Day 1
Friday
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Saturday
Full-day colonial Quito tour and the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America, and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red-and-gold columns and ceilings. Afterward, we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally, we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see the virgin Mary with wings—the only such statue in South America.
After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city of Quito, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line, and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Sunday
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos
Morning flight from Guayaquil to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the Canal of Itabaca to board the yacht and go to the Bachas beaches. These two small beaches are found to the west of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and thus a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches, there is a small brackish lagoon, where occasionally it’s possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during World War II, when the United States used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Canal. (The metal is rusty and sharp, so it is not a recommended place for swimming.) Return to the yacht before 6 p.m. Start sailing at 3 a.m.
Day 4
Monday
Plazas Islands
Arrive at Plazas in the morning. These two small islets sprang up a short distance from the east coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape that further emphasizes the fauna and flora of Galapagos. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago dwell here. You’re almost certain to observe the land iguanas that are often found in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs are swallow-tailed gulls, which can be seen along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. The Plazas also feature a large population of land iguanas, sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls; you will also see yellow-tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.
Santé Fe Island
After the visit to Plazas, we will continue our trip to Santa Fé Island, leaving at about 11:30 a.m. Once we arrive at the island, we’ll take a lunch on board the yacht. Santa Fe is a bay on Barrington’s northeast coast and an extremely picturesque anchorage. There are two different trails you may follow at this site. One leads to a scenic viewpoint on top of a cliff where it is possible to find the land iguanas so endemic to the island. The other trail is near the beach, and is short and circular. Early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun is low, you’ll find land iguanas here as well, resting in their natural habitat. This is a perfect opportunity to observe these prosaic creatures in the same situation as Darwin himself did, so many years ago. Another attraction is the unusually tall forest of prickly cactus. End of the visit, return to the yacht. Start sailing at 3:00 am.
Day 5
Tuesday
Espańola Island
Arrive in Espańola; in the morning, visit Punta Suarez and in the afternoon Bahia Gardner. Punta Suarez is a rocky point of land that sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along the southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blowhole where water spouts up to 75 feet into the air depending on the intensity of the surf. Bahia Gardner, an “outpost island,” is located on the northeastern coast of Hood Island; it provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and observing sea lions.
Day 6
Wednesday
Bahia Post Office & Corona del Diablo, Floreana Island
Post Office Bay is where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used as a post office by mariners and tourists ever since. Apart from being the location of the “Post Office Barrel,” this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists .Devil’s Crown is an islet consisting of an eroded volcanic crater; it owes its present form to the strong waves in the area. The interior is excellent for snorkeling.
We’ll set sail early (about 3 p.m.) so that we can see dolphins playing in the waves from Floreana to Santa Cruz. Arrive at Puerto Ayora at 7 p.m.
Day 7
Thursday
Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Station. Interpretation Center: Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, many wish to learn how the island are being protected and conserved. The principal attractions are the National Park information center, Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (tortoise from Pinta) and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight. Evening free to explore on your own.
Day 8
Friday
Transfer to airport to take the flight to Cuenca. Airport arrival and reception, transfer to your hotel. Today you will enjoy a City tour of Cuenca. We will visit the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral, The Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Cańari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 9
Saturday
Today we travel high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes to visit small towns known for their variety of handcrafts; San Bartolome, Chordeleg and Ikat, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca as well. Overnight in Cuenca
Day 10
Sunday
Early in the morning we will drive to the village of Alausí, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here we will board the famous "Devil's Nose" train (operates only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). From Alausí, we continue north to Bańos where you will enjoy your evening at leisure. Box lunch included.
Day 11
Monday
After a relaxing morning, we transfer (continuing in our private transportation) to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here we will admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Head to the Hacienda La Cienega for a tasty lunch (included) before we make our way back to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
Day 12
Tuesday
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of your choice.
Cotopaxi Valcano
The Highlands
