Home Cities - Arrive in Quito, Ecuador

Departure from your home city to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, our representative will wait for us at the airport to assist us with a transfer to the hotel.

Discover the Middle of the World Monument - The Intiñan Museum - Teleferico

Today, our guide will drive us for a spectacular view over Quito’s mountainous landscape, hop aboard this sky tram, one of the world's highest aerial lifts, that takes passengers on a 2.5km ride (10 minutes) up the flanks of Volcán Pichincha to the top of Cruz Loma.

Then, we will travel north where we will have lunch inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Afterwards, we will visit the Middle of the World Monument and The Intiñan Museum where we can experience didactic demonstrations of phenomena that manifest on the equinoctial zone. We will learn about how the Incas determined the middle of the earth, plus doing interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail and the effects of the Coriolis force on earth.

Full day of Otavalo, a Cultural Immersion Experience

Our guide will take us on an exciting adventure to Cuicocha lake, one of Ecuador's off-the-beaten-path sites. We will drive to this lake located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Cuicocha offers fascinating Andean landscapes that we will discover as we hike on its rim. Our guide will complement this experience with interesting information about indigenous cosmovision.

Later, our guide will take us to the Otavalo Market, which is a favorite for travelers. This is the largest market of its kind in all of South America, and well worth a visit. We will find some of the finest woven products in the region including ponchos, sweaters, wall hangings, shawls, souvenirs, and more. The Otavalo Market is an ideal place for shopping, but you will also learn about the origins of this tradition and about the culture of Otavalo indigenous groups. Our guide will drive us back to the hotel in Quito where we will be able to rest for the night and reload energies for the next day’s adventure.

Depart Quito - Arrive in Galapagos

After breakfast, our guide will be take us to the airport for your flight to Galapagos. Once we arrive on Baltra Island we will be met by our guide and transferred to the Monserrat. 

Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion (PM)

Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.

Galapagos - Genovesa Island

Today we will be visiting the beautiful and remote Genovesa Island. This northern island, famous for its red-footed colony, is a paradise for bird lovers. It is estimated that about 200,00 Red-footed boobies live on this island.

Darwin Bay Excursion (AM)

Darwin bay was formed by the collapse of the flooded caldera of Tower Island, another name used for Genovesa. After landing at a small sand and coral beach, it easy to realize why this island is a bird lover paradise. Among the bird species found here, the most common are swallow-tailed and lava gulls, mockingbirds, yellow-crowned night herons, lava herons, Galapagos doves and yellow warblers. We will continue on a short and flat trail to encounter red- footed booby and great frigatebird nests. We will visit a tidal lagoon where sea lions swim playfully ending our path on a cliff with magnificent views of this remote part of the Galapagos.

Darwin Bay Snorkeling (AM)

Time permitting, you can snorkel off-the-beach with playful sea lions and look for sea turtles on this surface snorkel.

El Barranco or Prince Phillips’s Steps as otherwise known, was named after a visit by the British Monarch in 1964. El Barranco's steep 81-foot stairway leads up to a high cliff-face that opens out onto the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay.

Here an amazing view can be appreciated. Once at the top of the stairway we will meet Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and finches along the way of a palo santo trail. It will also be possible to see wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm and short-eared owls.

Prince Phillips’s Steps Snorkeling (PM)

This deep water snorkeling offers you one of the best opportunities to observe unique marine wildlife including hammerhead sharks.

Galapagos - Bartolome Island / Bowditch Point

Bartolome Island Excursion (AM)

Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.

Bartolome Island Snorkeling (AM)

Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.

Bowditch Point Excursion (PM)

In the afternoon, you will visit one of the last off-the-beaten-path sites in the Galapagos Islands. Only a couple of cruises visit Bowditch Point. This pristine site offers you a great snorkeling session with giant schools of black-striped salema, parrotfish, and Mexican hogfish, or you can enjoy kayaking or SUP if you prefer. Afterwards, you spend time on the beach relaxing or walking around it.

Galapagos - Bachas Beach - Santa Cruz

Today’s adventure begins with an early morning excursion as we bid farewell to our cruise and step onto the enchanting main island of Santa Cruz. Our morning excursion will take us to Bacha Beach, where the sand is made of decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. We will spot abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs on the lava rocks along the water's edge -- these crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on! Trek to see a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and sea lions.

Our day unfolds with a visit to the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where we’ll delve into the inspiring conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the Galapagos giant tortoises. At the breeding center, we’ll marvel at adorable baby tortoises and discover the fascinating journey of these ancient creatures from hatchlings to majestic icons of the islands. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy—wander through the town, shop for souvenirs, or simply take in the island’s charm. Dinner will be on your own, offering a perfect opportunity to try local flavors and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

Galapagos - Quito

As our incredible journey through the Galápagos comes to a close, we bid farewell to its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. Transfer to the hotel for our flight back to Quito. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to explore the vibrant city streets, savor Ecuadorian cuisine, or simply relax and reflect on your adventure, this day offers a perfect balance of relaxation and personal exploration.

Quito to Mindo -- Cloud Forest

Today, we will travel to Bellavista, a worldwide known lodge, recognized as a bird watching spot Located in the Choco Cloud forest of Ecuador, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is surrounded by a large number of trails that you will explore. During these excursions, you will observe several species of hummingbirds. You will also have the opportunity to learn how the worldwide known Ecuadorian cacao is transformed into delicious chocolate. At the end of the day, you will return to the lodge for dinner and can stay in the restaurant to see if you can observe one of the latest carnivore mammals to be discovered, the olinguito.

Mindo - Quito

After breakfast, you will explore the unexplored paths in the forest near the lodge or you can enjoy from the lodge facilities and relax. Afternoon return to Quito.

Old Town Quito City Tour - Farewell

Quito, known as the Americas’ “City of Lights”, possesses a millennium of pre-Colombian history and an impressive Hispanic Colonial legacy. The old town of Quito was declared the first UNESCO cultural world heritage site.This morning, meet our guide for a half day Quito’s city tour. Visit Independence Square (Plaza Grande), San Francisco Church and Convent as well as remarkable churches such as Basilica, La Compañía de Jesús from both the 16th and 17th centuries. Stop at the top of El Panecillo hill, where we can get a spectacular view and find the Statue of the Virgin overlooking and protecting the city. Late check out from the hotel, and private transfer to the airport for our international flight back home.

Quito to USA

Early morning departure from Quito. Afternoon arrival in our home cities.

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To book this tour contact the Group Tour Manager listed below:

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

TOUR ID #9225J010