Your 10-day tour through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands will undoubtedly be a memorable one. Enjoy the sightseeing and spectacular views in Quito, then board your cruise yacht for an unforgettable excursion through the many Galápagos islands, which offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

Fly to Quito. Arrive late this evening and meet your Go Ahead representative.

Day 2 - Quito

Your Tour Director leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Quito, a fascinating city that perches on a plateau more than 9,000 feet above the surrounding Andean valleys. Take in spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. Then pass Catholic University, the Ecuadorian House of Culture, the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, the Government Palace and El Sagrario Church as you venture through the quaint cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Stop to view the enormous 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Continue through the Old Town to La Compañia, the city’s exquisite baroque church. After your sightseeing tour, you’ll have an included excursion to the Equatorial Line Monument, where you can stand with one foot on either side of the equator. Here, you’ll also learn about some of the country’s many native cultures. Become acquainted with your fellow travelers at this evening’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Equatorial Line Monument

Day 3 - Galapagos Islands

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Board your cruise, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Depart on dinghies for a dry landing visit to Bartolomé Island. Gaze up at the island’s volcanic formations, including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. Hike 365 steps to the summit for wildlife sightings and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Hike back down to Pinnacle Rock to see its sea lions and penguins and nesting sea turtles (in season). Then enjoy a snorkeling excursion.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Galapagos Islands

Voyage to Isabella Island today, made up of six ancient volcanoes that merged into a single landmass. You’ll sail to Urbina Bay, located at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. Look out for land iguanas during an onshore hike, followed by a snorkeling excursion. Reach Fernandina Island for a look at Punta Espinosa, a geologic site formed by a vertical tectonic shift. Turtles and sharks surround the point, and groups of marine iguana gather here.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Galapagos Islands

Travel to Santiago Island for a wet landing at Puerto Egas, a bay of black-sand beaches and unique rock formations. On your hike, you’ll see fur sea lions before enjoying the day’s first snorkeling trip. This afternoon, go on a deep sea snorkeling excursion to see sea lions and turtles. Then its off to explore the shores of Rábida Island, known for its red hue. After a wet landing, walk to a salt water lagoon to spot flamingos. End the day with a short hike for stunning island views.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Galapagos Islands

Your first stop today is Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park offices, the hub of conservation efforts. Learn about the ecology of the islands and meet giant tortoises George and Diego at the breeding center. This afternoon, take a boat trip to Cerro Chato, where you’ll observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Quito

Leave for Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz for a morning swim off its white sand beaches. Later, board a flight back to Quito and check into your hotel. This evening, try our optional Quito Evening Tour and Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

$59 USD

Quito Evening Tour and Dinner Quito is a natural wonder and arguably South America's most beautful capital city. Enjoy an evening tour followed by a dinner comprised of traditional Ecuadorian specialties.

Day 8 - Quito

Enjoy a free day in Quito. Alternatively, join a full day optional Otavalo and Messenger Train excursion to the traditional crafts market of Otavalo, stopping at some of the Indian villages along the way. You’ll also ride the Chaski Antawa messenger train.
Included meals: breakfast

$95 USD

Otavalo & Messenger Train Journey to the native Indian community of Otavalo for a visit to the crafts market. Shop for sweaters, leather goods, belts, jackets, blankets and rugs, handmade in a tradition that goes back centuries.

Day 9 - Quito

Explore Quito on your own today, or opt to join an excursion to the Antisana Volcano. If you’re extending your stay, board your flight to Peru this evening.
Included meals: breakfast

$45 USD

Antisana Volcano Visit Antisana National Park and marvel at Antisana Volcano, part of the Condor Bioreserve.

Day 10 - Quito

Transfer to the airport and board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast