Compare Ecuador in 9 days - Galapagos Discovery - Charm by Exoticca vs 7 Day Galapagos Express by Gate 1 Travel
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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3.5 | Average
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Duration | 9 days | 6 days |
Price From | $ 1,899 | $ 2,289 |
Price Per Day | $ 211 | $ 382 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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N/A |
Meals Included | 8 Breakfasts. | N/A |
Description |
Touch down in Quito, the oldest capital in South America, to discover its historic old town and Inca heritage. Next explore the abundant Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the spectacular biodiversity of the island of Santa Cruz. Relax on the paradise beaches and look out for rare blue-footed boobies and Galapagos tortoises. |
2 Quito, 3 Galapagos, 1 Guayaquil |
Day 1: US - Quito
Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains, and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 2: Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, meet a local guide who will take you on a fascinating guided tour of some most emblematic sights of Quito. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, and also discover the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 3: Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursions to Quilotoa.* Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the local culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging colour, depending on the sun and clouds.
Day 4: Quito - Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on a ferry. On the way to the hotel visit Finca El Chato where you can see the mighty Galapagos Tortoise in their natural habitat. Arrive in Puerto Ayora and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay on Santa Cruz.
Day 5: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 6: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. We recommend visiting the Charles Darwin Centre to learn more about the significance of the Galapagos Islands. Overnight stay in Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 7: Santa Cruz - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from Baltra. Arrive in Guayaquil, and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the coast. Later, enjoy a 2-hour walking tour, visiting the Malecon and Las Peñas neighborhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 8: Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 9: Guayaquil - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.
Day 10: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
Your Galapagos itinerary may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns.
DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Ecuador
DAY 2, Saturday - Full Day in Quito
DAY 3, Sunday - Galapagos Islands, Baltra, Charles Darwin Research Station
DAY 4, Monday - North Seymour Island
DAY 5, Tuesday - Bartolomé Island
DAY 6, Wednesday - Flight to Guayaquil
DAY 7, Thursday - Depart Ecuador ▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Ecuadorian Andes may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider. |