DAY 1 – Toronto* – QuitoToronto* to Quito via a gateway in the USA. Welcome by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2 – Quito – Galapagos Islands
Fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos and transfer to the M/V Galapagos Explorer II for lunch. On your first day in Galapagos you’ll visit one location near San Cristobal Island. At Cerro Brujo (wet landing), you’ll go to the beach for swimming and snorkeling activities. You can see: blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, coast, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers. (B/L/D)
Day 3 – Espanola Island & Punta Suarez
In the morning, visit Hood Island, the southernmost island of the archipelago. Explore Punta Suarez, one of the most spectacular spots in the Galapagos, and watch sea lions surfing the breaking waves and groups of iguanas basking in the sun. In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay, Hood Island, a 1km long beach, home to many sea lion colonies and to mocking birds fighting for territory and inspecting visitors’ backpacks. (B/L/D)
Day 4 – Santa Cruz & Rabida Islands
A morning visit to Rabida with the largest variety of lava types. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. In the afternoon, visit Santa Cruz Island and the famous Darwin Research Station. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Galapagos tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. (B/L/D)
Day 5 – Santa Cruz – Baltra – Quito
In the morning visit Bacha Beach where you can see some nesting sites for sea turtles. In the afternoon, disembark and transfer to the airport for flight to Quito via Guayaquil. (B/L/D)
Day 6 – Quito
Situated in a valley at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano only 15 miles from the equator, Quito is a treasure trove of colonial riches. Its Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a tapestry of colonial mansions, cathedrals, and bustling cobblestone streets. Your morning tour includes highlights of the Old City and the Equatorial Museum. The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration. (B)
DAY 7 – Quito – Latacunga – Guano – Riobamba
Following breakfast at a Hacienda outside of Quito, visit the bustling market of Latacunga before lunch at a local Hosteria. Later, en route to the colonial town of Riobamba, stop in Guano with time to browse the
artisan shops. Before dinner, visit the Religious Art Museum in San Pedro de Riobamba. (B/L/D)
DAY 8 – Riobamba – Ingapirca – Cuenca
Travel by land to the charming cobblestone town of Cuenca. One of Ecuador’s loveliest towns, its rich colonial past has remained intact due to its isolation. Also explore the fascinating ancient Inca city of Ingapirca, ‘Wall of the Incas’. (B/L/D)
DAY 9 – Cuenca – Quito
Begin the day with a city tour of Cuenca including a visit to the baños, hot springs. Later, enjoy seeing the fruit and flower plantations of the lovely San Joaquin Valley before your return flight to Quito. (B)
DAY 10 – End of Tour
Transfer to Quito airport for your homebound flight to Toronto* via a gateway in the USA. (B)
This tour is operated by one of our Preferred Travel Partners.
TC~GI
Price per person*, based on Double occupancy:
Call for Pricing.......
*Please call for dates, air pricing* and other departure cities......1-800-661-4326
1-800-661-4326 • Local: 403-227-3545
