TREASURES OF ECUADOR
FROM THE ANDES TO THE GALAPAGOS
With an Optional 3 Nights Amazon Extension
Air and Land 8 Days, 7 Nights Including Hotels, Cruise, Meals, Day Trips. Airfare available from various gateways
Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime journey combining Ecuador’s best and the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. Your adventure begins as you explore the vibrant city of Quito, its historic colonial charm, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding regions. Visit the famous Otavalo Market, immerse yourself in Ecuador’s rich indigenous culture, and stand at the Equator during your tour of Quito’s iconic “Middle of the World.” From city exploration to stunning volcanic landscapes, your mainland experience perfectly introduces Ecuador’s diverse heritage. Then, the adventure kicks into high gear as you board the Galapagos Legend for a cruise through the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands. This vessel is your gateway to an incredible world of unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and volcanic landscapes.
From snorkeling with marine animals to guided walks along dramatic beaches, each day will be filled with expertly guided excursions that allow you to discover the natural wonders that make the Galapagos a global treasure and an unforgettable experience you’ll never forget. For those seeking even more adventure, extend your journey with an optional Amazon rainforest experience. Travel into the Amazon, where you’ll immerse yourself in the jungle’s incredible biodiversity. Enjoy a variety of exhilarating activities like canoe rides and nature walks. Experience the rich cultural traditions of the Kichwa community and learn about the fascinating wildlife that calls the Amazon home. This extension adds another dimension to your Ecuadorian adventure, allowing you to explore one of Earth’s most biologically diverse regions.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
Visit South America • Quito • Equator “Middle of the World” • Otavalo Market visit • Cotacachi leather shopping • San Pablo Lagoon views • Cuicocha Lagoon • The Galapagos Islands • Galapagos cruise • Charles Darwin history • Snorkeling with sea lions • Nature at its best • Bartolome Island • Sullivan Bay lava fields • North Seymour wildlife • Punta Pitt exploration • Cerro Brujo beach • Cerro Colorado Giant Tortoise Reserve • Upper deck • stargazing • The Amazon • Canoe ride in Amazon
• Amazon nature walks • Kichwa cultural experience and much, much more.
MAIN PROGRAM INCLUDED FEATURES
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AIR TRANSPORTATION Air transportation from various gateways
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 7 nights first-class hotels (4 nights Quito – 3 nights Cruise)
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MEALS 15 included meals - 7 buffet breakfasts 5 lunches and 3 dinners
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees are as follows: Quito City Tour and Middle Earth guided walk and all tours on the Islands of North Seymour, Bartolome Island, Santiago Island and San Cristobal Island. Optional tours available
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JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as Otavalo Market and Peguche, workshop where traditional Ñanda Mañachi instruments are made, Cotacachi leather crafts, lectures onboard the cruise, interactions with Galapagos wildlife
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR HOSTS Assistance of a Tour Host during tours and transfers. Cruise director on the boat
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO THE AMAZON
INCLUDED FEATURES
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FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS 3 nights in a first-class hotels or lodges
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MEALS 8 included meals - 4 full breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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THE PROGRAM Sightseeing, including local guide and all Entrance fees, are as follows: Scenic transfer from Quito to the Arajuno River, canoe and boat rides, nature walks and much, much more.
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PROFESSIONAL TOUR HOST Assistance of a Tour Guide from Quito to Arajuno and a lodge host/guide within the Amazon.
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FIRST-CLASS MOTORCOACHES Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach
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BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport.
Day 1 Depart USA Depart the USA for an exciting journey to Quito, Ecuador! Enjoy meals and refreshments served onboard during your flight to keep you comfortable. Upon arrival at Quito’s airport, no matter the time, your Tour Guide will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel. Welcome to Quito, founded on December 6, 1534, by Spanish Conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. Known as the “Light of America,” Quito is a city where colonial charm meets modern vibrance. With its well-preserved historic center, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural treasure, boasting magnificent churches, plazas, and monasteries.
Day 2 Colonial Quito and the Middle of the World Tour Step back in time as you explore the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved colonial city in the Americas. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, lined with vibrant plazas and stunning architectural gems like the breathtaking La Compañía de Jesús Church, known for its ornate Baroque interior, and the towering Basílica del Voto Nacional. As you wander, every corner tells a story of the city’s rich colonial past, offering a true immersion into Ecuador’s cultural legacy. Next, embark on a short drive north to the iconic Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at 0º0’0” latitude—a must-see photo opportunity! Explore the nearby Intiñan Museum, where interactive exhibits offer fascinating insights into Ecuador’s Indigenous cultures and the scientific marvels of the Equator. For lunch, savor traditional Ecuadorian cuisine while overlooking the majestic Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, one of the world’s only inhabited volcanic craters, completing your day with a breathtaking view of this natural wonder. (B, L)
Day 3 Quito – Balto - North Seymour Island Today you depart Quito on a flight to Baltra Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Galapagos Legend and settle in as you set sail towards North Seymour Island, a true paradise for wildlife lovers. The afternoon brings a guided excursion to this arid island known for its bustling colonies of blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, and magnificent frigatebirds. Watch in awe as the frigates inflate their vivid red pouches during mating displays and enjoy the surreal beauty of this unique ecosystem. Your day ends with a return to the ship for a relaxing evening, where you can reflect on the day’s encounters as you dine under the stars. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) Start your day with a visit to Bartolome Island, famed for its iconic Pinnacle Rock. The morning hike offers panoramic views of this volcanic landscape, where you can spot lava formations and perhaps even encounter Galapagos penguins along the shore. In the afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santi-ago Island, where a walk across the impressive lava flows feels like stepping onto another planet. The contrast of the stark, black lava fields with the sparkling ocean is unforgettable. Enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel here, where marine life thrives in these crystal-clear waters. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) Your morning begins at Punta Pitt, located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, where you’ll explore dramatic cliffs and enjoy one of the few spots where all three species of Galapagos Boobies nest. Take a guided hike through the varied terrain or snorkel in the waters teeming with tropical fish. In the afternoon, the scenic beauty of Cerro Brujo awaits, with its powdery white-sand beaches and stunning views of the coast. Take time to relax or walk along the shore, observing sea lions, shorebirds, and the surrounding volcanic formations. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve and Departure to Quito On your final cruise morning, visit San Cristobal Island’s Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve. This protected area is critical in conserving the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises. Learn about their breeding programs and see these gentle giants up close as they roam in their natural habitat. Afterward, head to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to Quito, concluding your incredible Galapagos adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, allowing you time to unwind and reflect on the life-changing experiences of your adventure. (B,L)
Day 7 Quito Enjoy a free day in Quito or take an optional tour to Otavalo Market and Peguche Tour: Begin your day with a picturesque drive to the Otavalo region, where Ecuador’s vibrant indigenous culture and stunning landscapes come together. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of San Pablo Lagoon at Miralago before indulging in freshly baked bizcochos, and crispy Andean biscuits that melt in your mouth. Your next stop is the famous Otavalo Market, one of South America’s largest indigenous markets, where vibrant textiles, intricate artwork, and local crafts line the colorful stalls. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, engaging with artisans and exploring their creations. Continue to Peguche, a village renowned for its rich musical heritage, and visit a workshop where traditional Ñanda Mañachi instruments are handcrafted, offering a glimpse into Ecuador’s living traditions. No visit is complete without a stop in Cotacachi, famed for its exquisite leather craftsmanship—browse the shops for finely crafted bags and jackets. After savoring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, wind down your day at the serene Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering a perfect moment of reflection amidst nature’s splendors. (B, L)
Day 8 Quito to the USA or extend your stay with an optional Amazon extension Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. Safe travels! (B)
OPTIONAL AMAZON EXTENSION
Day 8 Your Amazon Adventure Begins! This morning, embark on a captivating bus journey from Quito to the Arajuno River, where stunning Andean highlands give way to the lush, vibrant greenery of the Amazon rainforest. As you wind through picturesque landscapes, watch the scenery transform from mountain peaks to rich tropical forests, offering a glimpse of Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity. This scenic ride is your gateway to adventure, setting the stage for your upcoming Amazon exploration as you approach the mighty Arajuno River. Once you reach the Arajuno River, your journey into the Amazon rainforest begins with a thrilling motorized canoe ride, surrounded by lush jungle and the sounds of nature. As you arrive at your welcoming lodge, settle in and savor lunch before some relaxation to explore your surroundings. This evening enjoy dinner as you relax in this incredible natural paradise. Cap the day off as you immerse yourself in the mysteries of the Amazon with a night walk to uncover the secrets of the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Jungle Exploration and Cultural Immersion After breakfast head into the heart of the Amazon for a walk through the vibrant primary and secondary forests. The sheer biodiversity of this environment will leave you in awe as you encounter exotic plants, wildlife, and the sounds of the jungle. After lunch, deepen your experience by visiting a native Kichwa community, where you’ll learn about their traditions, participate in the making of “chicha,” a fermented yucca drink, and enjoy a traditional dance performance. This unique cultural immersion will enrich your understanding of the Amazon and create a lasting connection with the indigenous people. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Farewell to the Amazon Rise with the sun for an early birdwatching tour, where you may catch sight of colorful parrots and parakeets (weather permitting). Later in the day, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the Amazon as you embark on your final canoe ride back to the Arajuno River bridge. Relive the adventure during your scenic return drive to your Quito Hotel, arriving with memories of an incredible Amazon journey that will stay with you forever. (B,L)
Day 11 Quito to the USA Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home Check into your flight and relax. (B)
(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner.
Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. Quest Voyager reserves the right to make corrections or adjustments to the travel program as necessary.