Ecuador and Galapagos 

Holiday Details

Tour Information

This 15 night / 16 day tour (13 nights in Ecuador) takes you from the beautiful old town of Quito to the stunning scenery of the Cotopaxi National Park and the remote Galapagos Islands where you can discover a variety of land and marine creatures at incredibly close quarters.
After your tour why not treat yourself to a stay on the Caribbean island of Bonaire? Tucked away in the southern Caribbean, the Dutch island of Bonaire boasts a laidback charm that is perfect for a relaxing few days before your return to the daily grind. Only 24 miles long, it is surrounded by crystal-clear water and coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling, diving and windsurfing.
Groups of up to 20 people.

DAY 1

Fly to Quito
Fly to Quito, the historic capital of Ecuador, arriving next morning.

DAY 2

Quito
Check in at the Hilton Colon hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the fascinating local area – perhaps take in the nearby Municipal Museum or ride the gondola up to the top of Pichincha Mountain to get spectacular view of the city.

DAY 3

Quito
Our local guide will be pleased to show us the beautiful old town of Quito. Built in Spanish Colonial style, this Unesco World Heritage site is full of charming streets and beautiful churches. A trip to the Equator line ends our day today, still leaving us plenty of time to relax by the hotel pool or do some shopping at the nearby Artisan Market.

DAY 4

Quito – San Pablo
We start our journey north today, taking in the Andean scenery of the Imbabura region. After a relaxing lunch stop we will check into our hotel on San Pablo Lake for the first of 2 nights in this stunning spot at the foot of Imbabura Mountain.

DAY 5

San Pablo
After breakfast we make our way to the nearby town of Otovalo, home to one of the biggest and most colourful markets on the continent. You will really know you are in South America today as you browse around the beautiful native weavings and handicrafts before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local Hacienda. On to the village of Cotacatchi in the afternoon, well known for its fine leatherwork, before returning to our hotel for the night.

DAY 6

San Pablo - Cotopaxi National Park
After a morning walk in the Cuicocha Lake area, we are heading south again today through the famous Avenues of the Volcanoes to reach the area of the Cotopaxi National Park where we will overnight at a 17th century Hacienda.

DAY 7

Cotopaxi National Park - Riobamba
We will spend some time today in the Cotopaxi National Park, with a gentle walk and the opportunity to look out for some of the lovely mountain flowers and birds before journeying on to the Riobamba area for our next overnight stay.

DAY 8

Riobamba - Cuenca
An early start brings us to one of the true highlights of the tour, a train ride through the Andes to the town of Alausi. This is an unforgettable experience, with the opportunity to ride on the roof of the train as it makes its way down the switchbacks of the Devil’s Nose taking in scenes of rural Ecuador that cannot be appreciated from the road.
In the afternoon we will continue our journey on the Pan American Highway to Cuenca by way of the ruins of the Ingapirca Fortress, finally checking into our hotel for the first of 2 nights.

DAY 9

Cuenca
Beautiful Cuenca waits to show itself to us today in all its Spanish Colonial glory. Our sightseeing tour around the city will also include an opportunity to find out how Panama hats are made.

DAY 10

Cuenca - Guayaquil
Over the mountains today and into the Cajas National Park, famous for its lakes and bird life. We cannot linger too long as we descend through the cloud forest to the coast lowlands and on to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador and the country’s main port.
This afternoon we will stroll through the city square and along the recently revamped waterfront area with its beautiful gardens before returning to our hotel for the night.

DAY 11

Guayaquil - San Cristobal, Galapogos Islands
The excitement will be mounting today as we head for the airport and our flight to the famed Galapagos Islands. Our journey will take us to the island of San Cristobal where we will join the MV Santa Cruz, which will be our home for the next 3 nights.
Sailing through lunch, we will arrive at Kicker Rock early in the afternoon and disembark for our first glimpse of sea lions as we walk along the pristine beach of Cerro Brujo. Cocktails and a delicious dinner wait or us back on board.

DAY 12

San Cristobal
On to Hood island today for a morning walk at Punta Suarez. Be amazed by the sight of Marine Iguanas as they pose close enough to take your breath away and catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Blue Footed Boobies or maybe an Albatross if you are lucky.
An afternoon that takes in a stop at Floreana stretches ahead, with opportunities to snorkel and swim at Punta Cormorant or keep your feet dry with trip on the ship’s glass bottom boat. Then we head back to the ship to relax and have dinner.

DAY 13

San Cristobal
An overnight navigation brings us to the spectacular lava forms of the island of Fernandina today. Punta Espinoza is one great sights of the islands. Here we may see the Flightless Coromorant and perhaps a Galapagos Penguin or two.
A short trip across the sea to our final destination, the island of Isabella. Here Land Iguanas roam in an unhurried way and bask in the sun ready for you to take their photograph. Back on board for a final evening, rounded off by a farewell cocktail.

DAY 14

San Cristobal - Equador
The wonders are not over yet as an early start sees us disembarking the ship at Santa Cruz island for a trip to the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station after breakfast. Here we will see several species of Giant Tortoise and learn about the breeding programmes that they run.
After the visit we head to Baltra airport for our flight back to Quito, where we will make the short trip back to the Hilton Colon for our final night in Ecuador.

DAY 15

Equador
An early start today as we make our way back to the airport for your return flight.

DAY 16

Arrive back in Ireland.

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