On arrival in Ecuador, you will be met and transferred by road to the Otavalo region, where you will stay at the romantic La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa - a Relais & Chateaux Hotel.
This contemporary hotel is located in the grounds of a 200-year old hacienda and is the perfect place to relax after your long flight. You can pamper yourself with luxurious spa treatments or walk amidst the hotels' flower filled gardens where you can look out for hummingbirds or peacocks. The hotel has just 23 rooms.
Feeling refreshed, travel to Quito to stay at the Casa Aliso which brands itself as a small luxury home. Dating from the 1930's it now operates as a 10-room hotel with friendly personal service. In Quito, you will have a tour of its finely restored historic centre as well heading out of the city to see the famous Equatorial line and monument.
From Quito, fly across the Pacific to one of the world's most exciting destinations for wildlife lovers - the spectacular Galapagos Islands - made famous by Darwin who studied the different species here to write his Theory of Evolution. Get up close to the myriad of species both on land and in the sea on this trip of a lifetime aboard the elegant catamaran, Cormorant.
Cormorant has it all - one of the newest, sleekest and fastest catamarans in the Galapagos; 8 good-sized cabins, all with their own private balcony - which is something few other vessels can boast; a Jacuzzi, and as well, the cruise is Carbon Neutral.
This particular itinerary departs UK on Tuesdays every 2 weeks due to the sailing date of Nina. Nina operates several different itineraries from 4 nights to 7 nights.
Day 1
Fly to Quito and transfer to Otavalo
Daytime flight from London Heathrow flying via Madrid to Quito. On arrival in the late afternoon, you will be met and transferred by road to the Otavalo region, where you will stay for 2 nights at La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa.
Day 2
Relaxing in Otavalo
Free to enjoy your lovely surroundings and relax after the flight; alternatively sightseeing can be arranged locally .
Day 3
From Otavalo to Quito
Leave the Otavalo region and make a leisurely transfer to Quito, stopping en route at some of the local villages of the area which are famous for their handicrafts. On arrival in Quito, stay at Casa Aliso for 2 nights.
Day 4
Quito sightseeing
Today you will have a private tour of historic Quito as well as visiting the Equatorial Monument.
Day 5
Fly to the Galapagos and embark on Cormorant
After an early breakfast, fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, where you will be met and transferred to the Nina to board your cruise around the Galapagos archipelago. In the afternoon, visit Rabida Island (also known as Jervis). This is one of the most colourful and volcanically varied islands and also is a great spot for snorkelling.
Day 6
Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Your shore excursions today include two landings on Isabela Island as well as a visit to Fernandina Island, the youngest of the archipelago. The activities available today include hikes and wildlife spotting. You should see sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions and Flightless Cormorants.
Day 7
Isabela Island
On Isabela Island, you will visit Tagus Cove and Urbina Bay. The latter has some fascinating geological formations. Expect to see stingrays and sea turtles as well as pelicans and marine iguanas.
Day 8
Isabela Island
Taking to Cormorant's 'panga', (inflatable dinghy), sail on Elizabeth Bay, passing by red mangroves. This bay is known for its marine life where you should see sea-turtles, rays as well as penguins and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, visit Moreno Point. In the lagoons on land, you should see pink flamingos.
Day 9
Isabela Island, Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil has beautiful white sandy beaches, behind which are wetlands where you should see many species of bird as well as flamingos. Later, visit the Giant Turtle Centre a breeding centre for these fascinating creatures.
Day 10
Genovesa Island
Genovesa Island is located at the inner part of Darwin Bay. This area contains an abundance of frigatebirds and other interesting seabirds. Behind the small beach filled with nesting areas for frigates, Red-footed Boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are a number of tide pools.
Day 11
North Seymour Island. Then fly via Guayaquil to Madrid
Today you disembark from Cormorant, but not before visiting North Seymour Island, where the trail on this island takes you to see the Magnificent Frigate Bird, as well as Blue-Footed Boobies. Disembark and return by air to Guayaquil on the mainland of Ecuador. In the evening, depart Guayaquil by air, flying through the night to Madrid.
Day 12
Arrive back in the UK
Arrive at Madrid, changing aircraft and continuing in the afternoon to London Heathrow.
Guide Price
12 days
from £5200 per adult
Notes
All accommodation, breakfast (plus all meals in Galapagos), excursions as mentioned above and transfers are included as well as the Galapagos National Park Tax. International and internal flights are included in economy class - do ask us for upgrade prices to business class. The price shown is a guideline only per person, based on twin occupancy in low season, unless otherwise stated. Prices may change due to variations in dollar / pound exchange rate, airline availability and season.
Please call us for prices on your preferred dates, durations, room types and multi-centre options.
Highlights
- Otavalo : One of the most magnificant markets in the region
- Quito : Historical Colonial City
- Galapagos Islands : Incredible Journey of Discovery
Tour Route
- Otavalo
- Quito
- Cruises
Amanda Sweeney
