Ecuador & Galapagos Itinerary
Galapagos - "Like no other place on the planet"
See nature at its wildest and most awe-inspiring
The convergence of four separate sea currents allow the waters around the islands to support species that are just not found elsewhere in the world and being so remote, the animals have no fear of man. Its close proximity to the equator should also make the islands extremely hot, but this is not the case. In fact, even the climate is unique - along with just about everything else on the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 1 - Depart London Heathrow for flight to Quito, Ecuador (via Amsterdam). Transfer to Hotel Quito (approx. 15 mins) for a two night stay (Bed & Breakfast). The hotel overlooks the Cumbaya Valley and is just 10 minutes from downtown Quito. Hotel facilities include a heated swimming pool, lovely gardens and rooftop restaurant.
DAY 2 - After breakfast, free time to relax at the hotel or take a trip into colourful Quito. This afternoon we include a visit to the Middle of the World. Ecuador is named after the equator which runs right through the country and there are numerous ways to test out these facts at the Middle of the World centre.
DAY 3 - We travel overland to Casa del Suizo where we will stay for 3 nights (Full Board). A full sightseeing programme is included. Visit the Casa del Suizo website (see below) for full details of this fascinating and unusual destination.
DAY 4 - Casa del Suizo.
DAY 5 - Casa del Suizo.
DAY 6 - Have the morning to relax, reflect, enjoy the swimming pool or take a last excursion into the jungle before returning to the Hotel Quito for one nigh. (Lunch is included en-route but dinner is not included).
DAY 7 - Transfer to the airport for our flight to Galapagos for a 4 night/5day 'Island Hopping' tour. We start our tour on the island of Santa Cruz and take a tour of the Highlands where lunch is included. After lunch a visit to the famous Charles Darwin Station. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Silberstein.
DAY 8 - Full day visit to Seymour Island with lunch onboard the boat and an opportunity for snorkelling with sea lions, weather permitting. Use of snorkelling equipment is included. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Silberstein.
DAY 9 - Depart for the island of Isabela and check in to the Casa de Marita hotel. We take a visit to the Wetlands and tortoise Breeding Centre before lunch (included). After lunch a visit to the small island of Las Tintoreras which is one of the main breeding sites for the unique marine iguanas. You will have the opportunity to snorkel with all kinds of fish and sea mammal including fur seals, sea turtle, manta ray and dolphins. Other inhabitants of this island are penguins, blue footed boobies and whales! Use of snorkelling equipment is included. Dinner and overnight at Casa de Marita.
DAY 10 - After breakfast we take a visit to Sierra Negra Volcano. Boxed lunch included. After lunch transfer by speed boat to Puerto Ayora for a Farewell dinner at Il Giardino restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Silberstein.
DAY 11 - Transfer out to Baltra for return flight to Quito. Overnight at Hotel Quito.
DAY 12 - Transfer to the airport for overnight flight to London
DAY 13 - Arrive London Heathrow
Click links for detailed information Hotel Quito Casa del Suizo Hotel Silberstein La Casa de Marita Charles Darwin Station