Ecuador, bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, is one of South America’s smallest countries, it is distinguished by its extraordinary topography, its diverse climates, and its abundant flora and fauna. Ecuador holds endless attractions, the Galapagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Andean volcanoes, and beach paradises, all within a nation approximately the size of Switzerland.
Currently Zenith Travel is offering a comprehensive 10-day tour that includes:
1st day: Arrive in Quito You will be met at Quito’s airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight.
2nd day: Quito City Tour + Equatorial Monument
First visit is the neo-Gothic church Basilica del Voto Nacional the basilic of Quito , walk around the independence square; the heart of Quito surrounded by the Government Palace The façade of Cathedral church, the Archbishop’s Palace , and the city hall. The interior of the church of la Compañia de Jesus which is full covered by gold leaf, then we continue to San Francisco square and church. Then continue to El Panecillo, where the statue of the virgin of Quito is. From this hill you will get one of the best views of the old and new city. A few miles north of Quito is the Equatorial Monument at latitude 0 00′ 00” which marks the place where an 18th century expedition established the geodesic position of the Equator. This is a wonderful opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time.
3rd day: Quito – flight – Galapagos
The Charles Darwin Research Station encompasses an information center, a museum, a library and the tortoise breeding station as well. Here you will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of the Galápagos. Park rangers and park managers among others, who make huge efforts to preserve this Unesco World Heritage Site, conduct the conservation of the islands. In the tortoise breeding and rearing centre you can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.
4th day: Galapagos: Sailtour to Plazas Island
This island is full of life. There are colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. On the steep banks it is possible to see a great number of birds such as nesting tropic birds and fork-tailed seagulls, but most of all, enjoying the beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable experience.
5th day: Galapagos: Sailtour to Seymour Island
North Seymour Island is a natural haven for some of the most sought after residents in the Galapagos Islands, the Blue-Footed Boobie. A nature trail meanders leisurely through large colonies of nesting Frigate birds and Blue-Footed Boobies. Depending on the time of year, this is an excellent place to witness the thrilling mating rituals these birds are famous for. You can also intimately observe the fascinating dynamics between a mother and its chick.
6th day: You will be met and transferred to Baltra Island in order to take your flight back to Mainland. The flight arrives in Quito, then take a flight to Lima.
7th day: Lima
Afternoon tour of the city visiting the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral. Continue to the surrounding ruins: the fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay ruins. Overnight in Cuzco.
8th day: Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Catch the morning train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu the “Lost City of the Today We will take a group tour of Machu Picchu. Rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. The citadel is situated over 2,300 meters above sea level in the province of Urubamba on a remote mountain top. From the ruins, there is a magnificent view of the deep gorge of the Urubamba River, surrounded by the steep mountain sides covered in tropical jungle. Lunch Afternoon return to Cuzco and hotel. Overnight in Cuzco
9th day:
Transfer to the airport in order to take flight back Quito for departure flight.
10th day:
Transfer to the airport to return home.
Prices start at $3,125 and include all transfers, city tours, airfare from Quito and Galapagos, sail tour to Plazas Island, snorkeling equipment, English speaking guide, airfare Quito to Lima, airfare Lima-Cusco-Lima, two nights hotel in Cusco, one night hotel in Lima (both include breakfast), entrance fee in Cusco, Lima city tour, and Macchu Picchu group tour.
Zenith Travel, www.zenithecuador.com