Itinerary for: The Galapagos Islands including Otavalo, The Andes Mountain Train and Quito (CWWTGI)
| South America | Ecuador |
| Galapagos Island | Isabel and Ferdinand Islands |
| Guayaquil |
Departs
from your home address in the UK - 'tour only' option available without flights
on request.
In the footsteps of Darwin. Embark on a thrilling five-day cruise of the Galapagos Archipelago. These islands teem with the same exotic wildlife that changed the way we see our world. But first travel to mainland Ecuador, a country of rich cultures and spectacular natural beauty. Visit Quito, one of the most elegant cities in South America. You’ll delight in one stunning discovery after another.
Local Naturalists Enhance Your Experience
The Galapagos Islands offer a dramatic geological history and one of the world’s most remarkable collections of plant and animal life. During your voyage, local naturalists provide insight into the wildlife and history during onboard lectures and guided nature walks. Learn about the Galapagos sea birds, including the blue-footed booby and the Galapagos penguin, and why they are considered some of the most unusual birds in the tropics. Explore the mysteries of the islands’ amazing marine animals, including why whales dive so deep and how dolphins are able to communicate so effectively. Hear stories about Charles Darwin’s acclaimed voyage and some of the settlers who once called the Galapagos home.
Itinerary
Day 1: Overnight Flight.
Day 2: Arrive Quito - The City Overlooking The Andes
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s stunning capital city.
Day 3: Imbabura - Journey Through History
Travel to Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands. See how traditions thrive as local artisans create “Mazapan” bread dough figurines and talk about this unique art form. Journey through scenic valleys and photograph the towering volcanoes. Enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda, a colonial estate that offers warm hospitality and Old World elegance. Savour local flavours while you learn how to make empanadas at a culinary demonstration, then taste canelazo, a favourite Ecuadorian highlands spiced drink. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Experience Local Culture
Travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to tour a rose plantation hacienda. Learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador's major exports. Take a short lesson on the local language. Experience the sights and sounds of the Otavalo Market. Browse displays of blankets, ponchos and panama hats. Learn about the regional customs, meet some local people during lunch, then enjoy a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques. Enjoy a demonstration and tasting of “helado de paila,” a local ice cream speciality. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 5: All Aboard – The Train Through The Andes
Begin with an unforgettable train ride through the Andean landscapes. Descend from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet. View fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Step off the train in the community of Salinas where lunch features regional specialties and cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. Return this evening to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Explore The Middle Of the Explore The Middle of the World
Spend your morning touring Quito’s charming colonial centre including the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compañía. Visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum at the “Middle of the World”. Cross from one hemisphere into another. Relax or explore – the rest of the day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Galapagos – A First-Hand Experience With Nature
Begin your adventure in the Galápagos today. Fly to beautiful Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galápagos Legend. Disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit to spot colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila and various cacti. Snorkel and see penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks if you choose. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Isabela & Fernandina Islands; Yours To Explore
Visit Isabela Island’s incredible fossil beach and coral area. Observe (depending on the season) giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. Take a nature walk and snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wonderous Fernandina Island to see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galápagos penguins. Look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Santingo Island - A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Arrive at Santiago Island – a landscape characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Look for birds like the great blue herons, lava herons and oyster catchers. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking and crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Visit the island of Rabida, the geographic centre of the Galápagos boasting the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands; its volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. Hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. Eccentric boobies and nine species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed here. Stargaze from the deck of your ship and enjoy a special toast to the wonders of the Galápagos with Ecuadorian tropical cocktails. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Walk In The Footsteps Of Darwin
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island – a world-class facility where international scientists conduct research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station’s breeding programme. Trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato; find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. Smell and taste the famous Galápagos coffee – the beans are organically grown here. Walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Galapagos To Guayaquil, The “Pearl Of The Pacific”
Experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Find many sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles. Swim in the clear turquoise waters. Return to the m/v Galápagos Legend to check out and transfer to Baltra’s airport for an afternoon flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Enjoy a city tour of Guayaquil – a coastal community known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”. Behold the waterfront area of Malecon and the 19th-century neighbourhood of Las Peñas, with its colorful, Spanish-style houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-coloured Guayas River. Embrace the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: An Experience To Remember - Depart For Home
Your tour ends today in Guayaquil. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 13: Arrive U.K.
Meal Basis: B=Breakfast L=Lunch and D=Dinner