A division of the Atlas Travel Network
Collette Tours Authorized Representative
1-800-942-3301
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip. Cruise aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend Cruise Meals 10 Breakfast(s), 6 Lunch(es), 7 Dinner(s) Hotel Accommodations: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service chargesMIAMICrowne Plaza Miami International Airport OTAVALOHacienda Pinsaqui or Hacienda Cusin QUITOSwissotel GUAYAQUILOro Verde Hotel Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling. Sightseeing Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador - Tour Begins Ecuador is a country of rich indigenous cultures and spectacular natural scenery. From the moment you land in Quito, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, until your departure from Guayaquil, you will delight in one stunning vista after another. A highlight of your tour is sure to be a five-day cruise of the lush tropical landscapes of the Galapagos, teeming with exotic wildlife, including fur seals, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Today, arrive in Quito, a lovely city overlooking the green and gray peaks of the Andes. Day 2 Quito - Otavalo Travel north to the province of Imbabura, an enchanting region characterized by lakes and farmlands. Here you will see how traditions thrive as local artisans create “Mazapan” bread dough figurines and talk about their unique art form. This evening enjoy accommodations at a 300-year-old Andean hacienda. These colonial estates hold an important place in the history of Ecuador and offer warm hospitality and Old World elegance to travelers from around the world. This evening, an introductory lecture is followed by a welcome reception and dinner. Day 3 Otavalo This morning, travel through lush valleys and stunning highlands to a rose plantation hacienda for a tour. Surrounded by the colors and fragrance of roses, you will learn about the varieties and production of one of Ecuador''s major exports. Afterwards, take in the sights and sounds of the famous Otavalo Market as you browse the colorful displays of yarns, blankets, ponchos, panama hats and much more. Get to know some of the local people and customs during a lunch followed by a folkloric show featuring indigenous music and dance. Then, watch local artisans create high-quality apparel using traditional techniques and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of “helado de paila,” a local ice cream specialty. Day 4 Otavalo - Andes Mountain Train - Quito The breathtaking beauty of the Andes is on display today. Begin your day with an unforgettable train ride through this region’s mountainous landscapes. On your descent from 7,220 feet to 4,920 feet, view fertile valleys of fruit and sugar plantations and typical indigenous villages. Your train ride ends in the community of Salinas where a lunch is held featuring regional specialties as well as cheerful, traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance. This evening return to Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Day 5 Quito Quito’s mild climate and dramatic mountain landscapes make it a pleasure to explore. Spend your morning touring the charming colonial center where you will see the Presidential Palace and 17th-century church of La Compania with its breathtaking gilded altars. Next, visit the Equatorial Line Monument and Museum where you will cross from one hemisphere into another! The remainder of the day is at leisure so you can experience this historic city on your own. Day 6 Quito - Baltra Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship - Bartholome Island Today begins your adventure in the Galapagos! A morning flight* takes you to beautiful Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. Upon arrival you will enjoy lunch aboard the m/v Galapagos Legend. This afternoon, disembark at Bartholome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic formations. At the summit of the island, enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit and see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tequila, and various cacti enroute. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel to see Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks — from a safe distance! Day 7 Isabela Island (Urbina Bay) - Fernandina Island (Espinosa Point) Explore Isabela Island where you will visit the incredible fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season, you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants along the beach. After the nature walk, snorkel in the warm waters of Urbina Bay. Sail on to wondrous Fernandina Island, where you will see oversized marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions sharing the beach with Galapagos penguins. In addition to the diverse wildlife, look for brachycereus cacti, dramatic lava formations and vast mangrove beds that extend into the sea. Day 8 Santiago (Egas Port) - Rabida (Jervis) Today you will explore Santiago, whose landscape is characterized by tuff-stone layers and lava flows. Birdwatchers will want to look out for hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons, and oyster catchers. You may also see marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, fur seals frolicking in deep pools of cool water, and coral-colored crabs teetering along the rocky shore. Your next stop is the island of Rabida, the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. The island’s volcanic beach is covered in dark red sand and sea lions. During your exploration you will hike to the scenic salt water lagoon, frequented by graceful flamingos. If you are visiting between July and September, you are likely to see brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. The eccentric boobies and nine species of Darwin’s finches can also be observed here. Cap off your day of sightseeing stargazing from the deck. With no lights around to spoil their splendor the night sky is especially vivid. Day 9 Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station) - Santa Cruz (Highlands) Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a world-class facility where international scientists conduct biological research and conservation projects. See the famous giant tortoises that are part of the station’s breeding program. Later, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit breathtaking Cerro Chato, where you’ll find more of the giant tortoises that gave the islands their name. These gentle giants are sure to impress you with their size and humble beauty. Finally, you may choose to walk inside the dormant lava tubes for an incredible glimpse into the turbulent formation of these islands. Day 10 Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach) - Disembark Ship - Baltra Island - Guayaquil Today you will experience Bachas Beach, a stunning white sand beach located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Among the sand and surf, you’re bound to find many of the sea birds, marine iguanas and sea turtles that make their home at Bachas Beach. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Later, return to the Galapagos Legend to check out and transfer back to Baltra´s airport. Your afternoon flight* brings you to Guayaquil, Ecuador''s largest city. Day 11 Guayaquil - Quito Known as the "Pearl of the Pacific", Guayaquil is a bustling coastal community. Your city tour showcases the picturesque waterfront area of Malecon 2000 and the 19th-century neighborhood of Las Peñas, with its colorful, Spanish-style wooden houses. From Santa Ana Hill, enjoy magnificent views of the city below and the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Your tour highlights the architecture, traditions and customs of the Ecuadorian coastal region. Finally, visit the Botanical Garden where you can observe over 73 bird species and 60 species of butterflies. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Day 12 Quito - Tour Ends Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Experience the enchantment and natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
Educational Highlights in the Galapagos:The Galapagos Islands offer a dramatic geological history and one of the world's most remarkable collections of plant and animal life. On your exciting voyage, local naturalists will provide insight into its fascinating wildlife and history during onboard lectures and guided nature walks through this unique chain of islands. Learn about the Galapagos sea birds, including the blue-footed booby and the Galapagos penguin, and why they are considered some of the most unusual birds in the tropics. Explore the mysteries of the islands' amazing marine animals. Discover why whales dive so deeply in the water, how sea lions hold their breath for extended periods of time, and how dolphins are able to communicate so effectively. Listen to entertaining stories about Charles Darwin's acclaimed voyage, as well as some of the colorful, trailblazing settlers who once called the Galapagos their home. Learn about the history of Ecuador and how Spanish forces succeeded in toppling the Inca Empire in the early 16th-century, as part of the discovery and conquest of the new world. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.
The internal flights on this program (to and from Baltra Island, Galapagos; to/from the Amazon and from/to Miami) are not included in the land price and must be purchased with the air portion of your vacation. Taxes/fees to be paid in USD or local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $41 USD from Quito and approximately $26 USD from Guayaquil. The normal daily schedule when on board the ship consists of a shore excursion immediately following breakfast, return aboard for lunch, and an afternoon shore excursion. Transfers to/from the boat are by small boats called "pangas." Landings are either "dry" or "wet," and you may have to wade ashore in shallow water. At all times you are accompanied by your naturalist guide. Shore excursions normally last 2 - 2 1/2 hours each. In some cases, the terrain can be a little strenuous. Passengers should consult their physician should they have any concerns regarding their physical condition. Complete passport information is required 60 days prior to departure to confirm flight arrangements to the Galapagos Islands. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and medical inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. Children must be 7 years or older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. In addition, temperatures on this tour can be very high, so bring adequate sun protection. If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. Highest elevation: Quito at approximately 8,550 feet. Suggested tipping on board cruise: $12 USD per person, per day, for the on-board crew and $8 per person, per day, for the naturalist guides. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
© 2008 Atlas Cruises & Tours. A division of the Atlas travel network.
Site Map | Operators: Collette |Contiki |Cosmos |General Tours |Globus |Insight |Trafalgar