Ecuador Holidays:
Galapagos Islands Cruise + Quito (prices & deals)
Our incredible Ecuador holidays combine an unforgettable Galapagos Islands cruise with a visit to the historic Inca city of Quito, situated high in the Andean Highlands.
The volcanic Galapagos Islands have unique wildlife that is quite unaffected by the presence of people, and you will disembark twice each day by zodiac to explore these pristine islands. Walk among nesting blue-footed boobies, see giant tortoises, marine and land iguana, frigatebirds and so much more, accompanied by expert naturalists. A variety of boats are available at different prices, with several deals on offer.
Price: from £3,795 pp sharing
No. nights: 8
Best Time: Jan to June
Deposit: 15%
Starts / Finishes: Quito
Reference Code: 2EC1
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
You will be met at Quito Airport and transferred to your hotel in this historic Spanish colonial city that straddles the equator and is today a World Heritage Site.
Check in and relax in this capital city in the Andean Highlands, with its many museums, monasteries and churches with golden altars. The prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitu during the 13th century, and later the northern capital of the Inca Empire, it has a setting that few cities in the world can match.
Day 2: City Tour
This morning we visit the equatorial monument that marks the Centre of the World at latitude 0º - about 16 miles (25 km) north of Quito. Here you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere and visit the Intiñan folk museum that showcases the different Native American groups living in Ecuador, their culture and traditions. There is also a colonial-style tourist village complete with main square, church, post office, bullring and gift shops.
Afterwards enjoy a Quito walking tour through the streets and main square of the historic Colonial Quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America. Take in its magnificent colonial architecture - including the Cathedral, President's Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Building flanking Independence Plaza. You will see many mansions, monasteries and churches, and visit the Church & Convent of Santo Domingo. The city also has many cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.
Our day ends with a visit to the TelefériQo (cable car station) from where you can view at least four snow-capped volcanoes.
Note: Quito is situated at high altitude (9,350 ft / 2,850 m). As you will be visiting churches (except on Sundays, when this is not permitted), do not wear shorts or mini-skirts as these are not allowed.
Day 3: Explore Quito
At leisure to explore more of the historic city of Quito independently.
Day 4: Fly to Galapagos Islands
Transfer to Quito Airport for your flight, via Guayaquil, to the spectacular Galapagos Islands.
You will be met at Baltra Airport and transferred by bus to the boarding jetty. Here you will embark by panga boat (zodiac) on your Expedition Cruise through this magnificent archipelago, situated on the equator in the Pacific Ocean some 560 miles (900 km) west of the Ecuador mainland.
These volcanic islands are famous for their vast number of endemic species, studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the Beagle, which contributed to his Theory of Evolution by natural selection. Check in and relax in this astonishing marine reserve, where the unique wildlife does not seem perturbed by human visitors - allowing for extremely close-up encounters.
Note: You need to be relatively mobile to enjoy an expedition cruise in the Galapagos, as you will be embarking and disembarking by panga boat (zodiac), accessed by a steep gangway. All sightseeing with a naturalist guide, marine fees, snorkelling and medical care aboard the boat are included, but not the cost of medicines. Wetsuits are available for hire. Children < 6 years are not allowed on an expedition cruise.
Days 5 to 7: Galapagos Islands
Enjoy cruising through the marine-rich waters of the world-famous Galapagos Islands, with shore excursions each day with a naturalist.
Your exact routing will depend on your departure date and the vessel you have selected. This will be confirmed before you book.
Day 8: Fly to Quito
Disembark from your expedition cruise today and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to Quito, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 9: Fly Home
Transfer to Quito Airport for your flight home.
PRICING
Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with full board on Galapagos cruise. Galapagos flights, marine park fees, all transfers and specified sightseeing with English-speaking guides are included.
We offer a choice of hotels and cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.
It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.