Day 1
Sunday
Upon arrival in Quito you will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Monday
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & 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 an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Tuesday
Otavalo Indian Market, Cayambe and Cotocachi
Today you will drive north toward the Province of Lakes, Imbabura. Enjoy an exciting trip by visiting Guayabamba valley, taste its exotic fruits, cross the Equator Line and arrive at Cayambe, the world’s highest point where the Equator Line crosses. In Cayambe we will try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. As we approach Otavalo, you will have stunning views of the San Pablo Lake with the high peak of Imbabura Volcano behind it. Next is the town of Otavalo, home of the largest indigenous market of its kind in South America. After lunch in one of the local haciendas (included), we head for Cotocachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods. Upon return to Quito, transfer to your hotel. Note: you may also spend one night at a hacienda near Quito. Please consult with your Yampu travel consultant.
Day 4
Wednesday
Quito - Cotopaxi NP – Baños
This morning you will be greeted at your hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, you will head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, you will stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday), please see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos for an evening at your leisure. Lunch included.
Day 5
Thursday
Baños – Riobamba
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Baños waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During your visit you will enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
Day 6
Friday
Alausí - Devil's Nose Train
Early in the morning you will drive to the village of Alausí, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here you will take a ride on the famous "Devil's Nose" train. Return and travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. This evening, you will overnight in Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Please note this train does not operate on Mondays.
Day 7
Saturday
Cuenca
This morning you will enjoy a city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old Cathedral, the Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport to take your flight to Quito (you may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with your Yampu travel consultant).
Day 8
Sunday
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your Galapagos cruise.
The Galapagos cruises operate two 5-day itineraries. Depending on your dates of travel, you will enjoy either itinerary A or itinerary B. You will see the various ports of call listed on the day-by-day itinerary accordingly.
PM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island (A) or
North Seymour Island (B).
Day 9
Monday
AM: Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island (A) or
Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill Beach), San Cristobal Island (B).
PM: Prince Philip’s Steps, Genovesa Island (A) or
Isla Lobos (B).
Day 10
Tuesday
AM: Bartolome Island (A) or
Gardner Bay, Espanola Island (B).
PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island (A) or
Punta Suarez, Espanola Island (B).
Day 11
Wednesday
AM: Wetlands & Muro de las Lagrimas, Isabela Island (A) or
Santa Fe Island (B).
PM: Sierra Negra, Isabela Island (A) or
Plazas Island (B).
Day 12
Thursday
AM: Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island (A) or
Charles Darwin Research Center, Santa Cruz Island (B).
Transfer to the Baltra airport to take the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel for overnight in Quito.
The Galapagos Cruises operates two 5-day itineraries. Depending on your dates of travel, you will enjoy either itinerary A or itinerary B. You will see the various ports of call listed on the day-by-day itinerary accordingly.