Day 1: Arrival Quito
Transfer from Quito airport to the hotel. Rest of the day at your disposal.
Day 2: Quito, City Tour and Middle of the World
In the morning our guide will pick you up at your hotel to accompany you to visit the city Light of America internationally recognized for having the largest and best preserved historic center in Latin America. We start with an interesting tour visiting one of the markets of Quito, we will observe flowers, fruits, typical foods and the daily life of the people who come to this market to make their purchases. We continue to the Basilica del Voto Nacional considered the most important work of neo-Gothic architecture of our country and where we can climb its towers, observe its gargoyles and walk through its interiors that have not yet been completed according to legend. We advance towards the Plaza Grande or Plaza de la Independencia, where the Government Palace or Carondelet Palace, the Municipal building and the Cathedral of the City are located, after a few steps we will arrive at the Church La Compañía de Jesús, jewel of the Baroque architecture and imposing sample of the colonial art of Quito, we continue to the Church of San Francisco which is the first church to be built in the city of Quito in the century. In the surroundings of the square we will have the opportunity to taste one of the best chocolates made with fine Ecuadorian aroma cocoa, we continue to the viewpoint of Panecillo located at the top of the hill of the same name at 3.035msnm, and formerly known as “shungoloma” or heart hill, here is an aluminum replica on a large scale (45mts.) of the Virgin of Quito, sculpted by arƟst from Quito Bernardo de Legarda and whose original is displayed on the main altar of the Church of San Francisco. Later we will visit a museum that will tell us about the different types of effects caused by gravity, magnetism that happens in the equinoctial line, you will learn a little more about the cultures that we have in the Amazon. Finally, our guide will take you back to your hotel.
Day 3: Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station
Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take flight to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival to Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora our guides will meet with the passengers, pick up their luggage and accompany them to the hotel. Check in and lunch, in the afternoon Visit to the Charles Darwin Station and the National Park Interpretation Center The Charles Darwin Research Station, located on Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago, is one of the must-see destinations for nature and conservation lovers. This iconic research and education center offers visitors a unique experience, where science, biodiversity and sustainable tourism combine to create an unforgettable impact. The Charles Darwin Research Station is not only a fascinating place to learn about the natural history of the Galapagos, but also an opportunity to directly support the conservation of this fragile ecosystem. of this fragile ecosystem. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Santa Cruz Upper Part / Bahia Tour.
This tour covers the main attractions of the northern part of Santa Cruz Island where we will visit Rancho Primicia or Chato, in this spectacular place we will be able to find the turtles in their natural state. We will continue to the lava tunnels of volcanic formation, we will walk towards the interior at a distance of approximately 100 m, and our guide will give an explanation about the types of volcanic eruptions that formed the islands. The Santa Cruz twins are two craters that were formed when the islands were active and had a lot of volcanic activity that generated several eruptions. The twins are two large sinkholes with very green areas, the view from this point is impressive and you can admire the great dimension of these craters where at some point millions of years ago there was lava, return to the hotel, lunch and in the afternoon we will make the Bay Tour that runs through 5 different sites around Bahia Academia, located in the Santa Cruz canton, using a time of 10 minutes to the first stop, most of the tour is done by yacht, there are two stops where there is a walk of 15 and 20 minutes respectively, the time it takes to make this tour is 3 hours. The Academia Bay Tour consists of a visit to 4 different sites around the bay. The first of them is the beach of the Dogs, a small beach 10 minutes from Puerto Ayora and in which inhabits a colony of iguanas. Then visit the tunnels of love and the tunnels of the TIntoreras are great for snorkeling and to observe blue-footed boobies nesting on the rocks. At Dogs Beach you can enjoy a walk along the rocks among opuntias and you can observe large groups of marine iguanas and sea turtles feeding on the shore. The last site is Las Grietas, an inlet of brackish water, fresh and crystal clear, characteristics that make it a good place for snorkeling, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 5 Ferry to San Cristobal - Cerro Tijertas, Punta Carola
Transfer to the dock to take the ferry to San Cristobal, transfer to the hotel and check in free time, lunch, in the afternoon we will visit Cerro Tijeretas, which is located a short distance from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Near this site operated La Predial, which was a fishing company that was present on this island from 1952 to 1960. The hill is frequently visited by frigates, hence its name. Here it is possible to see the magnificent and large frigates on the hill itself. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them. The activities that can be done are: Hiking, snorkeling, fotograİa and filming. Later we will visit Punta Carola, a beach located to the northwest of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The beach has an extension of 300 meters approximately, the same one that is conformed by vegetation of dry forest, return to the hotel, dinner and lodging.
Day 6: Junco Lagoon - Galapaguera - Puerto Chino
Breakfast, El Junco Lagoon is located 19 kilometers from the port inside a large volcano, now extinct, its name comes from a type of plant that is common in its surroundings, called “junco”. The lagoon is also surrounded by Miconia, a species of flora endemic to Galapagos, and it is also one of the favorite sites for frigate birds that fly and brush its waters with fresh water. The activities that can be done are: Hiking (it is recommended to go with sport shoes), bird watching, fotograİa and filming. Then we will visit the Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado which is one of the most emblematic places to know and learn about the famous giant tortoises of Galapagos. This breeding center, designed to protect and conserve these unique species, is a perfect destination for nature and biodiversity lovers. The Galapaguera trail offers visitors the opportunity to observe giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat. Along the trail, you can learn about the breeding process, behavior and conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these iconic species. In addition, the environment is surrounded by native vegetation and endemic species, such as cacti and scalesia bushes, which complement the experience. A few kilometers from Galapaguera, Puerto Chino is one of the most charming and isolated beaches in San Cristóbal. Accessible after a short walk, this beach of white sand and crystal clear waters is ideal for enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty that characterizes the Galapagos. Puerto Chino is a perfect place to relax, swim or simply enjoy the sun. In addition, the area is rich in wildlife: it is common to see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas and even sea lions resting on the shore. The nearby lookout offers panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, making it an ideal site for fotograİa and contemplation of the landscape. The serene and almost virgin environment of Puerto Chino invites you to disconnect from the world and connect with nature in its purest state, return to the hotel, dinner and accomodation..
Day 7: San Cristobal- Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to San Cristobal airport to take flight not included to Guayaquil Transfer to the hotel, free afternoon.
