Day 1
Friday
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Saturday
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
Sunday
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the Canal of Itabaca to board the yacht.
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 4
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 5
Tuesday
AM: Bartolome Island (A) or
Gardner Bay, Espanola Island (B).
PM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island (A) or
Punta Suarez, Espanola Island (B).
Day 6
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 7
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.
Day 8
Friday
This morning, you will transfer to the Quito airport for a 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes at almost 10,000 feet to the Amazon Basin at only 820 feet. Upon arrival in Coca, you will be greeted and transferred via the Napo River to the Napo Wildlife Center. Your transfer will last approximately two hours during which you will enjoy a boxed lunch and view the exotic wildlife of the Amazon.
This afternoon you arrive at the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve where you will transfer to a smaller dugout canoe and enjoy a peaceful paddle up a small stream that connects to the lake on which the lodge is located (no motorized transport is allowed on the creek so wildlife isn't disturbed). After one hour you will reach the Ańangu Lake and get your firsts view of the striking lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink before settling into your accommodations. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to join a night excursion, taking in the nocturnal sounds and sights.
Day 9
Saturday
This morning you will wake early and transfer by canoe to one of the two best clay licks in Ecuador to witness the colorful whirlwind of activity beginning at 7:30am. Here you will be able to see 11 species of macaws, parrots and parakeets. The colorful birds arrive by the hundreds to eat the clay that is thought to detoxify certain nuts and seeds they eat. A specially designed viewing blind allows for close proximity and complete concealment so while the birds are performing their morning ritual, you can peacefully enjoy your coffee. As the activity at this lick begins to slow, you make your way to the second clay lick where you will be able to see different species of macaws, parrots & parakeets, weather permitting. Here you will enjoy a boxed lunch as you watch the avian activity. Late this afternoon you will return to the lodge and enjoy a siesta before dinner.
Day 10
Sunday
After an early breakfast, you will depart from the lodge for the finest experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. The 36 meter high canopy tour is the perfect way to view the wildlife above the forest floor. As you ascend the 12-story tower you will pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here, you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers; safety is the priority.
Day 11
Monday
This morning you will depart from the Napo Wildlife Center early in the morning for the return flight to Quito, and then connecting with the international flight home.