Day 1 Mon: Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the air-
port and transferred to your hotel. The rest
of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 Tue: Quito – City Tour,
Archaeological Museum & Equatorial
Monument
This morning’s tour offers the best of Quito,
with its rich cultural legacy, ornate façades
and dazzling gilt altars. Visit Independence
Square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the
Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very
representative samples of colonial art and
architecture. Continue to visit and relive the
history of Ecuador’s most ancient cultures
in one of the finest archaeological and gold
artifact collections in the Americas. There
are over 1,800 pieces, beautifully arranged
in chronological corridors with explanatory
panels and dioramas. This afternoon, drive a
few miles north of town and visit the famous
Equatorial Monument, marked by geogra-
Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
tail ducks can be seen in a saltwater lagoon
phers as latitude 000’00”. You will have the
This morning, visit Fernandina, the youngest
near the beach. In the saltbushes that encir-
opportunity to straddle the two hemispheres
and westernmost island in the Galapagos.
cle the lagoon, brown pelicans build their
at the same time. (B)
Travel around Punta Espinoza, a narrow
nests. Walking up to the southeastern part
stretch of land where some of the most
of the island, there is an observatory from
Day 3 Wed: Quito / Otavalo / Quito
unique Galapagos species can be seen.
which the startling red color of the beach
The Chaski Antawa Train (messenger train)
Marine iguanas congregate here in larger
and the rocks can be appreciated. (BLD)
rides on the railroad built at the beginning
groups than on any other island. You will take
of the 20th century connecting the northern
the train inland and find two different types
Day 7 Sun: Galapagos Islands Cruise
highlands with the tropical coast. From Ibarra,
of lava flows. At the tip of one of the small
– Charles Darwin Research Station &
the train climbs down to the warm, dry val-
peninsulas, flightless Cormorants are to be
Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz Island
ley of Ambuqui, going through sugar cane
found. This afternoon, visit Isabela Island, the
Today’s excursion takes you to Santa Cruz,
plantations, magical landscapes, and tunnels,
largest island in the archipelago. It is made
the second-largest island in the Galapagos.
and crossing bridges that span large canyons
up of six shield volcanoes that have merged
The small town of Puerto Ayora is the
and gullies. The 26-km ride to Salinas plunges
into a single land mass. The highest point of
economic center of the archipelago. The
from 2,200 down to 1,500 meters above
the islands is Wolf Volcano. Your boat will
Charles Darwin Research Station and the
sea level (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in only about
sail through Bolivar Channel to reach this
Galapagos National Park offices are based
2 hours. LUNCH at Salinas´ social project
site. Whales and dolphins are usually seen in
here. Scientists and park rangers equally
restaurant with high quality standards. Other
the waters surrounding the island. Also visit
contribute to the conservation of the islands
sites include the village of Mascarilla; an Afro-
Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an
and make a huge effort to preserve this
Ecuadorian community known for its unique
anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research
clay masks. Visit Otavalo Indigenous Market.
trail is an upward climb that goes through
station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing
Back to Quito. (B)
the typical dry vegetation zone and offers
center, where tortoises are prepared to re-
spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater
enter their natural habitats. In the afternoon,
Day 4 Thu: Quito / Baltra – Galapagos
crater lake. (BLD)
visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), a flamingo
Islands Cruise – Bartolomé
lagoon that gives a colorful touch to the
You will be assisted and transfered to the
Day 6 Sat: Galapagos Island Cruise
scene. You will then follow a trail that leads
airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon
– Puerto Egas, James Island & Rabida
to a small hill where land iguanas live and
arrival, transfer to the pier to board the
Island
nest. (BLD)
MV GALAPAGOS LEGEND. This afternoon,
In the morning, visit Puerto Egas (James Bay),
visit to Bartolomé, which is famous for its
located on the northwestern side of James
Day 8 Mon: Galapagos Islands Cruise
Pinnacle Rock, the most representative
Island. The landing is on a black beach, with
– Baltra / Quito
landmark of the Galapagos. Precariously
eroded rock formations in the background.
Arrive in Baltra this morning. Transfer to
walking at the base of Pinnacle Rock are
The trail crosses the dry interior, where
the airport for your flight back to mainland
the Galapagos Penguins, one of the smallest
the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can
Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to
species of penguin and the only species of
still be seen, and then continues along the
your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.
penguin found north of the Equator. Climb to
coast. Inter-tidal pools are home to a variety
Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening at a local
the highest point of the island for panoramic
of invertebrate organisms. In the afternoon,
restaurant. (BD)
views. (BLD) (Note: Itinerary is subject to
continue to Rabida Island. One of the special
Day 9 Tue: Depart Quito
change without prior notice)
features of Rabida Island is its remarkable
Depart Quito for North America this morn-
red color, which is a result of the high per-
Day 5 Fri: Galapagos Islands Cruise
ing. (B)
centage of oxidized iron in the composition
– Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island /
of the lava. Flamingos and white-cheeked pin-
Contact your travel agent or SITA World Tours at 800.421.5643
www.sitatours.com 19
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