Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Quito - City Tour
Arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador (2.850m). We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the Hotel Dann Carlton, which is situated in the modern centre of the city. After a short break we will start a city tour. This city tour covers the major colonial churches and monasteries in Quito such as San Agustin, San Diego, San Francisco and others. Starting from the hotel we visit the historic colonial quarter of Quito, resplendent with its churches, gilded altars, religious sculptures and paintings dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. We make a special stop at the recently restored Square and Church of San Marcos. The tour continues through narrow streets, ancient colonial houses with Moorish-style arches and mysterious patios to El Panecillo, and a neutral vantage point for an overwhelming view of the city. In the evening your guide will inform you of the details of your travel, while you sip a welcome cocktail. -/-/-
Day 02: Calderon - Cayambe - Hacienda Guachala
Our trip will start on the Pan-American highway going north, to a city called Calderon. Calderon is famous for its little ornaments made of marzipan and bread dough. After that we make our way through the Guayllabamba-valley to the village of Cayambe that is situated down at the majestic volcano Cayambe (5790 m). We will have lunch in a typical restaurant of this region. In the afternoon we will reach the picturesque Hacienda Guachala andwill explore its surrounding area while we take a little walk. Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda. B/L/D
Day 03: Otavalo Indigenous Market - Hacienda Pinsaqui
We will visit Otavalo early in the morning. This is one of South America's most famous Indian markets. It offers an excellent selection of woven tapestries, blankets, hand-knit sweaters, pottery and more. It's a paradise for souvenirs. After lunch in a typical otavalenian restaurant, we will visit the Cuicocha Lake in the crater of an ancient volcano which is surrounded by typical highland vegetation. Subsequently we will go to the small village of Cotacachi, famous for its fine leatherwork. In the evening we will reach the Hacienda Pinsaqui. Dinner and accommodation. B/L/D
Day 04: El Angel Nature Reserve - Hacienda Pinsaqui
We will continue our journey along the Pan-American highway north passing through the Chota Valley towards the Páramo landscape of El Angel. Enjoy a short walk through this spectacular high altitude Andean landscape similar to the arctic tundra. In this area grows the endemic plant Frailejones Gigantes, which measure up to 4 meters. With luck we will also see a Condor soaring overhead. Lunch en route. In the afternoon we will return to Hacienda Pinsaqui for dinner and accommodation. B/L/D
Day 05: Cotopaxi National Park - Hacienda la Cienega
Today our way will lead us south via Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. We will stop here at the visitor centre Campamento Mariscal Sucre to visit the natural science museum then continue our way to the Limpiopungo lake where we have the opportunity to cast a glance at the giant and majestic volcano Cotopaxi. Short walk at 3.800m. After lunch we will drive to the nearby 400 year old Hacienda la Cienega. Enjoy the flair of this colonial house with its colonial chapel and the flower garden surrounded by ancient trees. In this nostalgic atmosphere we will spend the night. Dinner and accommodation. B/L/D
Day 06: Latacunga - Zumbahua - Quilotoa Crater Lagoon
During our 6hour journey roundtrip, we will see the region of Chugchilan, one of the most impressive places in Ecuador. We begin driving south to Zumbuahua. It is a small and colourful village inhabited by only 40 families. 10 km north lies the blue and green glimmering volcano lake of Quilotoa. This lake is one of the most beautiful volcano lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes. From the crater you can see the different snow topped volcanoes in the distance. After a short excursion we drive through Chugchilan and Sigchos to Riobamba, where we will spend the night at the Hostería Abraspungu. During our drive we make stops and you have the possibility to see the original villages and the great landscape that contain a lot of orchids and birds. B/L/D
Day 07: Train Trip - Ingapirca - Cuenca
After breakfast we will go to the train station of Riobamba where our breathtaking train ride will start. These train tracks built in the year 1902 are still a technical masterpiece and also the steepest trainline in the world. On this historic steam train we will enjoy unbelievable views of valleys, pasturelands and picturesque towns along the way. The most spectacular point of the train ride is descending a 600-meter vertical cliff known as the Devil's Nose. After the train adventure we will drive to Cuenca, a city renowned for its colonial splendour. Stop en route to visit Ingapirca, Ecuador's most impressive Inca ruins.We will see the fine stonework and characteristic trapezoidal niches and doorways here. Accommodation in Cuenca at the Hotel Mansion Alcazar or similar. B/L/-
Day 08: Cuenca
Today we will have a full day to explore the colonial town, museums and churches including the 17-century flower market of Cuenca. The cobblestone streets emphasize the quaint atmosphere of this city, which is known as the cultural metropolis and centre of art in Ecuador. Lunch at a typical Ecuadorian restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Mansion Alcazar or similar. B/L/-
Tag 09: Cuenca - Galapagos - Nord Seymour
Flight via Guayaquil to the Galapagos island Baltra. After a short journey to the port of this island you will be able to start your diving experience on the First class Diving Yacht. North Seymour Island is well known for its blue footed boobie and frigate bird colonies. You will test your diving equipment ashore on North Seymour Island. B/L/D
Day 10 Cousins, 2 diving sessions- Bartholome, sightseeing and snorkelling. B/L/D
Day 11 Wolf, 4 diving sessions. B/L/D
Day 12 Darwin, 4 diving sessions. B/L/D
Day 13 Wolf or Darwin, 4 diving sessions. B/L/D
Day 14 Roca redonda, 2 diving sessions- Albermale Point sight seeing. B/L/D
Day 15 Albany, 2 diving sessions- James Bay sight seeing. B/L/D
Day 16 Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station and Highlands of Santa Cruz. B/L/D
Day 17 Gordon Rocks, 2 diving sessions- Plazas Island sight seeing. B/L/D
Day 18 Mosquera visit - Baltra, flight back to Quito, Transfer to Hotel. B/L/-
Day 19 Transfer to the airport, return flight back home. B/-/-
Prices per person for 2007:
USD 5.975.- per Person
Single supplement: USD 595.-per Person
Minimum 2 People.
 Included in the Price:
All transfers, accommodation in First Class Hotels and in the Haciendas based on double rooms according to the itinerary, flight Quito-Galapagos-Quito, all meals included in the Itinerary, National Park and Museum entrance fees EXCLUDING THE GALAPAGOS, English speaking guide, 8 day Galapagos Islands live aboard cruise on a First Class Yacht in double outside cabins, English speaking Dive Master guide on the Galapagos Islands.
Not included in the price:
flights mainland to/from Galápagos USD 410.-, entrance fee to Galapagos National Park USD 100.- alcoholic beverages, tips, personal items and travel insurance, International flight airport tax (USD 41.- per person)
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
