Discover Quito - Galapagos Island - Guayaquil
Land Packages to the Legendary Galapagos Islands
his vast archipelago of volcanic origin is home to abundant wildlife on land, in the air and underwater — all carefully protected to showcase “time capsule” ecosystems, just as they were thousands of years ago! Giant tortoises, playful sea lions, blue-footed birds, turtles, penguins, flamingos and iguanas are just some of the memorable highlights.
Special 8 days / 7 nights land package
Day 1 - Quito
Transfer from the international airport to your selected hotel in Quito. Look for a sign with your name on it. The airport is located in the town of Tababela, about 43 km from Quito and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.
You will spend the night at superior Hotel (Standard Room).
Included: Arrival transfer, private transportation, English speaking guide for the transfer, room at your selected hotel
Day 2- Quito
QUITO CITY TOUR: OLD TOWN (Full day)
Private Services
During the historical city tour of Quito, you will explore the best preserved colonial center of all of South America. As one of the first World Heritage Sites, it will be an unforgettable experience as if you were stepping back in time. The first stop is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Due to its size and style, it is considered the largest neo-gothic temple in the Americas, and the most important piece of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. You will continue to the Plaza Grande, or Independence Square. Admire the historical buildings surrounding the square and it’s important history! Located here is the Presidential Palace, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace.
Another visit you will enjoy is the most impressive of all churches, the San Francisco de Quito. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists from the famous methods of "Escuela Quiteña" Quito School, which are the artistic traditions associated with the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk through the lively colonial streets of the old town to visit other historical highlights such as the Panecillo, from where you will have an amazing 360 degree view over the city.
La Compañía Church
One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit of La Compañia Church, considered to be a masterpiece of the barroque style. The facade is made by volcanic stone and the interior is all covered with gold.
PREMIUM CHOCOLATE TASTING "PACARI"
The best chocolate in the world actually comes straight from Ecuador. During this chocolate tasting with Pacari, you’ll be able to experience the aroma of each flavor of the highest international quality and the best cacao in the world. The tasting will allow you to take your time savoring pure chocolate bars, along with others, that come from various regions of Ecuador. As you enjoy each morsel, you will find yourself tasting and learning the history of cacao in Ecuador.
Intiñan Museum
The Intiñan Museum is a smaller, but highly interactive museum located right next to the Mitad del Mundo Monument. Even though the monument features the division of the equator, when technology improved, geologists and cartographers realized the real equator line was just a bit off. It features outdoor exhibits of astronomical geography and explanations of the importance of Ecuador’s geographical location. One of the highlights are the solar dials, fun experiments that can only be done here, like balancing an egg on a nail, and many more activities, as well as reconstructed native homes found all over Ecuador.
You will spend the night at Ikala Quito Hotel (Standard Room).
Included: Breakast, private transportation, English speaking guide for the tour, entrance to La Compania Church, entrance to Panecillo, entrance to Intinan Museum, Chocolate tasting, accommodation.
Day 3 - Flight to Galapagos
Transfer from your selected hotel to the airport in Quito. The airport is located in the town of Tababela, about 43 km from Quito and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.
Today you will fly from Quito to Baltra Island.
Highlands of Santa Cruz - Twin Craters
In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Ayora or at the airport of Baltra. After that, you will travel to the lush green highlands of Santa Cruz and see different types of vegetation on the way. The first stop is at ‘Los Gemelos’ (The Twins), two immense craters located in the middle of the island. These giant holes are actually not real craters; they are the remains of volcanic magma chambers that collapsed and are now covered with vegetation.
Next, you visit another unique place: the Primicias Ranch. Here, giant tortoises wander around freely at their own, very slow, pace. It is a unique experience to see this ancient animals in their natural habitat. You can also explore a beautiful lava tunnel located close to the ranch.
In the afternoon (please be aware that lunch is not included), you descent to Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz Island.
Lunch is included.
You will spend the night at Ninfa Hotel (Standard Room).
Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, English speaking guide for the transfer, domestic flight, entrance to the Galapagos National Park, Ingala transit card, English speaking guide, Visit Highlands of Santa Cruz with lunch, accommodation.
Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island- Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
Charles Darwin Research Station visit
Your descent to Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, the center has an interpretation center where you can learn more about the ecosystems and species of the archipelago, as well as the conservation efforts of the government and NGOs. Also, you can admire the tortoises, land iguanas, and other species that are part of the programs of the research station.
Visit Tortuga Bay
Visit one of the most beautiful beaches, Tortuga Bay, with your English speaking guide. To get here we go by foot. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It's a great place to try some surfing or just relax.
At last you will be dropped off at your hotel in Puerto Ayora.
You will spend the night at Ninfa Hotel (Standard Room).
Included: Breakfast, English speaking guide, entrance fee to the mentioned services, private transportation, accommodation.
Day 5 - Day tour to a nearby island - Options to Bartolome, Santa Fe or South Plazas or Seymour
DAY EXCRUSION TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS
EXCURSION TO BARTOLOME ISLAND
Shared Services
Bus pick-up from REEF Store
Bartolome Island is one of the most spectacular volcanic sceneries, spatter cones, lava flows, lava lizards and once you get to the top, you will have the opportunity to see it and photograph this unique and famous landscape including the famous pinnacle rock , it’s like going to the mars or the moon. There is always a chance to spot the Galapagos penguin which is the only one to live right along the equator line. After this you will go snorkeling and enjoy the beautiful golden sand beach.
Moderate to Strenuous:
Wooden boardwalk with 300+ stairs to summit
Dry landing - Boat to zodiac to land
Wet landing - Boat to zodiac to beach
Snorkeling from beach
Bring closed shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit and change of clothes and light jacket for the return.
EXCURSION TO NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND & BACHAS BEACH
Shared Services
Bus pick-up from REEF Store
North Seymour:
Here you will have a dry landing and visit the island of North Seymour which is Alfred Hitchcock movie like for its birds. Frigate birds with males with puff up red pouches, blue footed boobies, Land iguanas, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions and more. After this visit a snorkeling will cool you off and finally you will be hungry and ready to enjoy a delicious meal.
Visit las Bachas beach which is located at the Northern part of Santa Cruz. White talcum powder sand, marine iguanas, beautiful turquoise water. If being lucky the chance to see pink flamingos
Moderate:
Hiking over unpaved trails and rocks
Dry landing - Boat to zodiac to land
Wet landing - Boat to zodiac to beach, snorkel from beach
Bring closed shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, bathing suit and change of clothes and light jacket for the return.
are unique attractions. At last we head back to the town of Puerto Ayora (5-7 hours).
EXCURSION TO SANTA FE ISLAND
Shared ServicesThe departure from the hotel is around 6:15 AM (time needs to be re-confirmed). From here you will go to the port to board the yacht and sail to Santa Fe.This island is 24 km2 large and located at 60 meters above sea level. This is an almost central island and the only place to visit incredible turquoise water bay protected by a natural barrier of rocks, on which colonies appreciate sea lions and hawks flying. The island is home to one of the two species of land iguanas, whose main food is the leaves and fruit of large and thick cactus called Opuntia. Crabs, night herons, sea iguanas, mockingbirds and doves land, are seen frequently. The Bay in all its length and breadth is excellent swimming and snorkeling. Sea turtles, rays, sea, fish and the water clear and warm,Note: Transfer in the morning from the hotel to the meeting point is included. Afternoon transfer back to the hotel is not included, but hotels are located within walking distance.EXCURSION TO SOUTH PLAZA & PUNTA CARRION ISLANDSShared ServicesBus pick-up from REEF StorePunta Carrion is located in the northern side of Santa Cruz right across from Baltra Island. This place has spectacular old geological cliffs and of course the opportunity to get in the water, see a good variety of fish, White tip reef sharks and sometimes play with sea lions.Moderate:Hiking over unpaved trails and rocksDry landing - boat to zodiac to landOpen water snorkeling - from zodiacBring closed shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, change of clothes, and light jacket for returnDry landing to visit one of the small islands in the archipelago, Here you will have the opportunity to spot land iguanas, giant cactus, Galapagos shear waters, frigate birds, Nazca boobies, lava lizards.You will spend the night at Ninfa Hotel (Standard Room).Included: Breakfast, English speaking guide, equipment rental, shared excursion, lunch, maritime transportation, accommodation.
Day 6 - Flight back to Guayaquil - City Tour Guayaquilg
Transfer from your selected hotel in Santa Cruz Island to Baltra´s Island airport.
You will fly from Baltra Island to Guayaquil.
You will have a transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Guayaquil. Please be aware of the sign with your name on it.
GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR (Half day)
Private Services
Guayaquil is the main port and the largest city of Ecuador. It is situated on the banks of the Guayas River and beaches are located less than two hours driving distance. You will feel the difference of Guayaquil and the ambience it boasts as a coastal city. What is more, in Guayaquil there is a unique mix of modern and historical buildings that create an attractive atmosphere. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel for an interesting tour of this port-city. The visit will include the boulevard located on the waterfront, also known as the “malecon”, which has just recently been renovated. Additionally, you will visit the neighborhood of Las Peñas, dating back to the 16th century and declared as a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. This district of the city is located on a hill, overlooking the boardwalk and the city. Furthermore, you will also see the Seminarian Park or Iguana Park, named so after the many iguanas that inhabit the area. They are not frightened of visitors and come and go as they please. Don’t be shy to ask your guide to take some photos for you!
This is tour is with English speaking guide.
You will spend the night at Grand Hotel Guayaquil (Standard Room).
Included: Breakfast, Baltra Ferry Ticket, Lobitos ticket, departure transfer, English speaking assistance, domestic flight, arrival transfer, City Tour in Guayaquil wtih English speaking guide, accommodation.
DAY 7 back home
Transfer to the international hotel
Special 8 days / 7 nights land package
from $2995 per person Double Occupancy
Valid until Dec. 05, 2022
Extra charge for Thanksgiving
More information for Island hopping
Included in the package
Included in the package
Included in the package
INCLUDED
- Accommodations in the mentioned room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) on the days mentioned.
- Flights to/from the Galapagos Islands.
- Transit Control Card (TCC): $20 USD per person.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100 USD per adult
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
Not included
Included in the package
Included in the package
NOT INCLUDED
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Not Included exclusively for the Galapagos Islands
Not Included exclusively for the Galapagos Islands
Not Included exclusively for the Galapagos Islands
The following services in the Galapagos Islands must be paid in cash only (Unless otherwise specified in the program)
- Wetsuit or snorkeling gear (subject to each cruise).
- Water Taxi: $1 USD per person / one way.
- Puerto Ayora fee USD 1 per person
A travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
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