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Take the family on a trip of a lifetime to experience the truly extraordinary Galapagos islands, a paradise for animal lovers, conservationists and adventurers. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the archipelago and observe its remarkable wildlife at close quarters. Combine this with a visit to mainland Ecuador and Quito, the second highest capital in South America, and spend the night in Guayaquil, on the banks of the Guayas river.
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Overnight flight to Quito via Bogotá. (N)
Late morning arrival and transfer to the Hilton Colon for 3 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Today, take a guided tour of Quito and its surrounds. Tour the historic centre, which has delightful Spanish colonial buildings and squares, surrounded by a valley with high peaks. Take a cable car ride up the slopes of the Pichincha volcano for amazing views of the city and the surrounding mountains and drive out to the Middle of the World, where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the south. (B)
Optional excursion options today include a full day visit to Papallacta thermal springs, set in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance to the Amazonian jungle. Here one can take a dip in various thermal pools of different sizes and temperatures and hike on paths alongside mountain streams in search of hummingbirds, condors and eagles. Please enquire for prices. (B, L)
Fly to the Galapagos archipelago, which straddles the equator far from the mainland in the Pacific Ocean. Spend 3 nights at the luxurious safari-style Scalesia Lodge on Isabela island. (B, L, D)
Hike volcanoes, snorkel in crystal-clear coves, and take a boat to spot reef sharks, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins. Due to the islands' remote location, the wildlife here has evolved separately to mainland species. The main surprise is that the seabirds, sea lions, iguanas and other animals are so tame that you can walk right up to them (B, L, D)
Take a scenic inter-island flight to Santa Cruz island and stay for 4 nights at the beachfront Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Explore the Santa Cruz highlands and the Charles Darwin Station to see giant tortoises. Take a boat to discover nearby islands such as North Seymour and Santa Fe or go mountain biking, sea kayaking or snorkelling. (B, L, D)
Fly to Guayaquil and transfer to the Wyndham for 1 night.
Morning at leisure or an optional tour to a banana plantation. Overnight flight home via Bogotá, arriving the following day. (B)
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation in Standard rooms, unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
This land- based Galapagos itinerary can be further modified to combine a stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel (2 or 3 nights) with a 4-night cruise around the islands on a first class expedition vessel. Please enquire for further details.
For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
This tour can be booked / reserved online by clicking on one of the coloured links below.
FEC2019: 11 Nights
The Galapagos islands are best explored from an expedition cruise at sea, though they can also be visited from a land-based hotel or lodge...
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Quito is the second highest capital in South America (2,850 metres) and lies in a narrow...