January 27 – February 3, 2022
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 6-day/5 night luxury catamaran cruise through the Eastern 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 frigatebirds 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:
- Quito Teleférico Ride to Pichincha Volcano
- Colonial Quito Walking Tour
- Welcome Dinner at Neuma Restaurant
- 5 night/6 day Eastern Galapagos cruise onboard 16-passenger luxury Alya Catamaran
- Islands include:
- North Seymour
- South Plaza
- Santa Fe
- San Cristobal: Interpretation Center, Lobos Island
- Expañola: Gardner Bay, Suarez Point
- Floreana: Cormorant Point, Alieri Hill
- Santa Cruz Highlands
- An onboard naturalist guide
- Hiking, snorkeling, panga rides, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding • San Cristobal Interpretation Center
Included:
- 2 nights accommodations at Illa Experience Hotel in Quito
- Teleférico Quito
- Colonial Quito Walking Tour with lunch
- Welcome Dinner at Neuma Restaurant
- 5 day/6 day cruise onboard the Catamaran Alya
- Service of a naturalist guide who leads two land or water excursions/day
- 3 meals/per day onboard the catamaran
- All activities onboard the catamaran:
- Snorkeling (equipment provided)
- Panga boat rides
- Hiking with naturalist
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Naturalist lectures in the evening
- Domestic airfare: Quito-Baltra-Quito
- Galapagos National Park Fee & Transit Control Card
- San Cristobal Interpretation Center
- Santa Cruz Highlands
- All transfers
- Wyndam Hotel Quito (day use of a room before the late night flight home)
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Price:
$6420 based on double occupancy (pricing includes R/T flights Quito-Baltra-Quito; value $500)
ECUADOR – RELATED LINKS:
–Daily Itinerary
–Financial Terms & Conditions
–Registration