Quito and Galapagos Islands with Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Description
Pricing
Itinerary
Sub Trips
Hotels
Yampu’s Quito and Galapagos Islands Tour with Finch Bay Eco-Hotel is designed for travelers who want to visit the Galapagos Islands, but prefer not to stay overnight on a boat. This tour includes 5 days on the Santa Cruz at the Finch Bay Eco-Hotel. Santa Cruz is a charming and enchanting island that burgeons with tourism but retains a relaxed and coastal ambience. During your stay at the Finch Bay Eco-Hotel you will enjoy daily visits to the islands. This program also includes 2 days in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador positioned ideally on the equator resulting in a temperate climate year round.
The charming Finch Bay – named after the famous Darwin’s Finches abundant in the surroundings – is just steps from the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here you can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service offered by the Finch Bay.
This tour includes airfare allowance from London (UK), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via London; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.
Additional information on this trip:
Day 1
Monday
Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Tuesday
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
Wednesday
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos. Morning flight from Quito to Baltra Airport. Upon arrival, transfer to Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Afternoon, at leisure to enjoy the activities at Finch Bay: kayaking, snorkeling, non-guided bicycle rides in town. Optional tours: diving, horseback riding, guided bicycle tours, guided kayak tours and guided beach outings are available at the hotel at extra cost.
Day 4
Thursday
Santa Fe
Located southeast of Santa Cruz with a view from the hotel, this island is an excellent choice for a daily tour. Along the two trails, visitors will see the endemic Santa Fé land iguana and a large Opuntia cactus forest; the Opuntias have a thicker trunk and are taller than those located on other islands. The beach area is covered with California sea lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Day 5
Friday
Plazas / Punta Carrión
This island is located northeast of Santa Cruz. The abundance of sesuvium plants provide lush green color during rainy season and a reddish hue during the dry season. Wildlife on the island includes sea lions, land iguanas and hybrid iguanas which have resulted from a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. Snorkeling is an option during the excursion to South Plaza.
Day 6
Saturday
Bartolome Island
Enjoy the spectacular Galapagos views as you ascend the hillsides of this unique island. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed. Sea lions and penguins swim in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach.
Day 7
Sunday
Return flight to Quito
Transfer to the airport in Baltra, where the return flight leaves for Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
Monday
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of your choice.
Suggested Hotels by City and Category *
|
Quito
|
| 3-star |
NU House, Vieja Cuba (Room Class AA), Reina Isabel or similar. |
| 4-star |
Mercure Alameda, Dann Carlton, Stubel Suites, Cafe Cultura, or similar.
|
| 5-star |
Swissotel, Casa Aliso (boutique), Hilton Deluxe room, Le Parc Boutique Hotel, or similar. |
| Deluxe |
Plaza Grande (Royal Suite) or Casa Gangotena (Balcony Jr. Suite) |
|
Galapagos-Santa Cruz
|
| 3-star |
Silberstein Hotel including breakfast. This ia a 2009 rate. |
| 4-star |
Red Mangrove Hotel in superior room including breakfast. - This is a 2009 rate. |
| 5-star |
Finch Bay Hotel including breakfast and dinner |
| Deluxe |
Royal Palm in Veranda Room, includes breakfast & roundtrip airport/hotel transfers. This is a 2009 rate. |
* Subject to confirmation at time of booking
8 days , from £2962
| Occupancy Type |
3-star |
4-star |
5-star |
| Double | £2962 | £3055 | £3282 |
| Single | £3674 | £3761 | £4204 |
Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).
- Creating benefits and educational opportunities for local people.
- Strengthening responsible tourism management.
- Building strong financial support for conservation among the travel industry and travelers.
- Promoting high professional standards for the tourist industry.
Ecuador
Finch Bay Hotel
Pool at Finch Bay
Marine Iguana
