Compare Quito and Galapagos Basic by Gray Line Ecuador vs Galapagos cruise on the Yolita II by Audley Travel

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Trip	Quito and Galapagos Basic by Gray Line Ecuador 5 \| Excellent 5 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	Galapagos cruise on the Yolita II by Audley Travel 5 \| Excellent 3574 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize

Duration	6 days	10 days
Price From	$ 831	$ 5,445
Price Per Day	$ 139	$ 545
Highlights	Visit the largest and best preserved Historic Center of South America Visit the Middle of the World and live experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. Visit the lava tunnels and a giant turtle reserve.	Experience the unique fearless wildlife of the Galapagos. Visit some of the most remote areas of the Galapagos Islands. See the marine iguana, the world's only marine lizard. Explore the old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trip Style	Small group tour	Private guided tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Standard
Physical Level	3- Moderate	2- Easy
Travel Themes	Cultural Nature & Wildlife National Parks	Nature & Wildlife Small Ship Cruise
Countries Visited	Ecuador	Ecuador
Cities and Attractions	Galapagos Quito	Galapagos Quito
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	History Nature Wildlife viewing	Hiking Nature Short Cruise
Meals Included	5 Breakfasts	N/A
Description	Visit the largest and best preserved Historic Center of South America, live the traditional trades and experience the culture of the most touristic city of Ecuador and learn more about the Galapagos Islands, see sea lions, marine iguanas, reef sharks and many more exotic marine animals.	Visiting one of the city's museums, such as the pre-Hispanic art museum Casa del Alabado. You'll spend the day walking the paths of Darwin Bay and El Barranco as well as snorkeling in the sunken caldera. Visit to Punta Espinoza will get you up close to the largest marine iguana colony in the Galapagos.

Itinerary: Quito and Galapagos Basic

Day 1:

Transfer Airport / Hotel.

Day 2:

Breakfast. 1914 Original trolley city tour of Quito + Northern and south Hemisphere Experience in the Middle of the World

We will visit the historic center, the largest and best preserved in South America, in one of our original trolleys, which are a replica of the trams that circulated in Quito in the last century.

Visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, where we will make a brief stop during which the passengers will be able to climb up to its high domes, to later move towards the Panecillo viewpoint, an iconic place in the city, renowned for its beauty, and where is a giant statue of the ""Winged Virgin"", where you can admire a beautiful landscape of colonial and modern Quito. Later we will continue to the Plaza de San Francisco, one of the representative places of the city and full of history, from where we will walk to the Plaza Grande, historical and political center of the city, surrounded by innumerable attractions including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Government, the Archbishop's Palace and the La Compañía church.

We continue our tour meeting the traditional La Ronda neighborhood, in whose romantic setting we can find workshops where our visitors will learn with a group of authentic artisans, how their works are elaborated,

and trades of yesteryear that keep alive the cultural traditions of this charming city. (Entrance to churches are not included).

We will stop at the “Zona Rosa” of the city, approximately an hour and a half to have free time for lunch (not included), and later we continue with our excursion “Northern and south Hemisphere Experience in the Middle of the World”.

We go to the ""Middle of the World City"", where you can see the monument that divides the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere of the planet. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line that divides the world and it is a must-see place for those who visit Quito. Includes entrance to the Middle of the World complex ,where you can live experiences that defy the laws of physics and occur only in this part of the world. After visiting this privileged place and registering it in your passport, you will always see Ecuador and the Middle of the World in a different way.

Day 3: Transfer Hotel to the airport for your flight to Galapagos.

Welcome at the Baltra airport and transfer by public buses to the tip of the Itabaca canal, where you will proceed by a public ferry service in the Island of Santa Cruz. Transport will be waiting in order to transfer you to Puerto Ayora, area where the hotels are located on the Island. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the lava tunnels and a Turtle reserve. Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, where you can learn more about the Galápagos Islands; the species that live in this enchanted place, its origin, the theory of Evolution, the conservation programs, and observe some Giant Turtles in captivity. (Transfer operates daily at 13h00). Accommodation.

**It will be possible to operate transfers without visits and without guide at the following times: 10h00 and 15h00** (previous request)

Day 4:

In the morning excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach, after 40minute walk (approx.) we will arrive to this magic place, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, with white sand and green mangroves. “Playa mansa” is where we can swim and enjoy of the beach. Free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, tour around the bay on board a yacht, starting with a visit to “La Lobería”, named because of the presence of sea lions. Here you will be able to swim or snorkel. Then we proeed with our tour to the “Canal del Amor”, a marvelous site where nature gives us an unforgettable view; at the end of this channel, just a few meters forward, a viewpoint where we can observe reef sharks; from here we continue with a short walk to see the marine iguanas that inhabit in “Playa de los Perros”. Punta Estrada will also be visited. Return to Puerto Ayora.

*Note: shipping used in this excursion is a boat engine with capacity for 16 people. This tour only takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Day 5:

Free day to choose any extra activities of your own choice and accommodation

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast

Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel to go to the canal of Itabaca, where a ferry will take you to Baltra Island. At the port you will board a bus of your airline that takes you to the airport. On the way to the airport, you will have the opportunity to make a brief stop at the craters “Los Gemelos”, crater holes formed by the collapse of materials, surrounded by scalesia’s forests. (Transfer operates daily at 07h00, 09h00 and 12h00). Includes only transport."

Itinerary: Galapagos cruise on the Yolita II

Day 1: Quito

Accommodation options: Hotel Hilton Colon, Casa Gangotena, La Casona de la Ronda & Patio Andaluz

On arriving in Quito you're met by your private guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. It usually takes an hour to get there, and your guide will provide you with all the relevant introductory information needed for your trip, such as hotel vouchers. Relax in your hotel after your flight.

Day 2: Quito

Accommodation options Hotel Hilton Colon, Casa Gangotena, La Casona de la Ronda & Patio Andaluz

Take a private guided walking tour of the highlights of Quito. Your guide shows you the city's highlights, such as colonial temples, monasteries and plazas. They'll also help you unravel the grand architecture of the Church of San Francisco. The tour lasts for three hours, ending at a viewpoint over the city. In the afternoon, you're free to keep exploring Quito at leisure. We recommend visiting one of the city's museums, such as the pre-Hispanic art museum Casa del Alabado.

Day 3: On-board ship (The Galapagos Islands)