Galapagos with Quito & The amazon

A nature experience only rivaled by our Tanzania safari! Included flights carry us to the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Enjoy the culture and sights of the city and beyond before we fly to the Galapagos for our private, smal ship cruise of the Islands. Morning and afternoon excursions and swim opportunities daily. Professional naturalist lead all walks and excursions. Please reserve early as we have limited space on this popular itinerary! (800) 576-4905 or RailandSail.com

Included in your escorted travels: 

· International economy airfare (SEA,PDX,SFO, LAX)

    -Other gateways by arrangement

· 3 nights deluxe Quito Hotel

· 5 day/4 night Galapagos cruise with meals and tours

· 3 day/2 nights Amazon Jungle Tour

· Casa del Suizo Amazon Jungle Lodge

· Quito city tour

· Middle of the world Excursion

· Most meals

· Domestic airfare roundtrip Quito/Galapagos

· All airport transfers and tours mentioned

· Time for personal discoveries

· Private professional, English-speaking guides

· Experienced USA Tour Manager

· Caring and professional travel arrangements

Day 1 — Depart for South America! Make your way to your gateway airport. Check-in for our departure to Quito, Ecuador and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. On our evening arrival, transfer to our hotel and get a good night of rest! (in flight services)

Day 2 — Quito City Tour & Middle of the World! Today you will visit “Quito” the most beautiful colonial city in South America, declared by UNESCO part of the Cultural Heritage of Mankind. You will explore the colonial part of the city and you will start in the Independence Square, with the presidential palace, the city hall, the Sagrario church and the Cathedral. After visiting the colonial center of Quito we will go to the Middle of the World, which is located 25 km north of Ecuador’s capital. Here, you will visit the Intiñan museum, where the latitude 0° 0´0” and you will experience all the interesting phenomenon that happens in this unique place. We will visit the Middle of the World Monument, having the opportunity to stand in both hemispheres and take wonderful photos. (breakfast, welcome dinner)

Day 3 — Welcome to the Galapagos Islands! Enjoy breakfast before flying to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Arriving, we are transferred to the pier to board the M/Y Coral II, our private cruise ship. This afternoon, visit the Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill. Learn of the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Follow with a guided walk to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below. (Breakfast, in-flight service, dinner)

Day 4 — Kicker Rock Circumnavigation (San Cristobal Island) From our zodiacs, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of Sorcererís Hill. We can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails. In the afternoon visit Punta Pitt. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) 

Day 5 — Punta Suarez (Espanola Island) One of the highlight visits of the trip and a naturalist’s paradise. Marine iguanas and sea lions greet us and our walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blow hole. In the afternoon we visit Gardner Bay, a long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. Enjoy a nature walk to see Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles and playful sea lions. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) 

Day 6 — Punta Cormorant / Champion (Floreana Island) Wet landing on an olivine green, sanded beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, home to the largest flamingo population in the Galapagos. This island features endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. Often seen: sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and small reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) 

Day 7 — Tortoise Reserve & Quito This morning a scenic drive and walk through the Highlands Tortoise Reserve to see the Giant tortoises and many other birds and mammals that inhabit this mountainous area. In the afternoon transfer return to Quito and enjoy our hotel in the modern section of Quito. (Breakfast, inflight service)

Day 8 — Welcome to the Amazon! After breakfast, depart Quito and drive out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the Amazon region. Enjoy photostops overlooking lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes wait for a late-afternoon 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo, our Amazon Jungle lodge. (Breakfast, dinner) 

Day 9 — Exploring the Amazon Jungle Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a day of nature walks and activities with our local guide. Learn of the edible, medicinal, and construction uses of the various Amazon plant species we encounter. Enjoy the afternoon with a visit to the butterfly house, and a chance to build and float the river in our own raft. Enjoy the evening sunset from our luxurious resort on the water’s edge. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 10 — Morning at leisure Enjoy a morning at leisure in this beautiful resort. In the afternoon we make our way back to Quito and evening flights take us home with amazing memories and photos of a lifetime. (breakfast, in-flight meals)

Day 11 — Welcome home! Welcome to the USA! Clear customs and immigration in Houston, TX, and enjoy a barbecue sandwich before catching our connecting flight to Seattle! You may also chose to join our tour extension to Peru and Machu Picchu.

Our private ship can hold 28 guests only, please reserve this special tour now before it is gone.