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12 Days Family Expeditions: Galapagos Islands Tour Package
Itinerary Day 1 - Quito Evening arrival in Quito. Private transfer to Swissotel, Ecuador’s premier luxury hotel. Views from the hotel, located in the bustling financial district and near the best shopping, show the spectacular Cotopaxi and Pichincha Volcanoes. Quito is just 22 kilometers from the Equator, but it has a mild, spring-like climate that makes it perfect for an extended stay as you explore the beautiful Colonial section of the city and the surrounding Highlands. The Swissotel has a world-class spa, an excellent restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness center. Hotel: Swissotel Day 2 - Otavalo Highlands The nearby Highlands around the village of Otávalo reveal beautiful landscapes, in the full majesty of the Andes. Tonight, after your private transfer to the Highlands, you will stay at Hacienda Cusín. This lovely, first-class hacienda has guestrooms with views of the garden or mountains. Guestrooms have fireplaces, beamed ceilings, antique reproduction furniture and Andean crafts. Along with the historic ambiance, the Hacienda has modern amenities. Travel to Hacienda Manteles, a beautiful property located on the edge of the Cloud Forest, the gateway to the Amazon. Actually, the surrounding landscape is a combination of Cloud Forest and Eyebrow Mountain Forest, but the flora and fauna are distinct from what you will have seen previously on the trip. Hotel: Hacienda Cusin Day 3 - Otavalo Highlands The province of Imbabura is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador: a magical land of lakes, snow-covered mountains and terraced farmlands. The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on backstop and shuttle looms. So, after an awe-inspiring view from one of many mountains, visit the Indian Market to search for the special souvenier that will hold all the dear memories. Hotel: Hacienda Cusin Day 4 - Galapagos Islands Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Once there, you will be met and transferred to your boat, the M/V Explorer II, which is an elegant motor-vessel with classic modern lines, blending comfort, adventure and environmental preservation in the Galapagos Islands. Ship: M/V Explorer II Day 5 - Galapagos Islands Explore Punta Suárez on Española Island, home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos as well as significant populations of blue-footed boobys, swallow-tailed gulls and brown noddies. In the afternoon, float near Gardner Bay and watch for rays, sharks and sea turtles in the clear waters of the extensive mangrove lagoon. There is also the possibilty of seeing one or more of the three species of Darwin finch which are endemic to the island. Ship: M/V Explorer II Day 6 - Galapagos Islands Arriving on Santa Cruz Island, view The Charles Darwin Research Station and peer into the evolutionary and ecological research, which plays a strong role in conservation and management of species found in the Galápagos Islands. See the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs which are saving several races of tortoises from extinction. After visiting the Research Station, board the Explorer to set sail towards Rabida Island and explore the land that's studded with several small volcanic craters. Upon arrival, see various sea lions and after a short hike you will reach the lagoon to see Flamingos and Pelicans. Ship: M/V Explorer II Day 7 - Galapagos Islands In the morning you will be back in the Island of Santa Cruz where you will visit Las Bachas Beach, made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. The Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the waters edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. Go for a serene hike and witness flamingoes, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels before transfering to the Royal Palm Hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Ship: M/V Explorer II Day 8 - Santa Cruz Island After a leisurly breakfast in your villa, head over to the pool and soak-in the magical adventure you had just encountered on the Islands. Bask in the sun or in the jacuzzi while watching your children play in the pool. Some of hte amenities included in the hotel package are: Health spa, swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, restaurants, bar, satellite television, convention center, internet, dvd players, telephone, fax, observatory, museum, and jacuzzi. Hotel: Royal Palm Resort, Villa Days 9 - Santa Cruz Island Being the largest Channel Island, Santa Cruz is also the most diverse with interesting geological features including two mountain ranges, many canyons and a rugged shoreline. At least 600 plant species, well over 120 species of land birds including the endemic Island scrub jay, and a vast expanse of wilderness area exist for the curious to explore by land or sea. Hotel: Royal Palm Resort, Villa Days 10 - Santa Cruz Island Stroll to the ranch site at Prisoners Harbor at mid Santa Cruz, or a rugged hike up Scorpion Canyon on east Santa Cruz, both are good locations for viewing the endemic island scrub jay. In summer through fall, the ocean conditions are usually some of the best for kayaking and snorkeling. Island endemic wildflowers including several species of buckwheat, asters, and other sunflowers bloom. During summer there is also a chance to see blue or humpback whales. Hotel: Royal Palm Resort, Villa Day 11 - Santa Cruz Island / Quito After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Quito. In Quito you will be transferred to your hotel. Take time to visit the city to browse souveniers for friends and family back home. Hotel: Swissotel Day 12 - Quito / Depart Transfer to airport to catch your international flight home. Hotel: None Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Galapagos vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820 12/08
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