Highlights

• Witness the Avenue of the Volcanoes; enjoy more than10 snowcapped mountains along the way.
• Enjoy dashing Andean Scenery on a trip that covers Ecuadorian main Mountain range, the Andes.
• Experience 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Quito & Cuenca.
• Cruise on style while enjoying the Enchanted Islands.
• Get the best out of the Ecuadorian hospitality, while traveling with us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Welcome to Quito!  A representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.  You will have free time to explore the city or relax and settle in.

Overnight: First Class Hotel in Quito

Meals: (-)

Day 2: Quito Colonial City Tour & Middle of the World

Take a walk through bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas; a multi-ethnic, artistic and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.   Afterwards, our guide will take our guests to visit the Middle of the World Complex situated at 0∞0í0î latitude to be with one foot in the northern and the other foot in the southern hemisphere. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight: First Class Hotel in Quito

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Otavalo Indigenous Market & Surroundings

Visit the famous indigenous Otavalo open-market and wander around various stands set in the central square.  There is the chance to shop for hand-made textiles, wooden decorations, Andean musical instruments, hats, jewelry and a variety of local souvenirs.   Our guide will take you to visit the nearest town called Peguche which is known for its weavers and to visit a workshop of wind instruments.  The next town is Cotacachi, were its residents are skilled manufactures of leather goods to later, head to the Magdalena Community for an overnight stay at one of the families’ homes.

Overnight: Karanki Magdalena Homestay

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Karanki Magdalena Community & Surroundings

The Magdalena Community is a group of houses located on the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano, where they welcome guests to be part of their families and host traditional activities for a cross-cultural experience.  There are also outdoors mild adventure activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking or hiking by the Andean pastures. Guests will be taken by car to Ibarra. Here we will make a city tour in the “Ciudad Blanca”. As part of this journey, we will visit “Parque Condor” a bird rescue center. Here we will learn about different bird species that exists in Ecuador and South American also. This refugee could operate with your ticket contribution. We will head back to the road in our return to Quito for an overnight stay.

Overnight: First Class Hotel in Quito

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5: Quito – Cotopaxi – Baños – Riobamba

After breakfast, we head south of the Highlands on our way to Baños.  In the way, there is a chance to admire the green landscapes of the agricultural activity of the region, as well as stunning views which feature snowed-capped volcanoes such as one of the highest volcanoes on the Earth, the Cotopaxi.  The Cotopaxi is part of a National Park with its same name and is open for the public to explore and climb to the rest stops.   Arriving in Baños, there is a slight change in the weather, a bit cooler located near the Tungurahua Volcano.  There are adventure tours, as well as thermal waters were guests can relax or visits around the town and the nearby waterfalls. Baños is the transition between the Andes and the Amazon regions.  We continue on the road headed to Riobamba for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Classical Hacienda in Riobamba

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6:  Riobamba – Balbanera Church – Palmira Sand Dunes – Ingapirca Ruins – Cuenca

After breakfast, if wheatear conditions permits. You could see the Chimborazo, one of the highest mountains around the world. It has 6310 meters above sea level (close to 20700 feet above sea level). Chimborazo is the volcano which stands furthest from the center of the Earth! We will drive southern direction to explore beautiful landscapes and different colorful crops. The first stop will be La Balbanera Church. This is the first Catholic Church built in Ecuador. Then we will continue to Guamote, which is one of the Ecuadorian cities, where the majority of its inhabitants are indigenous people. Only on Thursdays, Guamote has the bigger indigenous market in Ecuador Central Andes. We continue our way to Palmira sand dunes desert. Here we will have the opportunity for an incredible photo time. Our journey will continue to the Ingapirca Ruins which are two complexes of Cañari and Inca quarters bringing together the Imperial Court accommodations as well as a Sun Temple. The visit includes the site museum which exhibits pieces of lytic, ceramic and metallurgy from the pre-Inca and Inca period in the region.   The last stop of the day is Cuenca for an overnight stay.

Overnight: First Class Hotel in Cuenca

Meals: Breakfast / Box lunch

Day 7: Cuenca-El Cajas National Park – Guayaquil

We start off the day with a Panoramic City tour in Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador, which is filled with colonial history and more than 20 churches with various styles, surrounded by the archeological remains of pre- Inca cultures such as the Cañaris.  In 1999 the UNESCO declared it a Cultural Heritage Site for its unique legacy of its constructions that have remained standing through time.   In a 40-min drive, we will arrive in El Cajas National Park. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes with at least 200 lagoons, between moorlands we will find the famous lagoon La Toreadora and take an inspirational walk through the beautiful scenery. After lunch, we will head to Guayaquil for an overnight stay.

Overnight: First Class Hotel in Guayaquil

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8-11: Galapagos Cruise Aboard the Coral I & II or the Galapagos Legend

Depart to the Galapagos in a 2:30-hour domestic flight arriving at Baltra or San Cristobal Airport.   A representative of our cruise ship will welcome you, and then you will be transferred to the port to embark the vessel.

Enjoy of a paradisiacal destination marked by its uniqueness which inspired Charles Darwin on his Theory of Evolution.  Every day visit two new places, and wake up with the most idyllic landscapes, to later enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and time to get ready for the first excursion.

Every island and visitor site offer different geographical landscapes, fauna, and flora, but every corner of the archipelago will be filled with wildlife.  From blue-footed boobies in their mating dance to lazy sea lions sunbathing by the shore, or fast-swimming penguins next to you in the snorkeling activities.  All our guest will return to the ship for a varied lunch-buffet and free time to relax by the pool, sun terraces or Jacuzzi of our open decks while we arrive at our next visit.

Get on a dinghy ride with a Galapagos naturalist expert and learn more about geology, evolution, human history and biology of the next visitor site.  Once again be amazed by the different terrain, exotic animals, and plants.  Start with a hike through natural paths and have close encounters with the inhabitants of the area.  Then, have some free time to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the beach, or choose to snorkel, kayaking or glass-bottom boat adventure.

Return on board to get changed and comfortable to later enjoy a-la-carte dinner in our acclaimed Lonesome George Restaurant which serves local and international specialties.  One evening, we will surprise you with an al-fresco BBQ on the highest deck with great quality cuts, salads, and seafood for the ultimate Galapagos experience: dining under the sunset.  After dinner, there will be a short but entertaining lecture about next day excursions followed by free time to relax or join an onboard activity.

On the last day, breakfast will be served earlier than usual to take advantage of the morning and take part in the last excursion. Guests will take a flight back to Quito. Once in the mainland, one of our representatives will transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight: onboard accommodation

Meals: all included aboard

Day 12: Quito 

If taking an international flight, there will be a transfer to the airport of Quito.  You could also extend your stay in Ecuador with other land tours we can offer you.

Meals: Breakfast

Included:

• Top-quality Galapagos cruise sharing double, based on Standard Plus Cabin
• Onboard: 2 daily excursions to the islands with multilingual speaking naturalist guides, snorkeling opportunities, lectures & briefings; all meals onboard, welcome and farewell cocktails;
• Noted tours & activities
• Otavalo Market excursion & home Stay accommodation in Magdalena Karanki Comunnity.
• 3 nights program in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
• Transfers in/out, bus, and entrance fees.
• 4 nights first Class Hotel accommodation in either Quito or Guayaquil.
• 8 breakfasts, 1 box lunch, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner on the mainland.

Not Included:

• Local Flight Roundtrip to/from Galapagos.
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Transit Control Card (US$ 120 per person)
• Tips, drinks, extras, and personal expenses.
• Any other service not mentioned on the itinerary.

Supplements & Discounts:

• Net per person in USD subject to change:
• – Single supplement: 50%, except for Holiday Season.
• – Triple Accommodation: 25% discount for the third person sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. (Only available on the Galapagos Legend).
• – Children under 12 years of age sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests get a 50% discount.  25% discount during the holiday season.

Optional onboard plus taxes

• Scuba diving options during GO cruises.
• Wetsuits rental.
• Kayak rental.
• Internet plans available upon request