Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito. Transfer to Plaza Grande Hotel.

Adorning the Independence Square is located The Hotel Plaza Grande. With more than five centuries of history; during the Spanish founding of Quito, the lot where the house sits was given to the famous conqueror Francisco Pizarro, it was the first house to be built during the foundation of the city in the XVI century, later inhabited by the wealthiest and more recognized families of the city, in the early XX century, was the first luxury hotel in the city. From the beginning, this legendary building broke white the homogeneity of the surrounding colonial houses, and today is set apart because unique location in the historic heart of Quito’s main square – The Plaza Grande – boasting impressive views of the Government Palace, the Cathedral Church, and City Hall, as well as the Panecillo Hill in the distance.

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

Check in – 14:00

(-)

Day 2: Wednesday

Breakfast.  Transfer to the airport.

Travel on board the M/V Anakonda, Standard Suite

Flight to Coca.

Itinerary 5days/4nights

Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V ANAKONDA AMAZON CRUISE. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Anakonda, we continue navigating downstream. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast, Box Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: Thursday
Border with Peru (The Heart Of Yasuni)
After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.

After lunch, the M/V Anakonda navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our glamping program.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: Friday
Meeting the Community – Activities on board – Island Exploration
Breakfast on board. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.

We return on board the M/V Anakonda for lunch and a moment to relax while we navigate upstream. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: Saturday
Observation Tower – Limoncocha Biological Reserva
In the morning after breakfast, visit an observation tower 100-feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.

In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights. Return to the M/V Anakonda for dinner.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

Day 6: Sunday
Return
In the morning, disembark the M/V Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito.

Transfer to the hotel

Dinner at  La Belle Epoque Restaurant.

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Breakfast.

Quito city tour is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that have an important historical value. You will admire and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9.350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic Center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of Quito School of sculpture, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. After four incredible hours exploring the Old Town, you’ll understand why Quito was the world’s first city named to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list.

In the afternoon, you will visit: “Cuidad Mitad Del Mundo” and Intiñan Museum. Lunch at El Crater Restaurant. 

• “Ciudad Mitad del Mundo”

“Ciudad Mitad del Mundo” is the touristic, cultural, scientific and commercial smallest city of Ecuador. Its architecture is based on colonial style. An obelisk and a museum relevant to its geographical location were built at the Middle of the World site. All of this is found among the drastic landscape surrounded by nature and modern buildings. The monument is crowned by a metallic sphere that represents the Earth. It is named Equatorial Monument and it geographical orientation coincides with the four cardinal points and is located precisely at Earth’s midpoint — 0 degrees latitude, 0 minutes, 0 seconds.

• Intiñan Museum

Since the year 1960, the Intiñan Museum in Quito has been a center for the promotion of the many aspects of Ecuador’s culture.  This museum offers interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail.

Return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Cruise on board M/C Elite

Flight to Galapagos.

M/C ELITE
Itinerary D
4-Night Cruise

Tuesday – Saturday
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
(B: breakfast/ L: lunch/ D: dinner)

Day 8: Tuesday
AM: Baltra Airport
Arrival to Baltra airport and transfer to the vessel.

PM: Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about
the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
One element of this is a significant breeding programme for Galapagos tortoises, whose
numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s.
These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your
camera for some close-ups.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
( -, L, D)

Day 9: Wednesday
AM: Genovesa – Prince Philip’s Steps / El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a
colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through
the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of
storm petrels launching out over the ocean.
A panga ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance
to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity
if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Genovesa – Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling,
kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks,
rays and a plethora of colourful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and
mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies
and swallow-tailed gulls.
The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the
bay below.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
(B, L, D)

Day 10: Thursday
AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand
beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves.
Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory
birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.
This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of
marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting
history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in
search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for
turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that
provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Egas Port
Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an
excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine
iguanas.

A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations
known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)

Day 11: Friday
AM: Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge,
thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular
nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with
these wonderful creatures.
The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos
that frequent the salt water lagoon behind.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

PM: Twin craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz
The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the
collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims.
From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with
ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees.
Here, Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion
Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear
owl.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)

Day 12: Saturday
AM: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal
Accessed by panga, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made
their home here.
Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and
playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays
as well.
Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies
and frigates.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
San Cristobal Airport
Depart from San Cristobal airport.
(B, -, – )

***End of cruise***
*The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to
weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

Arrival to Quito.  Transfer to Papallacta Spa

Papallacta is famous for its hot springs,. Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.

There are three important reasons to visit “Termas de Papallacta”: Health, recreation & relaxation.  The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment; here we can find nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F).

Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste. The baths’ curative properties are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.

Accommodation: Termas de Papallacta 4*, Suite

(Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Papallacta is famous for its hot springs,. Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.

There are three important reasons to visit “Termas de Papallacta”: Health, recreation & relaxation.

The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment; here we can find nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste.

Continue to Cotopaxi.

Accommodation: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo 4+*

Breakfast/Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Cotopaxi National Park.  Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the observation of the Andean flora.

Return to Quito

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
(Breakfast)