12 days / 11 nights

A & K Insider Access

In Quito, A&K arranges a ‘behind the scenes’ visit to the studio and art collection of Mr. Osvaldo Viteri, one of Ecuador’s most celebrated contemporary artists. His collection includes one of the largest repositories of religious art in the country and his wife will personally guide you through the collection.

• Colonial old Quito
• Unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos
• Colourful Indian markets
• Intimate cruise experience
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Choice of accommodation

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Quito (2,800m)
A private welcome into the Ecuadorian capital before transferring to your hotel.
Quito (Choice of category)

Day 02 Design Your Day Quito
Plan your day. Choose from the following: explore colonial capital and UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the Old Town and climb Panecillo Hill; enjoy a ‘behind the scene’s visit to the studio and private collection of acclaimed artist Osvaldo Viteri; or visit a local cooking school.
Quito (Choice of category)

Day 03 Quito-Otavalo-Quito
Today is an insight into the indigenous culture with visits to the famous market towns north of Quito: Peguche is home to weavers and musical instrument makers; Cotacachi’s narrow streets are full of leather shops and finally Otavalo, the largest and most well known which is regarded as one of the most attractive Indian markets on the continent selling colourful weavings, woodcarvings, leather goods and bread dough figurines. While you are in the area visit a local indigenous school or walk with a native guide around some village gardens where many species native to the Andes are grown – a chance to learn about their properties, folklore and usage (B,L).
Quito (Choice of category)

Day 04 Quito-Galapagos Islands
Transfer to the airport where VIP lounge access has been arranged. Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos archipelago. Here you board the M/V Eclipse, your home for the next week (B,L,D).
Eclipse (Choice of category)

Days 05-10 Galapagos Islands
The next six days are spent exploring the tiny islands whose amazing variety of wildlife prompted Darwin to write his ground-breaking ‘Origin of Species’. Most expeditions with your naturalist guide are by pangas – inflatable, rubber vessel with outboard motor. These manoeuvre smoothly into bays offering unequalled opportunities for photography and up-close observation. Snorkels are also available onboard to explore the fascinating underwater world around you. There are 13 islands and countless smaller islets. Landmark sights include Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay on Espanola and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz.

Wildlife found in the Galapagos includes the Galapagos Tortoise, land and marine iguanas, turtles, the brightly-coloured Sally-Lightfoot Crab, fur seals, sea lions, seven types of dolphin, 16 species of whales and profuse birdlife including three species of booby, penguins, finches, cormorants and waved albatross to name a few (B,L,D).
Eclipse (Choice of category)

Day 11 Galapagos-Quito
Disembark at Baltra for the return flight to Quito. Arrival transfer to your hotel for a final night (B).

Day 12 Depart Quito
A fond farewell to Ecuador as you depart (B).

Note: Family departures. Children 5 – 12 years old (28 November 07 & 05, 12, 19, 26 December 07.

Napo Wildlife Extension

* Remote Amazon wilderness
* UNESCO biosphere Yasuni National Park
* Jungle trekking
* Anangu community centre
* Night walks

Day 01 Quito-Napo
From the capital fly east to Coca, gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Travel by boat and dugout canoe for 3 hours into the Yasuni National Park. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans and even macaws en route (L,D). Napo Wildlife Centre

Days 02-05 Napo Wildlife Centre
Over the next four days enjoy the rustic surrounds of the Napo Wildlife centre and the astonishing wildlife found in this very remote area. Over 550 species of bird have been identified here and it is home to 11 species of monkey (including the unique golden mantle tamarin), jaguar and tapir. Visit parrot licks, hike through primary rainforest with your guides learning about the ecosystem or search for giant otter by dugout canoe. You may also spend time with a native family who are happy to share their unique traditions with our guests (B,L,D). Napo Wildlife Centre.

Day 06 Napo-Quito
A morning travelling back to Coca airport for the return flight to Quito (B).

Departure Dates & Prices – Sail the Enchanted Isles

Tour Departs:

On the following dates

2008

Napo Wildlife Extension

Tour Departs:

Daily

Note: Itinerary departs: Daily (except Sundays)