Christmas in Ecuador & Galapagos 2024 - 5 day cruise on the Beluga Yacht

ITINERARY December 21 / Sunday: Quito

Arrival to Quito. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

December 22 / Monday: Santa Cruz

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Santa Cruz. Welcome by the crew of the Beluga yacht. The highlands offer the lush humid zone with its vegetation of Miconia bushed, Scalesia and inactive volcanic cones. Santa Cruz has more endemic plants than any other island in the Galapagos. The Galapagos tortoises can be seen in their natural habitat here. The Charles Darwin Station and headquarters of the Galapagos National Park may be visited at Puerto Ayora, the Islands´ most populated human settlement

December 23 / Tuesday: Isabela

Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay Punta Moreno: Main attractions are Brackish water lagoons, Flamingos and White cheeked pintail ducks. Elizabeth Bay: Island Isabela area of giant red mangroves Penguins, Sea turtles, Pelicans, Sea lions, Lava herons and Rays Flightless cormorants

December 24 / Wenesday: Urbina Bay / Fernandina: Punta Espinosa

Urbina Bay: Island Isabela Attractions: Remains of a coral reef Uplifted from the bottom of the sea. Flightless cormorants, Brown pelicans, Large marine iguanas, Rays Marine turtles and seashells Punta Espinosa: Flightless Cormorant, Pelicans, Sea Lions, Sally Light Foot Crabs and an abundance of Marine Iguanas can be seen along the shores of one of world's most active volcanoes.
* Special Christmas Dinner

December 25 / Thursday: James Island: Puerto Egas and Bartolomé

At Puerto Egas, you will see Galapagos Fur Seals in pools cut into lava cliffs and there is a good chance of spotting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermilion Flycatcher. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt water lagoons where Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks may be seen. Bartolomé: Nowhere else is the geological history of the Islands better portrayed than here. The most impressive volcanic scenery

December 26 / Friday: Turtle Cove - Baltra

After breakfast, visit to Turtle Cove where you will find Mangroves, Golden Rays and White tipped Sharks. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland.

December 27 / Saturday: Quito - Otavalo

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel. Visit to the colourful Indian market of Otavalo, some two hours drive from Quito. With its many impressive arts and crafts of the local people, the market (best on a Saturday) dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. Trip to Pinsaqui, one of the oldest Haciendas in Ecuador and dating back to 1790. Enjoy a superb lunch before visiting the Lago de San Pablo or the Lagunas de Mojanda, Cuicocha, or Yahuarcocha. Return to Quito for accommodation

December 28 / Sunday: Quito - Cotopaxi

After breakfast, we start our journey south through the spectacular avenue of the volcanoes towards Cotopaxi, the most famous of all Ecuatorian volcanoes. We shall pass Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey. Arrival to the magnificent Hacienda Cienega, one time residence of the German scientist Von Humboldt. After lunch at the hacienda, we shall visit the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo at the very foot of Cotopaxi. This Hacienda has been written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. The temple was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Cápac, and to this day the remaining rooms prevail as a magnificent sample of the unique style of Inca construction. The site is currently being investigated by Dr. David Brown of the University of Texas, the funding of which was provided by the National Geographic Society. Previously unknown portions of Inca walls and foundations have been discovered throughout the restoration process of the house. Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. Continue the tour into the Cotopaxi National Park for a closer view of the volcano. Before returning to Quito, time permitting, we shall visit one of the Indian Markets, either Pujilí or Saquisilí. These are amongst the most authentic markets in Ecuador with their colourful displays of spices, fruits and hand woven ponchos. Return to Quito.

December 29 / Monday: Quito

After breakfast, a full day's guided visit of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. A visit to the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar. The Plaza de San Francisco was constructed by the Spanish in 1553, and the church has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You shall also visit La Compañia, the finest of all Jesuit churches. Damaged through the years by fires and earthquakes, it has since been restored and has a richly sculptured facade and interior. If time, we will visit the some of the markets, including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El Panecillo and the Ipiales market. These are best visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main market days. Lunch at Cochabamba Restaurant; affording excellent views of Quito from its incredible location above Quito. Continue the tour to the middle of the world monument before returning to your hotel.

December 30 / Tuesday: Quito

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.