Trip Overview

Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

May 31 - June 8, 2021

  • Michael Parker
  • 47775
  • DFW
  • 0 days

Announcements & Reminders

  • Welcome to your next travel adventure! Please let us know if you have any questions about this tour. Read More

Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

May 31 - June 8, 2021

Itinerary

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, Monday May 31: 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, Tuesday June 1: 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,D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 2: 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, Thursday June 3: 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 Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve to learn about regional conservation and contribute to its mission by participating in a service project. Your service project could involve reforestation or turtle monitoring efforts, depending on the needs of the Reserve. Continue on to Puerto Ayora for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday June 4: Galapagos

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. In the afternoon we visit Isabela Island and Flamingo Lagoon to learn more about the impact of human tourists on the islands, and what we can do to protect the natural resources. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 5: 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. Return to Puerto Villamil to visit a giant tortoise breeding center and learn about the over 300 tortoises that live here. In the afternoon we’ll go underwater to see the other half of what makes the Galápagos so special on our snorkeling tour at Las Tintoreras. Just beneath the surface is a whole other world filled with tropical fish, sea lions, and sea turtles. It also happens to be the only place in the northern hemisphere that you can see penguins in the wild. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 6: Galapagos

This morning we’ll travel to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in both population and size within the Galápagos. There will be time to explore the village and relax by the waterfront. After lunch we’ll continue to Tortuga Bay, for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing on one of the Galápagos’ most beautiful beaches. And don’t be surprised to see sea turtles, sea lions and flamingos enjoying the sun with you! (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday June 7: Quito

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

Day 9, Tuesday June 8: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)

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