Galapagos Giant Tortoises & Dream Beaches from Quito – 8 Days

Points of Interest : Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, your English-speaking local guide will be waiting to welcome you and accompany you in a private vehicle to your hotel in the city center. Ecuador’s capital lies in a high Andean valley at about 2,800 m above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped volcanic peaks. Use the rest of the day to unwind after your long flight or head out for a first stroll through the lively colonial old town. In the evening, you enjoy a night drive to admire Quito beautifully illuminated after dark.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Hotel in central Quito

Points of Interest : Quito
After breakfast you explore Quito’s carefully restored historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You visit Plaza Grande and its surrounding colonial buildings, as well as the richly decorated churches La Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco. The tour then leads up to the hill of El Panecillo, where the statue of the Virgin of Quito offers sweeping views over the city and the surrounding volcanoes.
In the afternoon you choose between two excursions: either ride the cable car up the Pichincha volcano to about 3,950 m for panoramic Andean vistas, or visit the Middle of the World monument “Mitad del Mundo” and experience standing with one foot in each hemisphere.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Quito

Points of Interest : Chatham Island
Today your Galapagos adventure begins. On arrival at San Cristobal airport you are met by your English-speaking guide. As an introduction to the archipelago, you visit the island’s Interpretation Center, where you learn about the geological formation of the Galapagos, their unique ecosystems and the history of human settlement.
You then hike towards Cerro de las Tijeretas, also known as Frigatebird Hill, stopping at several viewpoints. From here you can often observe magnificent and great frigatebirds soaring on the wind. The rest of the day and evening are free to discover the relaxed harbor town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at your own pace.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Points of Interest : Roca Pateadora
After breakfast you board a boat to the offshore rock formation Kicker Rock (León Dormido), whose silhouette resembles a sleeping lion. This is one of the most famous snorkeling and diving sites in the Galapagos. From the boat and on the cliffs you can spot colonies of seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and pelicans.
While snorkeling between the towering rock walls, you have the chance to encounter an impressive variety of marine life, including colorful reef fish, rays and, with a bit of luck, hammerhead sharks. Later you relax on the beach at Puerto Grande, where you can see hermit crabs, saltwater pools, mangroves and dry coastal plants. Depending on the weekday, the beach stop may alternatively be at Manglecito or Punta Carola.
This excursion is carried out in an international mixed group, accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

• Meals included : Breakfast and lunch
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Points of Interest : La Galapaguera, Chatham Island
Today you explore the highlands of San Cristobal by private transport. Your first stop is the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a breeding and protection center for the famous Galapagos giant tortoises, where you can observe these impressive reptiles in a semi-natural environment and learn about conservation efforts.
Afterwards you continue to the remote beach of Puerto Chino. Here you can take a refreshing swim in the cool Pacific waters, often in the company of playful sea lions resting on the sand. In the afternoon you visit La Lobería, another excellent spot to watch and photograph sea lions. Along the rocky shore you may also see bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs and large black marine iguanas basking on the lava rocks. There is time for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach before returning to town.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Points of Interest : Hood Island
In the morning you set off by boat to the remote and uninhabited island of Española. Landing at Punta Suarez, you follow a trail across the rocky coastline to the famous blowhole, where waves are forced through a lava fissure and shoot spectacularly into the air. Along the way you can often observe numerous seabirds, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as, in season, the impressive Galapagos albatross.
In the afternoon you visit Gardner Bay, a picture-perfect white sand beach bordered by turquoise water and home to large colonies of sea lions. Here you have time to snorkel and discover the rich underwater world around the bay, or simply relax on the sand while watching the wildlife. The excursion is operated in an international mixed group and accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide.

• Meals included : Breakfast and lunch
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Points of Interest : Chatham Island
On your last day in the Galapagos you have some free time to relax on the beach or take a final stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. At the scheduled time you are transferred from San Cristobal airport back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, a private transfer takes you to your hotel for your final night in Ecuador’s capital.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : 3-star hotel in Quito

Points of Interest : Quito
Today it is time to say farewell to Ecuador. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time before your private transfer collects you from the hotel and takes you to Quito airport in good time for your international departure. We hope you are leaving with wonderful memories and many new impressions.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Last day : Private transfer to Quito airport for your international flight