9-Nights Galapagos In Style: Quito and Cruise - Boutique & River Cruises from $10,743

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Transfer: Quito Airportto Quito - Old Town

Hotel: ILLA Experience Hotel (5 Star Rating)

Illa Experience Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador. More than a place to stay, it's a way to experience the richness of Quito's culture. Set inside a renovated 17th-century house, Illa Experience Hotel offers guests contemporary accommodations while complementing each stay with unique activities included at no additional cost. You might visit the workshop of a local artisan and watch as he hand-carves traditional wooden toys, try your hand at watercolour painting in one of the neighbourhood's many art studios, or taste a classic Quiteno treat, helado de paila, which is a homemade ice cream spun in a wide copper bowl. Each floor of Illa Experience Hotel represents a unique period in time, and guests are sure to enjoy the sensational exterior views, outdoor swimming pool, and the semi-enclosed outdoor bar found on-site and exclusive to guests. For a unique cultural experience in the heart of one of Quito's warmest and welcoming traditional neighbourhoods, look no further than Illa Experience Hotel.

Day 2: Full Day The Middle of the Earth & Casa Agave

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow-capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth. Today's private-guided tour to the middle of the earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito, where a monument marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognized and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator, about which you'll learn more throughout the day. Your guide will also take you on a brief journey northwest, where you will visit the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. Later you will visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the site, and where you'll stop for lunch, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator and where you'll see all sorts of interesting monuments, interactive displays and historic relics. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time and to try to balance an egg on the head of a nail! Soon after visiting the Intiñan Museum, you'll be whisked away to Casa Agave. A unique distillery in Ecuador, Casa Agave specializes in producing Miske, a traditional and delicious spirit made from agave. Learn about the establishments local roots and pursuits, plant (and name) your own agave pup, discover the methods used to make Miske, then settle in for a sample. After touring and tasting at Casa Agave is complete, settle in for the return transfer to your hotel in Quito.Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Quito has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Top dining choices in Quito include Somos Ecuador Restaurant which specializes in creative, globally-infused dishes, La Vid, an outstanding restaurant offering Ecuadorian and international dishes in a gorgeous corner of the city, Quitu, an intimate and unique restaurant focusing on healthy, delicious and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, and Nuema, a creative kitchen where you are invited to settle in for a seasonal tasting menu. If you have another dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

Day 3: Full Day Quito City Tour with Cooking Class

The place to start exploring Ecuador is Colonial Quito, a city of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city's many spectacularly decorated and historic churches. The city has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all South America, and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito the first World Cultural Heritage site (alongside Krakow, Poland). With your guide leading the way, walk through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the Monastery of San Francisco which was started five days after the founding of the city in 1534. After that you will meet an executive chef who will take you to visit the Mercado San Francisco, an outstanding market, where you stop at various stations to purchase fresh produce and learn about the products and culinary traditions of Ecuadorian cuisine. After buying the ingredients for the cooking class and tasting a few fresh fruits, you will then head to Clarosucro Restaurante to begin your cooking class. Here you will don a chef's hat and apron, and then get to work preparing three delicious dishes: a locro Quiteño, an encocado, and a chocolate soup. These foods have been chosen because the ingredients used can be found worldwide, so you will have the chance to cook these recipes back home. During the class, the chef will accompany and guide you, providing explanations and details about the history of each dish. After crafting the three courses, you have the pleasure to taste what you prepared with the chef, and after dining, will be returned to your hotel in Quito.

Day 4: Full Day Orchids, Butterflies & Chocolate in Mindo

Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will drive you to the Pahuma Orchid Reserve to take a short walk to a nearby waterfall and orchid display. Pahuma Orchid Reserve helps to protect this spectacularly biodiverse region of Ecuador, and the unique micro-climate you'll explore is the perfect home to dozens of species of birds, a seemingly endless array of orchids, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians and mammals. After touring Pahuma, you will continue on to Mindo to admire and enjoy an interactive butterfly garden where, surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies, you will be able to observe the four stages of a butterfly’s life. While you are in the garden, you will be able to feed one or more of the 25 different species of butterflies. You'll then break for a local lunch, and shortly after, carry on to visit a chocolate factory, the ultimate destination for cocoa and culinary enthusiasts alike. Here you will see and taste every step of the chocolate making process, sampling delicious chocolates made from the highest quality, world famous Ecuadorian cocoa. After visiting the chocolate factory, your guide will return you back to your hotel in Quito.

Day 5: Embark Cruising Galapagos

Upon arrival to Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed by local staff and then transfer to the vessel. In the afternoon, visit Bachas Beach. It is one of the most beautiful ones in all of Galapagos - and that's really saying something. It is a long stretch of pristine white sand beach where sea lions lounge and crabs scuttle back and forth. It was used by the Americans during World War Two: "Bachas" is actually a version of the word "barges," which were once landed here. Sea turtles nest in some of the sand dunes here, and your guides will ask you to stay clear of the marked areas so as not to disturb the eggs. A short distance away are two salty lagoons where flamingos are frequently seen. There is no real hike here: only the warm, sandy beach. After a stroll along the sand and a refreshing dip, some of our guests like to do some easy snorkeling in the gentle surf.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Hotel: The Galapagos Elite (5 Star Rating)

Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class!

The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.

In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including social areas, suites and premium suites. Guests of all ages, will enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon.

The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation computers and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.

Transfer: Quito - Old Town to Quito Airport

Day 6: Genovesa: Prince Philip's Steps (El Barranco) - Darwin Bay

Genovesa Island is famous for bird life and neither of its two visitor sites disappoint. Genovesa is the remnant of a once-mighty volcanic crater, and the island still has a distinctive crescent shape. The body of water formed by the crescent is called Darwin Bay, despite Charles Darwin not visiting this island. There are no large land animals on Genovesa: not even tortoises or land iguanas. Unlike other islands, Genovesa never had a problem with destructive introduced animals like feral cats or goats, which has allowed bird life to thrive unmolested on the island for millennia. In the morning, you will visit the Prince Philip's Steps site. Getting to the visitor site from the landing area is tricky and involves a bit of climbing skill, but once you're up, Prince Philip's Steps is a visitor favorite. There is a magnificent view from the upraised plateau, especially on a clear day. An easy trail wends through a low, scrubby forest and ends up at a rocky ravine of sorts, where lucky visitors will spot the rarely seen Short-eared Owl. Visitors may also see Red-footed Boobies, gulls, or other birds nesting or visiting the site. In the afternoon, visit the Darwin Bay visitor site. It is on the interior side of the crescent-shaped island, protected from wind and currents. It is a wide, sandy beach with a short trail that leads off to one side of the beach and up into some rocky formations. There are many bird species here: visitors can expect to see Blue-footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Lava Gulls, Herons, Swallow-tailed gulls and more. It is one of the few visitor sites in the islands where you can see Red-footed Boobies. There are some tidal pools off the trail: lucky visitors may spot a ray, or some fish trapped there until the tide returns. Following the visit, guests will get to snorkel in the sheltered waters of the bay. Although deep water currents can sometimes cause the water to be chilly or cloudy, the crescent shape of the island protects the bay from strong winds. The bluffs along the side of the bay drop sharply into the water, which means that snorkelers can stay close to shore but still have deeper water off to one side. Lucky snorkelers might see sharks, rays, sea lions, sea turtles and dazzling reef fish including parrotfish, wrasses, king angelfish and damselfish.

Hotel: The Galapagos Elite (5 Star Rating)

Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class!

The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.

In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including social areas, suites and premium suites. Guests of all ages, will enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon.

The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation computers and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 7: Santiago: Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port

Back in the days of the great sailing ships, the Galapagos Islands were well known as a place where a traveling ship could stock up on food and water. Among the visitors were pirates, and the sheltered bay now known as Buccaneer Cove was a favorite place for them to repair their ships. Your visit includes a panga ride along the coast, where guests will see some interesting rock formations as well as several species of nesting birds including gulls, boobies and pelicans. The formations, eroded into the colorful red rock, are quite striking. You may get to see not only sea lions but also their more reclusive cousins, the Galapagos Fur Sea Lion. The panga ride is followed by a visit to unforgettable Playa Espumilla ("Foamy Beach" in English). The beach, known for reddish sand, is a favorite among guests: long, pristine and beautiful, home to a colony of sea lions, countless crabs and marine iguanas. It is possible to do some light snorkeling off the beach. In the afternoon, explore the Egas Port. The human history of the Galapagos Islands is often as interesting as the natural history, and a good example is Port Egas. Decades ago, an Ecuadorian named Hector Egas tried to make his fortune mining salt on Santiago Island. It worked for a while, but in the end the enterprise failed. Port Egas bears the name of this intrepid entrepreneur, and there are still some remnants of the old salt mine facilities here if you know where to look. Puerto Egas is a superb visitor site even without its history. The trail is a loop which goes through some low trees before swinging around along the coast. Along the inland part of the trail, look for finches and a medium-sized black bird: this is the Smooth-Billed Ani, an introduced species which somehow arrived in Galapagos at some point in the 1960's. On the coastal portion of the trail, you can expect to see numerous sea lions, marine iguanas, and shore birds. The coast is rocky due to its volcanic formation, but easy enough to walk along. Look in the shallow tidal pools: you never know what might have gotten stranded in there when the tide went out, and you might spot a stingray or an octopus in addition to the small fish usually found there.

Hotel: The Galapagos Elite (5 Star Rating)

Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class!

The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.

In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including social areas, suites and premium suites. Guests of all ages, will enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon.

The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation computers and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 8: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach - Twin Craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz

After breakfast, you'll head to Black Turtle Cove, located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. This stunning location is home to three different species of mangroves, creating a unique and thriving habitat for a diverse range of marine life. As you drift through the calm waters aboard our Zodiac, keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays swimming in formation, white-tipped reef sharks slipping beneath the boat, and Pacific green sea turtles surfacing for air and to mate. You'll also see a variety of waterfowl, including pelicans, herons, and egrets feeding in the cove. It's a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. In the afternoon, you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see giant tortoises in the wild. These enormous animals give this renowned archipelago its name. You can easily appreciate the Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, eating and lumbering among others. This is also a good place to see birds such as short-eared owls, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails and paint-billed crakes. As part of this experience, you will visit underground lava tunnels formed by cooled and solidified lava. Afterward, you'll go to Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Center that is managed by the Galapagos National Park Service and biologists from the Charles Darwin Research Station. The purpose of the center, named for a legendary park ranger, is to raise Galapagos tortoise hatchlings in a protected environment. When the tortoises are large enough to fend for themselves, they are released into the wild. The program has been very successful, and in recent years hundreds of young tortoises have been released on several islands. You will see different sub-species of tortoises in various species of development, from tiny young hatchlings smaller than the palm of your hand to fully-grown behemoths lumbering about their enclosures. Your guide will accompany you and provide information about the programs and facilities. The breeding center is at the Charles Darwin Research Station, just outside Puerto Ayora. In addition to the tortoises, you may see finches, warblers and other birds in and around the tall cacti tree, and tiny lava lizards scurrying about underfoot. After the visit, we will continue our journey to board the M/C Elite.

Hotel: The Galapagos Elite (5 Star Rating)

Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class!

The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.

In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including social areas, suites and premium suites. Guests of all ages, will enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon.

The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation computers and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 9: Disembark Cruising Galapagos

In the morning, visit the Isla Lobos, or "Sea Lion Island". It is a long, thin island not far off the coast of San Cristobal Island. As the name implies, it is home to a healthy colony of sea lions. There is a trail on the island, and visitors can see different species of birds, including Boobys of both the Blue-footed and Nazca varieties. There are marina iguanas and lava lizards on the island as well. In addition to the hike on the islet, the calm channel between Lobos Island and San Cristobal is one of the better snorkeling spots in the islands, as it is usually calm, and the sea lions often frolic with visitors. After our early morning visit, passengers will get ready and then be taken to San Cristobal Airport. Our airport personnel will assist passengers with the check-in process. Farwell and boarding the flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Colon Guayaquil (5 Star Rating)

Elegance, comfort, security and personalized service are just some of the characteristics that make Hilton Colon Guayaquil, a real five-star city resort hotel. The splendid building is located only five minutes away from Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport and dominates the city's new booming commercial and financial zone in Ecuador. The hotel is surrounded by the main shopping center and offers easy access to the downtown district area.

Day 10: Depart from Ecuador