Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador: to Galapagos Island

Itinerary: 11 Days / 10 Nights

DAY 1 (Saturday): QUITO

Arrive in Quito airport and transfer to the hotel. You will be met outside customs by a representative of Metropolitan Touring. Accommodations at Swissotel (or similar)

DAY 2 (Sunday): QUITO/GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Arrival to Galápagos by plane, to the airport at Baltra Island, and then cross the Itabaca Channel, which separates it from Santa Cruz Island. On the other side, a bus will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve in their natural habitat, a unique experience! A stop is made at the Twin Pit Craters, great depressions of volcanic material, formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. Box lunch is provided and then on to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy its multiple attractions: pool, sea kayaks, the white coral beach in front of the hotel or rest in your hammock. In the evening, dinner includes the flavors of local and international gastronomy, one more attraction of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Day excursion by yacht to nearby Islands. Before departure, a bountiful buffet breakfast is served, including a variety of fruit, cereals, eggs, Ecuadorian tamales, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, breads and more. For the excursions, please take solar protection, cap or hat, bathing suit, long-sleeved shirt, snorkeling gear, cameras and appropriate shoes for wet landing and hikes on lava terrain (sneakers or similar) with thick soles. Lunch is served on board. Upon return, there will be time to relax in the hotel’s surroundings before dinner. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar).

DAY 3 (Monday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
North Seymour Islands yacht excursion. A stroll on flat terrain allows the observation of Palo Santo trees and colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and magnificent frigate birds. Towards the other side of the island, the ocean crashes against the rocks and sea lions surf in the waves. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 4 (Tuesday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Plaza Island Yacht Excursion. This small island is full of fascinating wildlife, at sea side and along the cliffs: sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors with the seasons. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 5 (Wednesday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Stay in Santa Cruz Island to enjoy the activities of your choice. Hike to Grietas, sea kayak, snorkeling, birdwatching (without extra cost) or guided excursions (at extra cost) such as cruise of the bay, mountain bike in the highlands of Santa Cruz, Discover Scuba Diving. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 6 (Thursday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Santa Fe Island (Barrington) Yacht Excursion. A short trek leads through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas (endemic to Santa Fe), lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. There is opportunity to swim and snorkel. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 7 (Friday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Hike to Totuga Bay in the morning. It is considered the nicest spot of the archipelago, a peaceful corner for the nature lover. Tortuga Bay’s name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Excellent bird watching can be found along the way and at the Bay. Snack is included. Free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool or on the beach, enjoy the Jacuzzi, sea kayak or visit Puerto Ayora. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 8 (Saturday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND

(Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Bartolome Island. The trail is a fairly steep climb on wooden steps to the summit, worth the effort, as there is a spectacular view of the Galapagos scenery from above. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed. Sea lions and penguins swim in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach. Accommodations at Finch Bay Eco Hotel (or similar)

DAY 9 (Sunday): GALAPAGOS ISLAND/QUITO

(Breakfast)
Leave the hotel early in the morning to visit Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Then transfer to the airport in Baltra to take the flight back to the continent. Transfer from airport to hotel in Quito. Accommodations at Swissotel (or similar)

DAY 10 (Monday): QUITO

(Breakfast)
Day at leisure. Accommodations at Swissotel (or similar)

Day 11 (Tuesday): QUITO

(Breakfast)
At the agreed time transfer to the airport to board departure flight.

NOTES:

Season: All year
All meals and services as indicated, are included
Bilingual (Spanish - English) guide
Services: S.I.B. (Shared services)

Prices are per person, in Canadian Dollars:

(Expires: Dec 31, 2008)

SWISSOTEL / FINCH BAY ECO HOTEL: $ 2921 (DOUBLE); $ 4119 (SINGLE)

Important:

Prices are subject to change based on availability at the time of reservation. All routes are subject to change without notice, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions. Please refer to the 'Terms & Conditions' section of our website www.chilepros.com