Travel to Ecuador, Galapagos: Romantic Ecuador Honeymoon

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Romantic Ecuador Honeymoon

			DAYS: 10 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $3995 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Quito Wildlife observations Deluxe yacht cruising Cultural interactions in Otavalo Old World hacienda ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Yacht/Ship MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Begin your new life together on a voyage through the Galapagos Islands.  Stay at a romantic colonial-style hacienda in the Andes before you cast away aboard a deluxe, small yacht in the remote island archipelago.  Hike, snorkel, and explore by day, then enjoy fine dining, wine and evening lectures by your on-board master naturalist. Discover the capital city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then escape to a romantic getaway high in the Andes to the colorful village of Otavalo where you may relax in style, hike, ride horseback, and enjoy luxury spa services. Ask us about even more remote mountain getaways and Amazon jungle retreats!

Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant blend of old and new.

DAY 1 :  QUITO
Airport reception in Quito and transfer to Hacienda Rumiloma, a charming, romantic hacienda rustic luxury on the flank of the Volcano Pichincha overlooking the city.

DAY 2 :  QUITO
Enjoy a private city tour of colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beginning in the new "Amazonas" district you will pass by the American Embassy, House of Culture, and the Legislative Palace where stone murals record the country's history. The old colonial center includes the bustling Independence Plaza, the narrow street of La Ronda, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the gorgeous San Francisco cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for your Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey. Overnight at Hacienda Rumiloma. [B]

DAY 3 :  GALAPAGOS / NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and transfer to the Coral I. The ship's crew will greet you on board, take care of your luggage, and run through safety drills. Enjoy fresh fruit drinks as the yacht makes her way to the first site visit. As the sun sets, enjoy a typical Ecuadorian meal, the nightly briefing, and a formal presentation of the captain and crew. During the rest of this week, you will leisurely voyage through the stunning Galapagos Islands, among a varied landscape of diverse flora and fauna. Overnight onboard. [BLD]

	Commune with the fearless wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

DAY 4 :  RABIDA & SANTIAGO ISLANDS
Rabida is considered to be the geographic center of the Galapagos archipelago and features the most diverse volcanic rocks of all the islands. Brown pelicans nest in the mangrove sand and Great flamingos feed at a nearby salt lagoon. Following the morning hike, you will have great opportunities for snorkeling with sea lions before departing for Santiago Island. After landing this afternoon at the beautiful black sand beach of Puerto Egas, on Santiago, embark on a hike through the dry interior of the island. Keep your eyes out for hawks, doves, and finches before reaching the opposite coastline. Deep aquamarine colored grottos shelter sea lions and night herons, as well as invertebrates such as sea urchins, octopus, and starfish. This is one of the few places in the Galapagos to spot fur seals basking on the black lava rocks.  Overnight on Coral I. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  FERNANDINA & ISABELA ISLANDS
This morning, head out to Fernandina, the youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos. Punta Espinosa is a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen including Sally Lightfoot crabs, penguins, and Marine iguanas, which congregate in larger groups here than on any other island. Watch penguins throw themselves off the rocks into the water, while the panga driver skillfully eludes the reef to reach the landing site near a small mangrove forest. The Marine iguanas are everywhere: basking in the sand, swimming near the shore, grazing on the exposed seaweed in the lava, and blocking the way at the landing dock, one of the few places where you can watch them feed underwater. A short boat ride mid-day through Bolivar Channel will bring you to Tagus Cove, at Isabela Island. Whales and dolphins are often seen here. Tagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The nature trail is an ascent through the typical dry vegetation zone and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake connected to the sea by a narrow inlet. At the top of the trail it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, catch a glimpse of Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes, and see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and pelicans. Overnight on Coral I. [BLD]

All Galapagos visitors love the comical boobies!

DAY 6 :  BARTOLOME & SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Visit Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island, where penguins are often spotted. Hike up to the summit of the island for spectacular views of the Rock, the white-sand beaches and the lush mangrove swamps below. Identify various volcanic formations like spatter and tuff cones with your guide, keeping an eye out for pelicans and Galapagos hawks. Then head to Black Turtle Cove, a Red Mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz Island that serves as a nursery for many types of sharks as well as Golden and spotted Spotted Eagle rays. The water is mirror-calm and by paddling quietly, it is possible to see dozens of majestic creatures floating just beneath the surface. Overnight on Coral I. [BLD]

A perfect sunset to end the perfect day.

DAY 7 :  CHARLES DARWIN STATION & RETURN TO QUITO
Visit the famous Charles Darwin Station on Santa Cruz Island and learn about current research and conservation initiatives including breeding programs that hope to reintroduce specific tortoise species back onto the island of their origin. Meet Lonesome George, possibly the oldest resident of Galapagos and the last surviving individual giant tortoise of his Pinta Island sub-species.  Disembark this afternoon and your guide will accompany you to the Galapagos airport for your afternoon flight to the mainland. Transfer in from the Quito airport and stay overnight at Hotel Le Parc, among the most cool and contemporary chic accommodations in Ecuador. [B]

DAY 8 :  OTAVALO, ANDES HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, your private guide will take you north into the Andean highlands, stopping at small villages along the way. Eat a traditional lunch at a local hosteria. You will stay at a uniquely restored colonial hacienda. First constructed in 1602, Hacienda Cusin is located on the outsirts of outskirts Otavalo and offers a stunning view of Mt. Imbabura volcano. The hacienda's cozy suites are heated every evening by large fireplaces that are lit while you are dining. Lush gardens cover the grounds that also includes a historic chapel. Horseback riding and mountain biking are just a few of the options available to guests. [BLD]

There are great opportunities to meet local Otavalenos walking though market place.

DAY 9 :  OTAVALO / QUITO
After breakfast, visit the world-famous market at Otavalo. This is a magnificent opportunity to photograph native costumes, animals, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pottery displayed in colorful arrays. Be prepared to get involved in the excitement of bargaining and buying. Return to Quito and overnight at Hotel Le Parc or similar. [B]

DAY 10 :  QUITO / HOME
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Or, continue your Ecuadorian adventure with an extension to a remote Amazon jungle ecolodge or travel the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," to romantic villages and resorts hidden away in lush Andean valleys. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453