Day 1: The tours begins in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival (typically in the evening), you can either take an airport taxi to the hotel (very well organized), or you can arrange for a private transfer with us (not included). We have been using the boutique hotel Mama Cuchara for several years. The Mama Cuchara is one of four “Arts Hotels” in Ecuador. A beautifully restored 19th century building, its rooms facing an completely enclosed inner courtyard. It sports a wonderful roofop patio for drinks or meals, offering a magical night time view of the city. The owners emphasize the support of local artisans. If you are keen, and if you arrive a bit early, we can arrange through them a “hand-on” artisanal tour of the neighbourhood.

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, you'll get the chance to visit Quito's historic centre.  The government of Ecuador and the City government have invested a lot over the past twenty years and transformed to old city centre into a delightful place to discover history and architecture, along with the opportunity to see Ecuadorians out and about in town.    Historic Quito was inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list at the same time as Galapagos, in 1978 (see http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/2 for more details).   If the morning's sky is particularly clear, we will arrange for a trip on the cable car up to Pichincha volcano, where you should be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Quito valley below and surrounding snow capped volcanoes.  Lunch is provided in a tasty local restaurant.   You'll be back at the hotel in time for a quiet late afternoon.  Free evening - local restaurants abound.

Day 3:  We get on our bus for an early morning transfer to the airport (box breakfast included - though the airport has a very decent place for a more substantial meal at the departure gates area). Upon our arrival at Baltra Island in Galapagos (former US military base during WWII), we will be will be transferred to the yacht, which will be waiting for the group in the nearby harbor. This afternoon you will begin your island explorations. [B, L, D]*

Day 13 / Day 17 (afternoon):  Your trip ends on arrival back on the mainland sometime mid to late afternoon. Most connecting flights to North America and beyond leave later in the evening, and for the most part, you should be able to easily make the onward connection. We can arrange for an extra night in a hotel for those whose connecting flights leave the following day. flights [B]

[* Tour includes Breakfast, Lunch on day 2, all meals from day 3 onwards, and breakfast only on the last day]