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Galapagos Islands Tour, Ecuador: Quito + Giant Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz

Ecuador Tour: Quito + Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Galapagos Islands Tour Ecuador Quito Giant Tortoise Reserve Santa Cruz
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$3,106
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
EYA7Q
• Galapagos Islands Tour, Ecuador
• Guayaquil
• Santa Cruz Island
• Giant Tortoise Reserve
• Puerto Ayora Bay
• Galapagos Islands by Yacht
• Quito City Tour
• TelefériQo (cable car)
• Centre of World Monument
• Tour Ecuador, Quito

This shared Galapagos Islands tour in Ecuador combines the capital of Quito, with a Giant Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz island & the small town of Puerto Aroya. The Galapagos islands are home to many endemic species found nowhere else of earth. A full day yacht excursion to one of the islands is included. All specified transfers & sightseeing included, but not flights. Departs monthly. Min 2/max 16.

Day 1
You will be met at Quito Airport and transferred to your hotel in this historic Spanish colonial city that straddles the equator and is today a World Heritage Site.
 
Check in and relax in this capital city in the Andean Highlands, with its many museums, monasteries and churches with golden altars. The prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitu during the 13th century, and later the northern capital of the Inca Empire, it has a setting that few cities in the world can match.
Day 2
Today enjoy a full day private tour of Quito, starting with a visit to the equatorial monument that marks the Centre of the World at latitude 0º - about 16 miles (25 km) north of Quito.
 
Here you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere and visit the Intiñan folk museum that showcases the different Native American groups living in Ecuador, their culture and traditions. There is also a colonial-style tourist village complete with main square, church, post office, bullring and gift shops.
 
Afterwards enjoy a Quito City Tour, walking through the cobbled streets and main square of the historic Colonial Quarter - the largest and best preserved in South America. Take in its magnificent colonial architecture as you stroll along Independence Plaza - including the Cathedral, President's Palace, Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Building.
 
You will see many mansions, monasteries and churches including the spectacular Church of the Society of Jesus ('La Compañía de Jesús) with its awesome gilded interior and the Monastery of San Francisco. This is one the of greatest religious buildings of the New World, with its impressive façade and atrium leading to a Moorish-influenced baroque interior and winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. This lovely city also has many cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts.
 
Your day ends with a ride on the TelefériQo (cable car) from where you can view at least four snow-capped volcanoes.
 
Note: Quito is situated at high altitude (9,350 ft / 2,850 m), so walk slowly. As you will be visiting churches (except on Sundays, when this is not permitted), do not wear shorts or mini-skirts as these are not allowed.
Day 3
At leisure to explore more of the historic city of Quito independently.
 
You can visit the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, explore the local market and other local sites.
Day 4
Your small group tour starts today, as you are collected from your hotel and transfered to Quito Airport for your flight to the spectacular Galapagos Islands, with a touch down in Guayaquil.
 
You will be met at Baltra Airport and transferred 15-minutes by ferry to a Giant Tortoise Reserve on the island of Santa Cruz. This magnificent archipelago is situated on the equator in the Pacific Ocean some 560 miles (900 km) west of the Ecuador mainland. Its volcanic islands are famous for their vast number of endemic species, studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the Beagle, which contributed to his Theory of Evolution. In this astonishing marine reserve, the unique wildlife does not seem perturbed by human visitors - allowing for extremely close-up encounters.
 
This afternoon you will have the option to visit geological formations like a natural lava tunnel or the 'Gemelos' (twin pit craters) which are great for spotting Darwin Finches, Galapagos Doves and Cattle egret.
 
There is a short drive to the hotel for your overnight stay.
 
Today your lunch is included.
 
Note: On escorted group tours please note that for operational reasons it is sometimes necessary to substitute one hotel with another of a similar quality.
Day 5
This morning we transfer to the small town of Puerto Ayora, where we enjoy a tour of Puerto Ayora Bay and Loberia Island.
 
A 10-minute boat ride will take us to Loberia Island, named after a resident sea lion colony. This is a great place to snorkel amongst sea turtles and a great variety of colourful fish, and to play with the ever-friendly and inquisitive sea lions.
 
Our next stop is a hike to Lovers' Tunnel ('Tunel del Amor) which has a great viewpoint where, if you are fortunate, you can see resting white-tip sharks. On the way back we stop at Punta Estrada, where we walk to see marine iguanas.
 
This afternoon is free to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora independently (pay entrance fee locally). This giant tortoise breeding centre is situated in a prickly-pear cactus forest that is home to many birds and land iguana. Diego is now their most famous giant tortoise, following the death of Lonesome George in 2013. This is the headquarters of the Galapagos National Parks administration, where much important scientific and conservation work is done.
Day 6
Rise early today for an exciting full day excursion by yacht to explore some of the stunning Galapagos Islands, accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide.
 
Depending on the weekly schedule of the National Park Authority, you will visit one of the following islands:
North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach
South Plaza Island and Carrion Point
Sante Fe Island
Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay.
 
Lunch is included onboard the yacht, with the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in these crystal clear waters.
Day 7
After breakfast you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive at Guayaquil Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
 
Check in and relax in this important port, that is the largest city in Ecuador. Here the vibe is Caribbean, in marked contrast to the Andean region.
Day 8
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport for your flight home.