International arrival to Quito
Escorted transfer in our private transportation to Patio Andaluz Hotel located in downtown Quito, baggage will be handled separately.

Private check in and welcome cocktail at the Hotel

Time to refresh and relax

Dinner at the hotel´s patio, a romantic and private area

Accommodation at the Patio Andaluz Hotel in Quito

American breakfast at the hotel

The encounter with the old romantic colonial Quito will be very special as we get to know the history and mysteries of its temples and convents. Quito´s old town is the biggest and well-preserved of the continent and was designated by the Unesco as World Heritage City.

We will have lunch in a singular Restaurant: “El Crater” which is located in the edge of  Pululahua Volcano’s crater, one of the only inhabited craters in the world.

After lunch and on our way back to Quito, we will make a stop at the Equatorial Monument to cross the Middle of the World and take the famous picture with one foot on each hemisphere.

Then enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city from cable cars up to Pichincha Volcano. The view from the top is spectacular, covering the city of Quito, the surrounding valleys and snow covered volcanoes.
Each of the 18 cabins, with panoramic windows can take 6 guests on an 8-minute ride which starts at 3045 meters above sea level, up to 4050 meters on Cruz Loma hill. At the top apart of several lookout points, you can enjoy a stroll along paths surrounded by Andean shrub forest, several coffee shops, handcraft and souvenir shops.
Our dinner will be at restaurant “Mi Cocina” located at the lower area of Telefériqo.
Return to the hotel in our private transportation.
Accommodation at Hotel Patio Andaluz

After breakfast at the Hotel our adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colourful one coach train like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. A highlight of the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks. Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas.

Then we continue in our private transportation to Hacienda El Porvenir.

A local band will welcome us with a “canelazo”, a local fruit based warm drink of Ecuador´s moorlands. A rodeo demonstration will take place to show how people handle the activity. Lunch will be at the hacienda´s patio surrounded with the beautiful Cotopaxi volcano.

Return to Quito in the afternoon and have enough time to rest.
Free time for dinner
Accommodation at the Patio Andaluz Hotel in Quito

American breakfast at the hotel.

Early departure from Quito to Santo Domingo which is located southwest from Ecuador`s capital. The ride will take about two and a half hours. We reach our put-in near the town of Santo Domingo amid the cloud forest and after our safety briefing we navigate up to 50 miles of one of the best white water river west of the Andes!
Depending on water levels our rafting adventure should take us about three to four hours. On our way, we will encounter an abundance of bird life, and possibly spot a family of the Southern River Otter. We will enjoy a delicious lunch on the river as well as a cold beer at the end of our run... then we head back to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon.
Time to refresh at the hotel

Farewell dinner at La Choza, a typical restaurant where we will enjoy the presentation of Jacchigua Folkloric Ballet with its colourful dances.
Return to the hotel in our private transportation.
Accommodation at the Patio Andaluz Hotel in Quito

American breakfast at the hotel

At the correspondent time, escorted transfer from Hotel Patio Andaluz to Mariscal Sucre International airport to take the flight back home.

Proposed itineraries are subject to change.

International arrival to Quito
Escorted transfer in our private transportation to Hilton Colón Hotel in Quito, baggage will be handled separately.
Private check in and welcome cocktail with champagne

Dinner at the Portofino Restaurant located in the Hotel.

Accommodation at the Hilton Colon Hotel in Quito

Buffet breakfast at the Hilton Colon Quito.

After breakfast we will have an escorted walking tour in the morning to enjoy the peaceful environment of downtown Quito, wandering through it’s narrow streets and colonial squares to experience the awakening of the city activities.

Visit to the magnificent colonial temples and monasteries like La Compañia de Jesus Church , the Church and Convent of San Francisco, San Agustin’s Church some of the greatest religious buildings of the New World Baroque influenced by Moorish style.

We will continue to the Equatorial Monument, which is located at latitude 0º where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. We will also have a short visit of the Ethnographic Museum in order to travel around the ethnic diversity of Ecuador.

We will have lunch in a singular Restaurant: “El Crater” which is located in the edge of  Pululahua Volcano’s crater, one of the few inhabited craters in the world.

Return to the hotel, you will have time to relax and refresh before dinner.

Our gala dinner will be at one of the places with the most Arquitecture of barroco religious colony art, the monastery of the Santo Domingo Convent.

Accommodation at Hotel Hilton Colón Quito

Buffet breakfast at Hotel Hilton Colón Quito.
After breakfast we will be transferred by private transportation to the airport in order to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
The baggage will be handled by our local staff from the Hotel to the airport and from Baltra`s airport in Galápagos to the ship.
After arrival to the Baltra airport we will be transferred by bus to the dock in order to board the M/V Santa Cruz.

After arrival to the Baltra airport we will be transferred by bus to the dock in order to board the M/V Santa Cruz.
Once on board get the Cabin assignment and introductory briefing. Buffet lunch on board and ship’s boat drill.

In the afternoon visit the north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón. A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks. Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further in land, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the Archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird-watching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. At night our ECO Moment will let us understand more about the islands, and our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead.

Dinner and overnight on board the M/V Santa Cruz

Buffet breakfast on board.

Morning disembark at Bartolomé Island for a hike to the summit. A Great way to start the day!!! This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach and get the chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. You can always choose the option to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Return to the ship for lunch

In the afternoon visit Puerto Egas. This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming on the beach before the walk. Back on board for the ECO Moment and the daily briefing.

Dinner and accommodation on board M/V Santa Cruz

Buffet breakfast on board.

Disembark at Rabida Island on a red colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times Greater Flamingos migrate to; these spectacular birds feed exclusively on the brine shrimp found in this saline pond. From June to November pelicans nest in the surroundings. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.

Return to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon disembark to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how the Galapagos native people live in this magical paradise. Good opportunity to browse in the many handcraft shops. Return aboard for tonight’s ECO Moment, and expedition plan for next day’s adventure.

Dinner and accommodation on board M/V Santa Cruz

A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special breakfast at a selected property. Then, we will have the opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment!

The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin’s finches, particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Back on board for lunch.

Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. ECO moment, and expedition plan for the next day activities.

Dinner and accommodation on board M/V Santa Cruz

Buffet breakfast on board.

Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands, along a crescent-shaped bay. It was this very same island that Charles Darwin first visited back in September 1835. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting where visitors can obtain information that will help them understand more the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet cafés welcome world travellers who are willing to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed before heading back to the continent.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guayaquil.

Arrive to Guayaquil International airport and get transferred in our private transportation from José J. Olmedo airport to the Hilton Colón Hotel.

Private check-in with a welcome cocktail and free time to rest or refresh

Farewell dinner at restaurant Café 1900 located at the old malecón (Port) with a very nice environment.
Accommodation at the Hilton Colón Hotel in Guayaquil

Buffet breakfast at Hotel Hilton Colón Guayaquil.

Escorted transfer in our private transportation from the hotel to José J. Olmedo International airport to take the flight back home.

Proposed itineraries are subject to change.