Galapagos Classic: Quito & the M/C Alya

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 of the Middle of the Earth begins just 30 minutes north of Quito. Your guide will first take you on a brief journey to 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 Ecuadorian equator, as well as the Intiñan Museum, located directly on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time, try to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and see the unique water dynamics that occur! Back in Quito and after lunch, you will visit the city's impressive colonial center. Quito was the first city to be named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations (alongside Krakow, Poland in 1978), and touring the historic core highlights why it is so widely lauded. First on the agenda is a walk through the Main Plaza, the Plaza de la Independencia, 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 San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only five days after the founding of the city. Winding down, you'll enjoy a chocolate tasting experience in the old town at Yumbos; a small artisanal chocolate factory that uses fine Ecuadorian cocoa. During the visit, you will be able to learn the secrets behind making fine chocolate, and soon after, you will be returned to your hotel.

Leaving Quito after an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to the Pululahua volcanic crater for a peek into the crater floor where patchwork fields gleam far below. You will then drive to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, ascending to the top of a mountain and enjoying fabulous views along the way, to arrive at this natural paradise. Greeted by a flurry of hummingbirds, you'll also be welcomed to the reserve by local guide staff, and shortly after set out on a light hike into the forest on one of the reserve's variety of trails. An incredible 170 species of birds have been recorded at Bellavista, and the list continues to grow: Golden Tanager, Masked Trogon, Giant Antpittas, Swallow-tailed Nightjars, Plush-capped Finches, Beautiful Jays, and the White-face Nunbird have all been recorded within the Reserve's limits. Make sure to bring your binoculars! After lunch at the resort lodge, you will be invited to take another hike into the forest. During this walk, your local guide will acquaint you with the cloud forest's exuberant vegetation, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this special environment. Soon after returning to the reserve lodge, you will begin the transfer back to your hotel in Quito.

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island, a flight lasting roughly two hours and 30 minutes (included). Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, you'll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago and assist with the transfer to the nearby pier. After getting acquainted with the vessel, it's time to set sail. Dive into your Galapagos adventure at Black Turtle Cove, aptly named for the thriving "Tortugas negras" population or green sea turtles. You'll navigate this natural sanctuary on dinghies, cruising amidst serene mangrove forests and tranquil water channels. Expect sightings of reef sharks, diverse ray species, and a plethora of bird species, including herons, pelicans, and boobies. Remember, this magical cove is a significant breeding ground for turtles and a nursery for various shark species!

Activities Today - AM: none, PM: Exploration by Panga

Start your day surrounded by the bustling avian life of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a birdwatcher's paradise. As soon as your feet touch the sandy terrain, you're welcomed by a symphony of seabird calls, with frigatebirds, boobies, and gulls soaring overhead or nestled in the foliage. The trail meanders through colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, night herons, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and more. Next stop, El Barranco. Known for its fractured lava cliffs serving as the perfect dwelling for storm petrel colonies, this unique ecosystem draws a significant population of short-eared owls. A trail alongside these cliffs reveals red-footed and Nazca boobies aplenty. Resting in the shadows at the cliffs' base, you may spot Galapagos fur seals and numerous seabirds.

Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board and Kayak. PM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board and Kayak

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate, unique textures. The seemingly lifeless landscape gradually unveils a resilience of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and tiny birds emerging on careful observation. Keep your eyes on the shoreline for resident penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers. This afternoon, stand atop Bartolome Island for unparalleled views of the lunar-like landscape, punctuated by scattered volcanic cones, Pinnacle Rock, and the bay of Sullivan. Bartolome is a jewel in the Galapagos crown and home to a vibrant population of penguins.

Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride. PM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride.

Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks - an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions. Our afternoon destination is Mosquera, largely a barren sand bar with rocky outcrops and salt-resistant vegetation. Stroll along the beach, observing the playful antics of sea lion pups in the surf and tide pools. Keep an eye out for endemic lava gulls, often spotted in mid-flight hunting for their next meal.

Activities Today - AM: Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Paddle Board & Kayak. PM: Hiking & Snorkeling

Spend your morning at the renowned Charles Darwin Station. As a nonprofit organization working closely with the Galapagos National Park, the station is committed to the preservation and study of the archipelago's biodiversity. Discover the myriad initiatives underway to safeguard native species and combat invasive threats to the Galapagos ecosystem. This visit offers the unique opportunity to see giant tortoises bred in captivity. This afternoon, your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Today, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador. As you bid farewell to this paradise, take with you the unforgettable memories of one of the world's most extraordinary destinations. Board your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

Activities Today - AM: Hiking & Snorkeling.