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Discover Ecuador's beautiful highlands before enjoying a 4 night cruise around the Galapagos Islands
Arrival into Quito
Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second highest capital, with arguably one of the finest settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Inca Empire, before being destroyed and re-founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center – declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 – is one of the largest and best preserved in Latin America. It is home to many excellent museums, churches and art galleries.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Quito city tour
Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, visiting some its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. We begin the tour the quirky Guapulo quarter; take in the Congress building, before heading to the Old Town. We finish the day at the “Panecillo” hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains. As an addition to the Quito Colonial City Tour, we travel to “Equatorial line” complex. Its monument is located at the latitude 0º 0´0" and provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres, or hop between the two in the blink of an eye.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Quito
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Quito - Riobamba
After enjoying an early breakfast, the tour will depart Quito heading south through the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” Almost midday we will arrive in the Cotopaxi National Park, which is located 60 km away from the city of Quito. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador because it is the highest active volcano in the world. Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, one of the most representative species is the Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer’s flower) wild horses, deers, llamas, and more. Whilst in the National Park you can also visit Limpiopungo Lake, located near Rumiñahui volcano (149.96 meters), or go hiking to observe the birds. Afterwards we continue with the journey to the city of Riobamba.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Devils Nose Train - Cuenca
After an early breakfast the second day of the tour begins departing Riobamba to the south, as we head for Alausi where we will board the train to the “Devil’s Nose”. En-route we will make several stops, visiting the Balbanera Church, Colta Lake, and the indigenous town of Guamote (Thursday is market day). Mid-morning we will arrival at the town of Alausi where we will begin our adventure on Ecuador’s famous “Devil’s Nose” train. About a four hour ride, we will return to Alausi in the early afternoon. Continuing on, we will pay a visit the Ingapirca fortress, located at 3100m above sea level. These ancient ruins are the most important in the country. Their true history is still a mystery, as studies state they could have been a fortress, an observatory or a temple. After visiting the ruins, we will finish our trip on the road to Cuenca, arriving in the early evening.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Cuenca city tour
Today after breakfast we will enjoy a city tour of Cuenca. Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special and the city is considered by many the most beautiful in all of Ecuador. This is a walking tour in the colonial downtown area of Cuenca, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of its people, the colourful parks and plazas, religious monuments and handcraft shops, plus an explanation of Cuenca's history. In the afternoon, visit a workshop where Panama straw hats of the best quality are made and then drive up to the hill of Turi to admire the city.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Cuenca - Guayaquil
Just after breakfast the tour will depart, heading northwest towards Cajas National Park. After a short drive we will arrive at Cajas National Park where we will be able to take part in different activities such as hiking, fishing, bird-watching or viewing flora and fauna. We can visit the Interpretation Center placed in La Toreadora Lake (the biggest and the most important in the whole region). Here we will see pictures and presentations of the park. In the afternoon we will make the journey to Guayaquil. On the road we will find mountain scenery and a delightful change of vegetation as we encounter the glorious Ecuadorian coastline.
INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch
Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands
Today after breakfast you will be met by your guide and taken to Guayaquil Airport in time for your flight to Galapagos. On arrival in the Galapagos you are met and taken to your boat.
INCLUDES : Breakfast, Dinner
Galapagos Islands
AM: Galapaguera
INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Galapagos Islands
AM: Gardner Bay
INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Galapagos Islands
AM: Cormorant Point
INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Galapagos Islands - Guayaquil
AM: Charles Darwin Station
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Departure for the UK
Private transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
INCLUDES : Breakfast
Quito
Riobamba
Cuenca
Galapagos Islands
All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.
From 1st December 2023 - 15th December 2024
from £5,659pp