Ecuador and Galapagos

Upon your arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in the charming Quito Old Town. Once the entire group has arrived, we will gather for a brief orientation, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

Get ready to be captivated by Quito's vibrant Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with history and stunning architecture!

We'll begin our immersion at Independence Square, the beating heart of the city. Then, prepare to be dazzled by the Church of La Compañía, a true colonial gem. Step inside to witness its breathtaking golden interior, a masterpiece of Baroque art, before ascending to the dome for panoramic views of the city and Panecillo Hill.

Next, we'll indulge our senses at Yumbos, a charming chocolate store, where you'll savor the magic of Ecuadorian cacao with a delightful tasting experience.

Our journey continues to San Francisco Square, home to Quito's largest colonial structure, the impressive Church of San Francisco. Marvel at its grand altar and subtle Moorish influences that tell centuries of stories.

Finally, we'll ascend to the iconic Panecillo Hill. Here, you'll stand before the towering Virgin of El Panecillo statue and soak in unforgettable panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding Andean landscape.

We'll cap off our day with a delicious, traditional Ecuadorian lunch at Pims del Panecillo, where authentic flavors meet spectacular views. Get ready for a day rich in culture, beauty, and unforgettable moments!

Today, we journey north from Quito along the Panamerican Highway, admiring rolling hills and snow-capped volcanoes. Our first stop is the Quitsato Sundial, the actual "Middle of the World," for a unique cultural experience.

Next, we head to a beautiful Hacienda for an interactive cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes from skilled chefs, then savor your creations for lunch, finishing with famous bizcochos and fresh cocoa. It's a perfect immersion into local culture!

Before reaching our final destination, we'll make a brief visit to the serene San Pablo Lake, nestled between the majestic Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, offering stunning views and a chance to stretch our legs.

Finally, we arrive at the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui in Otavalo. Settle in, relax, and explore its picturesque grounds. Later, we'll gather for a delicious dinner, enjoying the warmth and charm of this welcoming retreat.

Today, we'll delve into the vibrant culture of the Calera community, experiencing the impactful Sumak Warmi Kuna Project which empowers indigenous women through tourism.

You'll participate in two enriching workshops: the SUMAK MUYU Workshop, where you'll learn to craft beautiful tagua necklaces with Marisol Muenala, and the ALLÍ MAKI Workshop, introducing you to the art of traditional manual embroidery and local textile traditions.

For lunch, we'll savor a delicious, traditional meal featuring fresh, organic produce at the Sabores y Tradiciones community dining room.

Afterward, a short walk leads us to a sacred natural water source. Here, the community's Shaman will perform a ceremonial ritual, demonstrating the spiritual and healing power of Pachamama and offering insight into medicinal plants and essences.

This immersive day offers a unique connection to the Calera community's cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage, all while supporting women's empowerment. After a day of profound experiences, we'll return to our charming hacienda.

Today, we dive into the world-famous Otavalo indigenous market, the largest in South America and a vibrant hub of exceptional craftsmanship! At the Plaza de los Ponchos, you'll find rows of colorful stalls brimming with exquisite handmade textiles – ponchos, scarves, blankets, and more – all crafted with age-old techniques.

Beyond textiles, browse stunning jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, and leather goods, each piece reflecting the unique culture of the local Otavalo people. As you explore, enjoy the lively sounds of traditional Andean music, creating an enchanting backdrop to your visit.

After soaking in the market's sights and sounds, we'll return to our hotel in Quito to relax and prepare for our exciting journey to the Galápagos Islands tomorrow!

Today, we fly from Quito to the legendary Galápagos Islands! Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our Horizon staff and transferred to your luxury yacht, your home for this incredible adventure. Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch, and receive a welcome briefing.

In the afternoon, we explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, a geological marvel. Here, you'll witness an extraordinary landscape shaped by ancient lava flows, including unique pahoehoe and 'a'a lava formations.

Get ready to hike across this fascinating terrain, snorkel in the pristine waters, or enjoy a relaxing dinghy ride. Prepare to be amazed by the raw, volcanic beauty of the Galápagos!

Type of Landing: Wet landing (step into shallow water to reach the shore)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Today, we experience the incredible marine life and unique landscapes of the western Galápagos!

In the morning, we explore Vicente Roca Point, a spectacular bay with two coves teeming with life. Get ready to snorkel in these rich waters, keeping an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, rays, pufferfish, and even the fascinating Mola mola (sunfish)! Above water, look for penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, Nazca boobies, and sea lions. No landing here – just pure aquatic immersion.

In the afternoon, we cross the Bolivar Channel to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island. After a dry landing, we'll walk past a lively marine iguana colony and a playful group of sea lions. The highlight? Witnessing the rare flightless cormorant at its nesting site! You might also spot a Galapagos hawk and marvel at the 'a'a lava flows with views of the active La Cumbre volcano. You'll have the option to hike or snorkel here.

Type of Landing: Dry and slippery at low tide
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Today, we continue exploring Isabela Island, discovering unique geological formations and vibrant wildlife!

In the morning, we'll visit Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage site on Isabela. Hike winding trails up to a ridge for wonderful views of the dramatic landscape, including Darwin Volcano and Lake Darwin. Keep an eye out for penguins and flightless cormorants! You'll have options to hike, snorkel, enjoy a dinghy ride, or kayak in this fascinating area.

In the afternoon, we head to Urbina Bay, nestled at the base of Alcedo Volcano. This area showcases a remarkable geological uplift from 1954, where the land rose dramatically, leaving behind a fascinating exposed coral reef. This is also an excellent spot for snorkeling with turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. On land, look for the largest land iguanas in the Galápagos and majestic hawks, with a chance to spot giant tortoises. You can choose to snorkel or hike here.

Type of Landings: Dry and wet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard (AM), Easy (PM)

Today, we delve deeper into the unique ecosystems of Isabela Island!

In the morning, we explore Elizabeth Bay on a tranquil dinghy ride. This bay is a haven for marine life, with numerous islets providing perfect perches for penguins and blue-footed boobies. The clear waters teem with vibrant fish, playful sea lions, sea turtles, and graceful rays. Keep an eye out for herons in the unique mangrove forests of this truly special Galápagos habitat! There's no landing here, just pure immersion in this natural paradise.

In the afternoon, we head to Moreno Point, where a dry landing onto ancient lava flows awaits. This dramatic landscape features fascinating crystal tide pools, offering a window into a hidden world of marine life. Peer into these brackish pools to spot elegant pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. With a keen eye, you might even glimpse white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles swimming within. Here, you can choose to snorkel, enjoy a dinghy ride, or hike across this remarkable volcanic terrain.

Type of Landing: Dry and no landing
Difficulty: Easy (AM, Moderate/Hard (PM)

In the morning, we visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Here, you'll see giant tortoises of all sizes, from tiny hatchlings to massive adults, interacting with each other. Many older tortoises are even accustomed to visitors, offering great photo opportunities. This center plays a vital role in conserving these magnificent creatures by raising babies until they're strong enough to survive in the wild.

After this final incredible visit, you'll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito. Depending on your international flight time, you may wait at the airport or choose to book an additional night with us. We recommend booking international flights departing after 8:30pm to ensure sufficient connection time.Get ready to experience one of the Galápagos' most iconic inhabitants before heading home.

Type of Landings: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard (AM), Easy (PM)