|
 Ecuador has been for many years one of the world’s most amazing destinations for travelers from all over the globe. It’s beauty, history, culture and the Galapagos Islands have made Ecuador one of the top destinations in the planet. Let yourself be amazed by its culture expressed majestically in its churches, buildings and heritage cities. In Quito, discover the Best Preserve Historic Center in South America. Very much an up and coming city, here you'll find great culture, nightlife and a growing gay scene. Ecuador is one of these destinations that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.
Fly to Galapagos and board a first class private yacht to start your exploration of the archipelago, its volcanic landscapes, mangroves, amazing fauna, and natural and historical landmarks. Galapagos biodiversity is famous worldwide, from dragon-looking iguanas to the most beautiful birds on the planet.
Visit a unique volcano crater, experiment with gravity, put one foot on each side of the Equator Line, and enjoy a welcome dinner with a breathtaking view. Experience Quito’s colonial charm and architecture, enjoy a luxurious lunch, touch the sky in a gondola lift, and dine while you ride around the city.
Arrive to Quito’s International Airport (UIO), be greeted by our team, and transfered to your hotel.
• Arrival to Quito
Quito is the capital and the
largest city in Ecuador (population: 2.7M). At 9,350 ft. above sea level it’s the highest (constitutional) capital city in the world.
Quito’s "Mariscal Sucre" International Airport (UIO) is one of the busiest and most efficient airports in South America. It’s located about
11 miles from the city.
• Welcome to Quito:
Our team will welcome you and assist you to the hotel (a short 5-minute shuttle ride). The highly-rated Holiday Inn Express Quito Airport Hotel awaits you for a restful first night in Ecuador, in preparation for your early flight
to Galapagos tomorrow morning. Our team will assist you with check-in.
Fly to the Galápagos, get settled in your upper deck cabin, and start your exploration with a visit to the most famous turtles in the world and lava tunnels.
• Flight to Baltra Island, Galapagos:
Early in the morning, we will take the hotel’s shuttle to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, home to Galapagos’s main airport. The total flight time will be approx. 3 hours, including a brief layover in Guayaquil. The Galapagos Islands will be your first UNESCO World Heritage site visit this trip!
• Transfer to our yacht:
Upon arrival, you will go through Galapagos
customs and meet our Naturalist Guide, who will assist the group with the transfer by land and water to the private yacht.
• Monserrat Yacht:
This First Class 20-passenger yacht is chartered exclusively for our group. It was refurbished in 2018. Cruising on a small boat has less impact on the Galapagos ecosystem, while benefiting from a more intimate setting for our group and a more personalized service from the 11 crew members. Onboard amenities include private ensuite bathrooms, A/C, an ample sundeck with recliners and shaded area, dining room, bar and lounge, and complimentary snorkeling equipment.
• Santa Cruz Island:
After a short briefing session onboard and lunch, we’ll visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some
are more than 0.6 miles long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here. Dinner onboard, next day briefing session, and first night onboard our private yacht.
Enjoy a red sand beach, the majestic views in one of the most photographed places in the world, and swim in the company of playful Galapagos penguins.
• Rabida Island:
Wet landing. This island features a unique reddish landscape with trails that lead to a saltwater lagoon and where the revered 'palo santo' trees grow. Head back to the beach to see prehistoric- looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes, sea lion colonies. Then take a "panga" (dinghy) ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to snorkel in one of the best deep-water spots in the island.
• Lunch onboard.
• Bartolome Island:
Dry landing. This island features distinctive lava formations and ash-
cones, as well as a 375-step wooden ladder that takes you 114 meters above sea level to the top of the volcano, from where you will enjoy a spectacular panoramic, one of the best among the islands! The prominent Pinnacle Rock is located on this island and is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Galapagos. Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around it. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos
• Dinner onboard and next day briefing session.
Galapagos biodiversity is famous worldwide, and today will showcase many native species of flora and fauna in 2 different islands, including underwater.
• South Plaza Island:
One of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red- billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow- tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
• Lunch onboard.
• Santa Fe Island:
Lace up your hiking shoes to explore the island's flora and fauna. Trek toward the cliffs along the island's northern shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favorite forest, and feasting on Opuntia pads and fruit.
• Dinner onboard and next day briefing session.
Lava formations, giant cacti, and optional hiking and snorkeling…today is -again- wildlife paradise in the Galapagos!
• San Cristobal Island:
Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of the island to explore Punta Pitt (Pitt Point). Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigate birds. Snorkel around Punta Pitt and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore, admire the nesting birds and sunbathing sea lions.
• Lunch onboard.
In the afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill) to explore its coastline, and look for wildlife on the beach, in the water, and in the air. Learn about the human and natural history of the area from the Galápagos CEO. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise water, and head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon – a great place to see flamingos.
• Dinner onboard, next day briefing session and farewell ceremony. Last night onboard
Visit the home of a large sea lion colony and see blue-footed boobies up close in Lobos Island before flying back to Quito.
• Lobos Island:
After our last breakfast onboard, we will explore this tiny island off San Cristobal by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a dinghy ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions. Snorkel right off the beach amid the families of sea lions and their inquisitive pups looking to play. Spot nesting frigate birds and the famous blue-footed boobies resting on the shore. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some snaps at this prime wildlife watching haven.
• Flight to Quito:
Short ride to the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos, in San Cristobal Island, where we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Ecuador mainland. At the airport you will have time to have lunch on your own and access wifi before boarding your flight to Quito (approx. 3 hours, including a quick layover in Guayaquil).
• Arrival to Quito:
Upon arrival to Quito, our team will welcome you again and transfer you in private transportation to the beautiful and strategically-located Swissotel Quito by Accor near Downtown Quito awaits with complimentary high speed wifi, in-room coffee and tea, a plush duvet, Egyptian cotton linens, and electric curtains. Our team will assist with check-in upon arrival.
• If you feel like leaving the hotel for dinner, some of Quito’s best restaurants are located at walking distance (we will provide a list of recommendations). If you’d rather stay in, enjoy the hotel’s restaurants or just kick back and order room service while you rest.
Experience Old Town’s colonial charm and architecture during the day, and end your first full day in Quito with a breathtaking view.
• Enjoy the breakfast buffet at the hotel at your leisure starting at 6:30 The Old Town tour starts around 9am.
• Quito’s Old Town:
Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site because it has the largest, least-altered and best preserved historic center in the Americas. In 2019’s World Travel Awards, Quito won the 1st
place for Cultural Destination in South America!
• The Basilica of the National Vow:
known as La Basilica, is the most important work of neo-Gothic Ecuadorian architecture and is one of the most representative of the Americas. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the New World. The building is noted for its grotesques in the form of native Ecuadorian animals such as jaguars, armadillos, iguanas, and Galapagos tortoises.
• Plaza Grande:
La Plaza de la Independencia (or Plaza Grande) is the principal square of Quito where the Presidential Palace, City Hall and Cathedral are located.
• You will enjoy a typical light lunch in Cafeteria San Agustin, the oldest eatery in Quito founded in 1858 (included). For those of you wanting something sweet, save room for a pastry and/or a hot beverage at República del Cacao Café (not included).
• The Church of the Society of Jesus:
known as La Compañía, is a Jesuit church best-known because of its large central nave, which is profusely decorated with gold leaf, gilded plaster and wood carvings. This is one of the most significant works of Spanish Baroque architecture in South America. It is Quito’s most ornate church and (according to many) the country's most beautiful.
• Church and Monastery of St. Francis:
commonly known as “San Francisco“, is a 16th-century Roman Catholic complex. It fronts onto its namesake Plaza de San Francisco. The imposing structure has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America. The style evolved over almost 150 years of construction through earthquakes and changes in artistic fashion.
• Virgin of El Panecillo:
A 45-meter-tall stone monument of a madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Panecillo hill. Locals claim that she is the only one in the world with wings like an angel. This hill and the virgin can be seen from anywhere in Quito’s Historic Center.
• Free evening.
Ride a gondola lift to touch the sky, visit a unique volcano crater, put one foot on each side of the Equator Line, and enjoy dinner at one of the World’s best restaurants!
• Enjoy the breakfast buffet at the hotel at your leisure starting at 6:30 The Old Town tour starts around 9am.
• Teleferiqo (weather permitting):
this gondola lift runs from the edge of the city centre up
the Pichincha Volcano. It’s one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 10,226 to 12,943 ft. The ascent takes about 20 mins. and is rewarded with the most amazing cloud-high views of Quito and the surrounding mountains, volcanoes and sky- capped peaks.
• Intiñan Museum:
This onsite museum located right on top or the Equator Line features interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the Earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail and the effects of the Coriolis force on earth. Pululahua Crater (weather permitting): is one of only two volcanic craters inhabited in the world, and the only one that is farmed. The land here is extremely fertile because it is volcanic soil. The caldera of this extinct volcano is approximately 3 miles wide, one of the largest volcanic craters in the planet. Middle of the World City: The grounds of this "city" contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator (from which the country takes its name) and commemorates the 18th century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission which fixed its approximate location. The complex includes museums, interactive exhibits, shops, and a restaurant where we will have lunch. Around 4pm we will ride back to the hotel in Quito.
• At 7pm, we will meet again for our farewell dinner, a unique gastronomic experience at Nuema, Ecuador’s only restaurant in the World’s Top 50, co-owned by the World’s Best Pastry Chef of 2023. You will be delighted with a tasting menu made exclusively with ancestral ingredients from all over Ecuador.
Time to say goodbye to Ecuador after this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The adventure continues towards Machu Picchu (add-on tour).
• Breakfast buffet at hotel and check-out. For our Ecuador-only travelers, our services will end upon drop-off at Quito’s airport for your flight home.
For those of you continuing the adventure to Machu Picchu, please continue reading.
Flight to Lima and connection to Cusco. Optional gastronomic experience for dinner.
• Your non-stop flight LA2383 to Lima departs at 1:25pm (not included, book on your own). Upon your arrival to Lima’s International
Airport at 3:40pm, you will be welcomed by our local representative, who will assist you with check-in for your connecting domestic flight to Cusco (included).
• Upon arrival to Cusco’s airport, you’ll be driven in private transportation directly to the beautiful Novotel Cusco Hotel, located right in the center of Historic Cusco, a couple of blocks away from Plaza de Armas (main square).
Full-day tour of Cusco, the Imperial City and quaint epicenter of impressive Incan sites like Sacsayhuaman and Qoricancha.
• Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time we will start the exploration of the nearby ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision; Qenqo, the religious center; and then you will enjoy a panoramic view of Puca-Pucara, the red fortress.
• Afterwards, our tour continues in the Imperial City, we will stroll through the Main Square of Cusco, where we will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.
• For lunch, the group will be taken to Pachapapa, a popular local restaurant famous for their "cuy" (guinea pig) for those who want to try it, or you can order something else from their extensive traditional menu. This meal is not included.
• We will continue with a visit to one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold.
Enjoy your day in the Sacred Valley with visits to a famous weaver’s workshop, Incan salt mines and an impressive archaeological site.
• Breakfast buffet at the hotel and check-out. This morning we will continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley; at 17.4 miles away from Cusco, we will find Chinchero village, with an altitude 12,375 feet above sea level, famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles. Walk along its traditional alleyways, next to your guide, and visit the weavers’ workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, who 28 years ago decided to bring together like-minded women who shared her passion for weaving, and in time was able to motivate younger women who had lost interest in weaving to learn from their elders and connect once more with this ancestral art. This visit will be greatly enriched with the explanation with the protagonist of this story, Nilda Callañaupa herself.
• We will cross the Urubamba River and head towards the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze you the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. The journey will continue on until we reach the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing
ground, the site’s system of circular terraces descends 490 Ft. from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancements achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature.
• Afterwards we will enjoy lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari, a traditional Peruvian family home with opulent colonial décor and amazing views (included).
• In the afternoon you’ll be taken to the Sonesta Posada Yucay Hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can rest, enjoy the
museums next door on your own, and prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Finally the day has arrived to visit the majestic Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the World’s Wonders. Take it all in and feel the energy of the Incas in every step.
• After an early buffet breakfast, you will be taken to the Ollantaytambo train station. The comfortable Vistadome train ride to the station at Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes) is packed full of spectacular vistas. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the admission fee to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides.
• Buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, located in the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, feet away from the Citadel (included).
• Short bus ride back to Aguas Calientes and
the train station to catch the Vistadome train to Poroy Station in Cusco. Private transfer back to Novotel Cusco Hotel.
Fly back to Lima to rest and enjoy a free evening in the gastronomic capital of Latin America.
• Buffet breakfast at hotel.
• At the appropriate time private transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima (included).
• Upon arrival, transfer to the Aloft Lima Miraflores hotel (40-60 minute drive). After check-in, enjoy dinner on your own at one of Lima’s best-in-the-world restaurants, or take advantage of convenient options like eating at the hotel’s
bar, or next door at Mercado 28, a nice food court open until 11pm with several Peruvian staples and international food vendors.
Enjoy the architecture, art and culture of colonial Lima and its different districts before heading back home full of memories of the trip of a lifetime!
&bullAfter buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Pueblo Libre district to visit to the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-
century Viceregal mansion that houses more than 3,000 years of Peru's pre-Columbian history. The museum boasts a supremely fine collection of gold and silver jewelry and worship paraphernalia that demonstrates the superb skill of ancient Peruvian gold and silversmiths. The Larco Museum also contains a famous collection of erotic ceramic tomb art that gives insights into various aspects of pre-Columbian sexuality. The visit will
be greatly enriched by the curator of the Museum, who will provide in-depth explanations and serve as a unique conduit to the past. All areas are
illuminated to showcase the beauty the museum’s pieces.
• Lunch at Café del Museo.
• After lunch, we will continue our tour to the Colonial City of Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will visit the Cathedral; as walking through its numerous chapels, we will discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru. We will continue with the visit to Casa de Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Finally, we will begin a journey
through the streets of modern Lima as head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro, the heart of
the city's financial district; and Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.
• In the late afternoon, private transfer to the airport to take your international flight back
home. This concludes our services and put an end to Bearlapagos 2025 and a fantastic
14-day trip to Ecuador and Peru. Thank you!
• If you’re ready to start your adventure, book today, spaces are limited!
|
