| Day 1 - Depart UK - Arrive Quito |
Depart from the UK, arriving Quito in its unique setting high up in the Andes. Quito is in a unique setting as you will understand when you fly in. The airport is set right in the valley and Quito has now expanded around the airport, so you will get some great glimpses of life as you come into land.
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| Day 2 - Quito |
Morning city tour of Quito's old town - the colonial heart has recently been carefully preserved and there are many stunning baroque churches lining narrow cobbled alleyways.
Colonial Quito's magnificent historic quarter, holds some of the best preserved, most beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, all in a compact area that is easily explored by foot. There are museums all over and it is the perfect place to go for a stroll.
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| Day 3 - Otavalo |
Road transfer north to the Otavalo area, after a quick peak around the markets you will be taken to Hacienda Zuleta for a two night stay. It takes just over two hours to reach the hacienda from Quito.
You will pass through interesting countryside along the way. Depending on the day of the week you will go to the Otavalo market on the way to or on the way back from the hacienda.
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| Day 4 - Hacienda in the Andes |
Full day to enjoy the hacienda, you can go riding (payable locally), hike, visit the farm and its cheese factory, see the organic garden... there are well-marked trails all over the property or you could see the Condor Rehabilitation Project and the amazing 'Caranqui' (pre-Inca) archeological ruins.
The hacienda is a great place to relax and explore a bit of the Ecuadorian countryside.
Your hosts will make sure that you want for nothing. All your meals are included, as well as soft drinks. The evening meal starts with a generous selection of cheeses which have been produced by the hacienda. |
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| Day 5 - Hacienda in the Andes |
After a full morning and lunch at the hacienda you will be collected and returned to your hotel in Quito for the evening.
Time to get excited about the Galapagos Islands!
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Day 6 - The Galapagos
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Early morning transfer to the airport in Quito for your flight to the Galápagos Islands (1½hrs) for a 7 night cruise on one of Ecoventura's identical fleet of motor-yachts. Your plane will make a pit stop in Guayaquil where you will pick up some more passengers before continuing to the islands and enjoying a glass of bubbly as you fly in celebration and anticipation of your cruise ahead.
Ecoventura are an award-winning company operating excellent 7 night itineraries around the Galapagos islands. For the full itinerary click here.
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Day 7 - The Galapagos
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Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands. The cruise will show you the very best of these magical islands. The boat mainly travels at night, so that you wake up in the morning at a new island ready for you to explore and meet the unique wildlife which lives there.
Mornings are spent either walking on a clearly marked trail with your english-speaking guide or snorkelling in the clear waters. Usually there is time to do both. Then after lunch and a welcome siesta you will have the chance to do the same activities, but on a different island and in different waters.
Some of the snorkels are from the beach and others are deep-sea snorkels where a panga (big dinghy) will drop you off at a good spot.
When on the trails sometimes you have a wet landing (flip flops required) or a dry landing where you jump out of the panga (dinghy) onto a jetty. |
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| Day 8 - The Galapagos |
Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands.
You will eat very well on your cruise. Breakfast is buffet style and there will be a selection of hot and cold treats to choose from as well a fresh fruit and toast.
Lunch - also buffet style - could be fresh fish in bread crumbs, a freshly made casserole from seafood or chicken. There is always a fresh selection of vegetables and a delicious pudding say cheesecake or fruit tarts with custard.
Your evening meal is three courses and is served at your table. Every guest will be invited to dine at the captain's table at some point during the week. You are also able to stand up on the bridge as long as you have asked your captain's prior permission!
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| Day 9 - The Galapagos |
Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands.
Each evening before dinner your naturalist guides will remind you of what you have seen during that day and also show you on a map where you will be heading the next day. You will be told of the day's activities and asked whether you want to snorkel, hike or maybe take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat.
Snorkelling gear is provided (certainly required in the months of July, August and September when the waters are cooler and a bit more choppy). |
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Day 10 - The Galapagos
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Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands.
There is a bar on board and it runs on an honesty system when the bar man is not present - so just help yourself to what you would like and write it down on your chit. This applies for bottles of wine and other alcoholic drinks which you would like to have during the cruise. Soft drinks are included in the price. |
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| Day 11 - The Galapagos |
Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands.
Many people will be concerned about being sea-sick. Usually this does not present a problem, but you are advised to take your sea-sickness pills whatever the time of year. Some of the night crossings are quite long (up to 15 hrs or so) and until you find your sea legs it would be wise to drink lots of water and eat little and often. Don't worry though - the majority of people are absolutely fine.
The trips are quite active with lots going on. The sun is quite hot and everything is quite exciting. Take everything at your own pace though and wear plenty of high factor sunscreen! |
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Day 12 - The Galapagos
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Cruising in the wonderful Galapagos islands.
You are not allowed to touch the wildlife and you should always keep a good distance from everything. You must be very careful not to drop any litter and respect what your guide tells you.
Remember to bring masses of memory cards for your camera. You will take A LOT of photos. It is quite hard to take bad photos as the wildlife almost seems to be posing for you! |
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Day 13 - Guayaquil
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Depart the Galapagos for Guayaquil. Overnight here in a good hotel.
You will have some time in the afternoon to promenade along the water front. |
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| Day 14 - Fly back to the UK |
Early transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart Guayaquil and travel back to London via Madrid.
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Day 15 Arrive UK
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