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Classic Ecuador & Galápagos
16-days / 15-nights
Itinerary Summary
No.
1
Date
Location
Details
Meals
Hotel
Day 01
QUITO
Arrive in Quito
-
Casona de La Ronda
3
Sacha Lodge
3
Half day city tour including the Middle of the World
Monument
Full day tour of Cotopaxi National park
Day 02
Day 03
2
Day 04
AMAZON
Guided activities from Sacha Lodge
Day 05
Day 06
1
3
Day 07
Air, road & boat transfer to your Amazon Lodge
QUITO
B
BL
BLD
BLD
Guided activities from Sacha Lodge
BLD
Air, road & boat transfer to Quito
B
Casona de La Ronda
Day 09
Air & road transfer to your cruise vessel, afternoon
excursions
Excursions to Floreana
Day 10
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 11
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 12
Excursions to Isabela
BLD
Day 13
Excursions to Isabela & Fernandina
BLD
Day 14
Excursions to Santiago & Bartolomé
BLD
Day 15
DEPART
Excursion to North Seymour & meet flights to the UK
B
-
Day 16
UK
Arrive back in the UK
-
-
Day 08
GALÁPAGOS
Nts
2
BLD
M/V La Pinta
1
7
BLD
-
Itinerary Maps
ECUADOR &
GALÁPAGOS
1. Quito
2. Amazon
3. The Galápagos Islands
Please Note:
Click on the underlined place names in the key above to be taken directly to the corresponding part of the itinerary
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
HEATHROW – MADRID - QUITO
Depart Heathrow flying with Iberia.
IB7443
IB6453
Economy
Economy
Dep: Heathrow 07:25
Dep: Madrid 12:45
Arr: Madrid 10:50
Arr: Quito 16:55
Private transfer on arrival to your hotel.
La Casona de la Ronda
1 x Standard Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 3-nights
With an excellent location in the heart of the Old Town, La Casona de la Ronda is an 18 th Century colonial
style house recently converted into a lovely boutique hotel. The 22 rooms are arranged around a central
courtyard and are bright and airy, with Wi-Fi internet & LCD TV, and some have seating areas and city views.
The interiors include wooden furnishing and parquet floors. Drinks from the bar and the coffee shop can be
enjoyed in the garden and on the terrace.
Day 02
QUITO
Private half day tour of Quito and the Middle of the World Monument
Visit to downtown Quito with its largest and best preserved colonial quarter of South America, making it a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the
Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de
Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great
religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior
influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.
Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25km (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of
the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum
inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the
monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias,
restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the
Equator. (Entrance fees are included.)
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5
Day 03
QUITO - COTOPAXI - QUITO
Full day tour of Cotopaxi National park with lunch at a traditional hacienda
You will have an early departure from Quito to visit the Cotopaxi National Park; an ecological sanctuary of
88,920 acres around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level.
The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, with beautiful valleys and
mountains covered by multi-coloured fields. Upon arrival to the park there will be an introductory briefing
about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Centre.
You will then continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses.
On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the
observation of the Andean flora. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning to Quito in the
afternoon.
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Day 04
QUITO - AMAZON
Private transfer to Quito Airport to board your internal flight to Coca (30 mins).
EQ213
Economy
Dep: Quito 11:20
Arr: Coca 11:50
As you fly east from Quito the mountain ranges give way to lowland primary rainforest. Viewed from the air,
the landscape is a carpet of green with the occasional blue ribbon of water flowing through it. Covering much
of Ecuador’s eastern territory, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s most impressive jungle system.
On arrival you will be met and taken to a private dock where you will have a quick snack before boarding a
covered boat for a two hour trip down the Napo River, the largest river in the Ecuadorian Amazon. During the
ride it’s easy to spot shore birds such as herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and ospreys, between the scattered
native huts as you travel steadily away from civilization. Upon arrival at Sacha Lodge's 5000-acre private
reserve, you will walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of
monkeys are often seen. The path leads to Pilchicocha lake, where dugout canoes await to carry you even
farther across the lake to the lodge. In the afternoon you can enjoy an introductory Rainforest tour.
Sacha Lodge
1 x Standard Room with Full Board & Shared Activities for 3-nights
Sacha Lodge is set amongst a 5000 acre private reserve, deep In the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. All of the
lodge’s 26 cabins have been constructed using traditional materials. The recently opened 940 foot long
canopy walkway takes you right up close to, otherwise hard to spot, bird and animal life.
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Days 05-06
AMAZON
Shared guided activities from Sacha Lodge
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when
the rainforest's animals are most active. Each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast time, as
well as the difficulty and duration of their morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin at around 15:00 and
often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Activities are spread out
over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats.
Trails lead through pristine forest, where 150ft kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to
give trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking
on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater.
A favourite activity is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant
lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. And wherever an outing may lead the possibilities of
spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma are endless. During free time at
the lodge, swimming and piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed. In the evening night walks and
canoe trips are on offer with the aid of flashlights, which often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight,
such as Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects.
Day 07
AMAZON - QUITO
Depart Sacha early in the morning by motorised canoe & road to Coca Airport to meet your flight to Quito.
EQ214
Economy
Dep: Coca 12:20
Arr: Quito 12:50
Private transfer on arrival to your hotel.
Casona de La Ronda
1 x Standard Room on a Bed on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 1-night
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Day 08
QUITO – BALTRA (GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS) – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Private transfer to airport for flight.
AV1632
Economy
Dep: Quito 06:50
Arr: Baltra 09:20 (Local time)
Shared transfer on arrival to your Galápagos vessel, the M/Y Beluga.
M/Y Beluga
1 x Standard Double Cabin on a Full Board & Activities basis for 7-nights
Re-built in 1994 the Beluga is a popular first class motor vessel which offers week long expeditions departing
on Fridays. The 110 foot, fully air-conditioned vessel accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each
with private bathroom and shower. The Beluga is spacious and comfortable with plenty of deck space, and the
friendly experienced crew of 7 help retain a relaxed atmosphere both on aboard and ashore.
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M/Y Beluga 8-Day / 7-night Fernandina Itinerary
Fernandina Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
Day 2: Floreana Island
Day 3: Isabela Island
Day 4: Isabela Island
Day 5: Isabela Island
Day 6: Fernandina Island & Isabela Island
Day 7: Santiago Island & Bartolome Island
Day 8: North Seymour Island & Baltra Island
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Day 08
QUITO – BALTRA (GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS) – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (CONT …)
Shared afternoon excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of
the twin pit craters known as Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in
the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Then you will visit the Charles Darwin Research
Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land
birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park
administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora.
Day 09
FLOREANA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Cormorant
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a
brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons,
sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come
out at night to nest (from December to May). Possibility of snorkelling from the beach.
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Day 09
FLOREANA (CONT …)
Shared afternoon excursion to Post Office Bay
A wet landing at the Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the
archipelago for over two centuries, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the
adventures of pirates and whalers.
Day 10
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Puerto Villamil
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. We land in Puerto
Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galápagos with approximately 3000 habitants.
Shared afternoon excursion to Sierra Negra
We head up to the highlands from Puerto Villamil to Sierra Negra slope, and later we will do some hiking on
uneven terrain until we arrive to the Sierra Negra volcano rim. Sierra Negra is the second widest crater in the
world. From this viewpoint, you have fantastic sights to the 6 x 5 -mile-wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes,
and Perry Isthmus, a 12 Km wide lava field. From here we can hike to Chico Volcano to watch the striking
lava formations, examples of the geological occurrences that have created the Galápagos Islands.
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Day 11
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Moreno
The main attractions are coastal lagoons amid black lava flows where there are several species of birds.
Panoramic view of three volcanoes, the most active of the Islands: Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul of Isabela Island
and La Cumbre.
Shared afternoon excursion to Elizabeth Bay
This is a marine visitor site, the excursion is carried out in a zodiac and so there is no landing point. Your
zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin
colony in the Galápagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves
where you can admire their red roots and green leafs. It is here that you are able to observe sea turtles,
flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Frequently visitors have
been able to see Galápagos Hawks soaring overhead whilst schools of Pompano and Dorado fish swim below.
Day 12
ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located in Western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. This is the spot where the Galápagos
National Park began their successful eradication of goats on Isabela Island. After a wet landing on a beautiful
black-sand beach, you may be able to observe sea turtle nesting sites. This area is also known for penguin
and flightless cormorant sightings and is one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches as well as large land
iguanas. Also, be on the lookout for Galápagos tortoises which like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation.
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Day 12
ISABELA (CONT …)
Shared afternoon excursion to Tagus Cove
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers
over the centuries. Old graffiti is still found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the
fragrant palo santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf and
spring back to life in the wet season. An uphill hike takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt
water. The view at the end of the trail is worth the climb. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a
remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. Possibilities to swim, snorkel or ride
kayaks. There’s no beach in the area, so these activities are done from the pangas.
Day 13
FERNANDINA - ISABELA
Shared morning excursion to Punta Espinoza
Fernandina is the youngest island of the archipelago. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark
lava. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and a lot of wildlife. Having no introduced
mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing
their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Snorkelling is
possible.
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Day 13
FERNANDINA - ISABELA (CONT …)
Shared afternoon excursion to Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish.
For those who do not snorkel, a panga ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galápagos’
spectacular geological rock formations. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless
cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area.
Day 14
SANTIAGO - BARTOLOMÉ
Shared morning excursion to Puerto Egas
Puerto Egas (James Bay) is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. The landing is on a black beach
with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt
mining enterprise can still be seen, and then continues along the coast. Tidal pools are home to a variety of
invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. You will also see marine iguanas, finches,
oyster catchers and possibly the Galápagos Hawk. The trail leads to the Fur Sea Lion Grottos, one of the only
places in the islands where these unique animals can be seen. After the walk, you will have time to swim or
snorkel off the beach, where you will see sea lions, fish and maybe some turtles, rays and maybe some reef
sharks.
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Day 14
SANTIAGO – BARTOLOMÉ (CONT …)
Shared afternoon excursion to Bartolomé
Bartolomé Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe
one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galápagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava
fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island. It
has two breathtaking beaches where turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small
colony of Galápagos penguins.
Day 15
NORTH SEYMOUR – SANTA CRUZ – GUAYAQUIL – OVERNIGHT FLIGHT
Shared morning excursion to North Seymour
North Seymour may very well be the perfect way to say goodbye to the Galápagos Islands. Although the
island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea
lions, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, frigates and more. With some luck you may even get to see land
iguanas as well.
After returning from your excursion you will disembark the vessel and join a shared transfer to airport.
AV1633
Economy
Dep: Baltra 10:05 (local time)
Arr: Guayaquil 12:55
On arrival collect your luggage and check-in for your return flight with Iberia.
IB6464
Economy
Dep: Guayaquil 20:05
Arr: Madrid 13:55 (Day 16)
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Day 16
IB3164
HEATHROW
Economy
Dep: Madrid 16:25
Arr: Heathrow 17:50
Arrive back in the UK.
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Holiday Cost
from £5,495.00 per person
20% deposit is required to secure this booking
Suggested Itinerary
 This is just a suggested itinerary which we can amend to fit your exact requirements.
Includes
 International flights as listed.
 All pre-payable airport departure taxes.
 Hotel accommodation as listed.
 Transfers as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private).
 Meals as listed.
 Excursions as listed (on a shared basis unless specified as private).
 $20.00pp Galápagos Transit Control Card fee
Excludes
 Local departure taxes where applicable.
 Tips and gratuities.
 Any future currency surcharges.
 Any future airline fare, tax or fuel surcharges.*
*In the event of airfare /tax increases you will have the option to pay for your airfare in advance to avoid these increases.
Please Note
 The cost of this itinerary is based on 2 passengers sharing one room.
 All flights, accommodation and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
 Air fares, taxes, schedules and routings are subject to change until ticket issue.
Booking Conditions
 Usually a deposit of 20% is required to secure a booking.
 The final balance would be due 10 weeks prior to departure.
 You can review our full booking conditions at: www.distinctiveamericas.com
Financial & Consumer Protection
 When you book with Distinctive World Travel you are safe in the knowledge that we are fully bonded with
the Civil Aviation Authority and hold an Air Tour Operators Licence (ATOL 9027).
www.caa.co.uk/ATOL 9027
 We are a member of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) which represents the UK’s 140 top
specialist tour operators and prides itself on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction by
concentrating on: Choice, Quality and Service.
www.aito.co.uk
For more information or to discuss this quote please contact us on:
t: 01242 890 555
e: [email protected]
www.distinctiveamericas.com
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