LUXURY ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS
NO. DATE LOCATION DETAILS MEALS HOTEL NTS 1 Day 01 QUITO Arrive into Quito & transfer to your hotel - Casa Gangotena 2 Day 02 Half day city tour & middle of the world monument B 2 Day 03 MASHPI Transfer to Mindo Cloud forest and your next hotel BLD Mashpi 2 Day 04 Tours from your lodge BLD 1 Day 05 QUITO Transfer back to Quito B Rincon de Puembo 1 3 Day 06 GALÁPAGOS Fly to Galápagos Excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz BLD La Pinta 4 Day 07 Morning excursion to Santa Cruz Afternoon excursion to Sombrero Islet BLD Day 08 Morning excursion to Bartolomé Island Afternoon excursion to Sullivan Bay BLD Day 09 Morning excursion to Darwin Bay Afternoon excursion to Prince Phillip s Steps BLD 4 Day 10 GUAYAQUIL Fly to Guayaquil & transfer to your hotel B Wyndham 1 Day 11 DEPART Transfer to the airport to meet your return KLM flight B - - Day 12 HOME Arrive back in the UK 2
Day 01 LONDON HEATHROW AMSTERDAM - QUITO Depart London Heathrow flying with KLM. KL1000 KL0751 Economy Economy Dep: Heathrow 06:30 Dep: Amsterdam 10:00 Arr: Amsterdam 09:00 Arr: Quito 14:40 Private transfer on arrival to your hotel. Casa Gangotena 1 x Luxury Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 2-nights Set in a beautifully restored historic mansion, Casa Gangotena enjoys a central location overlooking the Plaza San Francisco. The 31 guestrooms are split over three stories and boast eye-catching style, a fine mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology and quintessential comforts. Casa Gangotena s Cedron Restaurant offers equiste national and international dishes and in its bar you will be able to enjoy a drink after a day spent exploring the city. Additional facilities include a rooftop terrace, a stunning garden, library and a lounge. Luxury Rooms Enjoying views of either the gardens or over the city these beautiful rooms boast luxurious upholstery, plush carpets, fine linen and rich furnishings. The en-suite bathrooms feature both a shower and bath, as well as Luxury L Occitanne bathing products. 3
Day 02 QUITO Private half day city tour including the Middle of the World Monument A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito, the capital of Ecuador has retained much of its colonial past. Steep cobbled stone streets, ornate churches and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of town. The modern new town is the business district and this is where you will find the best shopping and restaurants. The city was founded in 1534 and has a wonderful setting at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. In the distance the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi and its surrounding national park dominates the horizon. The Equatorial Monument 25 km North of Quito, marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador s native groups. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops that sell postcards and souvenirs. 4
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Day 03 QUITO - MINDO CLOUD FOREST This morning you will be collected early from your hotel in Quito for a short but dramatic drive into the Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve (3212 acres). After a drive of around two and a half hours your first stop will be at the Hummingbird Viewpoint where you will learn more about these wonderful birds and enjoy some refreshments. Travel the remaining four miles in electric buggies to your rainforest lodge. On arrival, at around midday, you will be greeted with a drink and given assistance in checking in. Mashpi Lodge 1 x Wayra Room on a Full Board basis for 2-nights Set on a scenic plateau this sophisticated and strinkingly contemporary Lodge is in the heart of the Equotorial Chocó Bio-Regio, regarded as one of the planet s most important hot spots for biodiversity. Once here, surrounded by tropical and cloud forest, you will soon forget you are only three hours from Quito. The 22 luxury rooms and suites have been designed to immerse you in forest life. They feature stunning floor to ceiling and wall to wall panoramic glass windows that bring the forest just metres from you. The Lodge s towering two story dining room offers a fully panoramic and dramatic setting to enjoy the delicious national and internal culinary offerings. After taking some time to settle in, enjoy a delicious lunch in the stunning restaurant, after which you will be able to enjoy some relaxation time before embarking on your afternoon activities. Afternoon guided tours from the lodge The lodge s staff will be on hand to help you choose from a range of activities on offer here, which will depend on the group s size, abilities and weather conditions. Choose from Canopy Gondola, Nature Trails, Night Walks, Observation Tower, Aerial Bicycle, Waterfalls and Bird Leks. The highlight of a trip to Mashpi is the 'canopy gondola', an aerial tram which glides guests through & above the forest canopy for over two kilometres on an exciting exploration of the Reserve's ecosystem. Along the nature trails you will learn about myriad plants, insects and animals that inhabit the reserve. Your guides will enthusiastically share their knowledge of their characteristics and uses. 6
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Day 04 MASHPI Shared guided tours from the lodge For those who want to enjoy the beauty and magic of dawn in the forest which is when most birds are active and calling, as well as when views are often most spectacular early morning activities are organised before breakfast. Following breakfast, you will head out from the lodge to explore, returning for lunch and a rest, before enjoying an afternoon amid Nature, then dinner, night walks and sleep. Day 05 MASHPI - QUITO On the last day, there s an early breakfast, followed by a shorter morning activity and check out. There s then time to relax at the Lodge and birdwatch from the terraces. About an hour away, you will visit the intriguing archaeological site of Tulipe. You will then drive back eastwards, winding your way up the Andes towards Quito. Rincón de Puembo 1 x Deluxe Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 1-night 8
A lovely hacienda-style property conveniently located just 15 minutes from Quito airport. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Day 06 QUITO - BALTRA ISLAND SANTA CRUZ Private transfer to airport for an onward flight with LATAM Ecuador. XL1413 Economy Dep: Quito 09:35 Arr: Baltra 12:15 (local time) Luggage restrictions: One piece of checked luggage (20kg max) per person and 1 carry-on (7kg max) per person. Please Note: Flight numbers and times are subject to change. Your flight will touch down in Guayaquil en-route. Following your morning arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be transferred to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the Channel you will arrive on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Here board a bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you'll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and its biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Please Note: Please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard Yacht La Pinta and the end of the day. M/Y La Pinta Information on your boat is found on page 10 11 of this quote. The itinerary continues on page 12 of this quote. Afternoon excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz After lunch travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes you down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. 9
Your Galápagos Vessel M/Y La Pinta 1 x Double Cabin with Full Board & Shared Activities for 4-nights Accommodating up to 48 guests La Pinta boasts ample social areas, an observation deck towards the bow, wraparound windows, Jacuzzi, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck & sun loungers. It is ideal for those looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands. The 24 comfortable cabins enjoy full private facilities, permanent hot and cold water, sufficient closet space and central control panel for room temperature, public announcements system, individual MP3 sound system, and reading lights. 10
Northern Itinerary Please Note: Included: Accommodation, all meals, soft drinks *, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only, wet suit rental and snorkelling gear, Internet *, taxes and transfers in the islands. * Please note: Soft drinks include juices and carbonated drinks, not virgin cocktails. * Internet connections aboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht s social areas; due to the Galapagos remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth. Excludes: Galapagos National Park admission fee (US$ 100 per person, subject to change without notice), alcoholic drinks, tips, gifts and additional items 11
Day 07 SANTA CRUZ - SOMBRERO CHINO ISLET Morning excursion to Eden Islet, Santa Cruz Island After breakfast, a panga ride takes you to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, here you can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There's a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat. Afternoon excursion to Sombrero Chino Islet The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance; a Chinese hat. This islet, only formed fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins. Day 08 BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND JAMES ISLAND Morning excursion to Bartolomé Island This morning, a Galápagos icon awaits, Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, a steep climb up a wooden staircase, the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. You can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Afternoon excursion to Sullivan Bay After lunch, board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkelling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos while observing its wildlife. 12
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Day 09 GENOVESA ISLAND Morning excursion to Darwin Bay In the morning you begin your exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or you can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Afternoon excursion to Prince Philip's Steps The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before you disembark for a steep climb up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl. Day 05 SANTA CRUZ After breakfast, depart for the port and to the airport for your flight back to the mainland. XL1410 Economy Dep: Baltra 11:25 (local times0 Arr: Guayaquil 14:20 Shared transfer on arrival to your hotel. Wyndham Guayaquil 1 x Deluxe Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 1-night Located just steps from historic Santa Ana Hill and minutes from the Malecon, the Wyndham Guayaquil has 179 spacious guest rooms, Restaurante Santa Ana which serves breakfast and lunch buffets and à la carte dinners and and the Numa Bar which is the ideal spot to relax with a cocktail. There is also a fitness centre and a heated outdoor pool on the ninth floor terrace with wonderful city views. Free Wi-Fi Internet access is available throughout the hotel. 14
Day 11 GUAYAQUIL - OVERNIGHT FLIGHT Private transfer for your return flights with KLM. KL0751 Economy Dep: Guayaquil 18:40 Arr: Amsterdam 13:15 (+1 day) Day 12 AMSTERDAM - HEATHROW KL1019 Economy Dep: Amsterdam 14:40 Arr: Heathrow 15:00 Arrive back in the UK. 15
HOLIDAY COST 7,295 per person Suggested Itinerary This is an estimated price based on low season rates & air fares. The price may vary depending on exact dates. This is a suggested itinerary which we can amend to fit your exact requirements. Includes International flights as listed. All pre-payable airport departure taxes. Hotel accommodation as listed. Transfers as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private). Meals as listed. Excursions as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private) $20.00pp Galápagos Transit Control Card fee. Excludes Local departure taxes where applicable. Tips and gratuities. $100.00pp USD Galápagos National Park entrance fee. Any future currency surcharges. Any future airline fare, tax or fuel surcharges.* *In the event of airfare /tax increases you will have the option to pay for your airfare in advance to avoid these increases. Please Note The cost of this itinerary is based on 2 passengers sharing one room. All flights, accommodation and services are subject to availability at the time of booking. Air fares, taxes, schedules and routings are subject to change until ticket issue. All transfers are below 2 hours in duration unless otherwise stated. Half day tours are 5 hours or under in duration, full day tours are 6 hours or above. Booking Conditions Usually a deposit of 20% is required to secure a booking. The final balance would be due 10 weeks prior to departure. You can review our full booking conditions at: www.distinctiveamericas.com Financial & Consumer Protection When you book with Distinctive World Travel you are safe in the knowledge that we are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and hold an Air Tour Operators Licence (ATOL 9027). www.caa.co.uk/atol 9027 We are a member of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) which represents the UK s 140 top specialist tour operators and prides itself on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on: Choice, Quality and Service. www.aito.co.uk 16