Day 1: Quito

Welcome to Quito!  A representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.  You will have free time to explore the city or relax and settle in.

Day 2: Quito Colonial City Tour & Middle of the World (B)

Take a walk through bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas; a multi-ethnic, artistic and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.   Afterward, our guide will take our guests to visit the Middle of the World Complex situated at 0∞0í0î latitude to be with one foot in the northern and the other foot in the southern hemisphere. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Otavalo Indigenous Market & Surroundings

Visit the famous indigenous Otavalo open-market and wander around various stands set in the central square.  There is the chance to shop for hand-made textiles, wooden decorations, Andean musical instruments, hats, jewelry and a variety of local souvenirs.   Our guide will take you to visit the nearest town called Peguche which is known for its weavers and to visit a workshop of wind instruments.  The next town is Cotacachi, were its residents are skilled manufactures of leather goods to later, head to the Magdalena Community for an overnight stay at one of the families’ homes.

Day 4: Karanki Magdalena Community – Train Ride to Salinas (B   L)

The Magdalena Community is a group of houses located on the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano, where they welcome guests to be part of their families and host traditional activities for a cross-cultural experience.  There are also outdoors mild adventure activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking or hiking by the Andean pastures. Guests will be taken by car to Ibarra to get on the Liberty Train.   The train ride will go through the magical landscapes of the highlands where it goes through mysterious tunnels, across bridges, spanning canyons and gullies filled with unique biodiversity. Travelers will arrive at the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas, well known for its agricultural activities, to spend the lunchtime and to visit the town. We will head back to the road in our return to Quito for an overnight stay.

Day 5-8: Galapagos Cruise Aboard the Coral I & II or the Galapagos Legend

Depart to the Galapagos in a 2:30-hour domestic flight arriving at Baltra or San Cristobal Airport.   A representative of our cruise ship will welcome you, and then you will be transferred to the port to embark the vessel.

Enjoy of a paradisiacal destination marked by its uniqueness which inspired Charles Darwin on his Theory of Evolution.  Every day visit two new places, and wake up with the most idyllic landscapes, to later enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and time to get ready for the first excursion.

Every island and visitor site offer different geographical landscapes, fauna, and flora, but every corner of the archipelago will be filled with wildlife.  From blue-footed boobies in their mating dance to lazy sea lions sunbathing by the shore, or fast-swimming penguins next to you in the snorkeling activities.  All our guest will return to the ship for a varied lunch-buffet and free time to relax by the pool, sun terraces or Jacuzzi of our open decks while we arrive at our next visit.

Get on a dinghy ride with a Galapagos naturalist expert and learn more about geology, evolution, human history and biology of the next visitor site.  Once again be amazed by the different terrain, exotic animals, and plants.  Start with a hike through natural paths and have close encounters with the inhabitants of the area.  Then, have some free time to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the beach, or choose to snorkel, kayaking or glass-bottom boat adventure.

Return on board to get changed and comfortable to later enjoy a-la-carte dinner in our acclaimed Lonesome George Restaurant which serves local and international specialties.  One evening, we will surprise you with an al-fresco BBQ on the highest deck with great quality cuts, salads, and seafood for the ultimate Galapagos experience: dining under the sunset.  After dinner, there will be a short but entertaining lecture about next day excursions followed by free time to relax or join an onboard activity.

In your last day, breakfast will be served a bit earlier than usual to take advantage of the morning and take part in a last excursion in the islands. We will sail back to Baltra or San Cristobal Airport to transfer our guests to their flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. Once in the mainland, one of our representatives will transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Quito (B)

If taking an international flight, there will be a transfer to the airport in Quito.  You could also extend your stay in Ecuador with other land tours we can offer you.