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Best of Ecuador
Quito – Galapagos Islands
- Guaranteed departures
- Minimum: 04 Participants
- Maximum: 16 Participants
- With local English speaking guides
Duration: 09 Days
Friday – Saturday
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES JANUARY UNTIL DECEMBER 2015:
| Booking Code: UIO001-15E# (tour no.) | |||
| #01: | 20.03.2015-28.03.2015 | #07: | 21.08.2015-29.08.2015 |
| #02: | 10.04.2015-18.04.2015 | #08: | 18.09.2015-26.09.2015 |
| #03: | 08.05.2015-16.05.2015 | #09: | 25.09.2015-03.10.2015 |
| #04: | 29.05.2015-06.06.2015 | #10: | 23.10.2015-31.10.2015 |
| #05: | 17.07.2015-25.07.2015 | #11: | 27.11.2015-06.12.2015 |
| #06: | 07.08.2015-15.08.2015 | ||
Ecuador – geographically it is a small country which is uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, travellers can move in a matter of hours from jungle/rainforest to the high slopes of the Andeans and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature.
En route, through Ecuador ’s wonderful world of nature you will be able to follow the courses of broad and narrow rivers; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves and marvel at unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the Pacific – the Galapagos Islands .
From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador ‘s fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Day 01 – Friday Quito
- Meals: None
- Transfer airport – hotel
Upon arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Quito is set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and in addition to its gorgeous landscape, surrounded by hills and several snow-capped mountains. It is known for its treasures of Colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Therefore, in 1978 it has been declared by UNESCO “Patrimony of Mankind”. Altogether the city has to offer 86 churches and monasteries of the 16th and 17th century. Due to its beautiful churches and monasteries, Quito is called and known as the “Convent of America”. This attractive city is located only 22 km (13,7 mi) away from the “Middle of the World”, the Equatorial Line.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 02 – Saturday Quito
- Meals: Breakfast
- Half day city tour incl. Equatorial monument (5h 30min)
Enjoy a sightseeing-tour of the city of Quito which leads you through the historical centre of Quito for a walk through the culturally diverse history of this city.
As the excursion leads you through the interesting streets of Quito, the local culture welcomes you with beauty and intrigue. Your guide will take you for a walk through the culturally diverse history of Quito. Have a closer look at the heart of the city of Quito: the Independence Square with the Government palace and the Cathedral on the way to San Francisco Square, you will visit the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. Afterwards, you will visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (“Little Bread”) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito”
Then proceed to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Return to the hotel.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 03 – Sunday Quito
- Meals: Breakfast
- Full Day Tour Otavalo Indian Market (approx. 8h)
On this day you will discover the worldwide known Indian handcrafts market Otavalo. The town consists of rather functional buildings with the Plaza de los Ponchos as the centre. The local Indians have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Here you will enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles that offer this giant colourful market and certainly, you will be able to carry some new souvenirs with you.
Before continuing to Cotacachi, you will visit Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake at an altitude of 3000m with a diameter of about 3 kms. Two islands emerge from the centre, both of volcanic origin, covered with vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed.
The small town Cotacachi itself is Ecuador’s centre of leatherworks. Here you can stroll along the small streets choosing one of the various shops as your favourite.
Return to Quito.
Middle Class:
Overnight at Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* or similar (standard room)
Comfort Class:
Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon 5* or similar (deluxe room)
Day 04 – Monday Quito – Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Station
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight Quito – Baltra, Galápagos
- Transfer Baltra Airport – hotel in
Puerto Ayora including Twin Craters and lava tunnel - Visit of the Charles Darwin Station
You arrive at Baltra Island. From the airport you take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you head by ferry for the other side of the Island Santa Cruz.
With a surface of 986 km2, Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago. Colonized since the 1920’s, Puerto Ayora, the populated part of the island, is the most important harbour of the Archipelago. With altitudes reaching 864 m this island comprises all plant zones, ranging from coast to pampas. The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Station are also located in Santa Cruz.
During the transfer right through the highlands of Santa Cruz you can observe the enormous change of vegetation that ranges from dry areas full of cacti to rainforest and fern zones. The green landscape of this area is a welcome contrast to the more arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands.
During a short stop you have the opportunity to take pictures of the Twin Craters. Located one in front of the other on both sides of the road connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the Twin Craters are a magnificent site. They were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, which signals the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure. The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia Trees, which make the site a beautiful green landscape. You will visit a lava tunnel, a fun and geologically informative visit. Taking a short walk you can also observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Enjoy lunch in a typical Hacienda.
After your check-in in the Hotel you’ll continue directly to the Charles Darwin Station.
Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will have the opportunity to see how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above all, the reduction of brought in animals is very important for the natural balance of the archipelago. The Research station supports scientists all over the world with their work at Galapagos.
Overnight at a Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 05 – Tuesday Seymour North or South Plazas or Bartholomew Island or Santa Fe Island or Dragon Hill
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Full day boat excursion to Seymour North or South Plazas or Bartholomew or Santa Fe or Dragon Hill (Seat-in)
During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands Seymour North, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe or the Dragon Hill. Each of the islands has its own significant beauties to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay.
Lunch on board.
North Seymour is a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds. Blue Footed Boobies are found on the flat area near the coast of this island (they nest from May to November). Continuing the trail to the interior, one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Magnificent Frigate birds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a great show of acrobatic flight, namely a Frigate bird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigate bird the food.
OR: South Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn’t on you! South Plazas also boasts excellent examples of typical Galapaganean flora such as the towering cacti “trees” that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
OR: Bartholomew, a tiny island of just 1.2 km2, offers the visitor one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartolome. The climb to the 114 m high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit, there is a spectacular view of the surroundings. Bartolome is also a must for the visitor interested in geology. Penguins are common in the bay area.
OR: This island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the archipelago. Its age and isolation have allowed several endemic animals to evolve, including species of land iguana, rice rat and gecko.
On the northern coast, you will visit Bahía Barrington, a small tranquil bay, where you can observe green sea turtles and spotted eagle rays cruise over the sandy bottom, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies rest on the rocks. Also, you can see Nazca boobies and magnificent frigate birds. Sea lions are the most obvious sight on Santa Fe Island, with 2 large colonies on the beaches and pups playing readily with snorkelers in the bay. Other underwater encounters can include marine iguanas, sea urchins and different species of fish.
OR: Explore the newer visitor’s site on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon). It is located on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island and got its name through the various colonies of land iguanas which inhabit the island. After a dry landing at a dock, you will go for a short walk that takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds.
There is a short walk to the hill, which rewards with a great view of the bay with Rabida Island in the west and Santa Cruz Island in the east. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been repatriated by the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Overnight at a Hotel on Santa Cruz Island.
Day 06 – Wednesday Santa Cruz Island –Floreana Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transfer Santa Cruz Island – Floreana Island
- Visit to Loberia
After breakfast you will be transferred on a speed boat to Floreana Island (approx. 2h 30min).
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Loberia”, a small peninsula with colonies of sea lions. The rest of the afternoon you are free to relax at the “Bahia Negra”, the beach next to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at a hotel on Floreana Island.
Day 07 – Thursday Floreana Island –Isabela Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Visit of the highlands of Floreana Island
- Transfer Floreana Island – Isabela Island
- Visit of Las Tintoreras
In the morning, you will visit the highlands of Floreana Island. An approximately 2-3 hour hike leads you through the stunning vegetation of the Island. You will also see the only freshwater source of the island before going on to the pirate caves. The family Wittmer, upon their arrival, sought refugee here as well.
Afterwards, you will be transferred by speed boat to Isabela Island (approx. 2 hours)
Isabela Island is the largest island in the archipelago with a total area of 4.588 km2. Composed by six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass, it also has the highest point of the islands: The Wolf Volcano is 1.700 m high and the equatorial-line
runs straight through its massive crater.
Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will visit “Las Tintoreras” which is located only a short distance from Puerto Villamil. After a short boat journey, you will go ashore to see a colony of white tipped reef sharks resting in a lava canal, sometimes accompanied by other sharks and sea lions.
Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be observed, as “Las Tintoreras” is one of their main breeding sites. On the sandy beaches sea lions play and relax in the sun. This is one of Isabela´s most beautiful visitor sites.
On the way back to Puerto Villamil, you will maybe get the chance to see penguins and blue-footed boobies on the rocks.
Overnight at a Hotel on Isabela Island.
Day 08 – Friday Isabela Island
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Visit the volcano Sierra Negra
- Visit of the Gálapagos National Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and the Laguna of the Flamingos
Sierra Negra is located in the South of Isabela island in between the volcanoes Alcedo and Cerro Azul. His crater with a diameter of about 10 kilometres is the biggest on Galapagos and the second biggest on the world, right after Ngoro Ngoro in Africa.
The excursion to the crater starts in Puerto Villamil. From here an one hour transfer by bus brings you to the starting point of the hiking trail, which leads you in about 1,5 hours walk to the border of the crater, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the crater and on clear days to the island Fernandina located in the west of Isabela.
Note: In case there might be bad weather conditions in the highlands of Isabela and the hiking is not possible, an alternative excursion will be arranged.
Lunch in the highlands.
Afterwards you visit the Galapagos National Park’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you can see many subspecies of tortoise at different stages of development and admire these giant and fascinating animals. Since 1965 the station is breading and rearing place for the famous Galapagos or Giant Tortoises that give the name to the archipelago. These fascinating primeval animals are threatened by extinction. Here they live safely until the age of five before they are set free on their origin islands. The centre gives also a good opportunity to photograph tortoises of all sizes. Later you head for the Laguna of the Flamingos, Pozo de los Flamingos, where you have the rare opportunity to observe these animals very closely.
In the late afternoon you can relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Puerto Villamil.
Dinner and overnight at a Hotel on Isabela Island
Day 09 – Saturday Flight back to the mainland
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer Isabela – Baltra airport
After breakfast, the speed boat takes you to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island from where you will be transferred by bus to Itabaca Channel. From here you will be accompanied by ferry and bus to the Baltra airport to take the flight to Guayaquil or Quito.
An extension beach stay can be booked upon request at Casa de Marita Hotel.
Important Remark:
Excursions on Day 2 are on Seat-in Basis.
The itinerary may change, especially on day 2, depending on the number of passengers. The order of the islands visited may change on a short-term notice.
End of our services
Price Information
with accommodation in (room) Double Single
Seat-in-coach rates from 4 pax on:
Valid from January until December 2015:
Middle Class hotels
per person inUSD 2.909,00 3.364,00
Comfort Class hotels (only in Quito)
per person inUSD 2.960,00 3.429,00
Included:
- 5 overnights in simple middle class hotels on Galapagos
- Transfers and guided tours on Galápagos with local English speaking guides
- Meals as mentioned
Not included:
- Transit Control Card USD 10,00
- National Park Entrance FeeUSD 100,00
- Flight to/from Galápagos
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Cancellation conditions for the Island Hopping Programm:
- Up to 61 days prior to arrival no cancellation fee
- From 60 to 31 days prior to arrival 50% cancellation fee
- From 30 to 00 days prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee
- From 10 prior to arrival on 100% of airfares
Payment conditions:
- No prepayment necessary
- 60 days prior departure 100% full payment
Flight Information
|
Current Airfares Galapagos |
||
|
Low Season Jan 01 – Jun 30 Sep 01 – Dec 31 |
High Season Jul 01 – Aug 31 |
|
| UIO/GPS/UIO | 644,00 | 706,00 |
| GYE/GPS/UIO | 628,00 | 663,00 |
| UIO/GPS/GYE | 640,00 | 675,00 |
| GYE/GPS/GYE | 628,00 | 628,00 |
Notes:
- The airfares are valid for flights to/from GPS (Baltra airport) and SCY (San Cristobal airport).
- Airfares and seasons are subject to change without prior announcement.
- Airport taxes are included.
- 20 kg luggage allowance.
Important:
- PR holds an allotment for the needed internal flights and can provide the booking and the ticketing accordingly. In case the tour operator books the internal flights themselves, PR informs the correspondent flight numbers to be booked. With this SAT can ensure that the whole group will travel together on the same flights and that the complete programme can be operated.
- Booking flights with another airline will result in additional costs for extra transfers and the participation on the complete programme of day 1 cannot be guaranteed. In this case a refund is not possible!
Cancellation conditions Galapagos flights:
Up to 45 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fee
From 44 to 21 days prior to arrival: 20% cancellation fee
From 20 to 15 days prior to arrival: 40% cancellation fee
From 14 days prior to arrival on: 100% cancellation fee
A complete passenger list including passport details is required latest 45 days prior to arrival.
Remark: The cancellation conditions can vary depending on the flights and the season.
Price Information – Additional Nights
Pre-nights and transfers in Quito:
Valid from January to December 2015:
| Middle class |
Hotel Alameda Hotel Mercure
1 overnight/breakfast, standard room
per person in double room USD 75,00
per person in single room USD 144,00
Comfort class
Hotel Hilton Colón
1 overnight/breakfast, standard room
per person in double USD 93,00
per person in single USD 166,00
When the additional night(s) are booked via PR, the transfers on arrival and departure days are included in the roundtrip rate from 2 persons on. In case further transfers are needed, the following costs will apply:
Transfer airport UIO/hotel or hotel/airport UIO (one way):
Basis 1 USD 155,00
Basis 2 USD 80,00
Basis 3 USD 65,00
Basis 4 USD 50,00
Additional nights and transfer on Isabela:
Valid from January to December 2015:
| Hotel Casa de Marita |
1 overnight/breakfast, standard room
per person in double room USD 104,00
per person in single room USD 159,00
When additional night(s) at Hotel Casa de Marita are booked, the following costs will apply for the extra transfer on the departure day:
Transfer from hotel on Isabela Island to Baltra airport (one way):
Basis 1 pax: USD 291,00 per person
Basis 2 pax: USD 174,00 per person
- Transfer with Spanish speaking driver from hotel to pier (duration about 5 min.)
- Public speedboat without guide from Isabela to Puerto Ayora together with other travellers (duration about 2-2,5 hours)
- Transfer with English speaking guide from Puerto Ayora to Itabaca Channel, Channel crossing by public ferry boat, continue by public airline bus to Baltra airport (duration about 1,5 hours)
General Conditions
- Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 04 participants. The operation of the tour can only be guaranteed by the end of the cancellation deadline, which is 60 days prior to arrival.
- All transfers and excursions are on PR-seat-in-service and include local English speaking guides except following non-PR-exclusive services:
Day 02: Full day boat excursion on regular seat-in basis - In case of early transfers breakfast at the hotel cannot be guaranteed.
- Our prices include taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels. Meals are included as and when mentioned in our program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Our prices do not include: Galapagos National Park entrance fee, Galapagos Transit Control Card, airport taxes, airfares, personal expenses, extras in the hotels and tips.
- PR is not responsible for any belongings of the passengers carried during any services rendered by PR, such as transfers or tours.
- PR has the right to sell this tour to other clients without any exception.
- The above mentioned rates for post-nights at the group hotel are subject to availability and valid for max. 3 nights. From the 4th night on, a higher rate could apply.
- PR holds an allotment for the needed internal flights and can provide the booking accordingly. In this case PR will issue the tickets and invoice the tour operator accordingly. In case the tour operator books the internal flights themselves, PR informs the correspondent flight numbers to be booked. With this, PR can ensure that the whole group will travel together on the same flights.
- 6 weeks prior to arrival a complete passenger list including names, passport number, nationality, profession and date of birth is required.
- Flights not booked via PR can only be reconfirmed by PR with the correct and complete file key of your booking.
- Please inquire at the competent authorities about the actual entry permit, validity of passports and the vaccination regulations.
- Our general conditions apply.
- PR liability will be limited to the reimbursement of services supplied for failure of services contracted by us. PR cannot be held liable for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity occasioned by air-carriers or third-party suppliers and by natural phenomena, sickness, war, quarantine, strike, or any other kind of force major or by attendance to Federal Police, customs and Health Authorities regulations.
Conditions of Payment:
Unless otherwise agreed, the full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
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