U.S.A. to Quito, Ecuador

We will depart Salt Lake City in the morning with a late evening arrival in Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.  Overnight in Quito.

Quito - Intiñan - Middle of The World Complex

Enjoy one of the most breathtaking views from one of the highest point in Quito; the Pichincha Volcano. After a typical lunch, we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of the city to arrive at the Middle of the World Complex which holds the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude and in it, a Museum of Ethnicity of the peoples in Ecuador. In the eighteenth century, the French Geodesic Expedition erected one of three pyramids, as landmarks, to commemorate their calculation of the middle of the Earth. The complex replicates the Spanish colonial architecture with a typical central plaza, a church, and bull-fighting ring. We will then visit “Teleférico” cable car, and enjoy unsurpassable views of the city, its valleys, mountains and snow-capped peaks: ideal for photo opportunities. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Quito.

Quito to Mindo (Cloudforest)

Our journey begins early in the morning, and it will allow us to observe part of the great biodiversity treasure located only 52 miles northwest of Quito. We will come across in front of the famous complex “Ciudad Mitad del Mundo” well known as the Middle of the World. On the road, we will have the opportunity to see different landscapes with a variety of vegetation and animal species. Our first stop is in Alambi Reserve, a beautiful, pristine, and peaceful place, home to different types of birds, butterflies, and flowers such as orchids and bromeliads. Alambi describes itself as: “The forest and its conservation is the heart of what’s Alambi are all about, through ecotourism we guarantee that we will preserve this beautiful cloud forest in Ecuador’s north-west for generations to come.” Our trip continues in Mindo, a famous hotspot for birdwatchers and adventurers. This small town is situated in the “Andes Chocó” corridor which is an extensive area known for its biodiversity. Once in town, we will visit a 71.00 farm with butterflies to learn more about their life cycle and interesting facts about their feeding and natural contribution. Lunchtime will be followed with free-time to explore Mindo's natural beauty. Overnight in Mindo.

Mindo to Quito

Free morning to enjoy the surrounding areas on your own. After lunch, transfer back to Quito. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Quito

Full day Otavalo Tour

Departing from Quito to the north, we will ride across the colorful valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe. A ride through the breathtaking Andean setting offers great photo opportunities and after two hours of traveling through the riveting countryside, we will arrive at the province of Imbabura. Walkthrough the famed craft market of Otavalo, which is the most famous and picturesque in South America. For visitors, the market offers the possibility of approaching Ecuadorians at a more intimate level as you negotiate prices of a variety of woven goods, bags, hats, flutes or simply appreciate the skillful and generous people responsible for the elegance and beauty of the clothing and handicrafts. The tour also offers a range of alternatives to visiting nearby towns such as Peguche with traditional looms and, Andean wind instruments, workshop and, Cotacachi featuring leatherwork including bags, jackets, hats, belts and, more. Overnight by the Quito airport.

Quito to Galapagos Islands

Early morning flight from Quito to Galapagos Islands with a stop in Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Galapagos, we will be greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will escort us on a ten­ minute ride bus ride to the pier where we will board our cruise.

PM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) - Here we will find four species of mangrove in the extensive tidal lagoon system that stretches for almost a mile inland. During our panga ride through the labyrinth we will spot many turtles, herons of several species, sharks and rays. The experience is otherworldly and seems to transport us bac to the beginning of time.

Galapagos Islands - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) - Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island)

AM: Punta Vicente - Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles.

PM: Punta Espinosa - Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers and exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants. 

Galapagos Islands - Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) - Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

AM: Urbina Bay -  At the far end of a long level hike, we arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, we hope to run into a few impressive land iguanas and some volcanoes endemic to Galapagos giant tortoises during the wet season.

PM: Tagus Cove - A historic pirate hideout and anchorage. Visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and stunning volcanic landscape, revealing lsabela island's dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement!

Galapagos Islands - Egas Port (Santiago Island) - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)

AM: Egas Port - The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most, it's best known for the dramatic shoreline where we meet a host of species that chose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk.

PM: Sullivan Bay - has an extensive features relative to young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish-yellow-colored tuff cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet.

Galapagos Islands - Quito

AM: Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) - In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 6001b, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially species of the famed finches.

Transfer to the Baltra airport for our flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Colonial Quito

Quito was the first UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage site declared in 1978.  It displays the largest colonial town of the Americas with an eclectic architecture ranging from the modern quarters to varied colonial facades on churches and private residences decorated and balconies built along the last five centuries.  See the gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional and the Independence Square flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop’s palaces dated back to XVII and XIX centuries.  Share the spirit of Quito by walking to the Metropolitan Cathedral with excellent samples of the Spanish Renaissance.  Visit the so-called street of the Seven Crosses and pass by the Jesuit convent, El Sagrario church with a unique orthodox cross lay outdated back to the seventeenth century and the jewel of the crown.  Visit the Jesuit temple of the baroque art in the Americas La Compañía de Jesús, and the jewel of the crown of the colonial architecture in Quito, continue to the Plaza of San Francisco which is a temple and convent, displaying a rich sample of artistic and cultural heritage.

Late check-out from hotel for an evening departure to the Quito international airport.

Quito to the United States

Today will will arrive our home cities with memories to last a lifetime.

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Tour ID # 9226H06

A CASH DISCOUNT of $100.00 applies for all payments made by check or ACH AFTER deposit

To Book This Tour, Contact:

Carol Alegre, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6165
Email Carol