Day 1 :
Fly to Ecuador
- Arrive in Quito:
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, nestled in a long, narrow valley between the lush base of the Pichincha Volcano and the precipitous Machángara River canyon. Begin exploring!
Day 2 :
Quito
- Quito guided sightseeing tour:
Explore Ecuador's beautiful capital on this guided tour of Quito's downtown. Visit sites dating back to Spanish colonization, and continue to Panecillo where you will find an impressive panoramic view of the city and the surrounding valleys. Jump from the southern to the northern hemisphere in an instant at Mitad del Mundo, the Equator Monument that marks the equinoctial line.
Day 3 :
Quito-Galapagos
- Fly to Baltra:
Hop on a plane to Baltra, the smallest of the Galápagos Islands. Then, make your way to Isla Santa Cruz, home of the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Highlands excursion:
Explore the silent lava tunnels found across the island, which sits on the Nazca tectonic plate. One of more than 40 hotspots on Earth, the Galapagos Islands give scientists insight into our planet's core.
- Primicias Ranch visit:
The Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoises in the world, can weigh up to 660 pounds, and can live as long as 150 years in the wild. The wild population of these amazing creatures has dropped sharply since the seventeenth century due both to excessive hunting and the introduction of predators and humans. For a rare chance to see these amazing endangered tortoises roam free in the natural habitat, head to Primicias Ranch.
Day 4 :
Galapagos
- Charles Darwin Research Station:
A must-see while in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island! The biological research station is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the environment of the Galápagos many take for granted while relaxing on the beach. On display, the center has information on local conservation, habitats, and other interesting relevant statistics. The station's most impressive attraction is the tortoise breeding center, where you can see tortoises of all shapes and sizes.
- Lunch:
Enjoy lunch with your group.
- Tortuga Bay excursion:
Explore the glistening blue Tortuga Bay and snorkel in the lagoons (or just enjoy time on the beach!).
Day 5 :
Galapagos
- San Cristobal:
Transfer to San Cristobal Island via boat.
- La Galapaguera visit:
This tortoise breeding and conservation center is dedicated to increasing the population of the island’s vulnerable tortoises. Follow a meandering trail through a large park full of roaming giant tortoises, then visit the pens where smaller tortoises are grouped together by age before being released into the wild.
- Hike to El Junco Lake:
El Junco Lake is located at the center of San Cristóbal Island and is one of the few fresh water lakes in the Galápagos. Walk among the lush green ferns and watch as White-cheeked Pintails and colorful Gallinules swoop and swim around you.
- Lunch:
Enjoy lunch with your group.
- La Loberia Beach:
Spend time snorkeling at the beach while taking in views of sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards.
- Barbeque:
Participate in a barbeque dinner with local farmers.
Day 6 :
Galapagos
- Kicker Rock full-day excursion:
- Lunch:
Enjoy lunch with your group.
Day 7 :
Quito
- Travel back to Quito:
Spend a free afternoon exploring the city.
Day 8 :
Return Home OR Extend Your Trip
- Depart from Quito:
Board your flight home or opt to extend your stay!
Extend your stay | Visit Antisana Reserve
Extend your stay in Ecuador by visiting the Antisana Ecological Reserve!
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