DAY 1, ARRIVE QUITO
Your adventure beings upon arrival into Quito, Ecuador. A Big Five
agent welcomes you to Ecuador's capital, and escorts you to your comfortable
hotel. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN
DAY 2, QUITO
Explore Quito's vibrant Indian and Spanish cultural mix on today's
tour of colonial landmarks and grand views of the Andes Mountains
from Panecillo Hill. In
the city, San Francisco Cathedral, La Compania Church, and San
Augustin Monastery are among the richest colonial sites in the
Americas, with master works of art and craftsmanship. Afternoon
is at leisure. A delicious welcome dinner completes a great day. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN (B,D)
DAY 3, OTAVALO MARKET
AND ANDEAN
COUNTRYSIDE
After breakfast, head north through breathtaking countryside backed
by snowy mountains. High
in the Andes, arrive in Otavalo, home to the most colorful Indian market
in Ecuador, where sweaters, rugs, and blankets can be bought fresh
from the loom; and good buys can be had in pottery, beads, tinware,
and Panama hats which actually come from Ecuador. Stroll
the busy produce market for colorful views of local life. Your
tour also stops at Calderon, known for its "bread doll" figures
of every imaginable design; and includes a luncheon of local specialties. If
time permits, also stop at wood-carving and leatherworks villages on
the way back to Quito. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN (B,L)
return
to top
DAYS 4 - 10, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Fly to the Galapagos, 600 miles off the coast. Here
you are welcomed aboard the 20 passenger deluxe yacht, the Eric, Flamingo
or Letty and by afternoon, cast off to your first destination, a classic
Galapagos environment. Your
Naturalist guide will point out special features of the islands as
you appreciate the world-famous wildlife and privilege of being among
creatures who are unafraid of humans.
Cruise
the Central,
Western,
and Southern
Islands,
each day
highlighted
by intriguing
shore excursions.
Be one
of the
few to
have experienced
a sea crossing
of the
equator!
You’ll
visit an
impressive
variety
of islands,
from Tower
in the
far north,
with its
mile-wide
bay and
dramatic
lava stairway;
to Santa
Cruz and
the Charles
Darwin
Research
Station;
Bartolome
and its
famous
Pinnacle
Rock; Santiago's
odd volcanic
vistas;
Floreana
and Espanola
in the
south;
Santa Fe,
South Plaza,
or Rabida
in the
central
isles;
Isabela
and Fernandina
in the
far western
Galapagos.
Though
your specific
itinerary
will be
determined
by sailing
and wildlife
conditions,
and the
need to
preserve
fragile
habitats
by balancing
visitation
among the
islands,
a daily
program
will be
supplied
to you
on ship,
and daily
briefings
will keep
you updated
on land
activities,
and the
special
significance
of each
site. Our
seven-night
cruise
offers
the most
complete
range of
wildlife
and scenery.
All of
the wildlife
nonchalantly
accept
your presence,
and remain
completely
undisturbed
as you
photograph
them up-close,
often within
arm's reach. ABOARD
THE ERIC,
FLAMINGO
OR LETTY
(B,L,D
- DAILY)
DAY 11, GALAPAGOS /
QUITO
After a final shore excursion, fly to Quito, and transfer back to your
hotel. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN (B)
DAY
12, DEPART
QUITO
Transferring to the airport, you begin your journey home. (B)
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