Magdalena Community - Ibarra & Quito

AM
Join the locals in Magdalena for their morning activities, including milking cows.

Next, we head to Ibarra, famously known as “La Ciudad Blanca” and the capital of Imbabura. Your guide will delve into the city’s rich history while we admire its stunning architecture.

Our journey continues to “Parque Cóndor,” a rescue center for birds of prey. Here, you’ll learn about the significant challenges faced by Andean condors and owls.

NewWeb-HB-Karanki-Banner

PM
In the afternoon, we visit Hacienda Pinsaqui, a historic site in Imbabura Province. Savor a traditional lunch, stroll through the picturesque gardens, and interact with the horses.

Later, we drive back to Quito, ensuring your drop-off at either your hotel or the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast at Magdalena Home Stay, Lunch at Hacienda Pinsaqui.

landscape-karanki-magdalena

 

Day 5 - Welcome to Galapagos & San Cristobal Island

Day 5 - Welcome to Galapagos & San Cristobal Island

AM
✈ Welcome to Galapagos. Departure from Quito to Baltra Island is a 2 1⁄2 hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Coral I or Coral II.

imagen-go-corales-1-1

PM
Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal) The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos. Following a hike to Frigate bird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas), we will have a great look at both species of frigate birds, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Interpretation Center & Frigatebird

 

Day 6 - San Cristobal Island

Day 6 - San Cristobal Island

AM

Kicker Rock – This ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, is formed from two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance to a sleeping lion.

Cerro Brujo – From our dinghy ride, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of the Sorcerer’s Hill. You can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkelling from shore, or taking a walk to a hidden lagoon.

NewWeb-HB-islas-san-cristobal-cerro-brujo-shore

PM
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island). This is the only place on the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazca ́s on the ground near the cliff edge, while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigate birds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.

NewWeb-San-Cristobal-Gallery-Punta-Pitt-B

 
Day 7 - Española Island

Day 7 - Española Island

AM
Punta Suarez (Española Island). Punta Suarez is a naturalist ́s paradise. The oldes extant island in the archipelago is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic wave albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

NewWeb_HB_islas_Española-punta-Suarez-gallery

PM
Gardner Bay (Española Island). One of the most stunning beaches in all of the Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters, home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions. Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

NewWeb-HB-islas-española-island-gardner-bay-family

 

Day 8 - Floreana Island

Day 8 - Floreana Island

AM
Cormoran or Champion (Floreana Island). Our walk takes us to a large, shallow lagoon, often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater flamingos. We arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area for green turtles.

hero banner flightless cormorant_14_11zon

PM
Post Office (Floreana Island). The famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been first set up in 1793 by Captain James Colnett. The system involved whalers and fur sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward-bound colleagues. Actually visitors often take letters and hand-deliver them to their home countries.

 

NewWeb-HB-islas-floreana-post-office-postal

 

Day 9 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

Day 10 - Santa Cruz Island & return to Quito

AM
Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island). Dry landing. In the Galapagos mountains, admire diverse bird species like finches, flycatchers, crakes, warblers, and egrets (often perched on tortoises’ shells). The journey to the reserve showcases the island’s contrasting ecosystems, from coastal areas to dense humid forests. Look out for Galapagos Giant tortoises wandering through pastures. This spot is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts a wide range of land birds that reside or migrate her.

Baltra Island Airport. After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Quito.

Santa Cruz Island Bachas Beach People 2024@2x

PM
Accommodation: In the 5-Star GO Quito Hotel/ Premium Room

GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 6 Accommodation in GO Quito Hotel

 

Day 10 - Transfer to Airport

Day 10 - Transfer to Airport

AM
Transfer to Quito airport
Transfer to Quito airport or guests can also extend their stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer.
 
GO 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: DAY 7, buffet in the GO Quito Hotel

 

A couple in the Galapagos Islands

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Wildlife by expedition

What's Included?

Hiking icon
Two daily excursions
Cruise icon
Onboard activities
Snorkeling icon
Aquatic activities
Meal icon
All meals onboard
Included in the rates

Onboard

- High-quality Galapagos Islands cruise sharing double occupancy.
- 2 daily excursions to the islands with multilingual naturalist guides.
- Snorkeling opportunities (equipment included: fins, mask, snorkel).
- Glass bottom boat (Available in Galapagos Legend).
- Lectures and briefings.
- All meals included onboard, welcome and farewell cocktails.
- Luxury Cabins with sea views, air conditioning, and private facilities (one thermos and excursion bag per person included).
- All cabins are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Body lotion is also available in balcony suites.
- Towels available for personal use: cabin, pool, and during excursions.

Mainland:

- Three nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Hotel: GO Quito Hotel.
- One night’s accommodation at Karanki-Magdalena Home Stay
- Meals: Three breakfasts in Quito.

- Assistance with check-in and baggage handling at the airport (one piece of luggage, max. 20kls per person).
- Roundtrip transfers.
- Transfers to/from the airport and dinghy rides to/from ports in connection with scheduled flights.
Not included and to be invoiced onboard
Not included and to be invoiced onboard (net in US$ per person subject to change):
⊗ Air ticket from Quito / Guayaquil to Galapagos.
– $ 495 per adult.
– $ 375 per child under 12 years old.
Issued by GO in connection with the cruise itinerary, arranging and securing logistics, luggage, and passenger transfers from airports to port – ship and back, documentation.
⊗ Galapagos Entrance Fee.
– $ 200 per adult
– $ 100 for children under 12 years old.
⊗ CGG Migration Control Card: $20 per person.
Supplements & Discounts

⊗ Single supplement: 50%, except in holiday seasons. (15 Dec – 5 Jan).

⊗ Triple occupancy: 25% discount for a third person sharing a cabin with two full-paying guests. (Only available on Galapagos Legend).

⊗ 50% discount for children under 12 years old sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. 25% discount during the holiday season.

Optional onboard plus taxes

Optional onboard plus taxes (net per person in US$ subject to change):

- Internet: Single cruise: $45.00 | Double cruise: $65.00

- Wetsuit rental: $25 per person.

- Kayak rental: $25 per person.

- Alcoholic and soft drinks: (packages available).

- Scuba diving during GO’s cruises: $315 half-day tour with 1-2 dives and equipment included (pre-booking required).

- Doctor: Medical assistance and medication are additional costs.

- Tips: Suggested per person per day $20 for crew / $10 for guide.

* Note 1: If any other ticket to/from Galapagos is used, a non-refundable operational fee of US$ 90.00 net per person will be added to provide a dinghy ride to/from the ship in Galapagos. GO is not responsible if passengers miss the cruise or other services due to delays in independent arrangements.

What to take on the trip?

Go 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: two travelers with the essentials things to bring to the Galapagos Island

Essentials:

  • Passport and Travel Documents.
  • Cash in US Dollars and bring credit or debit cards.
  • Your medications for the journey.
  • Ocean-Friendly Sunblock.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Waterproof small backpack.
  • Photo and video cameras.
  • Journal
Go 1 - Colonial Quito & Galapagos Cruise: A family at the beach with a baby sea lion

What to Wear?

  • Water-resistant, closed-toe sport sandals.
  • Lightweight hiking shoes.
  • Lightweight hiking pants or shorts.
  • Long-sleeve shirts.
  • Bathing suits.
  • Warm sweater or fleece.
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap.
  • Sunglasses

GO QUITO HOTEL

A unique hotel that offers 151 elegant rooms and lofts with a view of the city, inspired by the Andes. They have a modern home automation system that integrates lighting and heating. It also has a wellness area with a heated pool, sauna, spa, yoga room and a beautiful orchid garden.
GO Quito Hotel, committed to social and environmental responsibility, seeks to reduce its impact through responsible practices to conserve resources, manage energy efficiency and support the well-being of guests and staff.
 
Go Package Lobby Go Quito
Go Package Hotel Room
Go Package Swimming pool Go Quito

Enjoy optional full-day tours

Explore more of Ecuador with our additional land tours. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences this beautiful country has to offer.

Extend your stay in Ecuador with other land tours we offer