9-Nights Essential Ecuador: Quito & Galapagos Island Hopping - Safari & Wildlife, Arts & Culture from $6,110

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Transfer: Quito Airportto Quito - Old Town

Hotel: Hotel Patio Andaluz (4 Star Rating)

Hotel Patio Andaluz, located in the heart of the historic "Quito Antiguo", declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. Come and experience the colonial times through the corridors that have witnessed Ecuadorian history since the end of the XVI century. The exclusive restaurant El Rincon de Cantuna specializes in national and Spanish cuisine and classic international dishes.

The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito: a city of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city's many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all of South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared the city center of Quito the first World Cultural Heritage site (alongside Krakow, Poland). After meeting your guide in the lobby of your hotel, you'll transfer to the heart of Quito's historic core, then stroll through the Main Plaza to see the Government Palace as well as some of the impressive churches built during the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, which was started five days after the founding of the city in 1534, and the opulent La Compañía, more formally know as Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Soon after you will visit La Ronda Street, a photogenic cobbled street that serves as an excellent place to learn about traditional work and customs in colonial Quito. Your last stop of the tour is to visit the Panecillo, the hill that dominates the south of the city, and host to the city's famous statue known as Our Lady of the Panecillo. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of Quito, and after a short while, you will be returned to your hotel.

Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Quito has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Top dining choices in Quito include Somos Ecuador Restaurant which specializes in creative, globally-infused dishes, La Vid, an outstanding restaurant offering Ecuadorian and international dishes in a gorgeous corner of the city, Quitu, an intimate and unique restaurant focusing on healthy, delicious and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and Nuema, a creative kitchen where you are invited to settle in for a seasonal tasting menu. If you have another dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow-capped volcanoes, and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour to the Middle of the Earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito, where you will visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the Ecuadorian equator, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator and where you'll see all sorts of interesting monuments, interactive displays, and historic relics. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time, try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and witness the unique water dynamics! After touring this fantastic site at the Middle of the Earth, you will be returned to your hotel in Quito.

Today you will arrive on Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. This tiny island was a military base during the Second World War and hosts the Islands' principal airport. The airport was built using the most advanced environmental techniques to reduce emissions and energy use, some of which you'll notice as you walk through the facility. Before long, you'll dive into the adventure, entering the airport through a special VIP lounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on some sunscreen and get a cool drink before transferring to the nearby Itabaca Channel to explore its spectacular turquoise waters. Here you will have a chance to kayak, snorkel or use a stand-up paddleboard, and also to encounter some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks. There's no better introduction to the Galapagos than to get on the water as soon as possible! Glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lava rock cliffs on water so clear you can see marine life in the shallows below. The ocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will escort you and the group throughout these water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities. From the Itabaca Channel, head up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where you can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. After lunch, drive to Puerto Ayora town where you and the group will check-in to your hotel.

Meal(s): Lunch

Hotel: Ikala Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels.

The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.

Transfer: Quito - Old Town to Quito Airport

Set out to sea on the motorboat with an ex-fisherman, his welcoming crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide for a full-day excursion to experience the waters near one of the Galapagos' more remote islands. Recent history has transformed the Galapagos Islands, reshaping the local economy from one of subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture to one where tourism employs some 40% of locals. Tourism programs aligned local fishermen have helped to transform their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the Galapagos' rich marine ecosystem to visitors while also helping to preserve them. Their livings are now made from sustainable tourism rather than fishing. Heading out toward Santa Fe Island and its special marine reserve, you will have the chance to admire and experience the biodiversity unique to this area. You'll enjoy a variety of marine activities including swimming with sharks as well as snorkelling where you can observe an impressive range colourful fish as well as sea cucumbers. The journey takes place amid extraordinary landscapes that combine sparkling turquoise waters and white sand. All the while, kick back and enjoy watching wildlife in its natural state, including the chance to see one of the most important sea lion colonies in the entire reserve. As with all navigations, this sailing is subject to local weather conditions and park authorities and may change without prior notification.

Hotel: Ikala Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The brand new Ikala Hotel was built with a focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. The hotel is protected from the strong Galapagos sun by the surrounding beautiful trees and gardens giving to the whole ambiance a natural freshness. The hot water for the showers is entirely heated by solar energy and the garden's lighting is also provided by photovoltaic solar panels.

The hotel features a lovely swimming pool, bar area, and a beautiful terrace located on top of the main building, where you can find the restaurant and resting area. The terrace has an incredible view to the Puerto Ayora harbor.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you and the group will depart for Floreana Island. Leaving in the early hours, you board a speedboat and begin a two-hour crossing. Upon arrival to the peaceful island of Floreana, home to the Galapagos' smallest human population (only 150 people call Floreana home), you'll find the least developed and most natural of the four inhabited islands. It was the first inhabited islands in the Galapagos, and descendants of the original population still live here. Once a pirate's lair, the island's history is full of mystery and legends about its first inhabitants. During your stay, there will be hiking, learning about the fascinating local history and also plenty of chances to observe some of the Galapagos' special wildlife. With luck, you may see giant tortoises, frigate birds, sea lions, Darwin's finches, petrels and marine iguanas, among other species. On the mainland of Floreana, you will board an open-air 'chiva bus' to Floreana Lava Lodge, which overlooks one of the Galapagos' most beautiful and secluded bays. The lodge is operated by Claudio Cruz, a descendant of one of the Island's original inhabitants. Under the care of Claudio and his deep knowledge of the island and its history, you will meet several of his family members during the stay, giving you special insight into life on Floreana. Once settled in, the group can walk or kayak to nearby Black Beach for some snorkelling. After time in the water to whet your appetite, walk to a restaurant in the nearby village for lunch. The restaurant is part of a community tourism initiative that local partners have helped to develop since 2012. In the afternoon, you'll set out once again to walk to La Loberia, a sea lion breeding ground. Once there, enjoy another snorkelling and swimming dip in the calm, bright water with sea turtles, sea lions, stunning rays and an abundance of tropical fish. Later, return to the lodge (a 30-minute walk) for a warm shower. In the early evening, watch the spectacular sunset and then head to the village for dinner with fellow travellers to celebrate another incredible day in the Galapagos.

Hotel: Floreana Lava Lodge (5 Star Rating)

Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island, Lava Lodge is built entirely in pine wood from the mainland's man-made forests. The lodge is located by the ocean on a black lava surface, and is comprised of 10 cabins, each of which enjoys excellent views. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from town, and a three-minute walk leads to the loberia where it is easy to observe sea lions in their natural environment.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast, you'll leave to explore the Floreana Highlands on the open-air chiva bus; an unbeatable, historic, and comfortable way to see the island. On the way, a naturalist guide will share the colorful history of some of Floreana's first inhabitants, such as the Wittmers (whose descendants still live on the Island), the 'Baroness', and the pirates that once visited here. They will also tell of the "Enigma of Floreana", involving the mysterious deaths of several of the Island's inhabitants. The enigma is a riddle from the 1930's that has never been solved and was featured in the film "The Galapagos Affair". After driving into the highlands, you'll reach Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven) where your group hike begins. From here, you'll walk up to this historic site, explore the pirate caves, and visit the freshwater spring that provides water for the entire Island, with the guide sharing stories and history along the way. Traversing the hillside, you are likely to spot giant tortoises lumbering around in the vegetation or even on the trail. Depart Asilo de Paz walking down through a rural area where the local people grow produce for their own produce. This is a fascinating example of how the island people survived in this remote place, and - over the years - were able to develop an understanding of the local environment, and also demonstrated how they now work to preserve their unique agricultural knowledge. On the way back to the coast, make a stop at Claudio's farm - La Primavera - where you will watch the extraordinary behavior of the frigate birds who 'dance' as they wash their salty wings in the freshwater lake on the farm. With a little bit of luck, you may be able to see males puffing up the red pouches on their chess in an attempt to attract females. You'll also see where some of the delicious fruit and vegetables that you've been eating at the lodge comes from. Settle in and help prepare a very special barbecue lunch, featuring delicious Cruz family recipes! In the afternoon return to the hotel.

Hotel: Floreana Lava Lodge (5 Star Rating)

Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra on Floreana Island, Lava Lodge is built entirely in pine wood from the mainland's man-made forests. The lodge is located by the ocean on a black lava surface, and is comprised of 10 cabins, each of which enjoys excellent views. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from town, and a three-minute walk leads to the loberia where it is easy to observe sea lions in their natural environment.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Today you and the group will take an early morning speed boat and transfer to Isabela Island, disembark, then check-in to the hotel. Your Isabela adventure begins with a tour to the local giant tortoise-breeding center and on the way, you may catch a glimpse of pink flamingos feeding in a lake. Once at the Centre, guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing into the wild these giant, slow moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present title. The breeding centre is an important conservation tool, and it is here that the islands' giant tortoise population is presently recovering. In the afternoon, continue with the tour to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands near the village of Puerto Villamil, that are named after the white tipped 'Tintoreras' reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. A Galapagos in miniature, on the Tintoreras you will see almost all of the archipelago's iconic wildlife: white tipped sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course pelicans and blue footed boobies. You will have a chance to snorkel in the bay - and don't be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water!

Hotel: Isamar Hotel Galapagos (4 Star Rating)

Set in a fishing village, this all-inclusive, oceanfront resort is an 8-minute walk from Flamingo Lagoon, 3 km from the Aeropuerto de General Villamil and 7 km from the Wall of Tears historic site.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Volcanic eruptions created all the Galapagos Islands, and you will have a chance to see this geologic process first-hand while exploring Isabela, one of the archipelago's youngest and most volcanically active islands. The whole day will be spent traversing the Isabela Highlands, and the adventure starts by hiking up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra Volcano, and then onward to the rim of Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, you may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls en route. When the group reaches the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will quickly see the reward for your efforts. The crater is so large, and the views so expansive, photos can't do it justice, but bring your binoculars and camera anyway! Later, heading towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling that you are walking on a Martian landscape due to the almost alien appearance. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater's rim, enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles. After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, it is time to relax in the shade of a lovely "jaboncillo" tree and enjoy a box lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of the Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. Soon after, it will be time to head back down to complete the day of hiking (which covers approximately 16 kilometers or 10 miles in total) and relax on the beaches of Puerto Villamil.

Hotel: Isamar Hotel Galapagos (4 Star Rating)

Set in a fishing village, this all-inclusive, oceanfront resort is an 8-minute walk from Flamingo Lagoon, 3 km from the Aeropuerto de General Villamil and 7 km from the Wall of Tears historic site.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, board an early morning speed boat back to Santa Cruz and then transfer by land to Baltra for the onward journey or flight back home. After six rewarding days exploring this unique archipelago, you return with countless memories and a new appreciation for this remarkable corner of the world.

Meal(s): Breakfast