Unique Cultural and Culinary Adventures
Ecuador: Quito & The Galapagos Islands
Private Tour
Experience Quito, a capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site high in the Andes. This is a warm and relaxed city with a traditional vibrant culture stemming from its long and rich history. Take in the highlights of Quito with its narrow streets, colorful colonial architecture and lively plazas. Ride the Teleférico to Pichincha Volcano for spectacular views over Quito’s mountainous landscape. Then, fly to Baltra Island to begin a 4 or 5 night luxury catamaran cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Situated in the Pacific Ocean roughly 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the 19 islands and surrounding marine reserve have been called a a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. At the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos archipelago is a melting pot of marine species. Explore these volcanic islands only accessible by water with an onboard naturalist. Spot sea birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigate birds with their bright red pouches to attract females. Snorkel in turquoise waters amongst tropical fish and sea turtles, come face-to-face with land and marine iguanas and stroll along a white sand beaches alive with sea lions. Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This is the Galapagos…cruising lets you slow the slow pace, relax and take in this world-renowned nature sanctuary.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Colonial Quito City Walking Tour
- Teleférico Quito cable car to PIchincha Volcano
- Visit to Yumbo’s Chocolate shop
- Visit to Tianguez local handcrafts shop
- San Marcos neighborhood artisan workshops
- Traditional Ecuadorian lunch in Quito
- 5 or 6-night Galapagos cruise aboard the 16-passenger luxury M/C Alya Catamaran (choose from Itinerary A, B or C) - every room has its own balcony
- An onboard naturalist guide
- Wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling (equipment provided), panga rides, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding
INCLUDES:
- 2 nights accommodations at Casona de la Ronda Hotel in Quito
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Teleférico Quito cable car ticket
- Colonial Quito Walking Tour with lunch
- 5 or 6-day cruise and accommodations onboard the luxury M/C Alya Catamaran
- Service of a naturalist guide who leads land and water excursions
- 3 meals/per day on the catamaran (local and international cuisine)
- All visits, excursions and activities while onboard the catamaran, per the boat's daily itinerary
- Wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling (wetsuits & equipment provided), panga boat rides, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding in authorized locations
- A snack after each activity
- Use of wet suits & beach towels
- Personalized crew service
- Naturalist lectures on the boat
- A private balcony off each cabin
- En suite bathroom in every cabin
- Built-in hair dryer in every cabin
- Safe in every cabin
- Domestic airfare: Quito-Baltra-Quito (value: $500)
- Galapagos National Park Fee & Transit Control Card
- Airport transfers and assistance in Quito and Baltra Island
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages (guests can run a tab for the duration of the cruise)
PRICE: Based on the group size; see the Financial Terms tab
2024 Cruise Dates
ITINERARY A
Jan 18-22, Feb 1-5, Feb 15-19, Feb 29-Mar 4, Mar 14-18, Mar 28-Apr 1, Apr 11-15, Apr 25-29, May 9-13, May 23-27, June 6-10, June 20-24, July 4-8, July 18-22, Aug 1-5, Aug 15-19, Aug 29-Sept 2, Sept 12-16, Sept 26-30, Oct 10-14, Oct 24-28, Nov 7-11, Nov 21-25, Dec 5-9
ITINERARY B
Jan 8-13, Jan 22-27, Feb 5-10, Mar 18-23, Apr 15-20, Apr 29-May 4, May 13-18, June 10-15, June 24-29, July 8-13, July 22-27, Aug 5-10, Aug 19-24, Sept 2-7, Sept 16-21, Sept 30-Oct 5, Oct 14-19, Oct 28-Nov 12, Nov 11-16, Nov 25-30
ITINERARY C
Jan 13-18, Jan 27-Feb, Feb 24-29, Mar 9-14, Apr 6-11, Apr 20-25, May 4-9, May 18-23, June 1-6, June 15-20, June 29-July 4, July 13-18, July 27-Aug 1, Aug 10-15, Aug 24-29, Sept 7-12, Sept 21-26, Oct 5-10, Oct 19-24, Nov 2-7, Nov 16-21, Nov 30-Dec 5, Dec 14-19
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Day 1: Arrive Quito, Transfer to Hotel, Free Evening
Fly to Quito today. Most flights arrive later in the evening. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The hotel was built in 1738 on Calle de la Ronda and is close to Quito’s main historic center. Calle de la Ronda is one of the crown jewels of Quiteño culture. This lantern-lit street with its floral balconies has a series of doorways that open up to garden courtyards with boutiques. art galleries, museums and craft shops. The hotel has a wonderful restaurant and is the perfect place to savor the delights of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Accommodations: La Casona de la Ronda
DAY 2: Teleférico Quito Cable Car, Colonial Quito City Tour, Tianguez Handicrafts, Lunch, Chocolate Shop, Free Evening
Welcome to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9350’ in the Andes. It is spread along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and is bordered by lush green mountains. Quito was the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its geographical beauty, 18thcentury colonial architecture and traditional culture.
This morning, head out with your local guide for a ride on the Teléferico Quito cable car that reaches 12,150’. The top of the mountain offers sweeping views of the city, valley and surrounding Andes. Afterward, take a walking tour of Quito’s historic district packed with colorful restored colonial buildings. Visit the Plaza de San Francisco, the church of the La Compañia and stop at a fair-trade Ecuadorian handicrafts museum shop. Enjoy an authentic Ecuadorian lunch along the way. Visit a small artisanal chocolate shop and learn about their process of making fine Ecuadorian chocolates. End with a visit to the bohemian neighborhood of San Marcos, a traditional neighborhood wtih artisans, shops and galleries. Drop into an artisan workshop to see them at work. The tour will end in the later afternoon but still in time for you to explore the shopping near the hotel on Calle de la Ronda. The evening will be at leisure.
Accommodations: La Casona de la Ronda
Meals: B, L
DAY 3: Fly to Baltra Airport, Board M/C Catamaran Alya
This morning, transfer to the airport and depart for the Galapagos Islands. You will fly to Baltra Island. A crew member will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Catamaran Alya. Depending upon the itinerary/route you choose, you will spend the next days exploring the best of the Galapagos Islands. Activities include naturalist lectures, guided hiking, panga rides, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and species observations.
Click here for a video showcasing the beautiful Alya
M/C CATAMARAN ALYA
Itinerary A: 4 night/5 day cruise
Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santiago, Bartolome, Mosquera
Itinerary B: 5 night/6 day cruise
Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago
Itinerary C: 5 night/6 day cruise
Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz
VIEW THE ITINERARIES HERE
DAY 7 or 8: Fly Baltra Island to Quito, Fly Home
Return to the Baltra Airport; fly to Quito and connect with your flight home.
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2024 TOUR PRICES
2 nights accommodations in Quito with Quito Day Tour
+ M/C Catamaran Cruise
*
Itinerary A (5 day/4 night cruise)
1 person - $7915
Based on double occupancy:
2 people - $5645 per person
4 people - $5429 per person
6 people - $5323 per person
Single supplement: +$2000
Itinerary B & C (6 day/5 night cruise)
1 person - $9365
Based on double occupancy:
2 people - $6612 per person
4 people - $6396 per person
6 people - $6376 per person
Single supplement: +$2000
*
Pricing includes Ecuador R/T domestic flights: Quito-Baltra Island-Quito ($500 value)
INCLUDES:
- 2 nights of accommodations at Casona de la Ronda Hotel in Quito
- Ride on the Teleférico Quito cable car
- Colonial Quito Walking Tour with Lunch at a select restaurant
- 5 or 6-night cruise aboard M/C Alya Catamaran
- Service of a naturalist guide onboard
- Naturalist lectures
- 3 meals/per day on the catamaran
- Guided hikes & wildlife viewing
- All activities onboard the catamaran: snorkeling (equipment & wet suites provided); panga boat rides, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 per person) & Transit Control Card ($20 per person)
- All airport transfers
- Domestic Round-Trip Airfare between Quito & Baltra Island ($500 value)
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Tour Registration:
Registration can be done online via the Registration page of this website for this tour. You will be asked to fill out a registration form and pay the deposit.
Tour Deposit:
A deposit of $2000 per person is required at the time of registration. The balance is due 90 days out from departure. We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of tour deposit for more complete coverage.
Tour Payment:
You will receive an invoice for the tour balance which will be due 90 days out from departure. The tour balance can be paid by eCheck, credit card or bank transfer.
Tour Cancellation & Refunds:
If you register and cannot take the trip, cancellation and rescheduling terms & penalty fees will apply.
Cancellation & Rescheduling:
- 120 days or more: $ 500 per person penalty; balance can be used as a credit toward another cruise date; rescheduling is a $250 per person penalty fee
- 89-60 days: $ 1000 per person; rescheduling is a $ 500 per person penalty fee
- Less than 60 days: no refund
** We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance a the time of tour deposit to offset cancellation fees. **
If Pack A Fork cancels the tour, for any reason, all monies will be refunded.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements:
At this time, Ecuador has lifted all COVID-19 requirements for entry. We will keep you updated if this changes.
Air Reservations:
Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for international airline reservations. The domestic flights between Quito and Baltra Island are covered in the tour price.
Leanne can assist you with the best flights from your home city. Alternatively, you can always book your own flights.
Leanne Reuss
Exito Travel
800-655-4053, Ext. 8528
leanne@exitotravel.com
If you make your own airline reservations, please forward a copy of your flight confirmation so we can arrange for your airport transfer when you arrive in Quito.
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend you obtain a travel insurance policy to protect yourself from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions and lost or damaged baggage. We recommend visiting the website Square Mouth or InsureMyTrip to compare policies. Be sure to purchase coverage related to COVID-19.
