*Tour colonial and modern Quito
*Spend a day in the Andes
*Stay at boutique hotels on three Galapagos Islands
*Proximity to exotic wildlife---sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises, boobies, and more
*Travel with an escort who will provide valuable information and travel tips before the trip and see that your needs are met during the trip
*Group size is limited to 10 or less travelers
*Designed for the traveler over 55
Visit Middle of the Earth and the Crafts Market in Otavalo in the Andes
Snorkel at Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Isle
Walk among giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz Isle
Enjoy the antics of the Galapagos penguins on Isla Isabela
Oct 9
Arrive in Quito - Arrive on your own in the capital city Quito, sometimes referred to as the cultural capital of the Americas. You will be met at the airport and driven to our hotel. Hotel Quito or equivalent
Oct 10
Today you’ll have an introduction to Quito, a cosmopolitan and historic capital city, located in the majestic Andes Mountains. We’ll start with a breath-taking view of Quito and then explore Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch will be in a charming restaurant in the historic area. (B, L)
Oct 11
We’ll take a private van and drive north through amazing Andean landscapes to Otavalo with its famous indigenous market featuring an amazing array of textiles and crafts. On the way we’ll stop at the Mitad Del Mundo and stand on both sides of the equator. After lunch at a typical restaurant we’ll visit the crafts market in Otavalo. (B, L)
Oct 12
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival at San Cristobal Island we’ll take a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas that blend so well with the black, pitted lava coast. You’ll observe many sea birds, such as frigates and boobies, as they fight against the wind. And you’ll have your first opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions and sea turtles. As local musicians perform, we’ll end the day with dinner at the harbor. (B, L, D)
Oct 13
All aboard as we cruise to Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. A highlight of the day will be an opportunity to snorkel through the channel at Kicker Rock and view a variety of sea life. Next stop is Puerto Grande, the best beach of the Galapagos where you can swim, view the marine iguanas and seabirds, or just relax on the sand. (B, L)
Oct 14
We’ll start the day with a walk up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view. Next is a visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the human history, biology, and geology of the islands. You can snorkel below Frigate Hill before lunch. This afternoon we’ll take a glass bottom boat ride before having dinner together. (B, L, D)
Oct 15
We’ll start the day by taking a morning motor launch to Santa Cruz. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, we’ll travel to the highlands to enjoy a picnic lunch and to walk among giant tortoises. You’ll also have a chance to explore the lava tunnels. Before dinner together at the harbor we’ll visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Center. (B, L, D)
Oct 16
Today we’ll have an exciting yacht tour to an uninhabited island with plenty of wildlife to observe. Depending on the itinerary determined by the National Park to avoid crowding, our day would be spent on So Plazas, Bartolomé or Seymour Island. You’ll be able to snorkel before returning to port at around 5 PM. (B, L)
Oct 17
After breakfast we’ll walk along a path through a cactus forest to Tortuga Bay and enjoy a beautiful, white sand beach with iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. You can observe the animals and relax on the beach or snorkel. After lunch we’ll take a boat and explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up for a final time. Dinner will be at a popular restaurant on the harbor. (B, D)
Oct 18
A motor launch will take us to beautiful Isla Isabela. This afternoon we head to Tintoreras Inlet to see Galapagos penguins, the second smallest in the world, observe white tip sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions and nesting boobies. There will be time to take photos of the thousands of marine iguanas warming themselves in the sun. You’ll also have an opportunity to snorkel. (B, D)
Oct 19
Today those who want a challenge can hike to Sierra Negra Volcano for a fantastic view of the huge caldera. This group will hike for about 6 miles (9 km) on a moderate-gradual uphill trail before enjoying lunch at the top. Others may decide to join a day trip to Los Tuneles, a labyrinth of lava tubes, to trek across natural lava arches & bridges with an opportunity to snorkel with an array of marine creatures. Everyone will have a final opportunity for free time before our final dinner. (B, D)
Oct 20
Today we return to the mainland of Ecuador. We’ll take a motor launch from Isabela to Santa Cruz and catch the flight back to the mainland. The tour ends when we reach the Quito airport in the late afternoon. (B)
Connie Champlin
Email: cchamp@culturladventures.info
Phone: +1 317-908-1220
Address: Connie Champlin 129 Cranberry
Lane, Centerville, MA 02632.
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