ACCOMODATIONS

All accommodations included in historic hotels & locally owned hotels

MEALS

11 breakfast, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

NOT INCLUDED

International airfare, Galapagos National Park fee, drinks other than water, guide and driver tips, a few meals.

ALSO INCLUDED

• Airport Transfers

• Private van & driver

• Bilingual guides

• All listed excursions

• Entrance fees

• Community activities

D A Y O N E | ARRIVAL TO QUITO

You will be met at the airport by our guide and driver and be transferred to our hotel for the night.

Sleep | Cultura Manor

D A Y T W O | QUITO EXPLORATION & LOCAL CUISINE

After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast there will be a walking tour of the colonial zone and the historic city center. We will learn about the incredible diversity of Ecuador's produce and cuisine and the tour will end with an incredible lunch filled with local favorites. Dinner will be a hands on experience for all led by a local chef. (B,L,D)

Sleep | Cultura Manor

D A Y T H R E E | OTAVALO MARKET

Today we head up to the gorgeous region of Cayambe. Before we check into our gorgeous hacienda for the night we will stop at the famous Otavalo market to scratch that shopping itch. After some time to rest in the afternoon we will meet with the leaders of Runa Tupari to hear about their initiatives to develop community-based, sustainable tourism in the area. (B,D)

Sleep | Las Palmeras

D A Y F O U R | CUICOCHA CRATER & WEAVING

Today you’ll discover the beautiful crater lake of Cuicocha. There is an option to hike around the whole crater or just a portion of it. You can also choose to take a boat ride across! We will visit the El Gran Condor weaving initiative on the way back where you can see, try and buy products made by many women in the area. Dinner will be on your own in town or at the hotel. (B,L)

Sleep | Las Palmeras

D A Y F I V E | COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

We will wind our way down into Cotopaxi National Park where we will stay at the historic El Porvenir Hacienda. Cotopaxi Volcano is among the highest most active volcanoes in the world and truly a sight to see! El Porvenir is a working ranch that dates back to the early 1900’s and its location is the ideal spot to explore the National Park. In the afternoon we’ll cook a feast alongside a local chef and learn some traditional recipes for this region. (B,D)

Sleep | Hacienda El Porvenir

D A Y S I X | COTOPAXI NP

We have the opportunity to enjoy the day here but we will sleep close to the airport for our morning flight to the Galapagos. We’ll have a much needed leisurely morning where you can recharge. You will have the option to pick from a variety of activities for the afternoon.

• Horseback ride through the countryside

• Hike

• Ranch tour

In the later afternoon we will make our way close to the airport to settle in for a good night's sleep.(B,L)

Sleep | Wyndham Quito Airport

D A Y S E V E N | TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Upon arrival into Baltra Airport (GPS). You will be met by our local guide and driver. We will dive into the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos right away! On our way from the airport we’ll stop and see the famous giant tortoises and have lunch at Rancho Primicias. In the afternoon we will check into our hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight. (B,L) 

Sleep | Hotel Fiesta

D A Y E I G H T | SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

After breakfast, we will head over to locally founded and run, Huerta Luna. This farm focuses on protecting the Galapagos Islands by keeping its ecosystem and people healthy. They work with local farmers, tour operators and restaurants to promote the use of native species in order to produce food that is sustainable to the region. After a farm-to-table lunch you can choose from a variety of activities to do in the afternoon:

• Tortuga Bay

• Charles Darwin Station

• Organic coffee and garden experience

Dinner is a foodie tour of the top 5 local restaurants! This is where you will really experience the best cuisine the Galapagos has to offer: fresh seafood, local veggies and meat and the most refreshing of beverages! (B,L,D)

Sleep: Hotel Fiesta

D A Y N I N E | UNINHABITED ISLAND TOUR: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

Today we get to experience true Galapagos wildlife. We’ll meet our local naturalists who will take us on a guided boat tour around Santa Fe island. We will have the opportunity to hike around and snorkel to get a closer look at all the wildlife like sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas and plenty of birds! Dinner is on your own but you will be provided with plenty of suggestions. (B,L)

Sleep | Hotel Fiesta

D A Y T E N | DEPARTURE TO SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

We’ll have to hop an early boat to neighboring San Cristobal. After a 3 hour boat ride the day will be spent exploring this island. After we get settled in the afternoon we’ll head up to the San Cristobal highlands so see how each island truly has its own unique ecosystems and environments. There will be another opportunity to see the giant tortoises. The day will gloriously end at the tranquil Puerto China beach. (B)

Sleep | Galapagos Sunset Hotel

D A Y E L E V E N | ISLA LOBOS & OCHOA BEACH

About 40 min from San Cristobal is Isla Lobos, a small islet home to many Galapagos birds. (boobies and frigates!) We’ll have a guided tour of the island and then relocate to Ochoa Beach to have lunch, snorkel and relax in the sun. We will have our last celebratory dinner together before everyone heads back tomorrow. (B,L,D)

Sleep | Galapagos Sunset Hoyel

D A Y T W E L V E | DEPARTURES BACK TO MAINLAND

Sadly our time in this special place comes to an end. Make sure to book your departing flights from San Cristobal Airport (SCY) (B) 

RUNA TUPARI

Runa Tupari is a community-based tour operator in the Cotacachi region of Ecuador that helps create additional income and jobs for families in rural areas through sustainable, educational and traditional homestays. Runa Tupari in the local Kichwa language means "encounter with local people" and highlights their aim to facilitate cultural exchange between visitors and locals. It was established in 2001 by UNORCAC- a council representing 4 indigenous communities in the region. All of Runa Tupari’s profits are reinvested in the living conditions of the communities they operate in.

The GalapagosAlternative

The GalapagosAlternative is a locally owned tour operator based on Santa Cruz island. They specialize in land-based tours of the islands that ficus on sustainable agriculture, slow foos and slow travel.

They have carefully crafted many partnerships throughout the islands and their aim to fully support local businesses, restaurants, hotels and organizations is truly changing the face of tourism in the Galapagos.