Ecuador Highlights - Quito and the Galapagos Islands Travel Vacation Package

Travel to Ecuador and experience its highlights with this 6 Day / 5 Night Travel Package and Tour that includes the capital city of Quito and the Galapagos Islands

Destinations Visited

Quito

The capital of Ecuador, named by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, lies in a spectacular mountain setting at 2800 meters (9184 ft.) above the sea level and just 25 kms. (16 miles) south of the equator, with a magnificent blend of colonial and modern architecture.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Archipelago consists of thirteen large islands, six smaller islands and over forty islets that have official names. Located on the Pacific Ocean, it is part of the Republic of Ecuador. The Islands are located on one of the most active volcanic regions on earth: the Nazca Plate. This plate moves eastward towards South America because of the spreading of the sea floor, at a rate of 7 cm/yr. This plate moves over a stationary area of intense heat or "hot spot" which "builds" the islands. Thus, the oldest part of the Archipelago is found at the east of the cluster. The islands lie in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from the South American coast and straddling the Equator. There are 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks, with a total land area of about 8,000 square kilometres. The islands are volcanic in origin and several volcanoes in the west of the archipelago are still very active. Galapagos is a province of the Republic of Ecuador and five of the islands are inhabited, with a total population of around 18,000 people. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, although the largest town is Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. There is always something interesting happening in Galapagos, whatever the time of year, and there is no off-season. From about June to November is the 'garua' season when the weather is relatively cool and dry, considering the equatorial position, with sunny or overcast skies and occasional drizzle or garua. August is the coolest month with average daily temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19 to a maximum of 24 degrees centigrade. The sea is cool and can be rather rough. During this period most of the animals which rely upon the sea for their food will be breeding. These include sea and shore birds, marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals. Between about January and April is the warm season, with higher temperatures and occasional heavy rains. The hottest month is March with an average maximum temperature of 30 degrees. The islands turn green as the arid lowlands bloom, and all the land birds and reptiles start to breed. The sea is also warmer and calmer. During El Nino years, these seasons can vary considerably and the animals' breeding seasons and behavior are often affected greatly.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Arrival at Simon Bolivar airport, meet and transfer to the hotel.
Day free to enjoy the city.
Overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel

Day 2: Quito / Galapagos Islands

Breakfast.
Transfer from hotel to airport to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Departing in Quito, the flight travels via Guayaquil to Baltra and then bus and ferry take you to Puerto Ayora, which is on the island of Santa Cruz. You will be accommodated at the Hotel Silberstein.
In the afternoon it is possible to go for a walk to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, where the oldest and largest tortoises are being kept. In this unique research program, which is essentially financed by donations, the attempt is being made to save the various species from dying out. In the evening dinner will be served at the hotel, starting with a welcome drink.
Overnight at the Hotel Silberstein.

Day 3: Galapagos Islands

After breakfast, day trip to Plazas.
This is a full-day trip on one of our touring yachts, for example the "Encantada", a motorsailer. The route takes you along the east coast of Santa Cruz and stops at the island of Plazas. There you have the opportunity to watch the island's marvelous wildlife. As well as sea lions and land or sea iguanas, you will be able to observe the variety of seagulls that inhabit the isle. Lunch is served aboard before the yacht leaves for the hotel, where dinner will be prepared.
Overnight at the Hotel Silberstein.

Day 4: Galapagos Islands

After breakfast, day trip to Seymour Norte
Another full-day trip. Today the yacht leaves for Seymour Norte, an island that accommodates large colonies of blue-footed ducks and frigate birds. Also many sea lions and frigate birds inhabit this island.
Again lunch is served aboard. For evening dinner the yacht will be back in Puerto Ayora, where you will have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Silberstein.

Day 5: Galapagos Islands / Quito

Breakfast.
A bus trip takes you through the highlands of Santa Cruz, stops for a short visit at Twin Craters (the so-called "Collapsed Craters") and then continues to the airport on Baltra, where the return flight leaves for Quito.
Arrival in Quito and transfer from airport to hotel.
Overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel.

Day 6: Quito

Breakfast.
Transfer to airport.