Essential Ecuador: Quito, the Highlands & Galapagos

Enjoy a half day guided tour of the highlights of Quito.

Travel to the north of the country and visit the pretty market towns around Otavalo.

Enjoy a visit to Otavalo market, one of South America's most colourful. Explore this region further and take a walk around a volcanic crater lake.

Travel back to the airport this morning in time to take your flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be met and taken to your awaiting vessel before setting sail to your first site of interest.

This morning you will visit Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, which is a great place to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you'll visit the pretty white coral beach at Cerro Brujo, located on the island's north coast. Here you will have the opportunity to snorkel or walk along the beach. The bird life here is excellent - with blue-footed boobies as well as frigate birds.

Today you will wake up in Gardner Bay on Española Island. Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. In the afternoon, you'll head to Punta Suarez, which is located on the western coast of Española Island. This rocky spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos, including the waved albatross.

This morning you'll visit Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. There are various birds to observe besides flamingos, such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintail ducks. The afternoon you will visit Post Office Bay. This site is the location of a wooden barrel which was placed here in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by sailors and tourists as a post office.

Excursions on the Galapagos Islands. You will then disembark your vessel and transfer to your hotel on Santa Cruz islands for a few days' rest and relaxation.

At leisure in the Finch Bay Hotel.

At leisure in the Finch Bay Hotel.

Travel back to the Ecuadorian mainland where you will connect with your international flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.