Ecuador-Galapagos Islands
Multi-Sport
Hike, Swim, Snorkel, and Ride Horseback from the Highlands to the Islands
Ecuador is a country of contrasts, remarkable bio-diversity, unique cultural encounters, and rare wildlife sightings. The Galapagos Islands feature emerald-green coves, sunken craters, tree-sized cacti, and a diversity of wildlife found nowhere else. See gigantic tortoises and swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, sea turtles and tropical fish. Then join us in the Andes as we journey among snow-capped volcanoes and explore the spectacular countryside by foot, train and horseback.
Day 1 Quito-Equator. Soon after arrival we transfer to the countryside for a visit to the Equatorial museum and monument. Here you can hop from one hemisphere to the other and back again.
Days 2-6 Galapagos Islands. Experience Charles Darwin's inspiration as we travel on a 90-foot catamaran among this enchanted archipelago. Walk among gigantic tortoises; swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, dolphins, and vibrant tropical fish and witness beauty beyond belief in this exotic volcanic landscape. We explore several of the top islands--Espanola, Floreana, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Plazas and San Cristobal.
Days 7-9 Quito-Cotopaxi-Riobamba. Ride a high-speed tram to the top of Pichincha, Quito's signature volcano. Hike high in the Andes and return for a tour of the colonial city's churches, plazas and historic buildings. Climb to 16,000 feet on Cotopaxi Volcano, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee at the refugio and hike to the toe of a massive glacier. Ride the world-famous Devil's Nose train as it zig-zags down a mountainside past villages and lakes.
Days 10-11 Otovalo-Departure. Feast on the sights and sounds of Otavalo, the oldest and largest indigenous market in all of South America. Return to Quito for our farewell dinner and bid "hasta luego" before departure to the airport on the final morning.
