Signature Ecuador & Galapagos

Quito (1nt) - Cuenca (3nts) - Guayaquil (1nt) - Galapagos Cruise (7nts) - Otavalo (2nts) - Quito (1nt)

Stand on the Equator. Find out how to make a Panama hat. Relax in a shady plaza. Watch the dance of the blue footed booby. Share the view with a marine iguana. Learn from the experts in Darwin’s living laboratory. Let A&K make your holiday a truly inspiring experience.

Day 1 – London/Quito

Depart from London Heathrow with British Airways to Miami, then connect with American Airlines to Quito. Overnight at the J.W. Marriott Quito Hotel.

Day 2 – Quito/Cuenca

Morning tour of Ecuador’s fascinating capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital in the world, founded in 1532 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcázar. For nearly three centuries, religion, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule. Today you can experience this long, blended past visiting the ‘Old Town’ and the San Francisco and La Compañia Churches. Continue to Panecillo Hill for spectacular views of the city and surrounding Andes Mountains. Afternoon flight to Cuenca. Three nights at the Mansion Alcazar Hotel.

Day 3 – Cuenca

Leisurely day with your guide exploring the surrounding traditional villages of Gualaceo, Paute and Chordeleg. Market days vary, but are mainly on Sundays. Local style lunch included.

Day 4 - Cuenca

Morning tour of Cuenca and the flower market. Cuenca is considered by most Ecuadorians as ‘the most beautiful city in the country’, enjoying a beautiful historical centre of churches, cobblestone streets and decorated plazas, a mild climate and central location. Market day is Thursday. Afternoon at leisure. Option to see Panama hats being made or to visit the jewellery workshop of Mr Simon Cordero.

Day 5 - Cuenca/Guayaquil

We leave Cuenca and drive to El Cajas National Park, one of Ecuador’s natural wonders. Cajas boasts glacial lakes, strange rock formations, numerous species of flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls and several rivers. Enjoy a walk in the national park, before continuing by road to Guayaquil. Overnight at the Hilton Hotel, Guayaquil.

Day 6 - Guayaquil/Galapagos Islands

Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos to board the Eclipse. This 64-metre cruise ship carries just 48 passengers in 27 air-conditioned cabins. She has all the amenities of a large ship, with a plunge pool, observation deck, an air-renewal system and an infirmary with a doctor on board at all times. Cabins are comfortable and spacious and alfresco dining for all 48 passengers ensures that mealtimes are fresh and convivial.

Days 7 to 12 – Galapagos Islands

Enjoy five full days exploring these fascinating islands. On hand to advise and inform is a naturalist guide for every 12 guests. Most expeditions with your guide are by pangas - inflatable, rubber crafts with outboard motor. Snorkels are also available to enable you to explore the fascinating underwater world. There are 13 islands and countless smaller islets, each with a unique ecosystem all of its own. Only here will you see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas, as well as the giant tortoises that give the archipelago its name. Landmark sights include Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomé Island, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay on Isabela and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz.

Day 13 - Galapagos/Otavalo

Fly back to Quito and travel two hours by road to Otavalo. Two nights at the Hacienda Cusin, a colonial farmhouse with charmingly decorated guest rooms that carefully preserve the historic ambience, beautiful gardens and a local-style restaurant.

Day 14 - Otavalo

Enjoy the famed local market villages showcasing their acclaimed handicrafts. Visits include San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings, Iluman, well known for its traditional hats, Cotacachi prominent for its leather goods, and Otavalo, the largest and most renowned market town selling colourful carpets, hangings and weavings. Between June and September, there is the opportunity to visit a local school and see the children at work or play.

Day 15 - Otavalo/Quito

Morning walk amongst the orchids at Cuicocha’s crater lake. Afternoon return to Quito. Overnight at the J.W. Marriott Quito Hotel.

Day 16 - Quito/London

Take your American Airlines flight back to Miami connecting with British Airways to London arriving on day 17.

Prices (from)Gold
1 Jan - 30 Apr	£4,625
1 May - 30 Jun	£4,835
1 Jul - 21 Aug	£5,322
22 Aug - 31 Dec	£4,746

Prices (from)Silver
1 Jan - 30 Apr	£3,675
1 May - 30 Jun	£3,895
1 Jul - 21 Aug	£4,344
22 Aug - 31 Dec	£3,767

per person inclusive of flights, bed and breakfast and certain meals. Full board in the Galapagos.

Silver hotels: Patio Andaluz, Quito; Mansion Alcazar, Cuenca; Oro Verde, Guayaquil; Eric, Letty & Flamingo, Galapagos; Hacienda Cusin, Otavalo

Departures

Monday and (silver) Tuesday