Galapagos Express - 9 days from $2,955 - Departing Thursday
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Upon arrival in Quito today, you will be met and transferred to the Dann Carlton. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Dann Carlton
Day 2 Quito (B)
Today you’ll explore the streets of Quito including the majestic La Compañia and iconic San Francisco churches. Your drive also takes you through San Juan and ends at El Panecillo, the Virgin monument. The name “panecillo” means small bread roll and from a distance, the statue of the winged virgin does resemble a small roll. During the time of the Incas, this hill was used to worship the sun.
Dann Carlton
Day 3 Quito-Cotacachi/Cuicocha Lagoon (BL)
An easy drive takes you north of Quito today to the area around Otavalo. Your first stop is in Peguche, famous both for its weavers and for the musical instruments which are made here. After lunch, its on to Cotacachi, known for its leather goods, particularly shoes, handbags and beautiful handmade saddles. Cuicocha Lagoon is just a few miles west of Cotacachi and is a sparkling-blue lake in a volcanic crater of the same name. Tonight you’ll stay at Hacienda Pinsaqui, built in 1790 as a textile factory and today a warm, well-appointed 20 suite hacienda.
Day 4 Otavalo-Quito (BL)
This morning board the Chaski Antawa Train for a delightful 2-hour ride through the countryside from Ibarra to Salinas. Disembarking in Salinas (Mascarilla) gives you an opportunity to see some of the local clay masks being made. Then it is on to Otavalo, undoubtedly one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Be ready to shop as you’ll find lots of bargains on textiles, cermics and more! Back to Quito for the night.
Dann Carlton
Day 5 Quito-Galapagos (Embark) (BLD)
A 2 ½ flight takes you to Baltra today where you are met and escorted to the pier to emark on the M/V Legend, your “home” for the next three nights. First stop, a wet landing at Chinese Hat - a small, cone-shaped island that resembles a chinese hat. An hour’s hike takes you to the other side of the island. Snorkeling is great here and with luck, you’ll encounter sea lions too.
M/V Legend
Day 6 Santa Cruz-Floreana (BLD)
A wet landing on Santa Cruz is the starting point for a walk up to Dragon Hill for stunning views of the bay below. This is a nesting area for land iguanas. Next stop is Floreana Island (also known as Charles or Santa Maria island). It’s one of the older and smaller islands. After a wet landing, a hike takes you to Flamingo Bay to see the flamingoes and then on to Cormorant Point for a look at the sea turtles.
M/V Legend
Day 7 Espanola-San Cristobal (BLD)
A visit to the oldest and southernmost island in the Galapagos starts with a dry landing and a chance to learn about the lava terrain of the island. The star of Espanola is the Waved Albatross, who only nests on Espanola island. (May through December is mating season when the male can perform a dance that can span 5 days!) Espanola is a bird watcher’s paradise and as you walk you might spot the hooded mocking bird and red billed tropic bird. Next stop is a dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos, which provides an opportunity to learn about the giant tortoises.
M/V Legend
Day 8 North Seymour-Quito (BD)
Last stop of our journey is a dry landing on North Seymour, famous for the Blue-Footed Boobies and the Magnificent Frigatebirds (easily spotted by the large red pouches on their necks). The boobies and frigates share the same nesting area here - the boobies nest on the ground while the frigates nest just about them in the saltbushes. Return to your ship to disembark and fly back to Quito. Later this evening, Quito takes on a different look as you tour the city by night. Your drive ends at the Plaza de la Independencia at one of the “grandest” restaurants in town, Mea Culpa, for a mouth-watering dinner. Be sure to try the house specialty, the frittata Mea Culpa.
Dann Carlton
Day 9 Quito-Depart (B)
Return to the airport for your flight home today.
Copyright 2009 CV Travel
 | ||||
