ECUADOR   

TRAVEL FOR SHARING
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS

April 16 – 24, 2007
 

ITINERARY 

APR 16 – MON   MIAMI / QUITO (L in-flight, D)

Depart from Miami International Airport to Quito. Enjoy snacks and complimentary drinks in flight.

Arrive in Quito early evening and, after clearing customs and immigration, you are met by your guide and transferred to the 5-star SWISSOTEL HOTEL, located in the commercial and residential area of Quito, within easy access of Quito Old Town.  Here, your three (3) night stay includes hotel taxes and daily breakfast.

Your guide assists you with check-in, gives you a briefing on the hotel and neighborhood and advises you of the meeting time for this evening’s event.

This evening you are met by your guide for your Welcome to Ecuador Cocktail Ecuadorian Style at pool side, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the Le Gourmet Restaurant.

APR 17 – TUE   QUITO (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast, you are met by your guide for your Full-day City Tour of Quito. This tour starts with a short ride north of Quito, where the environment turns semi-arid in the rain shadow of the mountain range. The Equator Monument stands tall as a tribute to the French scientists, who in the 1700s made history by determining the shape of the earth. Visit the onsite Intiñan Museum, which shows in an interactive way the different theory of the Incas determining the middle of the earth. Return to Quito directly to the colonial town of Quito.

Upon arrival at the colonial town of Quito, have lunch at the Las Carmelitas Cloister where you experience first-hand the ambiance of a real nun cloister.
 
After lunch you start your visit of the old town, descending to the Independence Square and taking a short walk to admire this beautiful landmark and the surrounding historical buildings, including the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall and the Cathedral. Continue on to the famous La Compañía Church to admire the baroque splendor of its interior and the golden glow of the entire decoration. Then walk to the San Francisco Square where it is believed to be laid an Inca palace.  After extensive studies, historians came to the conclusion that an Inca palace was situated right on the place where the San Francisco Church and monastery are built.  It is said that conquerors destroyed this Palace and began to build the Monastery of San Francisco with its church, as well as this is where the first seeds of wheat of the Spanish colony were planted.  After visiting the church and choir, head to the Franciscan brewery, the oldest in South America. From here, move on a short drive to the Art School and Workshop to appreciate the richness and fine craftsmanship of the Quiteños.  Finally your visit heads south to a main artery of commercial Quito, entering the colonial district through the uphill Basilica Church, and making a short stop for a brief panoramic overview of the city.  

Return to the hotel late in the afternoon and, after some

APR 18 – WED   QUITO (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast, you are met by your guide for your Full-day Otavalo Tour. This tour starts with a drive n

From here proceed to Peguche, where you visit one of the workshops, have typical lunch at an artisan's home (rustic, basic and authentic place - no luxury at all), and have the opportunity to enjoy an Otavalenio music performance with children.

Return to the hotel late in the afternoon and, after some time to freshen-up, you are met by your guide and transferred for dinner at the Restaurant Chez Jerome, famous for its new International Cuisine.  

APR 19 – THU   QUITO / GALAPAGOS (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast and check-out, you are met by your guide and transferred to the airport in time for your short flight to Baltra, the gateway to the Galapagos Islands.

Upon arrival you are transferred to the pier where you board on the GALAPAGOS LEGEND. Here, your four (4) night cruise includes all meals and excursions. Accommodations are in cabins with air conditioning, two twin or one queen bed(s) and private bathroom. All cabins are exterior. (Please note: Single cabins are extremely limited). While on board enjoy the fine service and excellent meals prepared daily. 

Balance of the days activities to be advised on board.

APR 20 / 23 – FRI / MON   GALAPAGOS (B, L, D)

Your expert naturalist guide briefs you every morning on the schedule, and gives you informal talks each evening about the day’s

▪ Baltra (a small island located north of Santa Cruz and your arrival island);
 Bartolome (here you see Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises, lava lizards, white-tipped sharks and you may enjoy great s

APR 23 – MON   GALAPAGOS / GUAYAQUIL (B, L, D)

This morning you are transferred back to Baltra for your short flight to Guayaquil.

Upon arrival you are met by your guide and transferred to the 5-star BOULEVARD HILTON COLON HOTEL, located only 10 minutes from the airport. Here, your one (1) night stay includes hotel taxes and daily breakfast.

Your guide assists you with check-in, gives you a briefing on the hotel and neighborhood and advises you of the meeting time for this afternoon’s tour.

This afternoon, after some time to freshen-up, you are met by your guide for your Walking tour of Guayaquil, where you visit the Malecon, which is a stripe constructed entirely along the Guayas River. Here, you have a wonderful view of the river and its surroundings as well as are able to find shopping areas, gardens, museums, food courts, restaurants and other forms of entertainment. 

This evening you are met by your guide for your Surprise Farewell Dinner.

APR 24 – TUE   GUAYAQUIL / MIAMI (B, L, D)

This morning, after breakfast and check-out, you are met by your guide and transferred to the airport in time for your international flight to Miami International Airport. Enjoy snacks and complimentary drinks in flight. 

Welcome home!

 
 
INCLUDED FEATURES

 International Airfare:
 Miami/ Quito – Guayaquil/ Miami
 Ten (10) nights accommodation:
 Three (3) nights at the Swissotel Hotel in Quito
 Four (4) nights at the Galapagos Legend II
 One (1) night at the Boulevard Hilton Colon Hotel in Guayaquil
 Meals:
 Daily breakfast at the hotels in Quito and Guayaquil
 Two (2) lunches in Quito
 Three (3) dinners in Quito and One (1) dinner in Guayaquil
 Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Galapagos Legend II
 Tours:
 Two Full-day city tours in Quito
 One (1) Evening event in Quito
 One (1) Half-day walking tour in Guayaquil
 Daily activities on the Galapagos Legend II
 All airport transfers and local transportation for tours
 All hotel taxes and service charges
 Local bilingual guides services throughout

NOT INCLUDED

 International airport taxes ($165p/p today - subject to change)
 Cost of required passport
 Suggested Optional Tours