-Day 1 Hola Quito
Meet your tour director and check into hotel
Day 2 Quito landmarks
Details: Quito guided sightseeing tour
Explore Ecuador's beautiful capital on this guided tour of Quito's downtown. Visit sites dating back to Spanish colonization, and continue to Panecillo where you will find an impressive panoramic view of the city and the surrounding valleys. Jump from the southern to northern hemisphere in an instant at Mitad del Mundo - the Equator Monument that marks the equinoctial line.
Details: Independence Plaza
Explore the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia, the Old Town's main square. In the 16th century the Spanish were afraid that the Incas might poison their water supply, so they set up their own protected well here. This plaza subsequently became the social center of town. Here we will visit Guayasamin's mural of Orellana discovering the Amazon on the wall of Palacia de Gobierno; the City Hall; the Archbishop's Palace and the Cathedral.
Details: Palacio de Carondelet
The Palacio de Carondelet, or Presidential Palace, serves as the workplace of Ecuadorian presidents, and was opened to the public in 2007. Since then, the palace has suffered from looting, but no one has ever been charged for the thefts.
Details: San Francisco Church visit
Visit Iglesia San Francisco, the first church built in Quito, begun in 1535 on the site of an Inca Temple. Inside we will view the baroque altar which has three important sculptures: the Baptism of Jesus; a representation of Jesus de Gran Poder; and one of the most important sculptures in Ecuador, the original La Virgen de Quito.
Details: Mitad del Mundo visit
Stand at the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet, see the Equatorial Monument marking the spot.
Day 3 Yunguilla
Details: Yunguilla community project
The rural community of Yunguilla is located just an hour North West of Quito. Over the last 20 years, local residents have worked to develop sustainable alternatives for their community and improving their quality of life along the way. Learn about their inspiring journey that took this community from exploiting nearby forests to a community that is committed to the sustainable use of their natural resources. Yunguilla is an integral project with all taking part in their multiple initiatives including reforestation, organic gardening, jam and cheese-making, handicrafts and community tourism. Join forces with the Yunguilla community during your time in Ecuador!
Day 4 Yunguilla
Details: Yunguilla community project
The rural community of Yunguilla is located just an hour North West of Quito. Over the last 20 years, local residents have worked to develop sustainable alternatives for their community and improving their quality of life along the way. Learn about their inspiring journey that took this community from exploiting nearby forests to a community that is committed to the sustainable use of their natural resources. Yunguilla is an integral project with all taking part in their multiple initiatives including reforestation, organic gardening, jam and cheese-making, handicrafts and community tourism. Join forces with the Yunguilla community during your time in Ecuador!
Day 5 Quito--Chimborazo
Travel to Chimborazo
Details: Sumak Kawsay community project
Travel to the parish of Calpi in the Chimborazo province to the indigenous Quechua community of the Royal Palace. Team up with this community of 80 families on their Sumak Kawsay project which includes numerous initiatives such as the flame museum, llama, alpaca and sheep -fiber spinning, Spend time at their sustainable restaurant called "The Palace of the Flame" open to locals and visitors that serves delicious dishes prepared with delicious and nutritious ingredients.
Day 6 Chimborazo
Chimborazo volcano visit
Forest hike
Details: Casa Condor community project
Perched high on Ecuador’s highest mountain, engage with locals at Casa Condor, a natural heritage center managed by the Pulinguí San Pablo community. On your journey you will enjoy natural lookouts with spectacular views of the mountains and volcanoes below. Be sure to prepare yourself….at an altitude of 3800 meters you’ll surely need to wear a sweater!
Day 7 Chimborazo
Shobol Pamba community project
Details: Quilla Pacari community project
Ever wonder what it’s like to make jam from carrots, weave a wool hat, or bake bread like the locals? Here is your chance. Quilla Pacari is a regional cooperative located in the San Francisco de Cunuguachay community. Here you will collaborate with your new neighbors and learn about community life, traditional Andean medicine, and the daily life of the community.
Day 8 Chimborazo--Quito
Balda Lupaxi community project
Balbanera church visit
Colta Lake visit
Details: Travel to Quito
Quito is one of the most compelling cities in Ecuador. Nestled in a long, narrow valley in the Andes, between the Volcano Pichincha to the west and the Machángara River Canyon to the east, Quito enjoys a spectacular natural setting. The Ecuadorian capital city's mix of colonial and modern architecture creates a fascinating built environment. In addition to being the site of the Ecuadorian government, Quito is also the nation's cultural capital, with an impressive selection of museums and festivals.
Day 9 End Tour
Details: La Mariscal artisanal craft market visit
A visit to La Mariscal market is a must for anyone looking for a souvenir from your trip or a present to bring home. Packed with crafts and specialties from all around the country, enjoy the dazzling displays of blankets, paintings, jewelry, bags, flutes, chocolate and more.
Details: Fly home
In most cases, your flight home is overnight. You will return home on Day 10.
Day 10 Return home
-Day 9 Quito--Galápagos
Fly to San Cristóbal Island
Tijeretas Bay ExcursionCoastal hike to Tijeretas Bay, see Frigatebirds, rays, sea lions, Snorkeling Adventure
Playa Mann beach time
Details: Interpretation Center visit
Overview of the human and natural history of the Galápagos
Day 10 La Galapaguera & La Loberia
La Loberia Beach excursionSnorkeling at La Loberia Beach, see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies & lava lizards
Details: La Galapaguera visit
This tortoise breeding and conservation center is dedicated to increasing the population of the island’s vulnerable tortoises. Follow a meandering trail through a large park full of roaming giant tortoises, then visit the pens where smaller tortoises are grouped together by age before being released into the wild.
Details: Hike to El Junco Lake
El Junco Lake is located at the center of San Cristóbal Island and is one of the few fresh water lakes in the Galápagos. Walk among the lush green ferns and watch as White-cheeked Pintails and colorful Gallinules swoop and swim around you.
Day 11 San Cristóbal Island--Santa Cruz Island
Transfer to Santa Cruz Island via boat
Tortuga Bay beach time
Details: Darwin Research Station guided visit
A must-see while in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island! The biological research station is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the environment of the Galápagos many take for granted while relaxing on the beach. On display, the centre has information on local conservation, habitats, and other interesting relevant statistics. The station's most impressive attraction is the tortoise breeding centre, where you can see tortoises of all shapes and sizes.
Day 12 Santa Cruz Island--Quito
Transfer to Baltra Island via Itabaca Canal
Fly to Quito
Details: Twin Craters visit
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. After a moderate hike, you'll be rewarded with a view that is breathtaking.
Day 13 End Tour
Details: La Mariscal artisanal craft market visit
A visit to La Mariscal market is a must for anyone looking for a souvenir from your trip or a present to bring home. Packed with crafts and specialties from all around the country, enjoy the dazzling displays of blankets, paintings, jewelry, bags, flutes, chocolate and more.
Details: Fly home
In most cases, your flight home is overnight. You will return home on Day 14.
Day 14 Return home
Tour Includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- 8 overnight stays (12 with extension) in hotels with private bathrooms
- Breakfast & dinner daily
- Lunch daily (except arrival day)
- Full-time services of a professional tour director
- Guided sightseeing and city walks as per itinerary
- Visits to select attractions as per itinerary
- Tour Diary™
- Local Guide and Local Bus Driver tips; see note regarding other important tips
- Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa. Optional excursions, optional pre-paid Tour Director and multi-day bus driver tipping, among other individual and group customizations will be listed as separate line items in the total trip cost, if included.
- Note: On arrival day, only dinner is provided
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