Ecuador & Galapagos Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Quito:

Welcome to Quito, the Capital City of Ecuador. At an elevation of 10,000 feet and a mere 22 miles from the Equator, Quito is surrounded by natural beauty with mountains ringing the city, some volcanic, some with white capped peaks, lushly forested hills and a fertile valley. Long before the Spanish arrived, Quito was a major Inca city, destroyed by the Incas in a scorched earth policy that briefly halted the Spanish invasion. Back in 1564 Sebastián de Benalcázar recognized the importance of the city's location and founded San Francisco de Quito on top of the few ruins left him. As Ecuador’s Capital City, Quito is a mix of colonial history and modern buildings and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meeting services and transfer to the 31-room Casa Gangotena overlooks the lively Plaza San Francisco and stands on a site that has also been occupied since the time of the Incas. The current three-story building dates from 1926, however, and opened as a hotel in September of 2011 after a four-year, $10 million renovation. The mansion’s architecture is Renaissance-inspired, but the interior now combines art deco and postmodern styles.
Overnight at the Casa Gangotena boutique hotel.

Day 2: Quito (City & Equatorial Monument Tours)

This morning we take a tour of Quito and surrounding. We visit the center of the city located downtown Quito, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. Nest we take a walking tour, starting at Independence Square and continue to visit the presidential palace, the main cathedral, the gold-plated La Compañía Church, San Francisco Church and San Francisco Plaza.

Next we head north to the Equatorial line for a visit to the Equatorial Monument marking the Middle of the World at latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot on each side of the hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument depicting various Native American groups living in cuador.
Overnight at the Casa Gangotena boutique hotel. (B,L)

Day 3: Quito / Mashpi Cloud Forest

This morning we make our way to Mashpi Lodge, strategically hidden deep within the misty cloud forest in the Chocó region and surrounded by one of the world’s most precious and bio-diverse eco-systems. Located in its own 1300 hectare private reserve, the lodge is powered by hydro-electricity and contributes to the protection of the surrounding environment through working closely with its local community and funding scientific research projects in the area. This has led to exciting discoveries such as a new species of tree frog.

The lodge offers a wide range of excursions and activities at Mashpi, but most could be classified as hiking (easy, moderate and advanced), bird watching and lower-key activities, and rides over the treetops – the Sky Bike and the Dragonfly. The Mashpi naturalist excursion leader will introduce to the wonders of this cloud forest. We recommend that on the first day to hike to a waterfall, and then go on a night walk.
Overnight at the Mashpi Lodge. (B,L,D)

NOTE: All your meals and excursions within the reserve are included in your stay at Mashpi Lodge. Alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, the dragonfly gondola and discretionary gratuities are not included.

Day 4: Mashpi / Quito

This morning you can opt for bird watching, then hike to the Life Center / butterfly reserve, and then watch hummingbirds in the afternoon. Maybe ride the Dragonfly over the treetops. Later we transfer back to Quito for the overnight.
Overnight at the Casa Gangotena boutique hotel. (B,L)

Day 5: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Island (Bartolome)

This morning embark on a remarkable journey to the beginning of time as you transfer to the airport for the 600-mile flight to the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands, five million years in the making. Board the M/V Legend where the crew and naturalist guides acquaint you with the ship and islands you'll encounter. Set sail with a stop at Bartolomé Island for a dry landing. Arriving on this island, passengers will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent travelers will often see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance. (B,D)

Day 6: Galapagos Islands (Isabela & Fernandina)

Isabela Island – Is the largest island along the Galapagos. This afternoon a dry landing at Tagus Cove. Here we learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this land mass. During the walk you will see the largest population of Giant Tortoises (about 4000 -- but difficult to spot). A marked trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations, As we board our dinghy and make our way back to the slowly to allow viewing of the marine life and with a bit of luck we may be treated to see the Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back to the 18-hundreds (believed to be that of pirates and buccaneers) will help visitors appreciate the relationship between the islands and sustainable tourism of today.

Fernandina Island – This afternoon a dry landing at Espinosa Point and begin our stroll across the island’s immense lava field and mangrove forest viewing the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Also enjoyed are the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea Lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. This is the youngest of the islands and here you will see recent lava flows from a safe distance. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Galapagos Islands (Santiago & Rabida)

Santiago Island – This morning a wet landing along the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, a good location for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Here you’ll view Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. Further along we will spot a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance you’ll be able to spot Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.

Rábida Island – After lunch aboard ship a dry landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. This is a small island, just over 2 km in width and 400 meters above sea level at its highest point, is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the Galapagos. The island geologically consists of eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones that have resulted in the island's striking colors. The reddish beach and steep volcanic slopes give this island a distinctive look. Here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and 9 species of Darwin s finches. A dinghy ride along the reefs provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Galapagos Islands (Charles Darwin Station & Santa Cruz Highlands)

This morning you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed by international scientist, conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can see the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program.

This afternoon, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato, where you can observe the famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Galapagos Islands - Baltra /Quito

Disembark at Bachas Beach on the north of the island. Here you will be met by bodysurfing sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. You will have the opportunity of swimming in the white sand beach. Next we head to Baltra’s airport to board our flight back to the mainland. Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Overnight at the Casa Gangotena boutique hotel. (B,L)

Day 10: Depart Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to Quito airport. (B)