Ecuador
& The Galapagos Islands – Gateway to the Galapagos
Quito,
Otavalo Valley and The Galapagos Islands
Daily
Itinerary
Day
One
Arrive
in Quito
Upon
arrival at the Quito Airport, an Adventures by Disney representative
meets you and escorts you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists
with your luggage and brings you to the JW Marriott Hotel.
JW
Marriott Hotel
Welcome
to Quito, also known as "The Middle of the World"! This luxury hotel
in the capital of Ecuador is surrounded by spellbinding views of the
magnificent, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes outside of the city. Sit back
and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. If your flight
arrives earlier in the day, opt to have a family dinner in the hotel.
Meals
Included: None
Day
Two
Welcome
Breakfast
Meet
your fellow adventurers and Adventure Guides during an exclusive breakfast at
the hotel. Say "Buenos días!" and fuel up for a day of excitement.
Quitsato
Equator Sundial
Stand
at the center of the world as you visit this enormous sundial. A local expert
introduces you to the monument and its history. Sitting precisely on the equator,
the sundial marks not just the location but the cultural identity of Ecuador.
Lunch
at Molino San Juan
Begin
lunch with a hands-on, biscuit-baking class as you whip up the golden brown bizcochos
that Ecuadorians adore for dessert. Then gather for a story about
Ecuadorian cuisine as you savor a traditional lunch featuring a special
presentation of their famous quinoa, as well as aji "hot"
sauce that's made with peppers, cilantro, garlic, onion and lime.
Arrive
at Hacienda Cusín
Climb
aboard a motor coach for a 30-minute drive as you head to Hacienda Cusín
(elevation 8,500 feet above sea level), a 17th-century hacienda and estate
brimming with Spanish colonial charm. Wander the vivid gardens and delight in
the many bird species.
Welcome
Greeting at the Hotel
The
hacienda's staff greets you with a glass of juice before you head off on a tour
of the grounds. Learn about the history of this grand estate in the Andean
Highlands as your Adventure Guides check you in. Folkloric Dance Show Traditional
dancers welcome you in the grassy courtyard as you sip hot canelazo, a
delicious cinnamon and sugar cane liqueur_or enjoy the non-alcoholic version if
you prefer! Join the jubilant show as the dancers in their brilliantly hued
costumes draw you into the joyous swirl.
Welcome
Dinner at the Hacienda
Meet in
the private dining room of El Monasterio for an exclusive three-course meal of
Ecuador's robust and piquant cuisine!
Evening Activities at the Hacienda
Enjoy this evening and head to the game room or relax
and read by the fire in this one-of-a-kind retreat.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Three
Depart
Cusín
Have a
leisurely breakfast at the hacienda before you board the motor coach for an
excursion to the indigenous village of Peguche.
Peguche
Waterfalls Nature Walk
Follow
the path through a leafy forest as your Adventure Guides share the lore and
legends of the misty waterfalls that cascade like white diamonds down the
mountainside.
Private
Flute Making and Musical Demonstration
Create
your own keepsake when you make a wooden Andean flute with a famous musical
family. Then learn about the variety of panflutes and other instruments that
make the joyful music of Ecuador during an exclusive musical demonstration.
Lunch
at Mindala Cultural Center
Step
back in time in this center as you learn about the local traditions and
artistry of the Otavalo Valley. Then delight in a hearty dish of traditional
Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with special care at this restaurant set in a local
home.
Mindala
Weaving Demonstration
Discover
why the woven handcrafts of Ecuador are world-famous for their bold colors and
dazzling craftsmanship during this weaving demonstration. Join in the weaving
process with these expert artisans as they also teach you the secrets of how
the diverse dyes are created.
Otavalo
Market
Lose
yourself in this magnificent market of vivid artistry and master craftsmanship!
Practice your bartering skills as you interact with the sellers and unearth
great finds at this renowned marketplace.
On
Your Own at the Hacienda
Return
to the hacienda to unwind from your day with a bit of biking*, hiking or
horseback riding*. Relax with a cool beverage under the shade of a eucalyptus
tree. Or even visit the stables and learn about the famous breeds of Andean horses.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Kite
Making
In this
very special demonstration, meet locals from the community who will teach you
how to make an Andean kite in this hands-on, interactive experience.
Dinner
and Exclusive Pizza Party at the Hacienda
While
adults dine at their leisure in the hacienda dining room, Junior Adventurers
break away for a special pizza party! Grownups are invited to join if they
choose. *Available at an additional cost.
Meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Four
Drive to Hacienda Zuleta
Have a hearty breakfast at the hacienda before heading
out on motor coach to Hacienda Zuleta.
Condor Project and Kite Flying
Hear about the history and important work in progress
at the Condor Huasi Rehabilitation Project. Located on the grounds of Hacienda
Zuleta, this initiative is saving these regal birds from the threat of
extinction. Then take your kite and fly it above the lush grasses that blanket
over ancient pyramids buried beneath the ground.
Hacienda Zuleta Tour
Built on what was once the location of a Caranqui
pyramid, this gorgeous hacienda and working farm sits like a jewel in the
emerald fabric of the surrounding countryside. Tour the grounds, which include
a cheese farm, organic garden, trout farm, horse stables and embroidery shop.
Lunch at Zuleta
Feast on farm-fresh foods including cheeses made at the
hacienda for this bountiful buffet lunch! A local expert joins you to continue
telling tales about this site and its history of Incan and Spanish invasions.
After lunch, feel free to admire the unique embroidery work at the shop, or
explore some other part of the hacienda at your leisure.
Cooking Lesson at Hacienda Cusín
Return to Cusín for an exclusive culinary demonstration
to create a rich, homemade ice cream, crunchy empanadas and an unbelievably
delicious banana fritter appetizer!
BBQ Dinner in the Courtyard
Join this private outdoor cookout in the winsome,
old-world courtyard as the hacienda cooks up a variety of BBQ meats, especially
succulent pork and veal sausages. Vegetarian options are also available.
Disney Movie Night
Time for adults to take a break at the hacienda from
the day's activities while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks
and soft drinks! If grownups prefer, they can join in on the fun.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day
Five
Fly
to The Galapagos Islands
Take a
breakfast box to go as your Adventure Guides bring you to Quito for your flight
to Baltra, where upon landing you and your fellow adventurers will unwind in
the V.I.P. lounge before boarding your ship.
Welcome
Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Climb
into the dinghy for a short ride to the ship. Then ascend the staircase to
board this elegant vessel that's the best in both comfort and communication with
scientists. The ship is 293 feet long and carries a total of 100 passengers,
including several bilingual naturalist guides. Share your shipboard experiences
with people from all walks of life as you sail into adventure!
Lunch
on the Ship
Gather
in the main dining room for your first meal at a luscious buffet lunch.
Orientation
and Drill
Hit the
deck for a lifeboat drill and ship orientation to make your sailing as smooth
as possible.
Santa
Cruz Island and Dragon Hill Hike
On a
privately guided tour, hike along the beach of this verdant. Watch for the slim
necks and legs of bright pink flamingos perched in the waters as you make your
way to the red volcanic sands of Dragon Hill, where iguanas scurry over the
rocky surfaces.
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal.
You and your fellow adventurers are the first to be seated.
Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of
night's glittering tapestry as a guide describes the legends, lore and
scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the
possible activities that happen each day while sailing through the islands
.
Day
Six
Journey
to Bartolomew Island
Have
breakfast at your leisure in the ship's dining room before disembarking for a
hiking tour of rugged Bartolomew Island.
Hiking
Expedition
Hike
through the volcanic landscape like the young Charles Darwin did in 1835. The
island teems with life as you encounter elusive iguanas and birds of every
feather, not to mention the unusual cactus plants. As you hike with a private
naturalist, marvel at the panoramic view of the sapphire waters, reddish sands
and fabulous peaks of the archipelago.
Snorkeling
in Paradise
Submerge
yourself in an exotic underwater world where tropical fish swish through
feathery floral tendrils and rocky crags as sea lions and penguins play in the
waves. Then spend some time on the broad beach exploring the fascinating rock
formations that crouch at the water's edge.
Lunch
Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return
to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Save
the Ocean Seminar and Cocktail Lessons
Meet a
naturalist with your fellow adventurers and other ship passengers for an
informative talk about the efforts of Ecuador to save the ocean's many valuable
resources. Then attend a cocktail-making lesson from the bartender where you
learn how to prepare special island-themed concoctions.
Main
Bridge Tour
Come
for a private meet-and-greet with the Captain of this impressive ship at the
main bridge and learn how he keeps everything even keel for the smoothest
sailing possible.
Journey
to Santiago Island
Hike
across the fourth largest island of the Archipelago, and witness a spectacular
array of wildlife across the terrain. The mottled Galapagos hawk, coppery lava
lizards, smoky fur seals, blue heron and other creatures abundantly populate
the shores and inland areas. Dive into the waters for an otherworldly
snorkeling escapade that shows you even sweeter sea mysteries. Then stroll the
dark sand beaches that make up this dramatic landscape.
Dinner
Aboard the Ship
Be
seated together with your fellow adventurers before everyone else on the ship
for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.
Meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the
possible activities that happen each day while sailing through the islands.
Day
Seven
Journey
to Fernandina Island
After a
buffet breakfast on the ship, hike over the pristine terrain of one of the most
active volcanoes on earth during a privately guided tour. Venture into one of
the largest populations of multicolored marine iguanas with their scaly hides
and thick, swishy tails as they swim. And don't miss your chance to see the
flightless cormorant, one of the world's rarest birds!
Lunch
Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return
to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Naturalist
Talk
Join
fellow adventurers and other ship passengers to hear more from a naturalist
about the animals of this unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's
revolutionary theories of evolution and natural selection.
Snorkeling
Ride
out on a dinghy off the coast of Isabela Island for a truly thrilling swim into
the deeper mysteries. Feel the awe of nature's beauty as you swim with sea
lions, penguins and sea turtles. After snorkeling, join a naturalist in a
dinghy for a boat tour around the coast of the island.
Junior
Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While
adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their
own pizzas.
Disney
Movie Night
Adults
can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks
and soft drinks.
Meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This
itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each
day whilst sailing through the islands.
Day
Eight
Privately
Guided Tour of North Seymour Island
After
breakfast, ride a dinghy boat from the ship to take a privately guided tour of
this island. Although smaller than the others, this island is superabundant
with wildlife_such as flocks of blue-footed boobies and the scarlet-throated
frigate birds who swoop down to steal their food. Pelicans and penguins crowd
the shores, along with barking sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls.
Snorkeling
Escape
into the waters one last time for an unforgettable glimpse of the amazing array
of sea creatures and underwater flora.
Lunch
Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return
to the ship in the main dining room to devour lunch as you exchange tales of the
morning's exploration and sail to Santa Cruz Island.
Tour
of Santa Cruz Island
Roam
this island with a private naturalist and explore inside the rocky lava tubes
left by the liquid magma of the volcanoes. Meanwhile the giant Galapagos
tortoises show you the leisurely life as they ramble across the land. Follow
their lead as you discover the powerful sights and sounds of Darwin's paradise.
Dinner
on the Ship
Savor
one last dinner prepared by the chefs on the ship with your fellow adventurers
in the main dining room.
Meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This
itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each
day whilst sailing through the islands.
Day
Nine
Visit
to San Cristóbal Island
Start
the day with a hearty buffet breakfast onboard the ship, then disembark to
visit the town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover scientific history at this
place where Charles Darwin first disembarked from his famous voyage on the
"Beagle." At the Interpretation Educational Center of the Galapagos,
learn about the cultural and geological history of the archipelago.
Shopping
Time On Your Own
Indulge
in a bit of souvenir seeking at the island shops before saying goodbye to the
Galapagos and boarding the plane back to Quito.
Journey
Back to Quito
Fly
back to Quito and enjoy lunch on the plane as your return to Quito. After you
land, your Adventure Guides once again check you into the JW Marriott Hotel for
the evening.
Farewell
Dinner in Quito
Meet
with your fellow adventurers for this final feast in Ecuador. A surprise awaits
as you relive together the highlights of your trip.
Traditional
Ecuadorian Musical Entertainment
Sway
with the rhythms that rock the Andean mountains at this exclusive musical show
featuring Ecuadorian musicians. They even give music lessons to all who want to
try playing the pipes!
Meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This
itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each
day whilst sailing through the islands.
Day
Ten
Breakfast
at the JW Marriott Hotel
Enjoy
one last meal in Ecuador before your departure. Transfer to Airport Board
pre-arranged transportation to the airport and say "Adiós" until you
return again!
Meals
Included: Breakfast