Quito airport greeting and transfer to your selected hotel.

(Accommodations, Quito)

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon (2:30 pm) your three-hour city tour begins with a visit to the historic Colonial Centre, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and considered to be the largest and best preserved in South America. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and monastery, and one of the great religious buildings of the New World. The scenic tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Quito)

Today, travel to the world renowned Otavalo Market. Otavalo dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back-strap and shuttle looms. Here you can buy geometric design tapestries, woven ponchos, brightly colored alpaca scarves, hand-knit sweaters, as well as woodcarvings, and paintings by local artists. The market is held daily, but it is larger on Saturdays. An early departure from Quito, your two-hour journey will take you through green rolling hills with snow-covered mountains in the background to the Otavalo valley. You will have ample time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets. Here you will see the Otavalo men with their long braided hair, their distinctive blue ponchos and white trousers. The Otavalo women wear lovely white embroidered blouses, long black skirts and shawls, and multiple strands of gold glass beads around their necks. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas in the area. Late afternoon return to your Quito hotel. Note: Take a sweater even if the day is warm and sunny.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Quito)

Transfer to the airport for a flight to the Galapagos. Exact itienrary will depend on which Galapagos Cruise or Land Program is chosen. The following itinerary is an example and may change.

Passengers are picked up at the airport by a naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Santa Cruz.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island): Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach (wet landing), with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkeling gear and techniques. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for next day and dinner.

(Breakfast, Quito; Dinner & Accommodations, M/V Santa Cruz)

After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin's epic voyage in 1835, and the conservation projects aimed at eradicating feral species. Today the island is free of feral goats, and the cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the "Elephant Rock", "The Bishop" and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling too! Lunch on board.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Accommodations, M/V Santa Cruz)

Disembark at Rábida Island on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat. Lunch on board.

Bartolomé Island: Disembark at Bartolomé Island for a hike to the summit. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, resting platforms, and handrails. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach and some snorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins, or else a ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Expedition plan for Thursday and dinner.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, M/V Santa Cruz)

The morning starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark on rocks for a steep climb up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs. Lunch on board.

Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island): In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour, or join us in a Glass Bottom boat ride. Farewell cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, M/V Santa Cruz)

After breakfast, optional departure to see the breeding programme of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Learn about his endangered species, and its promising recovery. This site is 45 minutes by bus, on the south shore of San Cristóbal Island. Return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Guayaquil. Transfer to a Guayaquil hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

(Breakfast, M/V Santa Cruz; Accommodations, Guayaquil)

Transfer from Guayaquil to Cuenca by air (without tour) or by ground with a tour of El Cajas National Park on the way. This area is an Andean cloud forest, soaking up the mists that roll across the mountains. Visit Llaviucu and La Toreadora Lakes for a stroll amidst their beautiful scenery.

(Breakfast, Guayaquil; Lunch & Accommodations, Cuenca)

One of the first things to notice when entering Cuenca is the magnificent skyline marked by brilliant church domes. And after breakfast we will set out on a city tour whose highlight is the city's colonial architecture. Cuenca's winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies and beautiful gardens, are part of the pleasant atmosphere of this historic city, declared a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1999. This is the perfect place to discover by walking and is ideal for those looking to blend into the relaxed setting of a truly romantic colonial city. Walking along Cuenca's cobblestone streets or watching the people go by in the town square dominated by the great cathedral is both peaceful and inspiring. With approximately 400,000 inhabitants, this city is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the country due its architecture, surroundings and small town ambiance. In the afternoon enjoy free time to visit museums, and to shop for handicrafts. Return to your hotel for dinner.

(Breakfast, Dinner & Accommodations, Cuenca)

After breakfast, take a flight back to Quito. Continue home or to your next Avanti Destination!

(Breakfast, Cuenca)