Galapagos Islands Journey Day 1 - Arrive in Quito Welcome to Ecuador's capital city, Quito! Upon arrival you will be greeted by your personal driver, who will escort you to your gorgeous hotel in the heart of the city, the Swissoteel Quito. Relax and enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure. Day 2 - Everything Quito Tour Today we will take you on a unique visit to some of Quito's most precious treasures. Our first stop is at the Guayasamin House-Museum, the celebrated Ecuadorian artist who gained fame with his expressive paintings celebrating the culture and traditions of the Pre-Columbian man. We will spend some time browsing his private art collection and famous paintings. Then we continue to the recently revamped colonial district, the largest and most beautiful in Latin America. The old quarter is a rich mixture of architectural styles and decorative arts that transports visitors back to the time of the colonies. In the
company of our knowledgeable guide we stroll around the quarter, learning about the fascinating history of Ecuador, admiring the rich colonial architecture and paying visits to two of the best representatives of Baroque art in the Americas: La Compania Church and the Monastery of San Francisco. After the tour we will transfer you back to the hotel or you may continue your visit to the old quarter, have lunch in one of the trendy restaurants and visit the museums or hunt for handicrafts. Day 3 - Cotopaxi Volcano Today we leave the city behind and head out for the highlands of Ecuador, a lovely blend of Indian markets, small villages, growling volcanoes and ancestral traditions. Following the steps of German explorer, Alexander Von Humboldt, we drive towards what he baptized as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where the active Cotopaxi rules with its 19,547 feet. We visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, especially attractive for nature lovers. A lovely hike through the Andean moorlands renders views of snowcapped peaks, mountain lakes and local and endemic animals such as llamas and perhaps deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and, with some luck, you may even spot the majestic condor. Lunch will be served at La Cienaga, a traditional hosteria from the highlands Day 4 - The Enchanting Galapagos - Bartholomew Island Early this morning a representative transfers us to the airport in time for the two-hour flight to Galapagos. This incredible archipelago is made up of 13 large islands, six smaller ones, and over 40 islets. Its wonders span from the most varied and incredible geological formations, lava flows, blowholes, spatter cones and lava tunnels, to beaches of olive, black, or white sand and the most diverse species of plant life. However the most surprising sight for visitors is perhaps the varied species of animals which inspired Charles Darwin on his visit in 1835: Sea lions, penguins, tortoises, iguanas, several species of marine birds, many of them endemic, and a rich underwater fauna. This afternoon we set sail and begin our explorations with a dry landing at Bartholomew Island. Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon, the volcanic formations on this island including lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. There is a steep hike to the summit aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the archipelago, including Pinnacle Rock, an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top admire a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Later on you may go snorkeling with the possibility of spotting Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March) and white-tipped sharks. (B,L,D) Day 5 - Galapagos - Fernandina and Isabela Today we arrive in Fernandina Island with its black volcanic rocks draped with hundreds of marine iguanas. We disembark at Punta Espinoza where we can observe sea lions dash in and out of the inlets and flightless cormorants walk tipsily along the beaches, joining pelicans and penguins. Later we continue our journey to Isabela, the largest island in Galapagos accounting for half of the total landmass
of the archipelago. In Isabela we visit Tagus Cove, a protected natural harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night. Isabela is famous for its large colonies of penguins, Galapagos hawks, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers and snappers. (B,L,D) Day 6 - Galapagos - Isabela Island After cruising through the Bolivar Channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we board a dinghy and disembark at Moreno Point (dry landing). Here we take a medium-length walk in search of giant tortoises, brightly colored land iguanas, flamingos and oystercatchers. Later we can swim and snorkel where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers and snappers. Return on board for lunch. In the afternoon visit Urbina Bay (wet landing), a nesting site for the Brown Pelican and the Flightless Cormorant. (B,L,D) Day 7 - Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the archipelago, colonized in the 1920's. We will spend a full day in the island. In the morning enjoy a hike in the lush scenery of the Santa Cruz highlands, where occasionally it is possible to see giant tortoises grazing in the pastures of local farms. Lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where we can see giant tortoises in captivity and learn about the importance of this station for the survival of the archipelago. Later we will have free time to enjoy the small town of Puerto Ayora and maybe do some shopping. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Back To The Mainland Today, after a morning excursion, our Galapagos odyssey concludes and we return to the airport for our flight back to the continent. Back in Quito, you have a last opportunity to wander those ancient cobblestone streets and dine on Andean fare. Overnight (B) Day 9 - Depart Ecuador Farewell Eco Voyagers! Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departing flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B) Accommodations: Quito The Swissotel Quito
Swissôtel offers elegant accommodations in Quito s affluent commercial and residential district. It features 2 pools, tennis and racquetball courts, as well as a spa with hydro-massage tub and massage treatments. Free Wi-Fi is available. Featuring wood accents and Egyptian cotton linens, rooms at Swissôtel Quito are bright, air conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi access. They all come furnished with cable TV channels, minibar and inroom safe. Five on-site restaurants have a range of dishes from renowned French, Swiss and Japanese gourmet traditions. The hotel s modern meeting and event center is one of the largest in the city. Quito s Old Town district is 2 miles from the Swissôtel and is the most intact in South American, according to UNESCO. Mariscal Area is popular with expats for its clubs and bars and is a 15-minute drive away. Accommodations: Galapagos Islands Cruise
Many of our ships operate seasonally, please contact a Maupintour Travel Expert for more details on your lodging. The cost of the above tour is $3,275 per person based on double occupancy. It includes all of the above. This does not include travel insurance and flight. Please visit our website at http://www.maupintour.com/resources/terms/index.asp to refer to the terms and conditions attached to this quote. Please note that this is only a quote and it is therefore subject to availability at the time of booking. To book this tour or if you have any additional questions, contact Maupintour at 1-800-255-4266.