Itinerary
DAY 1
Transfer from airport to hacienda La Carriona- private
Escorted transfer between airport and hacienda La Carriona, just outside the city of Quito. Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included. Overnight at Hacienda La Carriona – standard room
DAY 2 (B, L)
Antisana Ecological Reserve and City tour of Quito
This is a spectacular day trip to the Antisana volcano, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve.
The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago, jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line.
The first stop is for an overview of the impressive lava flow at Antisanilla, and the next one to admire an incredibly huge wall of cliffs across a narrow canyon, where condors can be seen fairly regularly, as they breed here. They are usually seen soaring up near the highest peaks, a great distance away.
Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level ground and observe the beautiful but small paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas. Around the many paramo lakes and ponds you can observe the glacial morraines and birds in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Andean Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the Siskin. Some fisherman are allowed to fish for large trout in certain montane lakes of the area, from where part of Quito’s water supply comes from. After lunch, drive back to Quito amid breathtaking settings.
Warm clothing is needed. It is quite windy, consider gloves and ear protection.
Sunblock (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Sunglasses.
Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
Average Temperature Day: 5° to 20° C (40° to 68° F)
After lunch drive to Quito and enjoy a visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stroll 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 the of 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. The tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito.
This is a walking tour at an altitude of 2800 meters (9200 feet) and involves climbing stairs. Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Women should not wear shorts nor miniskirts as visits to churches are included. Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny. Rain protection advised in the afternoon. . Sun protection (SPF 40). Good walking shoes. Overnight at Hotel Patio Andaluz – standard rooms
DAY 3 (B, D)
Transfer from hotel to airport in Quito to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please bear in mind the luggage weight restriction to the Galapagos is 20 Kilos. Baggage handling at airport and at hotel is included
DAYS 3 to 10
8D/7N aboard M/Y Isabela II / All meals included
Baltra Island
Arrival to Baltra Island by TAME flight and immediate transfer to the dock to board the ISABELA II. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch.
North Seymour Island
Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk is also available. Welcome Cocktail offered by the Captain. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities and dinner.
WEDNESDAY
Gardner Bay (Hood Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Punta Suárez (Hood Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December) and the famous blowhole. A shorter walk is also available. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
THURSDAY
Point Cormorant (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Lunch on board.
Champion Islet, Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Possibility to snorkel from the pangas around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Return on board and navigate to Post Office Bay. Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
FRIDAY
Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, 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. Lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Then a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on the ISABELA II.. Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
SATURDAY
Darwin Bay (Tower Island)
Morning wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of bird life, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. If you wish you can continue walking over sharp lava and uneven terrain, or just go back to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those most adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or ride sea kayaks. Lunch on board.
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Naturalist's briefing and dinner. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on the weather conditions). Conference of the Naturalist Guide before dinner.
SUNDAY
Early risers will enjoy cruising right in front of famous Ecuador Volcano, which rises off the water line with one of its halves completely collapsed, and now resting underwater, while crossing the Equator line.
Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove was in past centuries a favorite anchor for pirates and whalers. Old graffiti is still found 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 out 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. Possibility to swim, snorket or ride kayaks. There is no beach in the area, so these activities ae done from the pangas. Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has 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. Naturalist’s briefing and dinner.
MONDAY
Puerto Egas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions. Opportunity for snorkeling and swimming from the beach after the walk, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.
Bartolome Island
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. There will be time for a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock to observe penguins before or after the walk. Farewell cocktail and departure briefing.
TUESDAY
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the continent.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons.
Dry landing: passengers step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock.
Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, passengers step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
DAY 10 (B)
Escorted transfer from airport to hotel in Guayaquil
Baggage handling at airport and at hotel is included
City tour of Guayaquil
The visit includes the main attractions of the Port of Guayaquil, starting with the Centennial Plaza that honors the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence, and then along 9th of October Boulevard to the heart of the business district of the city with the Plaza of the Administration and the striking Government and Municipal Buildings. A short stroll takes guests to the famous Moorish Clock Tower and Bolívar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America’s liberator, Simón Bolívar. The latter is also called “the park of the iguanas”, as here they roam undisturbed and perch on the treetops, blending perfectly with the green leaves. Beside the park is the neo-gothic Metropolitan Cathedral. Then drive to the southern end of Guayaquil’s ravishing Malecon 2000 to see the Crystal Palace, the Integration Square, the Plaza of the Flags and the Plaza Olmedo, which are together, at the beginning of a 2.5 Km. (1.5 mile) waterfront, running parallel to the River Guayas and featuring historical, cultural and entertainment areas. An easy walk, past decorative elements featuring the four elements: earth, fire, water and air, leads to La Rotonda, which commemorates the meeting of Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, the liberators of South America. Then on to Barrio Las Peñas, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Guayaquil, whose wooden constructions have been beautifully restored, housing many art galleries. Drive past Guayaquil’s cemetery with outstanding marble sculptures by famous Italian artists on to Urdesa residential area to end at Malecón del Salado, the latest urban regeneration project of the city.
Wear light clothes for warm weather, good walking shoes, hat or cap.
Average temperature during the day: 22° to 32° C / 70° to 90° F.
Altitude: sea level
Ov Hilton Colon Hotel Guayaquil – deluxe room
DAY 11 (B)
Escorted transfer from hotel to airport in Guayaquil
Baggage handling of two pieces of luggage per person at airport and at hotel is included.
Handbook Isabela II
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