This morning, explore Quito on a guided tour during which you’ll discover the Old Town. Admire the Basilica of the National Vote and if you’re up for it, climb up its towers for panoramic views of the city. Continue on to the historic Independence Square and the majestic Archbishop’s Palace followed by a visit to the glittering Church of La Compañia de Jesus before reaching La Ronda, one of Quito’s most active and popular hang out spots.

Next, onward to the “Middle of the World” monument followed by some time to explore the monument. Just a few steps away is the “Inti Ñan” museum where you’ll learn about the indigenous culture and native tribes and participate in various experiments to prove that you are indeed in the exact spot where the Equator crosses. Don’t believe us? Feel free to check your GPS! Don’t forget to bring your passport so you can get a stamp to show that you were in the middle of the world.

Reconvene in the evening for a welcome dinner downtown overlooking the whole city.

Included:

• Activities: Quito Old Town guided tour; Middle of the World monument; Inti Ñan museum; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

There’ll be an early departure this morning to make your way to the unique beauty of the Galapagos Islands! After landing on Baltra Island, a naturalist guide will take you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe the giant tortoises roaming in the wild followed by lunch at a local tortoise ranch. Thereafter, visit El Trapiche, a local organic farming collective that processes wild coffee, chocolate and sugarcane in the traditional ways. Here, you’ll have a hands on demonstration on how to roast coffee beans and extract sugar cane juice!

The rest of the afternoon you will have time to relax. If you’re feeling up for it, check out the local town. You can try many of the breweries or coffee shops that are unique to the Galapagos with beer names such as Reptilia or coffee names like Tortoise. It is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs!

Included:

• Transfers: Quito – Baltra flight (approx. 3.5 hours)
• Activities: Santa Cruz Highlands; Sugar cane farm; El Trapiche experience
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Board The Windrose bright and early this morning for a day trip to North Seymour Island and Bachas Beach. The Windrose is a first-class motor yacht that is the only day excursion boat in the Galapagos with permission to sail to two islands in a day. Its top-notch amenities provide comfort with some of the best itineraries available.

North Seymour Island is regarded by most as a true highlight of any trip to the Galapagos Islands with a wealth of wildlife encounters in store. While exploring, you may encounter great frigate birds that spend hours passing nesting materials to each other during courtship. Blue-footed boobies are often found cleaning the ground and transporting some twigs here and there while never actually constructing a nest. Upon the shoreline, cross a wide expanse of sand which is home to nests and black marine iguanas. Some of the islands’ finest waves pound a boulder beach where young sea lions often bodysurf.

After a delicious lunch on the yacht, head to Bachas Beach, a beautiful white stretch of coralline. This is the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming or to simply enjoying the white soft sand between your toes. Several brackish lagoons provide feeding grounds for various wading birds from stilts to flamingos.

To cap off the day, return to Puerto Ayora in the late afternoon in time to enjoy a meal out on the town or get some rest at the hotel after the day’s activities.

Included:

• Activities: North Seymour Island; Bachas Beach; Guided hike; Swimming/Snorkeling; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Early this morning, there’ll be two more excursions starting with Bartolome Island. Stepping foot here is to enter an other-worldly landscape thanks to the island’s volcanic origins. Bartolome is also considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the central islands of the archipelago. You can swim at the foot of the famous Pinnacle Rock to try to catch a glimpse of parrot fish, marine turtles, sea lions and if you’re lucky…Galapagos penguins!

After lunch, motor on to Chinese Hat Islet, a very small volcano close to Santiago Island surrounded by small spatter cones creating a captivating landscape. Galapagos penguins and hawks are often active here. You’ll have time to enjoy the sandy beach where sea lions rest and a variety of wading birds feed on the shore line.

Arrival back to the hotel will be later in the afternoon and you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Included:

• Activities: Bartolome Island; Chinese Hat Islet; Guided hikes; Swimming/Snorkeling; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Depart to Isabela Island by speedboat this morning. Begin with a tour of the island in a panga boat and cruise around the bay with hopes of seeing blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, sea lions and Pacific green sea turtles. Next up is a guided trail hike to see a huge marine iguana colony as well as Galapagos sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, white-tipped reef sharks and more! The tour will end with snorkeling around the bay and alongside Pacific green sea turtles, Galapagos sea sions, white-tipped reef sharks and a variety of rays if you’re lucky. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the fabulous sights and Isabela’s beach. Your hotel is in the main town of Puerto Villamil and is right on the beach; perfect for a spectacular sunset to end the day!

Included:

• Transfers: Santa Cruz – Isabela by speedboat (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Activities: Panga boat ride; Guided trail hike; Snorkeling; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Today is all about landscapes and volcanoes! A guided, round-trip trek to the summit of the Sierra Negra volcano will offer wonderful views into one of the largest craters in the world. Descending further, visit Chico Volcano to witness the incredible landscape of smoldering cones and craters formed by past eruptions; it literally feels like you’re walking on the moon! A delicious boxed lunch will be provided and you’ll arrive back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon during which you’ll have free time to enjoy the beach.

Included:

• Activities: Sierra Negra Volcano; Volcan Chico; Guided hike; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Boxed lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Before leaving Isabela Island, visit Los Tuneles by boat, a fascinating network of huge lava tunnels. Begin on land where blue-footed boobies often nest and afterward, you can snorkel at one of the best sites in the Galapagos where white-tipped reef sharks, marine turtles, sting rays, sea lions, eagle rays and even sea horses are regularly seen! Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and a boxed lunch are included in the tour. Then, bid farewell to Isabela Island and take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz with the rest of the evening to do as you wish.

Included:

• Transfers: Santa Cruz – Isabela by speedboat (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Activities: Los Tuneles; Snorkeling; Free time
• Meals: Breakfast, Boxed lunch
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel

Say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands and its flora and fauna as you take an early morning flight back to Quito. Upon return, you will have the rest of the day at leisure. We recommend a quick trip to El Panecillo for amazing views of all of Quito or some last minute souvenir shopping before your departure tomorrow.

Included:

• Transfers: Baltra – Quito flight (approx. 3.5 hours)
• Activities: Free time (optional activities at your own expense)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Boutique hotel