Quito & the Galapagos Islands

Upon arrival into Quito, you’ll be greeted by your driver outside of baggage claim for your transfer to your accommodations at Casa Gangotena.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your guide to begin your exploration of the narrow streets and beautiful squares of Quito’s center. While visiting Itchimbia Park and the historic Old Town, you’ll come across the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Plaza de la Independencia, and the San Francisco church.

This afternoon, you have a few options to choose from. One option is to focus on architecture with visits including the Church of San Agustin, La Compañía, and the Church & Monastery of Santo Domingo, as well as of course some secret passages and even some of the domes and towers for views overlooking the city. For foodies, we’d move the walking tour to the afternoon so that this morning you can visit a traditional market and then a cooking class with a local chef – followed of course by lunch! For a combination of food and art, visit the former residence of artist Oswaldo Guayasamin, Ecuador’s most acclaimed contemporary painter, followed by a tasting session hosted by Ecuadorian brand To’ak.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll meet with your driver and guide to start your journey to the world-famous Galapagos Islands. After your flight (flight not included), you’ll meet your driver and guide to head to your accommodations at Galapagos Safari Camp.

On arrival at Baltra airport, you’ll have an excursion across the Santa Cruz island highlands en route to Galapagos Safari camp. The excursion includes a delicious farm-to-table lunch in the western hills, followed by a visit to the Tortoise Reserve. Late afternoon arrival at Galapagos Safari Camp for check-in, a sunset cocktail and dinner.

Your stay at Galapagos Safari Camp includes all three meals daily as well as daily excursions that are mostly land-based with some requiring sea transfers to get the most out of this fascinating island. This is merely a sample, and safaris are completely customizable based on your interests and can focus on scuba diving, longer days on the water, or more hikes to see wildlife (customization may incur additional costs). Speak with your Exeter Latin America travel planner to figure out your best options for your time at Galapagos Safari Camp.

Please note that National Park fees and TCT cards are not included, and will be charged separately.

A day aboard a motor yacht to one of the nearby uninhabited islands close to Santa Cruz: North Seymour, Bartolome, Plazas and Santa Fe. Each is a treasure to explore, and since the Galapagos Marine Reserve is among the largest on the planet, we highly recommend snorkeling today. Please note that all safaris are designed to give you the best possible experience based on time of year and yacht operations, so exact islands you’ll visit will be confirmed once we start planning your trip

Another day aboard a motor yacht exploring uninhabited nearby islands.

Today you’ll explore the eastern part of Santa Cruz island with your private guide and driver. Start with Cerro Mesa Reserve and its incredible views of the island’s largest crater, exotic plants, and seven unique species of finch as well as the vermillion flycatcher. After lunch, continue on to Garrapatero Beach and its amazing contrasts of black lava, mangroves, white sand and turquoise water including the flamingo lagoon. Options today include kayaking and mountain biking.

Enjoy breakfast and the morning at leisure before meeting your driver for transfer to the airport, to fly back to Quito and your connection home.