Ecuador in Style

with M/Y La Pinta

 

Day 1 | Tuesday – Quito

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

Day 2 | Wednesday – 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 northerncapital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects builtformidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated byUNESCO 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 full day experience with a chronologic narrative along the history of the city: its ancient pre-Columbian origins, its foundation, the Colonial and Republican periods. An immersion into the spirit of the city, its architecture, art, cuisine, religiousness and music – its cultural heritage. The capital of Ecuador, is the first city declared a cultural world heritage by UNESCO in 1978; Quito’s cultural heritage is a blend of Amerindian ancestry and Spanish influence. This walking tour is a chronologic narrative of the history of Quito, since its very beginnings --with the first Pre-Columbian inhabitants-- civilizations which formed the ethnic cultural background of Ecuador centuries before the Inca Empire, like the Quitus in present-day Quito, who developed their own distinctive architecture, pottery, and religious beliefs. Drive up to an observation point for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s layout; and then stroll along downtown Quito, founded by the Spanish on the ruins of an Inca settlement, the best preserved Colonial historic center in Latin America. A unique opportunity to see art gems and the brilliantly restored Barroque Jesuit church. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibe, mingling with the locals in its many plazas and enjoying a taste of Ecuadorian delicacies for lunch. Be part of the first struggles for Independence in South America in the early 1800’s and catch a glimpse of the romantic La Ronda cobblestoned street with flowery balconies, where echoes of timeless songs of love can still be heard.
This is a walking tour at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and involves climbing stairs. Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Women should not wear shorts nor miniskirts as visits to churches are included. Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised between January and April. Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Meals included: Breakfast & lunch

Day 3 | Thursday – Quito – Cotopaxi

Follow the footsteps of the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt and discover whatin 1802 he called the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. This route is surrounded by snowcapped summits and the mystical beauty that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures and later provided incentive to the conquering Spanish to settle here. Brooks and rivers run down from the mountains past small villages of adobe houses and terraced farmlands. 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.
Early departure from Quito by motorcar on the Pan-American Highway to the south, to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it’s up a dirt road for approximately one hour. Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center.
Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the observation of the Andean flora. Lunch is at a restaurant of the area before returning to Quito in the afternoon. The entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra.
Warm clothing is needed and hat or cap. Sunblock (SPF 40). Good walking shoes.
Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Sunglasses.
Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
Average Temperature Day: 8° to 20° C (46° to 68° F)
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch

Day 4 | Friday – Quito – Galapagos

Escorted transfer between your hotel and the airport of Quito. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the small and cozy capital of Galapagos. This attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Transfer to board Y/LA PINTA. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat Drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.
Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal[Chatham] Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San
Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar saloon for a cocktail offered by the Captain, enjoy the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner.
07 Nights on board M/Y La Pinta
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5 | Saturday – Galapagos

North Seymour Island
Morning 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. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration. Lunch on board.
Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island). Explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes. Back on board, our expedition plan will reveal the details of next day’s activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6 | Sunday – Galapagos

Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
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. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glassbottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird. Lunch on board.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like stilts and sandpipers. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner 
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7 | Monday – Galápagos

Punta Moreno (Isabela [Albemarle] Island)
Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Swimming or snorkeling.Lunch on board. 
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina [Narborough] Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the Galapagos National Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner


Day 8 | Tuesday – Galápagos

Highlands of Santa Cruz [Indefatigable] 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. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant pricklypear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 9 | Wednesday – Galápagos

Bartolomé Island
A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Lunch on board.
Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkeler. The day can end with a rewarding stroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 10 | Thursday – Galápagos

Gardner Bay (Española [Hood] Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach.
There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board. Punta Suárez (Española [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), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11 | Friday – Galapagos – Guayaquil

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Bus ride to see the emblematic reptile of Galápagos at la Galapaguera. Deciduos forest, land birds, endemic plants, etc. Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
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 NOTES:

The itineraries and program are subject to change without prior notice, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park, weather conditions, seasonal changes and safety reasons.
Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests 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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