11 Day Essence of Ecuador & the Galapagos

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA, Arrive in Quito, Welcome Dinner
Depart the USA for Ecuador. Arrive in Quito and transfer to the Swissotel. This evening, enjoy a Gutsy welcome dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Friday - Travel to Otavalo with Sightseeing En Route
Today, journey to Otavalo via San Antonio and Guayllabamba. Travel along the Pan-American Highway north of Quito and watch as a magnificent array of landscapes and vistas unfold before your eyes. Not far past the equator lies the small village of Calderon, known for its unique bread dough figures. Beyond Calderon, pass through the deep valley of Guayllabamba, abounding in fruit trees and flowers. Stop at Cayambe, the most important town en route to Otavalo, a place noted for its dairy industry. Upon reaching Otavalo, enjoy dinner at your hacienda-style hotel
Overnight: Otavalo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Morning in Otavalo, Return to Quito
Spend the morning at leisure in Otavalo, a scenic town dominated by the remarkable Imbabura volcano. Though primarily a farming community, Otavalo is also known for its high quality traditional handicrafts. This afternoon, return to Quito
Optional: Full Day Otavalo
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Travel to Termas, Thermal Baths
This morning drive from Quito to Termas de Papallacta. In the Highlands of Ecuador, take the opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters of the Andean Mountains, long believed to help people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. In addition to the baths, other spa treatments are available for optional purchase locally. Then, discover the adventurous spirit within you by walking or riding on horseback at over 10,000 feet above sea level for a chance to observe condors, bears, pumas and other fascinating species unique to this zone
Overnight: Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Pakakuna Gardens, Ceviche Culinary Lesson
Return to Quito via the Pakakuna Gardens, whose name means "hideaway" in Quechua. This 45 hectare country property, situated 7500 feet above sea level in Pichincha province, is one of the hidden treasures of Ecuador, offering a fabulous variety of plants in gardens that are open year round. This diversity is made possible by the special soil and climatic characteristics of the area including an average temperature which is about 8°F warmer than Quito. The Gardens offer the visitors one of the most spectacular biodiversity experiences in continental Ecuador and possibly in Latin America, while having the added benefit of being very close to Quito and easily accessible. Upon returning to Quito, learn how to make ceviche, a traditional Ecuadorian dish that is cooked using citric acid from fruit rather than heat, and take the technique home with you to dazzle your friends and family
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Tuesday - Quito City Tour, Middle of the World
Drive along the broad avenues of Quito's modern district to see the Ecuadorian House of Culture, the Congress building, and Alameda Park before entering Quito's colonial section. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and feel the charm of this 16th-century city. Visit Independence Plaza, the beautiful French-styled square bordered by the Cathedral and Government Palace. Explore San Agustin, with its Moorish cloisters, and Chapter Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1809. Stop in at the renowned La Compañia Church, whose ornate gold leaf interior and elaborately carved altars have recently been renovated to recapture their days of glory. Visit the wide open plaza and impressive church of San Francisco, the Escorial of the Andes, built in the 16th century by the Indians of St. Andrew's School. Stroll up Calle La Ronda to reach El Panecillo Hill for a beautiful and impressive view of the Andean landscape. Just 13 miles north of Quito stands the monument marking the equatorial line as established by the 18th-century expedition of the French/Spanish Geodesic Mission. Stand in both hemispheres simultaneously or try to stand right on top of the Equator. Climb to the top of the monument for a fantastic view of the Andes mountains and, finally, enjoy a tour of the Ethnographic Museum
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Arrive in the Galapagos
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal, the Galapagos archipelago's oldest and easternmost island. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and board the Galapagos Explorer II. Settle in for a visit to Cerro Brujo, where a wet landing gives you a chance to possibly view pelicans and a variety of sea birds, including Blue and Red-footed Boobies, Common Gallinules, and Frigates. Then, enjoy plenty of free time for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing
Overnight: Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Sail to Bahia Gardner
Sail to Punta Suarez (Española Island) for a dry landing, allowing you to watch sea lions surfing the waves and marine iguanas basking in the equatorial sun. If you are feeling like a little exercise, hike further inland to view the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where sea water jets high into the air. In the afternoon, arrive at Bahia Gardner for a wet landing to view one of the most pristine beaches in all of the Galapagos, home to many sea lion colonies and endemic mocking birds. Then, venture to Gardner Rock for wall dives, where you can encounter tropical fish, rays, cactus finch and other colorful sea-dwellers while snorkeling
Overnight:Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Sail to Santa Cruz Island
Today, arrive at Santa Cruz Island for a dry landing. Here, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a specialized breeding and rearing center for the endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise. The Darwin Station is a working branch of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin foundation, which works to protect and maintain the Galapagos' precious ecosystems. Afterward, walk through Puerto Ayora, the largest town on the islands. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at the small island of Rabida, located to the south of Santiago. The isle is home to a central volcano with some of largest and most variegated types of lava in the island chain. A small saltwater lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos feeding on pink shrimp larva, while the beach holds a large sea lion colony. There is a short walk to the top of the trail where you will have opportunities to photograph the striking volcanic peaks
Overnight:Galapagos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Morning in Las Bachas, Farewell Dinner
This morning, following a wet landing, enjoy the white-sand beaches of Las Bachas. The beaches acquired their stark tone and consistency from the decomposed coral of which they are made, a tone and consistency which also makes them a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight from Baltra to Guayaquil on the mainland. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow Gutsy women for a farewell dinner as you reflect, share your experiences, as you prepare to say hasta luego to beautiful Ecuador
Overnight:Guayaquil
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast