Tours: Quito

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport
and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is
at leisure.

Day 2: Quito - City Tour, Archaeological Museum & Equatorial Monument

This morning's tour offers the best of Quito, with its
rich cultural legacy, ornate façades and dazzling gilt
altars. Visit Independence Square, the Archbishop's
Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other
sites of colonial art and architecture. This afternoon,
visit the famous Equatorial Monument, marked by geographers as latitude 000'00”. You will have the
opportunity to straddle the two hemispheres at the
same time. (B)

Day 3: Quito / Otavalo / Quito

The Chaski Antawa Train (messenger train) rides
on the railroad built at the beginning of the 20th
century connecting the northern highlands with
the tropical coast. LUNCH at Salinas' social project
restaurant with high quality standards. Other sites
include the village of Mascarilla; an Afro-Ecuadorian
community known for its unique clay masks. Visit
Otavalo Indigenous Market. Back to Quito. (B)

Day 4: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Islands Cruise - Bartolomé

You will be assisted and transferred to the airport
for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, transfer to
the pier to board the cruise. This afternoon, visit to
Bartolomé, which is famous for its Pinnacle Rock,
the most representative landmark of the Galapagos.
(BLD) (Note: Itinerary is subject to change without
prior notice)

Day 5: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island / Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

This morning, visit Fernandina, the youngest and
westernmost island in the Galapagos. Travel around
Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land where
some of the most unique Galapagos species can
be seen. You will take the train inland and find two
different types of lava flows. At the tip of one of the
small peninsulas, flightless Cormorants are to be
found. This afternoon, visit Isabela Island, the largest
island in the archipelago. It is made up of six shield
volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass.
The highest point of the islands is Wolf Volcano. Your
boat will sail through Bolivar Channel to reach this
site. Whales and dolphins are usually seen in the
waters surrounding the island. Also visit Tagus Cove,
which was historically used as an anchoring site for
pirates and whalers. The trail is an upward climb that
goes through the typical dry vegetation zone and
offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater
crater lake. (BLD)

Day 6: Galapagos Island Cruise - Puerto Egas, James Island & Rabida Island

In the morning, visit Puerto Egas (James Bay), located
on the northwestern side of James 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.
Inter-tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate
organisms. In the afternoon, continue to
Rabida Island. One of the special features of Rabida Island is its remarkable red color, which is a result of
the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition
of the lava. (BLD)

Day 7: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Charles

Darwin Research Station & Cerro Dragon,
Santa Cruz Island
Today's excursion takes you to Santa Cruz, the second-
largest island in the Galapagos. The small town
of Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the archipelago. The Charles Darwin Research Station and
the Galapagos National Park offices are based here.
Scientists and park rangers equally contribute to the
conservation of the islands and make a huge effort
to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
research station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing
center, where tortoises are prepared to re-enter
their natural habitats. In the afternoon, visit Cerro
Dragon (Dragon Hill), a flamingo lagoon that gives
a colorful touch to the scene. You will then follow a
trail that leads to a small hill where land iguanas live
and nest. (BLD)

Day 8: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Baltra / Quito

Arrive in Baltra this morning. Transfer to the airport
for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon
arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. The rest of
your day is at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner this
evening at a local restaurant. (BD)

Day 9: Depart Quito

Depart Quito for North America this morning. (B)

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Quito - City Tour, Archaeological Museum & Equatorial Monument

This morning's tour offers the best of Quito, with its rich cultural legacy, ornate façades and dazzling gilt altars. Visit Independence Square, the Archbishop's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. Continue to visit and relive the history of Ecuador's most ancient cultures in one of the finest archaeological and gold artifact collections in the Americas. There are over 1,800 pieces, beautifully arranged in chronological corridors with explanatory panels and dioramas. This afternoon, drive a few miles north of town and visit the famous Equatorial Monument, marked by geographers as latitude 000'00". You will have the opportunity to straddle the two hemispheres at the same time. (B)

Day 3: Quito - Otavalo - Quito

The Chaski Antawa Train (messenger train) rides on the railroad built at the beginning of the 20th century connecting the northern highlands with the tropical coast. From Ibarra, the train climbs down to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui, going through sugar cane plantations, magical landscapes, and tunnels, and crossing bridges that span large canyons and gullies. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges from 2,200 down to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about 2 hours. LUNCH at Salinas´ social project restaurant with high quality standards. Other sites include the village of Mascarilla; an Afro-Ecuadorian community known for its unique clay masks. Visit Otavalo Indigenous Market. Back to Quito. (B)

Day 4: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Islands Cruise - North Seymour

You will be assisted and transfered to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to board the cruise. Dry landing. Guests wil encounter swallow tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is a major nesting colony of blue footed boobies, and has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird. Travelers will also spot both the marine iguanas and land iguanas. (BLD)

Day 5: Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill)

Dry landing. Passengers walk to a saltwater lagoon behind the beach, where on occasion many pink flamingos can be observed. This trail leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a lovely view of the bay. This is a nesting site for reintroduced land iguanas, and there is also a Holy Stick Forest. Floreana (Cormorant Point) Wet landing on a greenish colored sand beach. Visitors will hike from the black mangrove beds to a large, brackish lagoon, which holds one of the biggest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, Galapagos daisies, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. Novice snorkelers can practice on the main beach with the playful sea lions. Please keep in mind this is an open-water activity; there is nothing to step on. (BLD)

Day 6: Espanola (Suarez Point)

Dry landing. Visitors will learn more about the lava terrain and cross the inactive lava fields. Besides the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for bird watching. Various bird species such as the mockingbird of Española, Nazca booby and tropic bird can be spotted and observed from very close. You will also see a large colony of marine iguanas, lava lizards, and rally light foot crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies. The nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos doves, hawks and swallow-tailed gulls and then reach the world's largest colony of waved albatross. A major highlight is their mating season, from May through December. You'll visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air about 23 m (75 ft). San Cristóbal (Interpretation Center or La Galapaguera) Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers will visit San Cristóbal breeding center and learn about the National Park's breeding program with the giant tortoises. Passengers will observe some animals in their natural environment. Passengers will also have the opportunity to the visit the town and go shopping for souvenirs and arts and crafts. (BLD)

Day 7: Santa Cruz (Carrion Point) - Bartolome

Today, passengers can choose either a ride in an outboard motorboat to observe the Galapagos fur seal, seabirds and marine wildlife or go snorkeling to see a variety of tropical fish, manta rays or even harmless white-tipped reef sharks. This afternoon, visit to Bartolomé, which is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, the most representative landmark of the Galapagos. Precariously walking at the base of Pinnacle Rock are the Galapagos Penguins, one of the smallest species of penguin and the only species of penguin found north of the Equator. Climb to the highest point of the island for panoramic views. (BLD)

Day 8: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island / Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

This morning, visit Fernandina, the youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos. Travel around Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen. Marine iguanas congregate here in larger groups than on any other island. You will take the train inland and find two different types of lava flows. At the tip of one of the small peninsulas, flightless Cormorants are to be found. This afternoon, visit Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. It is made up of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass. The highest point of the islands is Wolf Volcano. Your boat will sail through Bolivar Channel to reach this site. Whales and dolphins are usually seen in the waters surrounding the island. Also visit Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The trail is an upward climb that goes through the typical dry vegetation zone and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake. (BLD)

Day 9: Galapagos Island Cruise - Puerto Egas, James Island & Rabida Island

In the morning, visit Puerto Egas (James Bay), located on the northwestern side of James 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. Inter-tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms. In the afternoon, continue to Rabida Island. One of the special features of Rabida Island is its remarkable red color, which is a result of the high percentage of oxidized iron in the composition of the lava. Flamingos and white-cheeked pintail ducks can be seen in a saltwater lagoon near the beach. In the saltbushes that encircle the lagoon, brown pelicans build their nests. Walking up to the southeastern part of the island, there is an observatory from which the startling red color of the beach and the rocks can be appreciated. (BLD)

Day 10: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Charles Darwin Research Station & Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island

Today's excursion takes you to Santa Cruz, the second-largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the archipelago. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based here. Scientists and park rangers equally contribute to the conservation of the islands and make a huge effort to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises are prepared to re-enter their natural habitats. In the afternoon, visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), a flamingo lagoon that gives a colorful touch to the scene. You will then follow a trail that leads to a small hill where land iguanas live and nest. (BLD)

Day 11: Galapagos Islands Cruise - Baltra / Quito

Arrive in Baltra this morning. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (BD)

Day 12: Depart Quito

Depart Quito for North America this morning. (B)

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Islands Cruise (Monday-Thursday)

You will be assisted and transfered to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to board the cruise. (BD) Enjoy a 4-days/3 nights cruise on board M/V Galapagos Legend. ITINERARY: Subject to change due to climatic conditions or National Park regulations

Day 3: Dragon Hill - Venice, Santa Cruz Island / Cormorant Point, Floreana Island (BLD)

Day 4: Suárez Point, Española Island / Breeding Center or La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal Island (BLD)

Day 5: North Seymour Island / Baltra airport The Galapagos Islands /Quito (Thursday)

Arrive in Baltra this morning. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon tour offers the best of Quito, with its rich cultural legacy, ornate façades and dazzling gilt altars. Visit Independence Square, the Archbishop's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. Continue to visit and relive the history of Ecuador's most ancient cultures in one of the finest archaeological and gold artifact collections in the Americas. There are over 1,800 pieces, beautifully arranged in chronological corridors with explanatory panels and dioramas. This afternoon, drive a few miles north of town and visit the famous Equatorial Monument, marked by geographers as latitude 000'00”. You will have the opportunity to straddle the two hemispheres at the same time. (BLD)

Day 6: Quito (Friday)- Lima- City tour: Colonial and contemporary tour

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight into Lima, Peru. You are welcomed and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon, embark on your tour of Lima. Your local expert focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and visit the Cathedral, where the skeleton of Francisco Pizarro is sealed in a wooden coffin. From there, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery, with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. Next, stop at Lima's famous Herrera Museum. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a La Rosa Nautica Restaurant. (BD)

Day 7: Lima / Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman

Fly to the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere: Cuzco. Today, visit several ruins, including Kenko and Tambomachay. Journey to the “Valley of the Incas” to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later, see the hillside fort and Puca Pucara, which most likely served as a lookout post and stopping point between Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. (B)

Day 8: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Travel aboard the Vistadome train from Cuzco to the archeological wonder of Machu Picchu, built in the late 14th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a well-planned and carefully built city, made up of two clearly different sectors, one agricultural and the other urban. With mountains to one side and a river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously abandoned after the middle of the 16th century. Secreted amidst dense jungle vegetation and steep hills, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the modern world until 1911. Learn about the many legends and strange truths of these ancient ruins from your local guide. (B)

Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

As the sunrises over the mountains, watch the morning mist disappear once again to reveal the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu, probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire. Return to Cuzco aboard the “Inca Train.” Sip a cup of tea and enjoy panoramic views as the beautiful greenery of the Urubamba Valley rolls by. (BL)

Day 10: Cuzco / Lima / Home

Fly back to Lima this afternoon and connect to your flight for back home. (B)

Day 1: Miami–Quito, Ecuador.

Fly to Quito.

Day 2: Quito–Arasha Resort.

Transfer to the resort and spa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arasha Resort.

Choose from a variety of included activities. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arasha Resort.

Choose from a variety of included activities. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arasha Resort–Quito.

Return to Quito. (B)

Day 6: Quito.

Guided city sightseeing; visit the Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica. (B)

Day 7: Quito–Baltra–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra; visit Charles Darwin Research Station. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Santa Fé.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 9: South Plazas & Punta Carrion.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 10: North Seymour & Las Bachas.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Santa Cruz–Baltra–Quito.

Fly to Quito. (B)

Day 12: Quito.

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)

Day 1: Miami to Quito, Ecuador.

Fly to Quito.

Day 2: Quito.

Guided city sightseeing; visit the Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica. (B)

Day 3: Quito–Baltra–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra; visit Charles Darwin Research Station. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Santa Fé.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 5: South Plazas & Punta Carrion.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 6: North Seymour & Las Bachas.

Cruise and guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Santa Cruz–Baltra–Quito.

Fly to Quito. (B)

Day 8

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Day 1

Fly to Quito. Arrive late this evening.

Day 2: Quito, Ecuador.

Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See Independence Square dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 3: Quito–Baltra–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve and the Twin Pit Craters. These great depressions of volcanic material were formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. (B,L,D)SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin’s finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi—and beachfront access. All rooms offer twin beds, private facilities, and air-conditioning. Guests will enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galápagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.

Day 4: Santa Fé.

Cruise to Santa Fé, where you will see the endemic Santa Fé land iguana and the large opuntia cactus forest. The beach area is covered with California sea lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling with sea turtles. (B,L,D)

Day 5: South Plazas.

Board a yacht bound for South Plazas Island. Wildlife includes sea lions, land iguanas, and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. This is also known as a bird-watcher’s paradise where you will see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and audubon’s shearwaters. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bartolomé Island.

Today’s adventure takes you on a walk on Bartolomé to the summit for spectacular views of the Galápagos. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed as well as sea lions and penguins swimming in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Baltra–Quito.

Leave the hotel early this morning and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Then, fly back to Quito and transfer to the hotel for one more night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 8: Quito–U.S.

A morning flight allows for hometown connections. (B)

Day 1: Miami to Quito, Ecuador.

Fly to Quito.

Day 2: Quito–Arasha Resort.

Transfer to the resort and luxury spa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arasha Resort.

Choose from a variety of included activities. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arasha Resort.

Choose from a variety of included activities. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arasha Resort–Quito.

Return to Quito and join Day 1 of Cruising the Galápagos (ISW). (B)

Day 6: Quito.

Guided city sightseeing. (B)

Day 7: Quito–Baltra (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra; embark the Santa Cruz; guided sightseeing of Cerro Dragón. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé & Puerto Egas Islands.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Cruising: Rabida & North Seymour Islands.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Cruising: Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Center.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Cruising: San Cristobal Island (Disembarkation)–Quito.

Guided sightseeing; fly to Quito. (B)

Day 12

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Day 1: Miami to Quito, Ecuador.

Fly to Quito.

Day 2: Quito.

Guided city sightseeing. (B)

Day 3: Quito–Baltra (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra; embark the Santa Cruz; guided sightseeing of Cerro Dragón. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Cruising: Bartolomé & Puerto Egas Islands.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cruising: Rabida & North Seymour Islands.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cruising: Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Center.

Cruising & guided sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Cruising: San Cristobal Island (Disembarkation)–Quito.

Guided sightseeing; fly to Quito. (B)

Day 8: Quito.

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Quito.

Arrive late this evening.

Day 2: Quito–Arasha Resort.

Travel to the Pacific Rainforest for three nights at the all-inclusive Arasha Rainforest Resort & Spa. Surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruits, flora, birds, and local fauna, the award-winning Arasha offers beautiful thatch-roofed bungalows. Facilities include a large swimming pool with bar and cascading water, a Jacuzzi inside a grotto, two restaurants, theatre, mini golf, and a luxurious spa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arasha Resort–Quito.

Return to Quito. (B)

Day 6: Quito, Ecuador.

Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See Independence Square dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 7: Quito–Baltra–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz and visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve and the Twin Pit Craters. These great depressions of volcanic material were formed by a long process of slow sinking of the ground, where exceptional Scalesia trees, ferns, mosses, and orchids can be seen in the surroundings. (B,L,D)SPECIAL FEATURE: Named after the famous Darwin’s finches abundant in the surroundings, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Amenities include a bar, lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi—and beachfront access. All rooms offer twin beds, private facilities, and air-conditioning. Guests will enjoy daily boat excursions to various Galápagos Islands, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle rides in town, and viewing the local flora and fauna.

Day 8: Santa Fé.

Cruise to Santa Fé, where you will see the endemic Santa Fé land iguana and the large opuntia cactus forest. The beach area is covered with California sea lions, and the coastline is an excellent location for snorkeling with sea turtles. (B,L,D)

Day 9: South Plazas.

Board a yacht bound for South Plazas Island. Wildlife includes sea lions, land iguanas, and hybrid iguanas, which are the result of a cross between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. This is also known as a bird-watcher’s paradise where you will see nesting swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, and audubon’s shearwaters. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Bartolomé Island.

Today’s adventure takes you on a walk on Bartolomé to the summit for spectacular views of the Galápagos. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can be observed as well as sea lions and penguins swimming in the vicinity of Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy snorkeling or swimming from the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Baltra–Quito.

Leave the hotel early this morning and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous “Lonesome George” and many other giant tortoises. Then, fly back to Quito and transfer to the hotel for one more night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 12: Quito–U.S.

A morning flight allows for hometown connections. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Quito.

Arrive late this evening.

Day 2: Quito–Arasha Resort.

Travel to the Pacific Rainforest for three nights at the all-inclusive Arasha Rainforest Resort & Spa. Surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruits, flora, birds, and local fauna, the award-winning Arasha offers beautiful thatch-roofed bungalows. Facilities include a large swimming pool with bar and cascading water, a Jacuzzi inside a grotto, two restaurants, theatre, mini golf, and a luxurious spa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arasha Resort–Quito.

Return to Quito. (B)

Day 6: Quito, Ecuador.

Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 7: Quito–Baltra (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to Santa Cruz Island, where you will embark the Santa Cruz for your 4-night cruise. Your first stop takes you to Cerro Dragón, a bird-lover’s paradise, where stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, and the endemic Galápagos flycatcher are regular sightings. This evening, a lecture led by your onboard Naturalist will prepare you for tomorrow’s adventure. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé & Puerto Egas Islands.

At Bartolomé Island, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones. You will also have the chance to snorkel with a chance to see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters. Cruise to Puerto Egas, known for its numerous shore birds, Galápagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Cruising: Rabida & North Seymour Islands.

On Rabida, stroll along the red-sand beach (due to high iron content from the volcanic material), observing sea lions, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and even greater flamingos! This afternoon, travel to North Seymour to explore for colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The island’s shore teems with sea lions and marine iguanas as well. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Cruising: Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Center.

Take a ride on Santa Cruz to the highlands where the endangered giant tortoises can be seen (seasonally) grazing on the pastures of local farms. The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest, which provides an outstanding area for bird watching. It is up here where amazing encounters with woodpecker finches have occurred. This afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the efforts and results to protect the Galápagos’ giant tortoises. Spend some time in the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Cruising: San Cristobal Island (Disembarkation)–Quito.

This morning, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you will have free time before flying back to Quito for one more night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 12: Quito–U.S.

A morning flight allows for hometown connections. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Quito.

Arrive late this evening.

Day 2: Quito–Arasha Resort.

Travel to the Pacific Rainforest for three nights at the all-inclusive Arasha Rainforest Resort & Spa. Surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical fruits, flora, birds, and local fauna, the award-winning Arasha offers beautiful thatch-roofed bungalows. Facilities include a large swimming pool with bar and cascading water, a Jacuzzi inside a grotto, two restaurants, theatre, mini golf, and a luxurious spa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arasha Resort.

During your stay, enjoy guided tours of the primary and secondary forests, birding and orchid tours, a chocolate-making demonstration, fishing, native jewelry-making classes, and much more. You may even visit one of the most colorful indigenous groups in Ecuador, the “Colorados,” and learn of their ancient traditions and religion. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arasha Resort–Quito.

Return to Quito. (B)

Day 6: Quito, Ecuador.

Your included city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and later the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 7: Quito–Baltra (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz.

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, transfer to Santa Cruz Island, where you will embark the Santa Cruz for your 4-night cruise. Your first stop takes you to Cerro Dragón, a bird-lover’s paradise, where stilts, pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, and the endemic Galápagos flycatcher are regular sightings. This evening, a lecture led by your onboard Naturalist will prepare you for tomorrow’s adventure. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé & Puerto Egas Islands.

At Bartolomé Island, hike to the summit for a stunning view of two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones. You will also have the chance to snorkel with a chance to see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters. Cruise to Puerto Egas, known for its numerous shore birds, Galápagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Cruising: Rabida & North Seymour Islands.

On Rabida, stroll along the red-sand beach (due to high iron content from the volcanic material), observing sea lions, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and even greater flamingos! This afternoon, travel to North Seymour to explore for colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The island’s shore teems with sea lions and marine iguanas as well. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Cruising: Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Center.

Take a ride on Santa Cruz to the highlands where the endangered giant tortoises can be seen (seasonally) grazing on the pastures of local farms. The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest, which provides an outstanding area for bird watching. It is up here where amazing encounters with woodpecker finches have occurred. This afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the efforts and results to protect the Galápagos’ giant tortoises. Spend some time in the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Cruising: San Cristobal Island (Disembarkation)–Quito.

This morning, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you will have free time before flying back to Quito for one more night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 12: Quito–U.S.

A morning flight allows for hometown connections. (B)

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru.

(Wed.) Fly to Lima, known as the “City of Kings,” where you will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2: Lima.

(Thu.) Your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during today’s walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima, are housed. Stroll to the SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. Also visit the LARCO HERRERA MUSEUM housing an impressive collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner at Casa Moreyra. (B,D)

Day 3: Lima–Cuzco–Sacred Valley.

(Fri.) Fly to Cuzco, the Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Continue into the Sacred Valley and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See Puca Pucara before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. In Pisac, an old mountain village, you have the chance to visit a local home and experience their way of life before time to browse colorful stalls where vendors sell their handicrafts, ranging from fine alpaca sweaters to hand-painted dishes and vases. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu.

(Sat.) Begin the morning with a visit to the Inca fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Next, board a TRAIN through the lush Urubamba Valley. Ascend to legendary MACHU PICCHU, “The Lost City of the Incas,” high above the valley and overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures, built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Machu Picchu–Cuzco.

(Sun.) With your second included entrance to Machu Picchu, enjoy the tranquility of the morning with time to wander the ruins and absorb the magic that is Machu Picchu. Return to Ollantaytambo by train and continue to Cuzco. (B,L)

Day 6: Cuzco.

(Mon.) Learn more about the Incas and their struggle against the invading Spaniards, visiting the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY on your guided tour. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by ANDEAN FOLKLORIC MUSIC. (B,D)

Day 7: Cuzco–Quito, Ecuador.

(Tue.) Fly to Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B,D)

Day 8: Quito.

(Wed.) A sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE; Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY; the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars; and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP & MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Be sure to have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, “the center of the world.” (B)

Day 9: Quito. Excursion to Otavalo.

(Thu.) An in-depth experience into the traditional ways of the Otavalo people is in store for you today. First, visit OTAVALO’S famous Indian market full of textiles, clothes, vegetables, and much more. Next, in Peguche, famous for its exquisite weavings, you have the opportunity to visit homes and observe handicrafts being made. Finally, enjoy Andean delicacies prepared the traditional way at a home-hosted lunch before returning to Quito. (B,L)

Day 10: Quito–San Cristobal–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Cruising.

(Fri.) A morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Board the sleek Santa Cruz and enjoy four days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Today, visit San Cristobal Island, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos back in 1835. This island is home to seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, and frigate birds. Also look for the Chatham Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard—seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Galápagos Islands Cruising.

(Sat.) Your exploration continues on Española (Hood Island). Here, you will see unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, and the famous blowhole. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. This afternoon, visit a brackish-water lagoon on Floreana where Greater Flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, and sandpipers may be observed. For marine enthusiasts this is a great place for snorkeling! (B,L,D)

Day 12: Galápagos Islands Cruising.

(Sun.) This morning brings you to the youngest island, Fernandina. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment and the highest density of marine iguanas. Sharing their habitat are sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hawks. In the afternoon, enjoy coastal exploration along the cliffs of sunken Ecuador Volcano, where naturalist guides explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only birds in the world that have changed from flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here includes sea lions, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and noddy terns. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Galápagos (Disembarkation)–Quito.

(Mon.) Visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. Depart for Quito. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable experience. (B,D)

Day 14: Fly from Quito to Coca.

(Tue.) Fly from Quito to Coca and travel by canoe to your Amazon lodge. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, one Amazonian tree can host more ant species than all of the British Isles, one hectare of forest boasts as many frog species as all of North America, and the great expanse of jungle contains more than 20 percent of the earth’s vascular plant species. Here you can find a monkey small enough to sit on your fingertip, an 8-pound toad, a spider that eats birds, and the world’s largest snake, the 30-foot anaconda. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Amazon.

(Wed.) At the suspended CANOPY WALK, view the rainforest canopy, where your naturalist points out many different species of vibrantly colored birds. In the jungle below, learn of the medicinal plants and immense biodiversity that have been used by the native cultures for hundreds of years. After a picnic lunch in the primary forest, return to the lodge by canoe. Perhaps visit the lodge’s BUTTERFLY HOUSE, one of Ecuador’s largest. This evening, accompany your Local Guide on a night WALK or canoe RIDE to discover creatures that can rarely be seen during the day! (B,L,D)

Day 16: Amazon.

(Thu.) This morning opt to visit a parrot clay lick, where parrots and parakeets by the thousands can usually be seen. Later, depart on a CRUISE through the flooded forest in search of the varied wildlife. You will have a good chance of seeing troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys—and maybe even the incredibly well camouflaged 3-toed sloth. After fishing for piranhas, arrive at the KAPOK TREE TOWER, perched 135-feet high. Get close-up views of birds as the sun sets on volcano Mount Sumaco and the Andes. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Coca–Quito.

(Fri.) Depart the lodge and fly to Quito this evening. (B)

Day 18

(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)