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December 21. QUITO
Arrival to Quito. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

December 22. QUITO – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – NORTH SEYMOUR
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Baltra. You will be met at the airport by the Estrella del Mar’s crew for the start of your Galapagos tour. A visit to North Seymour for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island observing bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas.

December 23. ESPAÑOLA – GARDNER BAY – PUNTA SUAREZ
Today, we will visit the isolated Española where there is a high percentage of endemic fauna. Gardner Bay, on the eastern shore has a magnificent beach. The beach is frequented by sea lions, and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will come across many species of fish, turtles and perhaps even sharks. On a trail leading to the western part of the island, several nesting sites of the waved albatross will be encountered. These huge birds nest here from April to December. Finally at Punta Suarez, along with many nesting seabirds there are mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptile, including the marine iguana and the lava lizard, are also inhabitants of the island. Here you may also see a spectacular blowhole, which shoots spray 30 metres into the air .

December 24. FLOREANA- PUERTO CORMORANT
Punta Cormorant offers two highly contrasting beaches; the landing beach is of volcanic origin and is composed of olivine crystals, giving it a greenish tinge. At the end of the short trail is a carbonate beach of very fine white sand, formed by the erosion of coral skeletons; it is also a nesting site for green sea turtles. Between these two beaches is a salt lagoon frequented by flamingoes, pintails, stilts, and other wading birds. An old eroded volcanic cone called Devil's Crown is a popular roosting site for seabirds such as boobies, pelicans, and frigates and it is not uncommon to see red-billed tropicbirds in rocky crevices. The center of the crown is an outstanding snorkeling spot full of sea lions and colourful fish.

December 25. ISABELA ISLAND – TORTOISE CENTRE – SHARK LAGOON
After lunch, a scenic cruise along Bolívar Channel for possible whale and/or dolphin spotting. Swimming and snorkeling depending on local conditions. A visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center ("Centro de Crianza de Tortugas Gigantes"), which is a twenty-minute walk from the town centre on Isabela. The best place to see marine life is at Las Islas de los Tiburones (also known as Las Tintoreras). From the natural dock a trail leads past scuttling marine iguanas up to a lagoon and a narrow channel, where a "viewing gallery" allows you to see the sleek shapes of white-tipped reef sharks cruising back and forth. You can swim and snorkel in the lagoon - though don't swim in the channel itself as it's not big enough for both you and the sharks - or back at the landing site. If you're lucky you may see rays and marine turtles.

December 26. SANTA CRUZ – CHARLES STATION - HIGHLANDS
A visit to the second largest island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz. With six different zones of vegetation: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are also based here. The station is also a tortoise breeding centre, where tortoises of different species are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most famous inhabitant is probably Lonesome George, the only survivor of this specific turtle species. The lush green scenery of the Santa Cruz highlands is a welcome contrast to the aridity of the lower islands. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel .

December 27. QUITO – OTAVALO
After. breakfast, a visit to the colourful Indian market of Otavalo, some two hours drive from Quito. With its many impressive arts and crafts of the local people, the market (best on a Saturday) dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. Trip to Pinsaqui, one of the oldest Haciendas in Ecuador and dating back to 1790. Enjoy a superb lunch before visiting the Lago de San Pablo and the Lagunas de Mojando, Cuicocha, and Yahuarcocha. Return to Quito for accommodation .

December 28. QUITO - COTOPAXI
After breakfast, we start our journey south through the spectacular avenue of the volcanoes towards Cotopaxi, the most famous of all Ecuatorian volcanoes. We shall pass Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey. Arrival to the magnificent Hacienda Cienega, one time residence of the German scientist Von Humboldt. After lunch at the hacienda, we shall visit the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo at the very foot of Cotopaxi. This Hacienda has been written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. The temple was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Cápac, and to this day the remaining rooms prevail as a magnificent sample of the unique style of Inca construction. The site is currently being investigated by Dr. David Brown of the University of Texas, the funding of which was provided by the National Geographic Society. Previously unknown portions of Inca walls and foundations have been discovered throughout the restoration process of the house. Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. Continue the tour into the Cotopaxi National Park for a closer view of the volcano. Before returning to Quito, time permitting, we shall visit one of the Indian Markets, either Pujilí or Saquisilí. These are amongst the most authentic markets in Ecuador with their colourful displays of spices, fruits and hand woven ponchos. Return to Quito.

December 29. QUITO
After breakfast, a full day’s guided visit of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar. The Plaza de San Francisco was constructed by the Spanish in 1553, and the church has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches. Damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, it has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior. If time, we will visit the some of the markets, including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El Panecillo and the Ipiales market. These are best visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main market days. Lunch at Café Mosaico; affording excellent views of Quito from its incredible location above Quito. Continue the tour to the middle of the world monument before returning to your hotel.

December 30. QUITO (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home

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