Included: First class accommodations in Quito and Galapagos, all transfers, breakfast in hotels and meals mentioned in the program, all entrances to museums and parks, English (Spanish, Russian) speaking guides for all tours.
Not included: Airfare to Ecuador, airfare to Galapagos ($400-600), Galapagos entrance fee ($100), transit control card ($10), snacks, alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, meals not mentioned in program.
Quito. Mid-day arrival and check-in. Spend the day resting in your hotel as you acclimatize to one of the highest capitals in the world—2800m above sea level.
Night in Quito.
After breakfast we drive to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of World)—the equator line. A scientific expedition determined the exact location of the equator in 1736. Experience standing with one leg in the northern hemisphere and the other in the south! We will visit village Inti Nyan, where guides will show you the culture of Indigenous tribes and demonstrate experiments possible only at the equator.
Afterwards, we will tour Old Town Quito: Plaza Grande, Basílica del Voto Nacional, Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and others, TBD. Not to be missed!
Night in Quito.
At 8:00 AM we drive to Otavalo. On the way we will visit lake San Pablo and enjoy the beautiful view of Mt.
Imbabura. Around 12:00PM we arrive in the brightly colored Poncho Plaza, the world-famous artisan market featuring locally produced clothing, handicrafts, artwork and souvenirs.
After lunch we drive to the village of Cotacachi, famous for leather goods. And just few minutes away we'll find the crater lake of Cuicochi.
On the way back we will visit the town of Cayambe to sample the traditional bread— bizcochos con manjar de leche.
Night in Quito.
After breakfast we drive to Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounding one of the one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (Cotopaxi 5897m), this is the first national park in Ecuador. The park is home to over 200 species of plants (including medicinal varieties), numerous birds and animals. We will drive to a high altitude viewpoint and (weather permitting) see the magnificent view from volcano.
Afterwards, we'll drive to Latacunga and tour the Quilotoa volcano, where you will witness the incredible crater lake and its stunning colored water, changing between infinite shades of blue and green depending on weather and the season.
After breakfast we drive to the thermal springs of Papallacta. Experience the beautiful high-altitude (3,300m) rain forest located between volcanoes Antisana and Cayambe, which provide the source for the natural hot springs below. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the pleasantly hot spring water, coveted by locals for its healing and rejuvenating effects. Lunch.
Return to Quito 4:00PM.
Night in Quito.
Morning departure to Galapagos Island (Baltra airport). Accommodation in hotel Silberstein. Excursion to Darwin station. Lunch and Dinner in hotel restaurant.
Days 7-8 On days 7-8 there will be two tours, locations depending on weather and sea conditions: Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, Santa Fé Island or South Plaza Island. All meals included.
Free day.
Return trip home.