Wonders of the wild!
Experience Quito & The Galapagos Upgrade
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7+
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Enchanting Ecuador
Blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, tortoises, penguins...see some of the most incredible wildlife up close with this 7, 8 or 9-night vacation in Ecuador. You'll also spend time in the capital of Quito, once called "the City of the Heavens." With this upgrade, enjoy a city tour in Quito and a full-day tour in the Galapagos.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Quito (UIO), out of Baltra (GPS)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Ibis Quito or similar
- One-way, economy-class flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS)
- Santa Cruz Highlands Tour (en-route to Puerto Ayora hotel)
- 5 nights in Puerto Ayora at the Hotel Deja Vu or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Quito City Tour
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
*The boat tour depends on passenger numbers, weather conditions and National Park regulations. During the boat tour one of the named islands will be visited, in certain circumstances other visitor spots may be offered. The decision which island will be visited is made by the National Park administration and can’t be influenced by the passenger.
**Please note additional fees to be paid in destination:
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $100.00 (USD) per person; Please note effective August 24, 2024 this rate will increase to $200 USD
- Galapagos Transit Control Card - $20.00 (USD) per person
Great Ways to Explore
-
Begin your journey in the second-highest capital in the world, Quito! This beautiful colonial city is perched high above the Andes.
- Enjoy a city tour in Quito taking you through its astonishingly well-preserved historic center and entrance to two churches.
-
Be Darwin for a few days as you explore the wonders of the Galapagos, an archipelago of 20 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
-
Spend a relaxing afternoon on the white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay, home to marine iguanas, pelicans, and the occasional flamingo!
-
Eat your way through Ecuador! Indulge in traditional dishes like encebollado, locro de papa, and llapingachos.
Embark on a thrilling adventure to two of Ecuador's gems: Quito and the Galapagos Islands! From delicious cuisine in the capital to friendly wildlife, you'll see and experience it all on this bucket list vacation.
Fly into Quito, nicknamed "the City of the Heavens" as it is perched high above the Andes. Explore the astonishingly preserved historic center on an included tour and indulge in local specialties like llapingachos, little corn cakes stuffed with cheese.
From Quito, fly to Santa Cruz Island in the stunning Galapagos! Watch sea lions play in the water and get up close to giant tortoises in this wildlife paradise. Enjoy a tour of the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) and a full-day boat tour to one of the Galapagos smaller islands.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Quito (UIO), out of Baltra (GPS)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Quito at the Hotel Ibis Quito or similar
- One-way, economy-class flight from Quito (UIO) to Baltra (GPS)
- Santa Cruz Highlands Tour (en-route to Puerto Ayora hotel)
- 5 nights in Puerto Ayora at the Hotel Deja Vu or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Quito City Tour
- Full-day boat excursion, with lunch*
*The boat tour depends on passenger numbers, weather conditions and National Park regulations. During the boat tour one of the named islands will be visited, in certain circumstances other visitor spots may be offered. The decision which island will be visited is made by the National Park administration and can’t be influenced by the passenger.
**Please note additional fees to be paid in destination:
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $100.00 (USD) per person; Please note effective August 24, 2024 this rate will increase to $200 USD
- Galapagos Transit Control Card - $20.00 (USD) per person
Great Ways to Explore
-
Begin your journey in the second-highest capital in the world, Quito! This beautiful colonial city is perched high above the Andes.
- Enjoy a city tour in Quito taking you through its astonishingly well-preserved historic center and entrance to two churches.
-
Be Darwin for a few days as you explore the wonders of the Galapagos, an archipelago of 20 islands in the Pacific Ocean.
-
Spend a relaxing afternoon on the white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay, home to marine iguanas, pelicans, and the occasional flamingo!
-
Eat your way through Ecuador! Indulge in traditional dishes like encebollado, locro de papa, and llapingachos.
Package Overview
Embark on a thrilling adventure to two of Ecuador's gems: Quito and the Galapagos Islands! From delicious cuisine in the capital to friendly wildlife, you'll see and experience it all on this bucket list vacation.
Fly into Quito, nicknamed "the City of the Heavens" as it is perched high above the Andes. Explore the astonishingly preserved historic center on an included tour and indulge in local specialties like llapingachos, little corn cakes stuffed with cheese.
From Quito, fly to Santa Cruz Island in the stunning Galapagos! Watch sea lions play in the water and get up close to giant tortoises in this wildlife paradise. Enjoy a tour of the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) and a full-day boat tour to one of the Galapagos smaller islands.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
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Package ID: PK-GC4P-EQTG-UIO
Day 1. Welcome to Quito!
Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Quito is set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. Quito has a total of 86 churches and monasteries, giving it the name of the “Convent of America."
Spend your first night in Quito trying the local cuisine like hornado (roasted pork) and llapingachos (corn cakes). The more adventurous eaters should try cuy (guinea pig)!
Transfer to Quito hotel
Quito,
Ecuador
1 of 2 hotels
A walkable 1.3 miles from El Ejido Park and even closer to attractions such as La Carolina Park, Foch Square, and the Ecuador Natural Science Museum, Hotel Ibis Quito is the ideal place to stay while visiting the area. Enjoy a comfortable stay in your cozy guestroom after a full day of excursions and exploring. With this hotel's close proximity to excellent restaurants, museums, and more, this property is the ideal base from which to explore Quito.
Quito,
Ecuador
2 of 2 hotels
Keeping guests happy and comfortable for 30 years, Hotel Embassy is an excellent choice if you want to stay close to the city. Located only a short walk from Foch Square, popping out for a quick lunch or a walk through the park has never been easier. Less than half a mile from the Artisanal Market and El Patio de Comedias Theater, leisure time is easy to enjoy regardless of transportation.
The hotel offers amenities such as an on-site restaurant, bar/coffee shop, and room service. Grab a shuttle into the city or stop by the tour desk to pick up tickets to see a show. Whatever way you enjoy your stay, the friendly staff are ready to help make it perfect.
Day 2. Quito
In the morning, enjoy a tour of Quito's Old Town! Admire its picturesque plazas and get two visit two magnificent churches: Compania de Jesus and the Church of St. Francis.
Quito lies 15 miles south of the equator - this afternoon, consider heading just outside of the city to La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Take a photo standing on the equator line and visit the small accompanying museum.
In the evening, return to Quito's old town and head to Calle La Ronda, a narrow cobbled street. Here you'll find some of the tastiest Ecuadorian treats to end a day of sightseeing!
Quito City Tour
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito's religious and cultural sights! Breathe in the colonial history of Ecuador as you walk the streets of Quito, where the local culture welcomes you with beauty and intrigue. On your walk, let your guide explain the city's culturally diverse history.
Take a closer look at the heart of Quito: Independence Square with the Government and Bishops Palace, the Museum of the Cathedral and the Cathedral. On the way to San Francisco Square, visit the church of La Compañia, which has an ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. Afterwards, get to know the church of San Francisco.
*On Sundays, the visits of the churches might be restricted due to religious services.
Day 3. Quito
Today is yours to explore Quito on your own. For spectacular views over Quito's mountainous landscape, hop aboard the cable car known as TelefériQo, which takes you on a 10-minute ride to the top of Cruz Loma.
For a dose of art and culture, see the magnificent works of pre-Hispanic and colonial religious art at Ecuador's National Museum or learn more about Quito's history at the City Museum.
In the evening, head to Plaza Santo Domingo to watch the street performers along with quitenos (as Quito's residents are known). This plaza is absolutely breathtaking at night!
Plaza Santo Domingo • Quito
Day 4. Quito - Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island
Depart Quito and fly to Baltra Island! From the airport, take a bus to the Itabaca Canal where you will board a ferry to the other side of Santa Cruz island.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Archipelago and is the most important harbor. Colonized since the 1920s, Puerto Ayora is the main tourist hub and is home to the Galapagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
En route to your accommodation, enjoy a tour of the Santa Cruz highlands where you will see the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos)!
Transfer to Quito airport (UIO)
Fly to Baltra!
Transfer to Puerto Ayora hotel
Puerto Ayora,
Ecuador
1 of 2 hotels
Hotel Deja Vú is an adults only hotel in Puerto Ayora. The hotel boasts a bar and restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. Free American breakfast is included with your stay. All rooms are air conditioned and include free toiletries. If you're interested in a beach day, Playa de la Estación is within walking distance, and Playa de los Alemanes is a 10 minute drive away. Spend a day exploring Galápagos National Park, only 2,650 feet from the hotel, or take a stroll to the downtown area. Whatever adventure you choose, you'll be satisfied with your decision to stay at Hotel Deja Vú.
Puerto Ayora,
Ecuador
2 of 2 hotels
This boutique hotel in Puerto Ayora has just 16 rooms, offering a quiet and comfortable stay. It boasts a poolside bar and restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All rooms are equipped with complementary toiletries, a flat screen television, and free WiFi. Just a 12 minute walk away is the beach, plus a slew of waterfront bars and restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, the Galápagos National Park is just over 8 miles away. Whatever adventure you choose, Villa Laguna will provide a comfortable stay.
Santa Cruz Highlands Tour (en-route to Puerto Ayora hotel)
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and see the Twin Craters, also known as Los Gemelos. Located side by side and connecting Puerto Ayora to Baltra, the magnificent Twin Craters were formed as a result of the collapse of the crust into the crater. There are many craters of this type in this area, signaling the possibility that these craters are all elements of the same fissure.
The vegetation of this area is dominated by Scalesia trees, giving the whole landscape a lush green feel. See a lava tunnel and take a short walk where you can observe the famous giant tortoise in its natural environment.
Day 5. Santa Cruz Island
Pack lots of sunscreen and water because today you are going on a full-day boat excursion to one of the Galapagos Islands! Depending on time of year and availability, you will visit either North Seymour, South Plaza, Bartholomew, Santa Fe or Dragon Hill. Each island is unique and offers plenty of opportunity for exploration.
Full-day boat excursion, with lunch
On this full-day boat excursion, visit one of the Galapagos islands and witness the astonishing wildlife all around you. Enjoy lunch on board.
You will visit one of the following islands:
- North Seymour: Located North of Baltra, North Seymour is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies and Frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies are found on the flat area near the coast and nest from May to November. Continuing the trail to the interior, stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Frigatebirds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a Frigatebird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigate bird for food.
- South Plaza: This island is famous for its extraordinary flora like the towering cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails. You also might see a large colony of sea lions lounging in the sun!
- Bartholomew: A tiny island of just 0.5 square miles, Bartholomew offers one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay, the island is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartholomew. The climb to the high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin like spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit, admire the spectacular view of the surroundings.
- Santa Fe: The island of Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the archipelago. Its age and isolation have allowed several endemic animals to evolve, including species of land iguana, rice rat and gecko. On the northern coast, visit Bahía Barrington, a small tranquil bay where you can observe green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and Frigatebirds. Sea lions are the most obvious sight on Santa Fe with two large colonies on the beaches and pups playing with snorkelers in the bay.
- Dragon Hill: This rocky, low-lying hill on the northwestern side of Santa Cruz Island is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguanas, or miniature dragons. Explore the desert-like landscape, pass through forests of cacti and fragrant Palo Santo trees and see flamingos at the lagoon!
*The excursion is shared with international travelers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 6. Santa Cruz Island
Begin your day in Puerto Ayora with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research station and breeding center housing an extensive collection of preserved specimens of Galápagos plant life and the famous giant tortoise. See how the conservation of the islands is conducted, and understand the huge efforts that scientists, park rangers and park managers among others have to make to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, consider taking a 45-minute walk from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, a paradisaical beach and one of the longest white sandy beaches in the archipelago. The magnificent setting is worth the walk! Spend some time snorkeling in the bay or relaxing on the beach - either way, you're bound to run into a friendly iguana or two.
Baby tortoise • Galapagos
Day 7. Santa Cruz Island
Today, consider a visit to Las Grietas, a rocky bay surrounded by high cliffs which offers an amazing spot to snorkel with colorful fish as the water is crystal clear and shines in all shades of blue. You reach it after a short water taxi ride from the pier of Puerto Ayora and a 15-minute walk along the incredible volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.
On the way you pass the “Playa de los Alemanes” (“Beach of the Germans”), where you can make a break in order to enjoy the sun and swim in the refreshing ocean!
In the evening, head to Calle de los Kioskos (Street of the Kiosks) to experience the local life of the Galapagueños. Every night at 6:30pm restaurants put out their tables on the streets to attract hungry customers. Choose from a variety of cuisines including just-caught seafood. Watch how it is prepared in front of you!
Las Grietas • Galapagos
Day 8. Santa Cruz Island
It's your last day on the Galapagos! Consider taking a day trip (extra cost) to another island. San Cristobal Island is a great choice, as you will pass the incredible Cliff Kicker Rock which is extremely popular among divers.
Cliff Kicker Rock • Galapagos
Day 9. Depart Ecuador
Sadly, your Ecuador adventure ends today. In the morning, transfer to Baltra airport for your flight home. Relive all the incredible memories and start planning your next vacation!
Transfer to Baltra airport (GPS)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Hotel Deja Vú
Charming hotel close to beach and national park
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