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Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands – In the Footsteps of Evolution

Price Starting at $13,695.00

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Experience landscapes sculpted throughout the centuries by tumultuous volcanic upheaval and get upclose views of unique wildlife. Become enveloped by the spectacular countryside of extinct volcanoes, indigenous villages and patchwork fields as you drive to Otavalo. Follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps as you investigate his ‘living laboratory’ and decide whether his theory of Natural Selection holds true today. Swim and snorkel among fur seals and penguins, watch Sally Lightfoot Crabs and iguanas scamper across the sand and witness colonies of Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies and Frigatebirds. End with a few days on land at a luxury tented camp in the highlands in the company of Darwin’s finches, giant tortoises, and tranquility

Degree of Difficulty –    

Fly to Quito, where you are escorted to your historic boutique hotel in the heart of ‘Quito Antiguo.’ Next day, tour this vibrant colonial city with its churches and Spanish gold-glittering altars, including the colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. The last day, depart for South America’s most famous Indian fair – the Otavalo Market. As you stroll the streets, immerse yourself in the colorful and vibrant culture listening to Andean pipe music and Quechua, the native tongue from Incan times, drifting across the marketplace. Enjoy a traditional Andean lunch at a local hacienda and continue your shopping adventure in Cotacachi, the center of Ecuador’s leather industry, and Calderon for bread-dough handicrafts. PATIO ANDALUZ.

(B,D; B,L)

Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.

Note: Cruise itineraries are current as of September, 2017, and are subject to change on the discretion of Galapagos park headquarters or cruise operator. Furthermore, vessels are on 14-day rotations and they do not visit the same island more than once during this time. Depending on departure date, this cruise itinerary might be different.

YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
  • Superior and best available accommodations at hotels and cruise ship in Ecuador.
  • American breakfast in Quito and Guayaquil. All meals while on the Galapagos cruise. All other meals as specified.
  • 5-Days/4-Nights Cruise to the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/Y LA PINTA with all meals included. Naturalist guide provided aboard the ship.
  • 2-nights under canvas at the luxurious Galapagos Safari Camp on Santa Cruz Island with breakfast and dinner included daily.
  • Expert local guides throughout.
  • Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
  • All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary, excluding the Galapagos Islands entry fees (currently $100) and Ingala Card (currently $20.)
  • Complimentary passport wallet and baggage tags.
  • Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
This is truly a destination that is great to travel to year-round. In the Galapagos, the climate is generally pleasant. Due to mist, cloud cover and cool Pacific breezes, conditions are rarely hot. In Quito, over 9,000 feet above sea level, the temperature ranges from 55ºF at night to 78ºF at noon. The Coast’s climate (Guayaquil) is generally warm and can be quite humid.