Rainforest, Galapagos and Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Otavalo*. Overnight stay in Quito.

*Optional Otavalo Day Tour: Full-day tour to various towns in the Andean highlands where you’ll discover some of the local gastronomy and traditional way of life. Start off your experience by tasting the interesting Cherimoya fruits in Guayllabamba, carry on to try the local biscuits made by the community in Cayambe. You will then be guided around the indigenous markets in Otavalo, Peguche and Cotacachi and get to know the story of the native people.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get comfortable before setting off on a brief afternoon tour of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Explore this quaint coastal community and get to know its most important sights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax before your adventure continues tomorrow. We recommend an optional cooking class in a local restaurant near the beach of Mann Beach to uncover the secret to making the perfect ceviche!* Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

*Optional Beach Cooking Class in San Cristobal: Learn how to cook the traditional Galapagos dish of ceviche with this guided cooking class in a local restaurant near the beach of Mann Beach, known for its friendly sea lions! Use authentic ingredients to craft a delicious dish whilst listening to fascinating insights about Galapagos life from the locals. And of course, you can enjoy your homemade ceviche at the end of class!

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day tour of San Cristobal to explore the delights of the island. Visit Galapaguera, home to amazing giant tortoises and observe diverse species of sea birds from Puerto Chino. The white sand here is perfect for a short rest before continuing to La Loberia, home to a large colony of sea lions who can be seen resting on the rocks. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Cristobal.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. We recommend enjoying our half-day tour with snorkel to Isla Lobos*.  Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

*Optional Half-Day Tour with Snorkel in Isla Lobos: Board a boat to visit Isla Lobos where you will encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles and rays before getting to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters of this island. From here, make your way to Ochoa Beach to relax, swim and take in the beauty of this stunning landscape. Lunch is included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a shared transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill or take our optional excursion to beautiful Puerto Morro*. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

*Optional Excursion to Puerto Morro: From Guayaquil, visit the charming fishing village of Puerto Morro. Take a boat ride through the mangroves to watch colourful Ibis birds and look out for playful pods of dolphins! Spend some time relaxing at Puerto Morro Beach before returning to Guayaquil.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.