A Spanish speaking country conquered by the great Inca Empire in 1463 is a treasure.  Here you will visit Quito the capital and political center. A unique cultural Ecuador is a very friendly country known for warm and welcoming hospitality.  Last but not least you will see the famous Galapagos Islands which are a beautiful once in a lifetime experience.  A bizarre and wondrous place, home to some of the world’s most amazing wildlife.  Get up close on a stroll or in a boat.  Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to se turtles at Santiago’s cousins Rock.  Hike by finches, flamingos and iguanas along the Darwin trail.  Admire Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela.  A truly once in a life time opportunity.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

QUITO - ECUADOR - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (9DAYS / 8NIGHTS)

Day 1:

Depart the USA for your flight to Quito, Ecuador.

Day 2:

Arrive Quito  and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Our guide will be waiting at the airport with a and will accompany you to the hotel. Welcome dinner at local restaurant with traditional live entertainment. Overnight at Hotel 

Day 2:  City tour of Quito

Full day city tour including the Equatorial Monument & Sky lift.  Spanish lesson dinner and Overnight at Hotel .

Day.3-6 Galapagos Islands (Land based hotel + daily tours) (B,L,D)   

Day 3: 

Quito- Galapagos. Fly from Ecuador to Galapagos, and then cross the Itabaca Channel, which separates it from Santa Cruz Island.  After lunch visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is home to a famous tortoise named "Lonesome George" and many other giant tortoises.

Day 4: 

Isabela Islands (B,L,D)    After breakfast, navigation to Isabela Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Archipelago.  Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 4,588 sqkm2. Composed by six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass, it also has the highest point of the islands: The Wolf Volcano is 1,700 m high and the equatorial-line runs straight through its massive crater. Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as 'Las Tintoreras' is one of their main breeding sites. On the nearby sandy beaches, sea lions play and relax in the sun. Afterwards we will have the opportunity to snorkel.  Return to Puerto Ayora

Day 5:

Santa Cruz:  Tortuga Bay, Primicias and twin craters (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we visit Tortuga Bay, a wonderful beach: One hour walk (five km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path. The path is good for bird watching; it is easy to spot several species of finches as you walk along the path. The white sand beach is considered by many the nicest of the archipelago. It name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species can be found, including pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas. We’ll visit “Rancho Primicias” where we can observe the giant turtles in its natural habitat.  Stop in Highlands where we will visit the Gemelos, two collapsed craters that remind us of the volcanic origins of the archipelago

Day 6: 

Galapagos – Quito (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to Quito.  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival . Tonight enjoy the Jacchigua Folklore Ballet. Enjoy authentic music, dancing, and costumes.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: 

Otavalo Indian Market (B,L,D)

 Departure from Quito through The Panamericana North Highway with a brief stop at Calderon, a town where the famous "masapan" dolls are made.Crossing the equatorial line at Guachalawe will head up to Otavalo and make a stop at Mira Lago to take pictures of the beautiful San Pablo Lake.The tour then continues to Otavalo where the Otavaleños (natives) set up a market in which a bartering manner of shopping is taken. Continuing the trip, we will go to Cotacachi, famous for its leather.  After lunch depart for Peguche, a small village known for its waterfalls and wind instruments.  Return to Quito through the Cajas-Tabacundo road. Overnight at Hotel .

Day 8:  Mindo Ecotourism and Adventure (B,L,D)

 Departure from Quito, on the way you will observe the impressive change of vegetation and climate until reaching the Cloud Forest. In Mindo, a trekking through the forest will be done, depending on the difficulty and adventure preferred. During the hiking you will have the opportunity to admire the waterfalls, the natural forest, rivers, and more than 400 exotic species of birds, butterflies and orchids.  Also enjoy doing tubing on the Mindo River

Day 9:  Quito-Home (B,)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.