Penguins and ponchos, iguanas and iglesias, manta rays and marketplaces, Vermilion Flycatchers and verdant landscapes, natural history and native cultures. We've combined the Galapagos Adventure trip with three days of exploring Quito and the Andean highlands to the north. With a private car, driver, and English-speaking guide, you spend a day exploring Quito and visiting the equator where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern. Next you head into the Ecuadorian countryside for a taste of Andean life and native culture. You travel through lush valleys, pass by snow-capped volcanoes, and spend a night at delightful La Mirage, a lovely country inn far, far away from the stresses of everyday life. Designed, built, and tastefully appointed by the owners, Michael Durer and Jorge Espinoza (who personally attend to every detail), Hosteria Las Mirage is set in an herb and flower garden at the base of Volcano Cotocachi just north of Otavalo. This verdant region is dotted with farms growing thousands of exquisite roses for daily shipment to the USA. Here, among ancient highland villages, you can observe Indian life (little changed for centuries) and visit local artisans known for their weaving, woodcarving, and leather work. You return to Quito for an overnight before flying out to the Galapagos where you spend two days on Santa Cruz Island, getting acquainted with the Galapagos and setting the pace for your week-long cruising of the islands. Once on board your yacht, you're in for the experience of a lifetime!
DAY 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador where an Inca Floats' agent will transfer you to Hotel Colon.
DAY 2
With a guide you explore colonial Quito and visit the Equatorial Monument right on the equator. In the late afternoon you will be free to rest, relax, or do a little shopping before the welcome dinner. You will overnight a Hotel Colon.
DAY 3
You head north into the Ecuadorian countryside taking in the scenery, stopping for photos, and visiting villages. En route you may stop at a pre-Incan archaeological dig or visit several craft centers in the charming Lake District, all before arriving at the restful Hosteria La Mirage for the night.
DAY 4
After a leisurely and elegant breakfast you continue to explore the countryside before returning in the late afternoon to Quito where you will overnight at Hotel Colon.
DAYS 5-6
Fly to Galapagos where a licensed naturalist will meet you. During these two days you explore the Santa Cruz highland rain forest, see giant tortoises, and investigate ancient lava tubes. You learn about Galapagos research and enjoy an overnight at charming Hotel Galapagos before boarding the yacht. See 11-Day Galapagos Adventure for more details.
DAYS 6-13
You live aboard the yacht and, with the naturalist, learn about the birds and animals, geology, marine life, and oceanic systems as you explore the islands on daily shore visits. At the end of the week's cruising you board the midday flight to Quito where you transfer to Hotel Colon for dinner and overnight.
DAY 14
Transfer to airport for your flight home.
ISLANDS YOU MAY VISIT
Baltra
Floreana
Hood
James
Mosquera
North Seymour
Rabida
Santa Cruz
Santa Fe
Tower