DAY
1:
ARRIVE
QUITO,
ECUADOR
Upon arrival in Quito, a Big Five representative greets you and transfers
you to your restful hotel in the vibrant New City. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN
DAY
2: QUITO
A sensational full-day tour explores Quito from an art and cultural
perspective, and features an irresistible trip to the Equatorial Monument
to snap photos of yourself standing in the North and South hemispheres
simultaneously. Tour some of the earliest and finest buildings ever
built in the Americas by the Spanish; San Francisco Cathedral with
its masterpiece art; La Compania's gold altar and lacy facade; San
Augustin Monastery; and drive up Panecillo Hill for spectacular panoramas
of Quito nestled among snow-capped Andean peaks. On the art scene,
visit the studio of Oswaldo Guayasamin, the world-famous Indian painter;
and folk artist Olga Fisch's studio to see her rugs which are a source
of great pride to boosters of Ecuadorian popular arts. A delicious
welcome dinner completes the day. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN (B,L,D)
DAY
3 - 6:
THE GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS
After breakfast, fly to the Galapagos archipelago to board your yacht
or cruise ship. Cast off
in the afternoon and head to your first ecological sanctuary, either
a wildlife area close to our embarkation point, or a neighboring island
further out. Enjoy this introduction to a classic Galapagos environment.
What you'll do: Cruise
comfortably from island to island, going ashore for morning and
afternoon excursions per day of cruising. Visits to three or more
of the islands are planned, though the specific itinerary will
be determined by sailing and wildlife conditions, and the need
to balance visitation among the islands in order to minimize impact
on fragile habitats. A detailed program will be provided to you
on ship. Helpful daily
briefings will inform you of land activities, what to bring or
wear, and what the special attractions are at each area.
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Where you'll go: Visits are planned to a varied and impressive
range of islands, such as Tower with its mile-wide bay and dramatic
lava stairway; Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Station;
Bartolome and the famous Pinnacle Rock; Santiago's odd volcanic vistas;
Isabela and Fernandina Islands; and Santa Fe, South Plaza, or Rabida
Island in the central archipelago.
What
you'll
see: Each
island
has
native
wildlife
and
some
have
species
found
nowhere
else
in
the
world,
such
as
the
yellow-colored
land
iguanas
of
Santa
Fe. View
rare
animals
who
thrive
in
the
cool
Humboldt
currents
of
the
western
isles,
such
as
Bartolome's
penguins,
and
Santiago's
fur
seals
and
exceptional
sea
life.
The
northwest
islands
are
among
the
youngest,
with
a less
eroded
volcanic
terrain
that
is
quite
dramatic
--
ropy
lava
flows,
cones,
and
odd
plants
like
palo
santos
trees.
In
the
Central
isles,
visit
giant
tortoises
at
the
Darwin
Station.
Sea
lions
are
abundant
--
swim
with
them
if
you
wish.
Fascinating
reptiles
include
rare
lava
lizards,
snorting
marine
iguanas,
and
sea
turtles.
Brilliant
birding
includes
the
world's
best
views
of
magnificent
frigates
on
Tower
Island;
flamingos
on
Santiago
and
Rabida;
plus
boobies,
Darwins
finches,
storm
petrels,
doves,
hawks,
owls,
and
seabirds.
See
Sally
Lightfoot
crabs
on
shore;
manta
rays
and
harmless
sharks
offshore;
dolphins
and
whales
alongside
your
ship.
All
of
the
wildlife
nonchalantly
accept
your
presence,
and
can
often
be
photographed
from
very
close
range. ABOARD
SHIP
OR
YACHT
(B,L,D
- DAILY)
DAY
7: GAPAPAGOS
/ QUITO
After a final shore excursion in the Galapagos, disembark ship and
fly back to Quito. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. HOTEL
SEBASTIAN (B)
DAY
8: DEPART
QUITO
Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. (B)
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TOUR ARRANGEMENTS ARE INCLUSIVE OF:
· All
domestic
air from
Quito to
Galapagos
round trip
· Hotel
accommodations
as indicated,
inclusive
of hotel
taxes & service
charges
· Meals
as specified:
B= Breakfast,
L= Lunch,
D-Dinner
· All
transfers
· Services
of a local
English
speaking
Guide in
Ecuador
· Services
of a Darwin
Certified
Galapagos
Naturalist
aboard
the Galapagos
Vessel
· Sightseeing
as scheduled
in Quito,
including
entry fees,
· Galapagos
National
Park Tax
and Port
Fees
· Daily
shore excursions
on the
islands
· Baggage
handling
of 1 piece
of luggage
per person
· Comprehensive
pre-departure
reading
· Big
Five in
flight
bag and
travel
wallet
per passenger
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NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to Ecuador, any airport taxes (Ecuador - $27
per person for international flights / $2-4 per person for domestic
flights) - all taxes are government imposed and paid by passengers
locally. They are subject to change without notice. Passport and visa
fees. Rental of snorkeling equipment aboard vessel. Travel insurance.
Excess baggage or shipping charges. Items of personal nature such as
gratuities to guides, drivers, telephone / telex / fax charges, laundry,
beverages, meals and services not specified.
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