Your itinerary
1. London to
Quito
After your door-to-door journey with our pick-up service, fly
from London Heathrow with Iberia via Madrid to Quito, where the
downtown Hotel Hilton Colon (4 diamond) awaits you.
2. Quito
Your first day of sightseeing begins in Ecuador's capital city,
situated in a narrow valley encircled by dramatic Andean mountain
scenery. Spend this morning exploring Quito's sights including the
colonial Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with
its cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, cathedrals and numerous
churches. This afternoon, pay a visit to the Equatorial Monument
which marks the exact middle of the world, latitude 0º, where
you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere. B
3. Quito to San Pablo
Leave the vibrancy of the city behind today and journey by coach
through the Andean landscape to the 3 diamond Hosteria Puerto Lago
(or similar): located in the rural Andes, it's your home for two
nights. Spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxing boat ride on San
Pablo Lake, overlooked by your hotel. B L D
4. San
Pablo
A colourful start to your tour today with a visit to Ecuador's
most celebrated native market in the town of Otavalo. Follow this
with a visit to the handicraft town of Cotacachi, known for its
leatherware, then continue on to the stunning volcanic Cuicocha
Lake before returning to your hotel for another night in idyllic
surrounds. B L D
5.
Cotopaxi National Park
Heading south today, journey through the celebrated 'Avenue of
Volcanoes', a gauntlet of 51 volcanic peaks running through the
heart of Ecuador. The 3 diamond Hacienda La Cienega, a 17th-century
property set in the shadow of the Cotopaxi volcano, will be your
home for one night. You may well see the clouds lit up by the glow
from the volcano's crater this evening. B L D
6.
Cotopaxi National Park to the Riobamba area
Cotopaxi National Park affords some of the best views of Mount
Cotopaxi itself, the world's highest continuously active volcano -
spend the day admiring the sights, observing the wildlife and
exploring the park before continuing to the Riobamba area in Chambo
River Valley, capital of the Chimborazo Province, for one night at
the 3 diamond Hosteria La Andaluza. B L D
7.
Riobamba area to Cuenca
A real treat as you travel by rail through the Andes to the town
of Alausi today and experience a remarkable feat of railroad
engineering as you descend, twisting and turning, through the
switchbacks of 'Devil's Nose'. After a packed lunch, your visit to
the Inca ruins at Ingapirca Fortress is a real highlight of the
tour. Continue to Cuenca for two nights at the 4 diamond Hotel Oro
Verde, which is located at the entrance to the town. B L
8.
Cuenca
Spend a full day discovering the wonders of Cuenca city,
including a walking tour through colonial squares and a visit to
the panama hat factory. B
9. Cuenca
to Guayaquil
The scenery changes dramatically on today's journey from the
highlands to the lowlands en route to Cajas National Park, famed
for its beautiful lakes and impressive birdlife. This afternoon,
continue to Guayaquil for a short tour of Ecuador's largest city
and one night in the downtown Hilton Colon Hotel (4 diamond). B
10.
Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands
Fly to San Cristobal island, where the 47-cabin MV Santa Cruz (3
diamond) awaits you. The only ship built exclusively for cruising
the Galapagos Islands, your home for the next three nights offers
superb service from a highly experienced crew, on-board
naturalists, fine international cuisine, and twin-berthed cabins
measuring 3.4m sq. This afternoon, sail around Kicker Rock and stop
to see the birds that nest there - you might also have a chance for
some snorkelling before the dinghy ride to Chatham Island for a
stroll on the beach at Cerro Brujo and some birdwatching. Enjoy
dinner and a cocktail on board this evening. B L D
11.
Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez (Hood Island)
Visit Hood Island today, starting with Gardner Bay: take a
stroll along the white coral beach, snorkel in the clear blue
waters, or enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride to nearby islets. This
afternoon, head to Punta Suarez and take an invigorating hike along
the lava terrain to visit unique sea bird colonies and the famous
blowhole. Then either continue on your hike or take a dinghy ride
along the coast before heading back to your cruise ship for dinner.
B L D
12.
Urbina Bay and Punta Espinoza (Isabela and Fernandina
Islands)
Discover more of the Galapagos Islands' striking natural beauty
and unique wildlife - a third of the plants, nearly half the birds
and insects and 90 per cent of the reptiles found here exist
nowhere else. Explore Urbina Bay, an area altered by volcanic
activity that left behind marine skeletons and an insight into
island colonisation. Wander along the beach or hike to the island's
interior for views of the colourful diversity and wealth of land
and marine life, particularly land iguanas. After lunch, sail to
Punta Espinoza, and take a dinghy ride to see Galapagos penguins
before exploring the unique environment of Fernandina, home to
marine iguanas, sea lions, sally-foot crabs and hawks. Return to
your cruise ship for a farewell dinner this evening. B L D
13. Santa
Cruz and Baltra Island to Quito
Stop on Santa Cruz Island for an opportunity to see the
world-famous giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. Sail
to Baltra Island and journey by bus to the airport for your
afternoon flight. Reaching Quito, the 4 diamond Hotel Hilton Colon
once again welcomes you for one night's stay. B L
14. Quito
to London
Journey to Quito airport for your Iberia flight, via Madrid, to
London Heathrow. B
15.
London
Your door-to-door driver will take you home.
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