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Elite Galapagos Cruise, Sail the Islands and Explore Ecuador's Volcanoes
Elite Galapagos Cruise, Sail the Islands and Explore Ecuador's Volcanoes
![](https://lux.nicomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ecuador-experience-packhero-1024x554.jpg)
Elite Galapagos Cruise, Sail the Islands and Explore Ecuador's Volcanoes
Adventurous travelers who seek to experience more than traditional tours and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of a magical destination will find our program the perfect fit. We explore the mystical islands of Ecuador, as well as its stunning coastline and lush Andes Mountains.
Starting from: US$6,822
Included
- English-speaking guides
- Services and entrance fees detailed
- Meals as per itinerary
- Permanent assistance
- Luxury class accommodations
Not Included
- All air transportation
- Personal expenses
- Laundry, phone bills, extra expenses
- Medical & travel insurance
This trip is perfect for
Ideal for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and culture explorers. Experience thrilling activities, intimate wildlife encounters, and rich cultural heritage in these stunning destinations. Perfect for eco-tourists and bucket-list tickers looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Complete Itinerary
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Quito Arrival Start your expedition in the captivating city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a committed private guide is available to acquaint you with its richness. Your hotel in the old town’s core makes an ideal starting point for delving into the city’s profoundly ingrained history. Take a leisurely walk around age-old squares, admire the indigenous architecture, and stumble upon various distinct shops and local eateries. Embrace the energetic center of Ecuador – it’s here where your one-of-a-kind journey takes off.
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Upon landing at Baltra Island Airport in the morning, our dedicated staff will be ready to assist and transport you to the first tourist attraction. In the afternoon, prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning allure of Bachas, a beach that stands out as one of the Galapagos’ finest. Famous for its pristine white sands, lounging sea lions, and active crabs, Bachas also holds historical importance as a World War Two American landing site for ‘barges,’ which inspired its name.
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Galapagos Elite Start your day with a stimulating ascent up Prince Philip’s Steps, a natural staircase named after the British Monarch’s visit in 1964. This adventurous climb leads to an awe-inspiring vista. Follow a quaint forest trail to a rocky gorge, home to the elusive Short-eared Owl, Red-footed Boobys, gulls, and other nesting bird species. In the afternoon, explore Darwin Bay. Starting from its coral beach, embark on a trail through numerous seabird colonies, ending at cliffs that host a substantial settlement of red-footed boobies. Be ready to encounter diverse birdlife, including Nazca boobies, great frigatebirds, and the agile mockingbirds.
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Galapagos Elite Start your day at Buccaneer Cove with a thrilling panga ride, showcasing stunning rock formations and nesting birds. Watch out for sea lions, including the rare Galapagos Fur Sea Lion. In the afternoon, explore Puerto Egas, a top Galapagos site with a scenic trail through coastal vegetation. Watch for local wildlife, including finches, Anis, sea lions, and marine iguanas. The rocky coast’s tidal pools may house stingrays, octopuses, and small fish.
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Galapagos Elite Start your day at Black Turtle Cove, home to various mangroves and marine life. On our Zodiac, we see rays, sharks, and sea turtles and observe waterfowl feeding. In the afternoon, explore the Santa Cruz Highlands, featuring seven vegetation zones and giant tortoises.
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Galapagos Elite Departure Begin your day at Isla Lobos, near San Cristobal, a wildlife hotspot with sea lions, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobys, marine iguanas, and lava lizards. Then, embark on your Ecuador mainland journey.
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Guayaquil City Encounters Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, combines colonial charm and modern architecture. Known as the ‘Pacific Pearl,’ it’s a crucial economic hub with its main port. Notable attractions include Miraflores Viewpoint for panoramic city views, Seminario Park – home to various iguanas, a monument to Simon Bolivar, and the neoclassical-baroque Municipal Palace. Guayarte Square supports local entrepreneurs in art, gastronomy, and music, while Panama Street is rich in historical and cultural value, showcasing ancestral cultures and archaeological remains.
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Guayaquil to Cuenta with Cacao Ranch Embark on a scenic tour starting from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s vibrant coastal city. Savor a delicious lunch at the Mango y Cacao Ranch amidst lush surroundings. Post-lunch, head towards the charming town of Cuenca, taking a brief detour to marvel at El Cajas National Park’s natural beauty. Experience a blend of gastronomy, culture, and nature in this unforgettable journey.
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Cuenca City of Artisans Experience the charm of Cuenca, Ecuador’s city of four rivers, known for its pleasant weather and exquisite architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca boasts picturesque urban areas and a rich colonial history. Visit the iconic old cathedral, explore the New Cathedral’s Romanesque and Renaissance styles in Calderon Park, and uncover the origins of the ‘Panama’ hat at the Toquilla Straw Hat Museum. Discover why this city is a cultural, history, and crafts trove.
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Ingapirca Inca Ruins Embark on an early morning journey from your hotel to the revered ruins of Ingapirca – Ecuador’s most significant Inca site. Marvel at the architectural finesse of the Incas as you explore what is believed to have been a ceremonial temple or garrison. Later, immerse yourself in the rich culture of the La Moya indigenous community. Revel in their folkloric music, gain insights into their unique lifestyle, and delight in a delicious local meal shared with them. Conclude your day with a relaxing overnight stay in a charming hacienda.
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Cotopaxi National Park Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s Northern Avenue of the Volcanoes, starting from Riobamba and leading to the iconic Cotopaxi National Park. This park, famously named after its towering 5,897m high active volcano – one of the world’s tallest, is a testament to Ecuador’s rich natural heritage and its commitment to conservation. As the protector of the vital Andean ecosystem, known as the paramo, Cotopaxi is a critical natural reservoir for the lowlands. A guided hike in this extraordinary landscape reveals its unique inhabitants, such as the Cotopaxi hummingbird that survives the harsh climate through nightly hibernation. Explore the diversity of the paramo, home to the spectacled bear, paramo foxes, white-tailed deer, and the majestic Andean Condor. Our exploration also highlights the challenges these species face, threatened by hunting and habitat destruction in this fragile ecosystem.
![](https://lux.nicomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/La-Compania-Church-Quito-scaled.jpg)
Colonial Wonders & a Trip to the Earth’s Center your journey at Plaza Grande, leading to La Compania de Jesus, a revered Baroque architectural marvel. Admire its ornate entrance, gilded interior, and historical significance. Next, head to Quito’s district’s Middle of the World monument. You get to straddle the equatorial line here, a unique photo opportunity. Experience the excitement of standing in both hemispheres simultaneously!
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Quito Departure Today marks the end of your memorable journey in Ecuador. Your guide will accompany you to Quito International Airport, assisting with all necessary procedures to ensure a smooth departure. As you bid farewell to this beautiful country, carry the unforgettable memories and experiences you’ve gathered during your stay.