Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ESCORTED TOUR Includes flights, hotels, all transfers, guide, excursions, daily breakfast & extras 12 NIGHTS FROM
£1999 per person
Your JOURNEY This incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, fully escorted tour allows you to discover the highlights of both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for a duration of 12 nights. Staying in seven hotels across a variety of locations boasting comfortable and spacious accommodation, you will also experience a whole host of fascinating sights and embark on a number of included excursions. Moreover, with all travel provided, the only thing you will have to worry about is finding a pen to tick this adventure off your bucket list.
What’s INCLUDED Return flights English-speaking tour guide throughout All transfers Daily breakfast Five lunches and one dinner Chocolate-making excursion Exploration of the Mindo cloud forest Visit to the Otavalo handicraft market Visit to the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve Visit to the Cotopaxi National Park Guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station See the sea lions at Isla Lobos Lunch with a local family Santa Cruz Highlands hike with the wild giant tortoises Snorkelling with sea turtles and sea lions at Academy Bay Snorkelling vest and fins, life vest and walking sticks for the Cotopaxi National Park
1-night stay in Guayaquil at the 3* Unipark Hotel (or similar) in a Standard Room 2-night stay in Santa Cruz at the 4* Hotel Silberstein (or similar) in a Standard Room 2-night stay in San CristĂłbal at the 3* Hotel Blue Marlin (or similar) in a Standard Room 3-night stay in Quito at the 4* Swissotel Quito (or similar) in a Grand Room 2-night stay in Mindo at the 4* El Septimo Paraiso (or similar) in a Standard Room 1-night stay in Otavalo at the 3* Hacienda Pinsaqui (or similar) in a Standard Room 1-night stay in Papallacta at the 4* Mountain Lodge Spa Resort (or similar) in a Standard Room PLEASE NOTE that hotels may be substituted for similar hotels of the same star ratings ENTRANCE FEES to the Galapagos National Park are not included, and are payable on arrival (APROX. ÂŁ100per person). There is a pier fee of $5 per person which is payable on arrival at the dock
ECUADOR
A stunning country that straddles the equator on South America’s west coast, Ecuador is a picture-perfect location where visitors can admire white-sand beaches, the Amazonian rainforest and the incredible Andes. Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, has an Old Town that has been named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site
thanks to its stunning colonial squares and vibrant architecture scattered throughout the beautiful cobbled streets. Don’t leave the area without visiting the cathedrals and taking a ride on the Quito cable car, which will raise you 12,000 feet in the air for views that will have you pinching yourself. An otherworldly experience
is guaranteed on the nearby Galapagos Islands, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds; incredible nature and wildlife on the islands, and thriving city life on the mainland.
Galapagos ISLANDS
A beautiful cluster of volcanic archipelagos that are home to an uncountable amount of various wildlife species, the Galapagos Islands is a location full of breath-taking biodiversity that needs to be seen to be believed. Ecuador lies approximately 926 kilometres to the east of the islands, making it the ideal multi-centre adventure to explore both the mainland and the tropical paradise. The islands have an exceptional range of must-see areas
and attractions including San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and the Mindo Cloud Forest. No trip is complete without admiring the giant native tortoises, swimming with the majestic sea lions and snapping pictures of the iguanas basking in the sunshine. There are several volcanoes in the area too, including Cotopaxi, an active stratovolcano known for its nearsymmetrical cone, which is located in
the Andes Mountains and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at a staggering 5,897 metres. It is also known as being home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, attracting mountaineers and climbers from all over the world.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 1 After arriving in Guayaquil, the capital of the Ecuadorian province of Guayas, you can spend the day exploring at your leisure. In the evening, meet your tour guide in the lobby of your residence, Hotel Unipark, for a welcome briefing where you will receive details and have the opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming adventure. HOTEL UNIPARK Boasting the best in Ecuadorian hospitality, the Unipark Hotel is situated within the famous Seminario Park where guests can admire the enchanting and iconic iguanas. This contemporary property provides a relaxing retreat during your adventure, featuring 140 beautifully appointed rooms, three on-site restaurants, a fitness centre with a Jacuzzi and a sauna, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
DAY 2 After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where you’ll fly to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. Once landed, you’ll be transferred by ferry to the nearby island of Santa Cruz where you’ll continue by car to the highlands, home to the giant Galapagos tortoises. Enjoy lunch before heading out in search of the majestic creatures. Journey to Hotel Silberstein by private vehicle where your local guide will meet you to explain the next day’s events. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. HOTEL SILBERSTEIN Hotel Silberstein is a charming resort located in Puerto Ayora, home of the Galapagos National Park, and is just 20-minutes away from German Beach. All of the rooms are elegantly decorated and air-conditioned while the hotel provides an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant specialising in Ecuadorian cuisine, and even has a certified dive centre situated directly in front of the hotel.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 3 After breakfast, you will be transferred by boat for a half-day tour of Academy Bay in Santa Cruz. Swim and snorkel with an array of exotic marine life, and even swim alongside the famous sea lions for an unforgettable experience. After this, climb to a nearby viewpoint for incredible vistas, and see if you can spot a white-tipped reef shark in the ocean below. Then, take a walk along the Playa de los Perros to admire the sea iguanas basking in the sun before returning to your hotel. SANTA CRUZ An island best known for its sandy beaches and crystalline waters, Santa Cruz is set within Ecuador’s Galapagos National Park. Exploration is the most exciting pastime on this stunning archipelago, from the magnificent sea turtles and marine iguanas below the surface of Tortuga Bay to the Charles Darwin Research Station where the island’s most extensive collection of preserved plant life are housed.
DAY 4 After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where you will learn about the conservation efforts done by the national park. Check in at Hotel Blue Marlin in the afternoon; you will then be picked up and transferred by boat to the island of San Cristobal. Upon arrival, you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the upcoming itinerary to you. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
HOTEL BLUE MARLIN A quaint hotel located just 350 yards from the picturesque seafront promenade; Hotel Blue Marlin goes beyond when it comes to personalised guest hospitality thanks to the small collection of 14 rooms and the 24-hour reception desk. Guests are invited to enjoy a refreshing cocktail by the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a delicious American-style breakfast at the on-site restaurant. For those who want to explore the surrounding area, the resort is within walking distance from local restaurants, the beach and even a local market.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 5 After breakfast, you will be transferred to the dock for a short boat ride to Isla Lobos. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour to observe the island’s inhabitants including frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta, sea lions and even sharks. Then, take the opportunity to relax and swim at the white coral beaches of San Cristóbal before returning back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a guided walk to the interpretation centre and Frigate Hill to admire the stunning landscapes and the native birds. End the day admiring the sunset over Playa Man Bay, which is perfectly enjoyed with a cocktail in hand (not included).
SAN CRISTÓBAL The easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, San Cristóbal is a location that knows no boundaries when it comes to natural beauty. Here, expect to see the sea lions and the iguanas that the area is so well known for, but don’t miss out on the beautiful beaches and a visit to the Galapagos’ capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which can only be described as a romantic haven.
DAY 6 Indulge in your final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands before your transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the mainland. After you land in Quito, you will be driven to the Swissotel Quito where you will spend two nights. SWISSOTEL QUITO Located in the Floresta neighbourhood of Quito, Swissotel Quito is an elegant, five-star establishment within close proximity to the thriving old city. Guests can expect to be walking distance from plenty of shops, restaurants, museums and cultural landmarks while the hotel offers comfortable rooms and a spa for the ultimate unwind. There are also three on-site restaurants, serving the likes of Ecuadorian cuisine and Japanese fare.
DAY 7 Enjoy the entire day at your leisure, giving you ample opportunity to explore the charming city of Quito. Additionally, there are optional day tours on offer upon request including a Quito city tour and the Quilotoa Loop hike (at an extra cost). QUITO A capital city that knows no boundaries, Quito sits high in the Andean foothills and is the largest metropolis in Ecuador. The Old Town is something straight out of a storybook and has been named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site thanks to its stunning colonial squares and vibrant architecture scattered throughout the beautiful cobbled streets. Don’t leave the area without visiting the cathedrals and taking a ride on the Quito cable car, which will raise you 12,000 feet in the air for views that have to be seen to be believed.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 8 You’ll get an early start after breakfast as you drive north to Quito to witness the equator monument complex, making a quick stop on the way for a view of the Pululahua Crater. At the equator, you’ll feel the neutral forces as you stand on the north and south sides of the hemisphere at the same time. After this, you will travel to the Mindo Cloud Forest, an area filled with a wide variety of plants and animal life. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a chocolate distributor and learn about the cocoa harvesting process before you’re transported to El Septimo Paraiso for a two-night stay. EL SEPTIMO PARAISO Rustic yet elegant, El Septimo Paraiso is situated amongst the Mindo hills for spectacular views of the surrounding forest. Alongside the striking accommodation options, the outdoor hot tub is the property’s main attraction, which is located alongside the swimming pool and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Other facilities include a country-style restaurant, a bar and a game room.
DAY 9 Return to the Mindo Cloud Forest after breakfast for a hike along the beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest filled with colourful birds. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to try the several outdoor activities offered in the area including the likes of white-water rafting, tubing, or even canopy zip lining (at an extra cost). MINDO Mindo is a picturesque village in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador and is famous for its many bird species, butterflies and orchids found in the surrounding cloud forest. A unique experience to say the least, Mindo is often described as Ecuador’s best-kept secret. Expect a completely new spin on the activity of bird watching as well as magical waterfalls, thrilling zip lines through the forest canopy and an intriguing chocolate-making process.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 10 Today will be spent in the famous indigenous town of Otavalo whereby you’ll stroll the narrow cobbled streets and admire the endless number of handicrafts created by the local people at the market. After plenty of shopping and cultural interaction, you will drive to Cotacachi to admire the town’s leather goods and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Later, you will arrive at the Hacienda Pinsaqui where you will receive a welcome cocktail and stay overnight. HACIENDA PINSAQUI Hacienda Pinsaqui is a unique property set in a charming colonial-style house, 300 years old and located within gorgeous gardens. The accommodation options offer wooden furnishings and comfortable beds while you are invited to start your day right with breakfast at one of the two on-site restaurants.
DAY 11 After breakfast, you will visit the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breath-taking scenery of the active volcano and its surrounding landscape. After a hike along the rim of the Cuicocha, you will take a boat ride to the centre of the crater for a closer look at the volcano. Later, head to Peguche where you will assist the local
people prepare a delicious lunch using the fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields. In the late afternoon, you will reach the luxurious volcanic hot springs resort of Papallacta where you will stay overnight. TERMAS PAPALLACTA HOTEL SPA So much more than a hotel, Termas Papallacta Hotel Spa is located amongst the magical landscape of the Andes and boasts an integral holistic experience that is designed to awaken all of your senses. The outdoor hot springs are a popular pastime while other wellness activities include mud and clay treatments, aromatherapy and therapeutic massages. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant, the comfortable rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, and the bar.
Discover Ecuador & the Galapagos ITINERARY DAY 12 After breakfast, enjoy one last dip in the hot springs before driving to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Begin with a visit to the interpretation centre at the entrance of the national park before continuing the drive towards Limpiopungo Lake. After a short walk around the water’s edge and pictures of the stunning volcano, you will drive back to Quito for your final night spent at the Swissotel Quito. COTOPAXI An active stratovolcano known for its near-symmetrical cone, Cotopaxi is located in the Andes Mountains and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at a staggering 5,897 metres. It’s also known as being home to one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, attracting mountaineers and climbers from all over the world.
DAY 13 After breakfast, your trip comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport to catch your flight home.
Discover the world for less.
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