Your 10-day tour through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands will undoubtedly be a memorable one. Enjoy the sightseeing and spectacular views in Quito, then board your cruise yacht for an unforgettable excursion through the many Galápagos islands, which offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

Fly to Quito. Arrive late this evening and meet your Go Ahead representative.

Day 2 - Quito

A professional local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Quito. Take in spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. Then pass Catholic University, the Legislative Palace, Independence Square, the Government Palace and El Sagrario Church as you venture through the streets of the Old Town. Stop for a visit to the enormous 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Continue through the Old Town to La Compañia, the city’s exquisite baroque church. This afternoon, take an included journey to the Equatorial Line monument. Enjoy an included dinner with the rest of your tour group this evening. (B, D)

Day 3 - Galapagos Islands

This morning, fly to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos. Board your cruise, the Galápagos Legend, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Depart on dinghies for a dry landing visit to Bartolomé Island. Gaze up at the island’s volcanic formations, including lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. Hike 365 steps to the summit for wildlife sightings and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Hike back down to Pinnacle Rock to see its sea lions and penguins and nesting sea turtles (in season). Then enjoy a snorkeling excursion. (B, D)

Day 4 - Galapagos Islands

Voyage to Isabella Island today, made up of six ancient volcanoes that merged into a single landmass. You’ll sail to Urbina Bay, located at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. Look out for land iguanas during an onshore hike, followed by a snorkeling excursion. Reach Fernandina Island for a look at Punta Espinosa, a geologic site formed by a vertical tectonic shift. Turtles and sharks surround the point, and groups of marine iguana gather here. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Galapagos Islands

Travel to Santiago Island for a wet landing at Puerto Egas, a bay of black-sand beaches and unique rock formations. On your hike, you’ll see fur sea lions before enjoying the day’s first snorkeling trip. This afternoon, go on a deep sea snorkeling excursion to see sea lions and turtles. Then its off to explore the shores of Rábida Island, known for its red hue. After a wet landing, walk to a salt water lagoon to spot flamingos. End the day with a short hike for stunning island views. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Galapagos Islands

Your first stop today is Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park offices, the hub of conservation efforts. Learn about the ecology of the islands and meet giant tortoises George and Diego at the breeding center. This afternoon, take a boat trip to Cerro Chato, where you’ll observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Quito

Leave for Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, for a morning swim off its white sand beaches. Later, board a flight back to Quito and check into your hotel. (B)

Day 8 - Quito

Enjoy a free day in Quito, or join our full-day optional excursion to the traditional craft markets of Otavalo, which date back to pre-Incan times. You’ll also stop at some of the native villages along the way. This full-day excursion also includes lunch at a traditional Hosteria. (B)

$95 USD

Otavalo Journey to the native Indian community of Otavalo for a visit to the crafts market. Shop for sweaters, leather goods, belts, jackets, blankets and rugs, handmade in a tradition that goes back centuries.

Day 9 - Quito

With another free day in Quito, visit the city’s many museums, shops and cafés. Or join an optional excursion to Mindo Reserve. Situated northwest of Quito, Mindo Reserve encompasses15,000 acres of protected land, 2,000 species of plants and 325 bird species—three reasons why it was named one of the top five biodiversity spots in the world. This full-day excursion includes lunch in a butterfly garden. Tonight, opt for a Quito Evening Tour and Dinner. If you are traveling on the extension to Peru, transfer to the airport later this afternoon to board your flight to Lima. (B)

$95 USD

Mindo Reserve *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* An excursion to Ecuador's Mindo Reserve, a rainforest of 15,000 acres, introduces you to one of Conservation International's Top Five Biodiversity Zones in the world.

$59 USD

Quito Evening Tour and Dinner Enjoy an evening in the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as you explore Quito's vibrant restaurants and nightlife.

Day 10 - Quito

Transfer to the airport to board your return flight home. (B)