Day by Day Itinerary

Day One, Sunday: Home City to Quito
International Airfare is NOT included. You will be met by our local representative upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the Dann Carlton Hotel Quito.

Day Two, Monday: Quito to Otavalo
Morning departure for a tour to the Otavalo Indian Market. The tour includes a stop in Calderon, a village known for its decorative bread dough figurines, the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, the Otavalo indigenous market, landscapes of towering volcanoes with amazing opportunities for taking pictures, the crater lagoon of Cuicocha, and finally the leather-making village of Cotacachi. Overnight at the Hacienda Pinsaqui. (B, L)

Day Three, Tuesday: 'Chaski Antawa' and return to Quito
The Chaski Antawa Train rides on the railroad built at the beginning of the 20th century connecting the northern highlands with the tropical coast. From Ibarra, the train climbs down to the warm, dry valley of Ambuqui, going through sugar cane plantations, magical landscapes, and tunnels, and crossing bridges that span large canyons and gullies. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges from 2,200 down to 1,500 meters above sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about two hours. Enjoy a unique lunch at Kleintours' social project 'Chaski Antawa Restaurant,' a way to help the Valley of Salinas and its surroundings, well-known for its agricultural activities, to become a visited destination and to help improve its people's lifestyle. The exceptional and creative menu that visitors will have the opportunity to taste has been carefully selected and elaborated by the community under Kleintours' high quality standards. Visit the Otavalo Indigenous market, and then return to Quito and two nights at the Dann Carlton. (B, L)

Day Four, Wednesday: Colonial Quito City Tour
Quito's new image delights all visitors. Quito's Colonial downtown area, the largest and best preserved architectural space in all of the Americas, has been completely restored and has just celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its declaration as a World Cultural Heritage Site. A slow drive will take you through romantic plazas and past impressive public and religious buildings. You will visit the highlights of old Quito, including Independence Square, La Ronda, and La Compania. Finally, drive up Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city (right), and surrounding snow-covered volcanic peaks (weather permitting). Special hotel site inspections will also be provided. (B)

Day Five, Thursday: Quito to Galapagos Islands and M/V Galapagos Legend Cruise
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport and assisted with checking in for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, proceed through entry formalities. The Galapagos National Park tax has already been paid for you; you should not pay this tax again. From the airport lobby, look for a small booth named Kleintours/Legend/Coral Cruises, and check in with the staff there. They will secure your luggage and directly transfer it to your cabin on the M/V Galapagos Legend. Bus and shuttle boat will transfer you together with other passengers to the pier and out to ship. Once you have boarded the ship, proceed to the Purser's Desk for your cabin assignment, your key, and information about the orientation meeting. At this meeting, you will learn about the ship's facilities, dining room schedule, and lifeboat drill as well as shore excursions and evening lectures. Lunch on board as the ship sails to its first destination.
Bartolomé
Dry landing. Arriving on this island, you will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you will enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone called Pinnacle Rock (right). During the hike to the summit, you will often see large colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla bush, and various cacti. You will also have a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here it is possible to see the Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance. (B, L, D)

Day Six, Friday: Urbina Bay (Isabela)
After a wet landing, you will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way and depending upon the season it will be possible to observe many endemic organisms such as giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk you will have time for snorkeling.
Fernandina (Espinosa Point)
After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, you will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs. You will also see the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. You will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations 'pa-hoe-hoe' lava and 'AA'. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, indicating a healthy and thriving eco-system. (B, L, D)

Day Seven, Saturday: Santiago (Egas Port)
This is a wet landing onto the dark sand beach at Egas Port. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, the surrounding area is good for spotting and observing hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers, and the yellow-crowned night heron. You will see marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with red Sally Lightfoot crabs. There is a colony of fur seals swimming in deep pools of cool water called grottos. You can swim and snorkel at this beach in search of octopuses, sea horses, starfish and other sea life.
Rabida
Wet landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a salt-water lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and nine species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. (B, L, D)

Day Eight, Sunday: Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Station)
This morning you will have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay), staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also see giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program and admire the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit you will have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Santa Cruz (Highlands)
One of the options is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato, where you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, you can literally get into the Galapagos by walking in the dormant lava tubes. (B, L, D)

Day Nine, Monday: Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach)/Baltra to Quito

Wet landing at Bachas Beach, which is located on north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and have the opportunity to swim on this white sand beach.

Passenger Disembarkation. Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out and transfer to the airport Return flight to Quito and transfer to the Dann Carlton Hotel. (B)

Day Ten, Tuesday: Homeward bound
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

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