DAY 1

• QUITO

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• Get Settled
• Upon arrival, an English-speaking guide will greet you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting private driver and vehicle, and will also accompany you to your accommodation to assist with check-in.

DAY 2

• QUITO

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• Explore with an Expert
• Tour through the streets and main squares of Quito’s historic center – the first city in the world to be declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing the city’s unique architectural and artistic achievements which have been masterfully preserved and left relatively unaltered through the centuries – on this private guided tour. Journey past and through narrow, sometimes steep streets surrounded by outstanding examples of classic architecture and colonial style houses, graciously flowered balconies, charming squares and more than 50 monumental churches, convents, monasteries, cloisters and historic monuments while learning about the city’s fascinating history. Along the way you will visit the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo; this convent exhibits some of the finest architectural and religious art in the colonial city. Walk through the convents colossal doors and learn about the beautiful ceilings covered with oil paintings and gold leaf from your expert guide. Please note that when it is raining, the floors of Santo Domingo Church and Convent are quite slippery; please ensure you have appropriate footwear. Upon completion of the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.
• Tonight, dine at Urko Cocina Local, a casual and ambient gastro-house that is widely regarded as one of Quito’s top restaurants. Utilizing ingredients from the many unique regions of Ecuador, Urko Cocina Local invites guests to discover a slice of the country’s history and culinary heritage while enjoying a range of masterfully prepared dishes. Reservations will be made in advance, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Please note: Your meal is not included and must be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

DAY 3

• QUITO TO GALAPAGOS TO BALTRA ISLAND TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

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• Onward and Upward
• Transfer to Quito Airport with your private driver and an English-speaking guide.
• Board a flight in Quito with service to the Galapagos Islands, connecting via Guayquil. Approximate flight duration is three hours and 30 minutes.
• All guests visiting the Galapagos Islands are required to have medical travel insurance. Proof of insurance is required upon entry to the Galapagos Islands, and your insurance policy must be valid for the duration of your stay. Medical Travel Insurance can be purchased through Kensington Tours or independently. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.
• The mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card is included in your itinerary.
• The mandatory Galapagos National Park entrance fee is included in your itinerary. Please Note: All Galapagos excursions are to be referenced as a guideline only - the route and program are subject to change according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and estimated wildlife encounters, etc. A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to and from the Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price. Fuel Surcharges are subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.
• Upon arrival to Baltra Airport – gateway to the Galapagos – you will be greeted by a local representative who will whisk you away to a special VIP lounge where you will have the opportunity to change into swimwear and to put on some sunscreen before transferring to the Itabaca Channel. At Itabaca, explore the beautiful turquoise waters with your private guide while kayaking, snorkeling or using a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Throughout the water activities you will spot famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks, gliding past beautiful red mangrove forests and lava rock cliffs on water so clear you can see the marine life in the shallows. Your ocean (sit on top) kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will also escort you throughout the water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks and towels between activities. After an hour or two on the water, you will be transferred to your accommodations on Santa Cruz Island.

DAY 4

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

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• Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
• Begin the day with a visit to the Cerro Mesa viewpoint from which you can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. Afterward, continue on towards one of the iconic formations in Cerro Mesa – its collapsed crater – by hiking downhill for about 30 minutes. Explore the fascinating crater floor and relax for a while before starting the hike back (which takes between 45 minutes to an hour). During the hike, you will have excellent opportunities to see endemic bird species such as the woodpecker finch, or if you are lucky, iconic wildlife including giant tortoises. After a break for lunch, you’ll then set out on a short walk on flat and easy terrain through a deciduous forest until reaching El Garrapatero beach. Here you can head out on the water on top of a sea kayak (or snorkel) before another short walk to a brackish lagoon where you are likely to find pink flamingos. After a day of hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing, you will be returned to your accommodations.

DAY 5

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

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• Lose Yourself in Nature
• From Puerto Ayora’s main pier, take a water taxi to the “Other Side Pier.” From here, you and your private guide will start an easy walk just over half a mile in length to reach Las Grietas. An impressive geological formation where you will come across two massive rock walls with an elongated, crystal clear water pond within, it is an ideal spot for snorkeling. Take a dip, relax on the rocks, enjoy a box lunch and, afterwards, set out on a walk through a deciduous forest for one and a half miles to reach one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Continuing the walk along the white sand beach for another half mile until reaching Playa Mansa where you will set out on a special kayaking experience around Tortuga Bay. Shortly after your kayaking experience, you will be returned to your hotel.

DAY 6

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

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• Sail the Seas
• Board a shared motor yacht and set sail to one of the more remote, uninhabited islands. Discover a hub for many of the exuberant creatures that dot the Galapagos Islands. Knowledgeable crew members and a naturalist guide will lead the way and help you to experience the islands in comfort and style. The island visited on this navigation will be determined based on date of your sailing, taking into account restrictions put in place by the National Park authority. Islands visited throughout the week include North Seymour and Bachas Island, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island, Bartolome and Sullivan Bay.

DAY 7

• SANTA CRUZ ISLAND TO BALTRA ISLAND TO GALAPAGOS TO QUITO
• Bon Voyage
• Transfer to Baltra Airport from your Santa Cruz accommodation. Approximate travel time varies between 10 and 25 minutes based on the location of your hotel.
• Board a flight in the Galapagos with direct service to Quito. Approximate flight duration is two hours.
• Prior to boarding your flight, relax in the VIP Lounge at Quito International Airport. Lounge passes are included, providing access to a quiet area with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and reading materials.

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Hotel Mama Cuchara

Ikala Galapagos Hotel