Sacred Heart Academy's Andes and Galapagos Adventure

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday April 5: Quito

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Quito, Ecuador's capital city located 9,350 feet above sea level, and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel for an arrival briefing. (D)

Day 2, Thursday April 6: Quito

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Quito viewing Independence Square with its monument to the independence heroes of August 20, 1809, and the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, with its impressive exhibition of architectural and religious art. Travel to the Mitad del Mundo, just north of Quito, to view the world from the equator and stand with a foot in both hemispheres. Stop by the nearby Intiñan Museum to learn about their claims to be at the “real” equator (as determined by GPS) before returning to Quito. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Friday April 7: Quito

Today, a scenic drive north takes us to the province of Imbabura, a magically beautiful land of lakes and mountains. Our journey includes a stop in the town of Otavalo, world-renown for its colorful market featuring authentic handicrafts, weavings, textiles, jewelry and fruits, vegetables and meats destined for locals’ dinner tables. Practice your bargaining skills and perhaps take home a souvenir. Lunch today is at a hosteria, or local country inn. Return to Quito in the evening. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday April 8: Quito

Today visit the rural community to learn their customs and help with a service project. Yunguilla is a rural community located an hour northwest of Quito. Local people have worked hard the last 20 years to develop sustainable alternatives in the community. Their story is inspirational, as they have transformed their community from one which exploited their forests, into a community that is committed to the sustainable use of our natural resources. You will enjoy a lunch with the community and then return to Quito in time to attend Church Mass. After Mass enjoy dinner together as a group.(B,L,D)

Day 5, Sunday April 9: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

This morning fly to Baltra, an island within the Galápagos, then continue on by bus and by barge to the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Primicias Ranch to learn about regional conservation and contribute to its mission by participating in a service project. Your service project could involve reforestation or other projects, depending on the needs of the Reserve. Continue on to Puerto Ayora for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Monday April 10: Isabela Island, Galapagos

Today you will transfer to Isabela Island Flamingo Lagoon to learn more about the impact of human tourists on the islands, and what we can do to protect the natural resources. Later on continue to giant tortoise breeding center and learn about the over 300 tortoises that live here. In the afternoon you will learn more about the human history of Galapagos by visiting the "Wall of Tears". (B,L,D)

Day 7, Tuesday April 11: Isabela Island, Galapagos

This morning visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos with the second largest volcanic crater in the world, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. Then continue on to nearby Volcan Chico where you can feel the warmth of the ground as proof of the volcano’s activity. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Wednesday April 12: Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

This morning we’ll travel to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in both population and size within the Galápagos. Today we’ll visit Charles Darwin Research Station. The Darwin Station is a center for research and environmental education where you will learn about issues concerning the islands and have the opportunity to see giant Galápagos tortoises and their smaller offspring as part of the Station’s breeding program and meet with local people who work at the station . There will be time to explore the village and relax by the waterfront. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Thursday April 13: Guayaquil

It’s time to say goodbye to the Galápagos and fly to Guayaquil. The rest of the day is yours to soak in your last bit of Ecuadorian culture. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Friday April 14: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)