The Best of Galapagos and Highlands of Ecuador
Dec 10,
Jun 10,
Feb 04,
Sep 16,
Apr 15,
Oct 14,
May 13,
Nov 11,
Day 1 | US to Ecuador |
Day 2 | Quito to Galapagos - Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz island |
Day 3 | White Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Sierra negra Volcano |
Day 4 | Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay |
Day 5 | Punta Espinoza, Tagus Cove |
Day 6 | Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island |
Day 7 | Galapagos to Quito |
Day 8 | Quito to Otavalo |
Day 9 | Cuicocha Lake return to Quito ( B) |
Day 10 | Otavalo to Quito / US ( B , L, D) |
Upon arrival at 11:30 PM, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight: Hostería San José
AM: Transfer out .for the flight to Baltra Airport , Galapagos.
on arrival, all passengers would have pass through an airport inspection point to Insure that no foreign plant or animals are brought to the islands. The park entrance fee of $ 100 should be handled in person.
A representative of our M/Y Odyssey will meet you and escort to the bus. A easy drive Will take to Itabaca Channel where you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora.
PM : Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz island.
An orientation for Galapagos Islands will be introduced to learn to protect and conserve Galapagos Islands. The main attractions are the national Park Information Center, the Van Staelen Exhibition, The breeding and Rearing Center for Young Tortoise and adult tortoises in capativity.
AM : White Tipped Reef Shark Canal, Isabela Island
A delightful place reached by a nice zodiac ride. “ Tintoreras “ are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron Lava on the lookout on mangrove Branch, and Galapagos Penguin and ses lion often pop out on shore. White – tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the Archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site is established.
PM : Sierra negra Volcano, Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population Of human presence. ( approximately 3000 habitants ). We head up to the highlands of Sierra Negra Slope, and later we will hike on Uneven terrain until we arrive to the rim of volcano. Sierra Negra is the second widest Crater in the world. From the view point, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 mile wide Crater, and the view of rest volcanoes. From here, we can hike to Chico Volcano where you can awe the striking lava formations, example of the geological occurrences that how Galapagos islands have been created.
AM : Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the Volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul Volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe ( solidified Lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal Lagoons, its main attractions are several species of birds which can be found around The lakes and mangroves.
PM : Elizabeth Bay , Isabela Ialand
This is a marine visitor site, the excursion is carried out in a Zodiac and so there is No landing point. Your zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where There is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves where You can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe See turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans And sea lions. Frequently visitors have been able to see Galapagos Hawks soaring Overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.
AM : Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor Site : Punta Espinoza. It is located at the northeastern tip of the island. Just cross Tagus Cove, is a visitor site where some of the unique species of Galapgos can be Seen. Marine Iguanas conglomerate in larger groups. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant, its wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming due to the lack of predators.
PM : Tagus Cove, Isabela Ialand
Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give you a good chance to see the Galapagos Penguin, and other sea birds. From the landing dock, it is about a 30 minutes hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra – saline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by Pirates, whalers and buccaneers in the past centuries.
AM : Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island
Espumilla Beach is located in the northern coast of Santiag Island in James bay. During the last presence the EI Nino phenomenon, one Meals: full board
Fly back to Quito and transfer to Hostería San Jose
Overnight: Hostería San José
This morning you will leave Quito with your tour guide, heading to Otavalo, the town famous for its weekly artesian market. We will also stop on the highway to admire the beautiful landscape and snow-capped mountains in the area. A special arrangement of lunch will be served at La Compañia after which we will visit a Rosa Plantation.
INLE LAKE: Inle Lake, located in Shan State, is beautiful, with very calm waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. High hills rim the lake on all sides. The lake's shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a market and a Intha village around the lake. The day sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, INN PAW KHON VILLAGE (Lotus and silk weaving) and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY.
We continue on, making a short stop at San Pablo Lake before arriving in Otavalo. Here we will visit the textile market located at the “Plaza of Ponchos”; this is one of the most famous markets in South America. You will find all kinds of handcrafts including tapestries made on the Spanish weaving loom as well as the indigenous backstrap loom. After which you will enjoy some free time for bargaining and buying with the friendly Otavaleños.
Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui
Today we will visit Cuicocha Lake, This hike will give you the opportunity to view a variety of Andean flora and fauna surrounding the lake and its unique landscape. The lake, with its beautiful crystal waters, has two small islands created by volcanic domes, and has a depth of approximately 200 m. With a clear sky during the trek, you will be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the volcanoes Cayambe, Cotopaxi and the craters of Cotacachi and Imbabura. In the afternoon return to Quito.
Overnight: Hotel Dann Carlton
The day will start at 11:00 AM..
We depart towards the city center of downtown Quito, or Centro Histórico, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
We will start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. The trip will continue with a walking tour, starting at Independence Square. From here, we will visit the presidential palace, the main cathedral, the gold-plated La Compañía Church, San Francisco Church and San Francisco Plaza. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Continue north to the equator for a trip to the monument at the Middle of the World. You may choose to visit either the Ethnographic or the Inti Ñan Museums, both located near the site of the monument. Before going to airport enjoy a well fare dinner.
Transfer to the airport to catch late evening flight bound for US.
End of Services
Single supplement will be charged starting from 2 person up for each person occupying a single room.