Galapagos Cruise, Ecuador Tours, Galapagos Cruise Holiday, Only Latin America Tours

Tour Duration : 8 Nights And 9 Days

Destinations Covered: Quito - Imbabura - Galapagos Cruise

Package Inclusions:

• 4 Nights Superior accommodation on Mainland

• 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner on Mainland

• All inclusive meal plan on the cruise

• Quito city tour

• Overnight excursion to the indigenous market and cultural sites

• A ride on the Messenger Train "Chaski Antawa" from mysterious Mount Imbabura to tropical Salinas

• Galapagos Legend / Luxury Class: Accommodation in a double cabin

• Arrival & departure transfers

• Sightseeing with English speaking guide in Ecuador

• Galapagos Transit card

• Shore expeditions as per cruise itinerary

• Internal flights Quito/Baltra/Quito

Package Exclusions:

• Meals at hotels except those listed in above inclusions

• Alcoholic or Non alcoholiv beverages

• Galapagos National Park entrance fee & Ingala tax USD 100 per person Payment in cash

• International Airfare

• Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry etc

• Airport departure tax (Quito 40 USD & Guayaquil 28 USD)

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito

Day 2: Quito

A city tour explores Quito's historical centre - the largest in the Americas. In 1978 Quito's old town was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you visit it you will see why. Charming colonial squares house majestic churches and other historic buildings. Wander the bustling streets and visit some of the most important churches including La Compañía and iconic San Francisco. Overnight in Quito

Day 3: Quito - Otavalo

Heading out of Quito to the north, the tour stops at a variety of points of interest. First, there is Peguche, a village traditionally known for its weavers and visit a wind instruments workshop. The drive heads through the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe where you'll take in views of volcanoes and rose farms, stopping along the way for photographic opportunities. Later, the tour arrives at the spectacular Cuicocha Crater Lake, a spot for taking more beautiful pictures. The last stop for today is the leather-making village of Cotacachi where you can buy cheap and good quality leather goods. Overnight in Magdalena Community in one of the community houses

Day 4: Otavalo - "Chaski Antawa"- Quito

The Chaski Antawa Train (a messenger train) runs along a railway line that was constructed at the turn of the 20th century. This less-frequented route connects the northern highlands to the tropical Pacific coast. From Ibarra, the train descends to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui through sugar plantations, across bridges spanning deep gullies and canyons and through dark tunnels. The landscapes along the way are truly magical. At lunchtime we visit the community restaurant in the Valley of Salinas, to support a social project helping these people to develop the area as a tourist destination. Our visit here helps to improve the lives of the inhabitants. A stop off at the famous Otavalo indignenous arts and crafts market, the largest in South America, is our last visit for the day before heading back to Quito for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Quito - Galapagos (Baltra Airport) - Cruise embarkation

Your Galapagos adventure begins today with the flight from Quito to Baltra. The flight takes 2½ hours. On arrival at Baltra, you will be collected at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier. Here you will be welcomed aboard the M/V Galapagos Legend, your home for the next few days.
North Seymour This first island visit is a dry landing. Here it is possible to see swallow tailed gulls and sea lions. The site is the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird and is a major nesting area for blue footed boobies. It is also possible to spot marine and land iguanas.

Day 6: Cruise: Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill)

The first island visit today is another dry landing. A short walk takes us to a saltwater lagoon tucked behind the beach, where on occasion pink flamingos may be seen. The trail continues up to Dragon Hill which provides a delightful view of the bay. This island is a nesting site for reintroduced land iguanas, and a Holy Stick Forest provides some unusual foliage. Floreana (Cormorant Point) On Floreana the landing is wet on a green-coloured sand beach. From here, visitors hike from black mangrove beds to a large, brackish lagoon. This lagoon is home to one of the largest flamingo colonies in the Galapagos Islands. Here visitors may see endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, Galapagos daisies, white and black mangrove and holy stick. It is possible for novice snorkelers to head out from the beach to get a glimpse of the sea life below, including some fun with the playful sea lions. This is an open-water activity and there is nothing to step on.

Day 7: Cruise: Española (Suárez Point)

This island landing is dry. Visitors will cross inactive lava fields and learn more about the volcanic terrain. A bird watcher's haven, species including the mocking bird of Española, the Nazca booby, swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos doves, hawks and the tropic bird may be spotted here. In addition, there are sea lion colonies, a large colony of marine iguanas, lava lizards and colourful sally lightfoot crabs.
The trail winds through colonies of Nazca and blue footed boobies. Care needs to be taken as sometimes nesting grounds spill out onto the trail. Continuing on, visitors arrive at the world's largest colony of waved albatross. From May to December, the mating season of these giant birds is a major highlight on this island. The trip finishes with a visit to the famous blowhole where water shoots into the air to a height of approximately 23 m (75 ft).
San Cristóbal (Interpretation Center or La Galapaguera) At Puerto Baquerizo Moreno there is another dry landing. Here, passengers visit the San Cristóbal breeding centre and learn about the National Park's giant tortoise breeding program. Some animals can be seen in their natural environment. Later, there is the chance to shop in the town for souvenirs and arts and crafts.

Day 8: Cruise - Santa Cruz (Carrión Point) - Quito

Two options for today include either a chance to ride in an outboard motorboat to observe the Galapagos fur seal, seabirds and marine wildlife, or a snorkeling trip with the opportunity to spot colourful tropical fish, manta rays or harmless white-tipped reef sharks. On return to the Galapagos Legend guests check out and are transferred to the airport to take their return flight to Quito. Overnight in Quito

Day 9- Fri: Depart Quito

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

SUPERIOR HOTELS

Quito
Hotel Quito Or Dan Carlton Hotel
Hotel Quito Ecuador is a magnificent combination of tradition and fine taste. It is situated in the "new" Quito area. The Hotel was built in the sixties and its special architecture received an award from the city. for which it has become an icon. The building has three stories of guestrooms. and a central tower with seven floors. Topped by the famous Techo de Mundo -Top of the Roof- Restaurant. Its beautiful gardens and recreational areas make the largest space available in the city.

Imbabura
Magdalena Karanki Community

Galapagos Cruise
Galapagos Legend Or Coral I & Ii

TOUR RATES & DATES

Currency	From	To	Tour Category	Twin	Single	Single Supplement
USD	01-Jan-12	31-Dec-12	Superior	2,399.00	-	950.00

Ecuador And Galapagos At A Glance Group