Magical Ecuador and the Galapagos - Galapagos Explorer Yacht

Surrounded by Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second highest capital and boasts one of the most stunning settings globally. Initially settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was a significant part of the Incan Empire before being destroyed and re-established by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is one of Latin America’s largest and best-preserved. It features outstanding museums, churches, and art galleries.

Start your exploration with a city tour. Begin in downtown Quito and head towards the historic district. Enjoy the ambiance of Independence Square, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Walk past El Sagrario Church and admire the intricate stone facade of La Compañía Church. Visit the San Francisco Church, constructed on the ruins of an Inca palace in the 16th century. For panoramic views of Quito, ascend to the Panecillo or Itchimbia hills.

During the tour, experience a delightful chocolate tasting at Galeria Ecuador and learn about cacao cultivation. Engage in interactive games to practice growing cacao plants and create your own chocolate truffles with various ingredients like cinnamon, Cusco salt, chocolate nibs, nuts, and cacao.

Following the chocolate adventure, head to Cafe Plaza Grande for a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare ceviche and Ecuador’s renowned helado de Paila (fresh fruit ice cream). After a delicious lunch, continue to the Equatorial Monument, built to honor the French scientists who determined the Earth's shape in the 1700s. Nearby, visit the Ethnographic Museum, which features Ecuador’s diverse ethnic groups, or the Intiñan interactive museum, which explores different Incan theories of the Earth's center.

Embark on a yacht tour of the Galapagos aboard the Pikaia I, where you'll have a private cabin. After a hearty breakfast, set sail for North Seymour Island, home to diverse flora and fauna. Observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine turtles, sea lions, and iguanas, and explore the Palo Santo forest. Choose between a hiking trail or a snorkeling adventure.

After an authentic Ecuadorian buffet lunch, visit Bachas Beach Island. Enjoy the white sands of Bachas Beach, explore nearby lava lagoons, and look out for Pacific green sea turtles, flamingos, lava gulls, and Sally light-foot crabs.

Join a small group for a land tour, choosing two or three activities from the following options:

• Los Gemelos Sinkholes and Scalesia Forest
• Giant tortoise farm at Rancho Chato II
• Volcanic craters and giant tortoises at Cerro Mesa
• Lava tunnels
• Tortuga Bay Beach
• Charles Darwin Scientific Research Centre
• Garrapatero Beach

Bartolome Island, the most iconic and photographed of the Galapagos Islands, is renowned for Pinnacle Rock, a striking spear-headed formation. Upon arrival, climb over 300 stairs to the summit for breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island, and enjoy pink and white sand beaches. After returning to the beach, take a snorkeling excursion to swim with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped and Galapagos sharks, rays, sea lions, green turtles, and various tropical fish.

Next, visit Sullivan Bay on the southeast side of Santiago Island. Explore the solidified lava flows with a guided walk, observing the fascinating volcanic formations and unique vegetation. The lava at Sullivan Bay, known as Panoehoe (Hawaiian for string), creates rope-like patterns due to its cooling process.

Transfer to Baltra Island Airport for your flight back to Quito, via Guayaquil. Bid farewell as you are transported to your homeward flight.