11 Day Ecuador with 3 Day Galapagos Cruise

$2889 Land Only

$3349* Air & Land

Home : : April 2008 - October 2008

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Highlights Escorted Package Includes Round trip flights Miami-Quito Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline fuel surcharges Intra-flights 10 nights accommodations 3 nights Hilton Colon, Quito 1 night Abraspungo Hotel, Riobamba 2 nights El Dorado Hotel, Cuenca 1 night Grand Hotel Guayaquil, Guayaquil 3 nights Galapagos Cruise on Galapagos Explorer II, Classic Suite outside cabin with 2 lower berths All transfers 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager Days 1-7 Entrance fees per itinerary Services of English-speaking local guides in the Galapagos Shore Excursions Special Features City tours of Quito, Riobamba, Cuenca & Guayaquil Pan-American highway Inca fortress-temple ruins of Ingapirca Galapagos Cruise Charles Darwin Research Station Itinerary DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA Depart the USA for Ecuador. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in flight entertainment. Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Quito DAY 2, Friday - Tour of Quito This morning's tour of Quito begins with a view of the Congress Building, whose outside stone mural records Ecuador's history. Continue to Quito's colonial section to walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and feel the charm of 16th century Quito. See the Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace before visiting La Compañia Church and the Church of San Francisco. Afterward, see the Ecuadorian landscape from atop El Panecillo Hill. Balance of the day at leisure Optional: Middle of the World (PM) Overnight: Quito Meals: Breakfast DAY 3, Saturday - Tour of Riobamba This morning, depart for the town of Salasaca via the Pan-American Highway. Also known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," the highway spans the valley between the Cordillera ranges and features 11 snowy peaks. As you arrive in the colorful town of Salasaca, enjoy a panoramic tour of the town before a visit to a local handicraft workshop. After lunch in Ambato, visit La Quinta de Juan Leon Mera with its Botanical Gardens before continuing to Riobamba, capital of the Chimborazo province. Your tour of the area includes a visit to the quaint town of Guano, famous for its handmade rugs Overnight: Riobamba Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4, Sunday - Visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca Today, depart for the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca, a northernmost fortress-temple whose massive fortifications are believed to have served as a religious and administrative complex. After lunch nearby, continue to the city of Cuenca, located in the Sierra highlands. Balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Cuenca Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 5, Monday - Tour of Cuenca Enjoy a morning tour of Cuenca. Walk along the main plaza, Calderon Park, whose pink marbled construction and colorful stained-glass windows will take your breath away. See the flower market outside the El Carmen Church. The Tomebamba River winds in and out of the city's center as old houses jut out over its banks. Visit the Ortega shop where you can see "Panama Hats" being made. Balance of the day at leisure Optional: Half Day Gualaceo and Chordeleg (PM) Overnight: Cuenca Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Tuesday - Tour of Guayaquil This morning, drive through El Cajas National Park en route to Guayaquil. From the park highlands, enjoy spectacular views of the many lakes and rivers below, as well as a landscape dominated by paramo, a high-altitude, wet tropical grass. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, enjoy a tour of the city that includes a visit to the Centennial Park on Avenue 9 de Octubre. Continue to see the city's regeneration, and visit the Seminario Park, also known as the "Park of the Iguanas." See the brightly-colored houses in Las Penas, the oldest neighborhood in Guayaquil, before checking in to your hotel. Evening at leisure Overnight: Guayaquil Meals: Breakfast DAY 7, Wednesday - Sail to Cerro Brujo This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal, the Galapagos archipelago's oldest and easternmost island. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and board the Galapagos Explorer II. Settle in for a visit to Cerro Brujo (wet landing) to view pelicans and a variety of sea birds, including Blue and Red-footed Boobies, Common Gallinules, and Frigates. Enjoy free time for snorkeling or a swim Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8, Thursday - Sail to Bahia Gardner This morning, sail to Punta Suarez (Española Island) (dry landing), where you can view sea lions surfing the waves and marine iguanas basking. You may hike further inland and view the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where sea water jets high into the air. In the afternoon, arrive at Bahia Gardner (wet landing) and view one of the most pristine beaches in all of the Galapagos, home to many sea lion colonies and endemic mocking birds. Venture out to Gardner Rock for wall dives, where you can encounter tropical fish, rays, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers while snorkeling Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 9, Friday - Sail to Santa Cruz Island Today, arrive at Santa Cruz Island (dry landing). Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a specialized breeding and rearing center for the endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise. The Darwin Station is a working branch of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation which works to protect and maintain the Galapagos' precious ecosystems. Afterwards, walk through Puerto Ayora, the largest and most cosmopolitan town on the islands. In the afternoon, journey to the small island of Rabida (wet landing), located to the south of Santiago, and home to a central volcano with some of largest and most variegated types of lava in the island chain. A small saltwater lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos feeding on pink shrimp larva, while the beach holds a large sea lion colony. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where you will have opportunities to photograph the striking volcanic peaks Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 10, Saturday - Morning in Las Bachas This morning, enjoy the white-sand beaches of Las Bachas (wet landing). The beaches earn their stark tone and consistency from the decomposed coral of which they are made, a tone and consistency which also makes them a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Transfer to the airport for your flight from Baltra to Quito on the mainland. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure Overnight: Quito Meals: Breakfast DAY 11, Sunday - Depart for the USA Transfer to the airport in Quito for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast Optionals Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Middle of the World 3:00 PM Day #2 01 Apr 2008 - 31 Dec 2008     $42 Your visit to the Middle of the World begins with a drive through the Ecuadorian countryside. The Equatorial Monument marks the exact Middle of the World at a latitude of 0º. Take time to stand in both hemispheres at once, or to stand on top of the equator. Afterwards, return to Quito. Details: Departs at 3:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick up and drop off from the hotel. Gualaceo & Chordeleg 3:00 PM Day #5 01 Apr 2008 - 31 Dec 2008     $35 Enjoy an optional half day tour of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. As you leave Cuenca, appreciate the beauty of the Gualaceo Valley. En route to Chordeleg, a town known for its unique filigree jewelry, visit Ecuagenera Orchid Farm. With nearly 4000 orchid species surviving in the wild, Ecuador is home to the highest recorded number of orchids in the world. Ecuagenera has specialized in the protection, cultivation, and distribution of these precious and mysteriously beautiful flowers since its founding more than 50 years ago. Continue to Chordeleg and visit the goldsmiths, weaving workshops, and local shops around town before returning to Cuenca. Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Rates & Hotels Click On A Date To Book Online * All Prices are in USD 2008 Land/Cruise Only Air & Land/Cruise May 22 2749 3199 Jul 17 (Sold Out) 3059 3549 Aug 14 (Sold Out) 3039 3499 Sep 11 2889 3349 Sep 25 2989 3449 Oct 9; 23 2989 3449 Nov 6 3039 3499 Click here for departures Nov '08 - Dec '09. *Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, optional tours, Ecuador departure taxes, Galapagos National Park fee of $100, Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $10, tips to local guides, drivers and tour manager (see Terms & Conditions). Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito. Dry landing: Passengers step from the dinghy onto rocks or a dock. Wet landing: As the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, passengers step into knee-deep water and wade ashore. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this program. Passport numbers for all passengers must be submitted to Gate 1 before documents can be issued. The route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety issues and wildlife migration patterns. Wildlife and visits listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. Cabin Categories Cat. Classic - [details] Galapagos Explorer II   Galapagos The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is a dedicated cruise ship that navigates the Galapagos Islands. The ship sports 53 outside suites and offers numerous amenities such as diving equipment, swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium, lounge, bars, and massage suite. Expert nature guides provide daily shore excursions to explore the unique Galapagos ecosystems. While on board, enjoy magnificent views of the islands from the observatory deck. [more] Hilton Colon Quito   Quito This deluxe hotel is located in the heart of Ecuador's capital, in the financial district with easy access to the colonial sector of the city. [more] Abraspungo Hotel   Riobamba This tourist class hotel is located a few minutes from the center of Riobamba, at the heart of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. [more] El Dorado Hotel   Cuenca This first class hotel is located in the center of the colonial historic Cuenca, one block from the main square. [more] Grand Hotel Guayaquil   Guayaquil This first class hotel is situated on a city block next to the Cathedral in Guayaquil. [more] Cat. Premium - [details] Galapagos Explorer II   Galapagos The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is a dedicated cruise ship that navigates the Galapagos Islands. The ship sports 53 outside suites and offers numerous amenities such as diving equipment, swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium, lounge, bars, and massage suite. Expert nature guides provide daily shore excursions to explore the unique Galapagos ecosystems. While on board, enjoy magnificent views of the islands from the observatory deck. [more] Hilton Colon Quito   Quito This deluxe hotel is located in the heart of Ecuador's capital, in the financial district with easy access to the colonial sector of the city. [more] Abraspungo Hotel   Riobamba This tourist class hotel is located a few minutes from the center of Riobamba, at the heart of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. [more] El Dorado Hotel   Cuenca This first class hotel is located in the center of the colonial historic Cuenca, one block from the main square. [more] Grand Hotel Guayaquil   Guayaquil This first class hotel is situated on a city block next to the Cathedral in Guayaquil. [more] Package Date: Select Date   Pre/Post Accommodations Pre-Accommodations: Nights   Post-Accommodations: Nights   Include Flight? Yes No Inner Air Departure City Departure Date   Return Date   Preferred Airline [Any] Accesrail Aces Airlines Aegean Airlines Aer Lingus Aero California Aerocontinente Aeroflot Russian Airlines Aerolineas Argentinas Aerolineas Internacionales Aeromar Aeromexico Aeropostal Airlines Aerosvit Airlines Afrinat International Airlines Air Alm Air Canada Air Caraibes Air China International Air D'ayiti Air Europa Air France Air India Air Jamaica Air Liberte/Aom Air Malta Air New Zealand Air Pacific Air Santo Domingo Air Tahiti Nui Air Transat Airtran Airways Alaska Airlines Alitalia Airlines All Nippon Airways Allegro Airlines Aloha Airlines America West Airlines American Airlines American Trans Air Amtrak Asiana Airlines Austrian Airlines Aviacsa Avianca Azteca Airlines Bahamasair Big Sky Airlines British Airways British Midland Airways Bwia Intl Airways Caribbean Star Airlines Caribbean Sun Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways Cayman Airways China Airlines China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines Continental Airlines Copa Croatia Airlines Crossair Dba Swiss Csa Czech Airlines Delta Airlines Deutsche Ba Dutch Caribbean Airlines Egyptair El Al Israel Airlines Emirates Era Aviation Ethiopian Airlines Eva Airways Finnair Oy Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesian Airways Ghana Airways GOL Linhas Aereas Great Lakes Aviation Great Plains Airlines Gulf Air Hahn Air Hawaiian Airlines Iberia Icelandair Indigo Airlines Isair Japan Air Lines Jet Airways Klm Royal Dutch Airlines Korean Air Kuwait Airways Lacsa Airlines Lan Argentina Lan Chile Airlines Lanecuador Lanperu Lapa Lin Aer Privadas Liat (1974) Lloyd Aereo Boliviano Lot Polish Airlines Ltu International Airways Lufthansa Airlines Malaysia Airlines System Malev Hungarian Airlines Martinair Holland Meridiana Mesa Air Lines Mexicana Airlines Middle East Airlines Midwest Express Airlines National Airlines North American Airlines Northwest Airlines Olympic Airways Pakistan Intl Airlines Penair Philippine Airlines Pluna Lineas Polynesian Airlines Qantas Airways Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian Airlines Saudi Arabian Airlines Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines Sn Brussels Airlines Solair South African Airways Southern Winds Southwest Airlines Spanair Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines Surinam Airways Swisswings Ag Taca International Airlines Tam Airlines Tam Mercosur Tap Air Portugal Tarom Romanian Air Transport Thai Airways Turkish Airlines Ukraine International Airlines United Airlines Universal Airlines US Airways Varig Airlines Vasp Brazilian Airlines Via Rail Canada Virgin Atlantic Airways Virgin Blue Virgin Express # of Adults # of Children 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 -- 1 2 3 Preferred Class Economy Business What is Airfare Type? Gate 1 Travel Airfare - These are Gate 1 Travel fares which allow you to book your trip while paying a minimal deposit at time of booking. Instant Purchase/Published Airfare - These are fares that airlines have published which require payment in full at time of purchase. In some cases, these fares may be displayed as Gate 1 Airfare with Instant Purchase Requirement. To find the lowest available airfare, select [ANY] and you will get results for both kinds of airfare. Each of these fare types has its own set of restrictions which cover changes, cancellations, fuel surcharges, etc. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details. Airfare Type [Any] Gate 1 Travel Airfare Only Published Airfare Only We are unable to reserve airline seats for you until 11 months prior to your date of travel. Until then, we offer a choice of airfares from major US cities which you may select for your reservation. Your final flight details, airfare, airport taxes and fees will be advised 11 months prior to travel. Airfares are subject to change. Air reservations may be completed no more than 11 months prior to the date of travel. For travel more than 11 months prior, please call Gate 1 at (800) 682-3333. Accommodations Select Number of Rooms/Cabins   1 2 3 4 Room 1 # of Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3