Combine the Famed Galápagos with Ecuador’s Stunning Highlands

Highlands & Islands

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Poised on the Equator, the country of Ecuador is richly blessed with natural wonders, from emerald-green highlands topped with snow-capped Andean volcanoes to the epic Galápagos Islands, Darwin’s living laboratory. On this active adventure, we offer a delightful combination of both of these enchanting realms. In the magical world of the Galápagos, we cruise by small, luxurious yacht, enjoying one of the planet’s quintessential natural history experiences as we hike among colonies of blue-footed boobies and snorkel with sea lions. In the pure mountain air of the highlands, we roam the colorful Otavalo market, hike to a high lake nestled in a volcanic caldera, and enjoy the welcoming Hacienda Zuleta, a historic estate at 9,000 feet in the Andean cloud forest.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

For our Highlands & Islands journey, we offer two different island itineraries. One itinerary visits the Western Islands of the archipelago and the other visits the Eastern Islands. Check the dates of your cruise to see which island itinerary it features.

*Please note that this itinerary-in-brief is for the 2008 Western Islands Itinerary on the Sagitta & Diamante only. Please call for details on the Eastern Island itinerary, the Mary Anne and the 2009 season.

Days 1-2
Quito

In Ecuador’s capital, we visit the colonial Old Town.

Days 3-4
Galápagos Cruise / Santa Cruz / Isabela

After our flight to the Galapagos, we set off by small yacht for hiking, snorkeling,
sea kayaking, and reveling in the glories of Darwin’s world. We head through the highlands on Santa Cruz to see the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands are named. On Isabela, we enjoy the unforgettable experience of snorkeling
among green sea turtles (seasonal), Galapagos sea lions, and tiny Galapagos penguins.

Days 5-7
Galápagos Cruise / Fernandina / Santiago / Bartolome

On Fernandina Island, still volcanically active, we see flightless cormorants nesting along the rocky shores. A huge colony of marine iguanas lives along Fernandina’s vast lava flows, and the land iguanas here are among the largest in the islands. On Santiago Island, we stroll the shores of Puerto Egas looking for Galapagos fur seals in rocky grottoes and marine iguanas feeding on the algae. Our hike to the top of Bartolomé’s volcanic summit offers incredible panoramas. Return to Quito on Day 7.

Days 8-11
Otavalo Market / Hacienda Zuleta / Quito

We head into the beautiful green highlands, visiting the famous market at Otavalo en route to Hacienda Zuleta. Hikes with magnificent volcano views are among the joys of this historic estate, as are interactions with the Zuleteno people. At night, we relax in the ambiance of this 300-year-old hacienda, a 4,000-acre working farm with a cheese-making dairy, organic garden, and condor-raising project. Virtually everything gracing the table here comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth. We enjoy a final morning hike, then return to Quito and depart on Day 11.

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Tour Costs Prices are for 2008 (11-day) only Aboard the Diamante $3895 (10-12 members) $4195 (8-9 members) $4395 (6-7 members) Aboard the Sagitta $4095 (14-16 members) $4395 (11-13 members) $4595 (8-10 members) Single supplement (hotels): $415 Single supplement (boat) from: $1100 Park fee: $100 Transit card: $10 Internal airfare: $410 (subject to change) Child discount: $600 Prices for 2009 to be Announced **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

2009 DEPARTURES

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