Art and Nature at the Equator Tour – 12 days Ecuador Package $7,145 pp
A programme that explores the evolution of the cultural and historic processes Quito and the biodiversity and wildlife of the Enchanted Galapagos Islands. This programme includes a tour of art and history around Quito, the capital of Ecuador and UNESCO – World Heritage Site, in combination with the Galapagos Islands, also an UNESCO-declared Natural Heritage Site, on board Yacht Isabela II.
Day by Day
Private arrival transfer from airport to hotel.
Welcome to Quito and Ecuador!. At the airport you will be greeted by a member of our organization, we will escort you all the way to your hotel, giving you a short briefing about Quito and the country in general with valuable information you need to know. Private transportation and guide, handling of two pieces of luggage per person at the airport and the hotel)
Welcome to Quito and Ecuador!. At the airport you will be greeted by a member of our organization, we will escort you all the way to your hotel, giving you a short briefing about Quito and the country in general with valuable information you need to know. Private transportation and guide, handling of two pieces of luggage per person at the airport and the hotel)
Note: Quito airport is located about one and half hours from Quito depending on traffic conditions, please make sure you do not leave anything behind.
Hotel Casa Gangotena for 2 nights
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito harbours 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts.
A Journey through Art and History
Quito is a unique city and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site- that boasts the largest and least-altered downtown in Latin America. Visit the fantastic Pre-Hispanic World at the beautifully restored Casa del Alabado. A uplifting snack is offered at the nearby Tianguez on Plaza de San Francisco, before proceeding to one of the jewels of the American baroque – the Jesuit church of La Compañía- This is one of the richest and most magnificent temples of South America.
Lunch is included at one of the outstanding restaurants in Quito.
In the afternoon, a short drive to the more modern side of Quito, takes us up a hill to the Chapel of Man, a creation of the Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919-1999), considered one of the most renown artists in Latin America, part of whose work is on display. The lower floor of the Chapel of Man is a homage to humanity with the forceful expressionist art of Guayasamín showing the pain, the tears, the wrath, the tenderness, the protest, the dreams, the violence, the heroism, the sacrifices of the odyssey of Latin American Man.
Quito is a unique city and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site- that boasts the largest and least-altered downtown in Latin America. Visit the fantastic Pre-Hispanic World at the beautifully restored Casa del Alabado. A uplifting snack is offered at the nearby Tianguez on Plaza de San Francisco, before proceeding to one of the jewels of the American baroque – the Jesuit church of La Compañía- This is one of the richest and most magnificent temples of South America.
Lunch is included at one of the outstanding restaurants in Quito.
In the afternoon, a short drive to the more modern side of Quito, takes us up a hill to the Chapel of Man, a creation of the Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919-1999), considered one of the most renown artists in Latin America, part of whose work is on display. The lower floor of the Chapel of Man is a homage to humanity with the forceful expressionist art of Guayasamín showing the pain, the tears, the wrath, the tenderness, the protest, the dreams, the violence, the heroism, the sacrifices of the odyssey of Latin American Man.
Baltra Airport (Santa Cruz Island)
We arrive at Baltra Airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
After driving down from the highlands, we 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 we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. We review the expeditions plan for next day, Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
We arrive at Baltra Airport and then we take you to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
After driving down from the highlands, we 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 we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. We review the expeditions plan for next day, Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
Santa Fe Island
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.
South Plaza
The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience.
South Plaza
The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.
North Seymour Island
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkelling from the beach. Thursday’s expedition plan review and dinner.
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. We can swim and/or snorkelling from the beach. Thursday’s expedition plan review and dinner.
Bartolomé Island
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits for us: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time we will enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits for us: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time we will enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, we get on board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
Santa Cruz Island
You will be offered alternative activities for this day in Santa Cruz Island to take the most that this place offers. Options are visit to some local ranchs in the highlands to see the tortoises in their natural habitat, visit to lava tunnels, or trekking, biking, kayaking.
You will be offered alternative activities for this day in Santa Cruz Island to take the most that this place offers. Options are visit to some local ranchs in the highlands to see the tortoises in their natural habitat, visit to lava tunnels, or trekking, biking, kayaking.
Post Office Bay & Baroness Cove
After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkelling off the beach.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. We can usually snorkel at “Champion Islet” site, panga ride or ride in our glass-bottom boat.
After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkelling off the beach.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. We can usually snorkel at “Champion Islet” site, panga ride or ride in our glass-bottom boat.
Punta Suarez
Our morning outing at Punta Suárez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak, panga ride or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Our morning outing at Punta Suárez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak, panga ride or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the morning, we land on the eastern tip of the island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline and is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or a panga ride.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo's expansive, white coraline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. After the walk, there is a chance to swim and snorkel.
In the morning, we land on the eastern tip of the island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline and is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim, kayak or snorkel from the beach or a panga ride.
Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo's expansive, white coraline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. After the walk, there is a chance to swim and snorkel.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal - Chatham Island)
After breakfast, we depart to pier and airport for our flight back to the mainland.
After breakfast, we depart to pier and airport for our flight back to the mainland.
Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to your hotel.
Hotel Wyndham for one night.
Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, as well as mere minutes to the impressive Malecon 2000, the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Boasting easy access to all of Guayaquil’s many delights and a host of thoughtful amenities, guests at this non-smoking hotel in Guayaquil will also enjoy easy access to Las Peñas Neighborhood, the World Trade Center Guayaquil and Simon Bolivar Convention Center.
Private transfer from your hotel to Guayaquil Airport for your outbound flight.
Included
- All transfers from/to International flights and Galapagos flights
- American Breakfast and Tea Time at Casa Gangotena
- Buffet Breakfast at Hotel Wyndham in Guayaquil
- Lunch in Quito tour
- Air tickets Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil
On board Yacht Isabela:
- Accommodation
- Bilingual naturalist guides
- Conferences and lectures
- Transportation to / from the airport in Galapagos
- Snorkeling equipment
- Shore excursions
- Luggage handling
- Doctor on board
- Internet**
Not Included:
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
- Migration control card
* Please note: Soft drinks are considered juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails; internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Price
Regular price: $ 7,902 pp
Package price: $ 7,145 pp
Conditions:
- Promotion only for these specfic dates.
- Accommodation in double/twin estandar room
- Luxury double/twin room at Casa Gangotena
- Hotels subject to availability (or similar standard)
- $ 1000 pp nonrefundable deposit
- It doesn´t apply with other promotions
- Restrictions apply
- Exclusively for direct customers and travel agencies
- For special conditions for Tour Operators, please contact us
Your Galapagos Travel Expert Since 1953
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