Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Highlands of Ecuador

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Detailed Trip Description

Enjoy 11 Days Highlands of Ecuador Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Baltra Island, Cuenca, Galapagos, Galapagos Isles, Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Quito and Riobamba.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

 
Depart USA - Arrive Quito, Ecuador.
Airport Transfer

Upon arrival in Quito, check into your hotel.

Quito Airport Transfer picture
Relaxation

The balance of the day is free to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

Hotel

Stay at Swissotel (DLX).


Day 2 - Quito

 
Sightseeing

The colonial legacy here is so well preserved that Quito has been designated a World Heritage Cultural Site. The architectural wonder of old churches, monasteries and convents in the ornate colonial baroque will be highlighted on your morning city tour.

Sightseeing

You will also stop at the Equatorial Monu­ment, a 90-foot stone block crowned with a metal globe, and exactly half way between the two poles.

Relaxation

Your afternoon is at leisure.

Food and Dining

Tonight your Tour Director will host a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)


Day 3 - Riobamba

 
Quito - Riobamba.
Train

Transfer to the Tambillo Train Station to board the Chiva Express. This brightly ­colored, one-coach train is like a tour bus on tracks. You might want to ride on the top of the double decker vehicle, enjoying the panoramic view.

National Parks

There are plenty of activities along the way, including a stop at a dairy hacienda. As you skirt Cotopaxi National Park, watch for ­Cotopaxi Vol­cano.

Sightseeing

Travel along the Valley of Lata­cunga to visit a rose plantation and sample local produce. The last part of the journey will be by coach to Rio­bamba. On arrival, visit a Tagua (artisan) workshop. (B,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Abraspungo Hotel (F) or Andaluza Hotel (F).


Day 4 - Cuenca

 
Riobamba - Cuenca.
Sightseeing

A day of incredible scenery as the Chiva Express ­travels through the twists and turns of the Andes and over ravines and gorges. Make a stop in the Indian ­village of Guamote, then head down the switchbacks of Devil’s Nose, one of the world’s great feats of rail engineering.

Sightseeing

The last portion of your journey will be by motorcar, and includes a stop at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. (B,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at Oro Verde (SF).


Day 5 - Guayaquil

 
Cuenca - Guaya­quil.
Sightseeing

A walking tour this morning will show off the charm of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage town. Your tour ends at the colorful flower market.

Commercial Flight

Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to the ­historic port city of Guayaquil. (B,L)

Hotel

Stay at Oro Verde (DLX).


Day 6 - Santa Cruz

 
Guayaquil - Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island.
Commercial Flight

This morning fly to Baltra, one of the remote Galapagos Islands.

Ocean Cruise

Transfer to your ship, the M/V Santa Cruz. Cross the channel to Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayoro.

Hiking

Disembark for an easy hike to Dragon Hill to see land iguanas and a variety of birds, including stilts, flamingos, pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches and flycatchers. (B,L,D)

Hotel

Stay at M/V Santa Cruz (F).


Day 7 - Santiago

 
Bartholome Island - Santiago Island.
Sightseeing

Bartholome Island is best known for its volcanic features. After a short hike past red and white mangroves, saltbushes and cactus, delight in the view.

Snorkeling

Next, stop in a cove with a chance for snorkeling next to Galapagos penguins, the only penguins north of the equator. Perhaps, ride on a glass bottom boat.

Beach

This afternoon visit Santiago Island with its black beach and dramatic rock formations. Watch for fur sea lions, oystercatchers and marine iguanas. (B,L,D)


Day 8 - Santa Cruz

 
Rabida Island - Santa Cruz Island.
Beach

A wet landing on a red beach will show off marine ­iguanas, mockingbirds, finches and more.

Snorkeling

There’s time for snorkeling from the beach before you cruise back to Santa Cruz Island.

Sightseeing

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see the rearing in captivity program for giant tortoises. (B,L,D)


Day 9 - Santa Cruz

 
Santa Cruz Island - North Seymour Island.
Sightseeing

This morning, head up to the highlands to see the scalesia (giant daisy trees) and famous giant tortoise.

Ocean Cruise

Back on board your ship, cruise to North Seymour Island, home to sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and gulls. (B,L,D)


Day 10 - Guayaquil

 
San Cristóbal Island - Guayaquil.
Commercial Flight

Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the islands. After a visit to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, fly back to Guayaquil.

Food and Dining

Your afternoon is free. Tonight your Tour Director will host a Farewell Dinner in a local ­restaurant. (B,D)


Day 11 - Guayaquil

 
Depart Guayaquil - USA.
Airport Transfer

Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in South America. (B)


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