Ecuador in Style

with M/Y Isabela II

 

Day 1 | Wednesday – Quito

Escorted transfer between airport and your hotel. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included.
02 Nights at Hotel in Quito – Double / Twin Room + Breakfast included
Meals included: None

Day 2 | Thursday – Quito

The capital of Ecuador has a setting that few cities can match. During the 13th century it was the prosperous center of the Kingdom of Quitus. It later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Quito’s artistic creativity awaits the visitor in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts. The stay in Quito must include a visit to the Colonial sector, the old and charming city with 400 years of Spanish heritage. Also, visit the Center of the World, the very center of the earth, at latitude 0° A visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Lunch at one of the excellent restaurants in Quito or the equator area. Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator. 
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. This tour includes walking at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and climbing stairs. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Entrance fees are included. Meals included: Breakfast & lunch

Day 3 | Friday – Quito – Patate

"Spirit of the Andes", is a four-day immersion into the Andean World, a journey along the history, the spirituality, the Andean flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the ancestral peoples of the Ecuadorian highlands. It includes not only the awesome scenery of the Ecuadorian Andean Region, but visits to centenary Haciendas, the highland moorlands of Cotopaxi National Park, the quaint and popular village of Baños; Cuenca, Ecuador's most beautiful city and a World Cultural Heritage Site, plus the opportunity to be in contact with the people and the projects of the Indian communities, whose lives are deeply entwined with the land, and still reflect their ancient traditions and their reverence for nature. Wind your way south all the way to Cuenca, on a fascinating journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, surrounded by the most spectacular scenery, through fertile valleys cultivated in a patchwork of windswept fields, and surrounded by snow covered peaks. Marvel at remains of ancient Inca construction, spot condors and other high-altitude birds, llamas and vicuñas and take in the mystical spirit of the Andes that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures and later provided incentive to the conquering Spanish to settle here. Much research, design and investigation has been invested to focus this program and its essential components to offer guests an array of varied sensations, experiencing the sights and insights, textures and colors, aromas and flavors... A four-day immersion in the Andean World that will awaken your senses and your sensibility. From Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, along the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture and community projects. A journey along the history, the spirituality, the Andean flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the ancestral peoples. The artisans tradition of Quito is present in the visit to the Yanapi Hat Shop, where guests can observe the process of making hats by hand, of wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality hats are exported to European, Australian and American markets. Along valleys and mountains, arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the perfect snowcapped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight! At the foot of the volcano is a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a room with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries –a truly archaeological jewel. After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation. From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where, as the afternoon mist descends, stories are told about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis – and never returned…
01 Night at Hacienda in Patate – Double / Twin Room + Half board included Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4 | Saturday – Patate – Riobamba

After breakfast, take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge. Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) –the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending. Lunch is served at an hacienda / hostel in the surroundings, and in the afternoon a short stroll along Baños –a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper – this is a protected Faunistic Preserve. On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer’s true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Great photo ops on this route! Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging.
01 Night in Riobamba – Double / Twin Room + Half board included
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

The itinerary of this day is subject to change, due to the activity of the Tungurahua Volcano.

Day 5 | Sunday – Riobamba - Cuenca

After breakfast, visit the Museum of the Conceptas, housing one of the most important collections of religious art in Latin America, exhibited in several rooms that were originally the cloisters or cells where the nuns lived – a few nuns still live here in seclusion. The treasures of art, culture, traditions and religiousness of Riobamba are kept here thanks to the contribution of the visitors. Close to Riobamba is the Indian Community of Palacio Real, where an interesting visit to the Museum of the Llama is offered, an interactive community project to show the important role of the llama in the pre-Columbian ancestral cultures –both in the spiritual part as well as daily life; a short stroll in the community is possible. Next stop is at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to Inti Sisa, an Educational Centre for the Development and Sustainability of Adults and Children. These visits are an important support to the efforts of improvement of the communities, and tourism is one of the main means to do so, while at the same time, guests can have a direct contact with the local people. Then, towards Alausí, where brunch is served to regain strength and continue exploring the Andean world to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations.
01 Night in Cuenca – Double / Twin Room + Half board included
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6 | Monday – Cuenca – Guayaquil

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. This comprehensive visit includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. Next is a visit to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here, a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. Then, a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city’s overhanging houses. Lunch is at one of the excellent restaurants in Cuenca, and in the afternoon, drive for a short visit to a ceramics handcraft shop. Then, observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw. The Spirit of
the Andes adventure ends at the airport – to take to flight to Guayaquil.
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat for evening and rain protection.. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.
01 Night in Guayaquil – Double / Twin Room + Breakfast included
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7 | Tuesday – Guayaquil – Galapagos

Escorted transfer between your hotel and the airport of Guayaquil. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included. Baltra Island Morning arrival to Baltra Island by TAME flight and immediate transfer to the dock to board the ISABELA II. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. North Seymour Island Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. Welcome Cocktail offered by the Captain. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities and dinner.
03 Nights on board M/Y Isabela II
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8 | Wednesday – Galapagos

Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat. 
Punta Suárez (Hood Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous blowhole.
A shorter walk is also available. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 9 | Thursday – Galapagos

Point Cormorant (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Lunch on board. Champion Islet, Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) Possibility to snorkel from the pangas around Champion Islet or a ride on the glassbottom boat. Return on board and navigate to Post Office Bay. Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Departure briefing and dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11 | Friday – Galapagos – Guayaquil

Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good continue across the island to the north shore and cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry. Transport to Baltra Airport and flight back to the continent. Upon disembarking Isabela II, your luggage will be taken directly to the Airport. Make sure you have with you all items you may need for the morning´s visit and for the flight.
More information will be given during the departure briefing Thursday night.
On arrival in Guayaquil, escorted transfer between the airport and your hotel. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included.
01 Night at Hotel in Guayaquil – Double / Twin Room + Breakfast included
Meals included: Breakfast

IMPORTANT NOTE:

There is the option to extend your Galapagos Cruise to 7 nights.
Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons. Dry landing: passengers step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, passengers step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

Day 12 | Saturday – Guayaquil

Escorted transfer between your Hotel and the airport of Guayaquil. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included. There is a US$ 33.92 departure tax which should be paid in U.S. Dollars cash upon leaving the country.
Meals included: Breakfast


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