DAY 1: Saturday Arrival to : Quito’s “Mariscal Sucre“ International Airport (UIO) is one of the busiest airports in South America, and the best one in the region at the 2018 at the World Travel Awards. It’s located about 11 miles east of the city. Welcome to Quito: Quito is the capital and the largest city in (population: 2.7M). At 9,350 ft. above sea level it’s the highest (constitutional) capital city in the world. Transfer from airport to our Airbnb or hotel: Our luxurious property is located in a safe, private, sought-after residential area of the capital, with some of the most incredible views of the city. A first-class hotel is the alternative. PACKAGE 2: DAY 2: Sunday Quito, The Pululahua Crater (weather permitting): is & The Galapagos one of only two volcanic craters inhabited in the world, and the only one that is farmed. -Itinerary highlights- The land here is extremely fertile because it is volcanic soil. The caldera of this extinct volcano is approximately 3 miles wide, one of the largest volcanic craters in the planet. Temple of the Sun: Its structure resembles a castle, and is the home of a temple that reveres the Sun like Ecuadorian pre- Columbian indigenous did, and at the same time it’s a museum and art repository for the famous Ecuadorian artist that constructed and owns this complex. Intiñan Museum: This onsite museum located right on top or the Equator Line features interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the Earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail and the affects of the Coriolis force on earth.

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Middle of the World City: The grounds of Church and Monastery of St. Francis: this “city” contain the Monument to the commonly known as “San Francisco“, is a Equator, which highlights the exact location 16th-century Roman Catholic complex. It of the Equator (from which the country fronts onto its namesake Plaza de San takes its name) and commemorates the Francisco. The imposing structure has the 18th century Franco-Spanish Geodesic distinction of being the largest architectural Mission which fixed its approximate ensemble among the historical structures of location. The complex includes museums, colonial Latin America. The style evolved interactive exhibits, restaurants, shops, etc. over almost 150 years of construction through earthquakes and changes in artistic Welcome dinner at Itchimbia: Finish your fashion. first full day in Ecuador by enjoying dinner at an exclusive restaurant with arguably the Casa Gangotena: sophisticated family best view of Quito by night. manor house turned boutique hotel smack dab in the middle of Quito. 1920s elegance, colonial charm, and the elegance and luxury DAY 3: Monday of a bygone era, featuring a grand terrace Quito’s Old Town: Quito was the first city to perfect for soaking up the picture-postcard be declared a UNESCO World Cultural city views, and a restaurant serving modern Heritage Site because it has the largest, Ecuadorian cuisine as good as you'll find. least-altered and best preserved historic center in the Americas. In last year’s World La Ronda: Old-world La Ronda is the most st romantic and magical street in Quito. The Travel Awards, Quito won the 1 place for lantern-lit streets and floral balconies Cultural Destination in South America! enhance the romantic ambiance, making La Plaza Grande and Changing of the Guard: Ronda one of the crown jewels of Quiteño 30-minute ceremony with bands, troops on culture. A series of doorways open up to a foot and horseback, and flag raising. This courtyard and multiple art galleries, weekly event takes place at Plaza de la museums, craft shops, and elegant Independencia (or Plaza Grande), which is restaurants. the principal square of Quito where the Presidential Palace, City Hall and Cathedral Virgin of El Panecillo: A 45-meter-tall stone are located. monument of a madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito: known Panecillo hill. Locals claim that she is the simply as La Catedral, is the Catholic only one in the world with wings like an cathedral in Quito, which makes it the angel. This hill and the virgin can be seen seniormost in the country. from anywhere in Quito’s Historic Center.

The Church of the Society of Jesus: known The of the National Vow: know as as La Compania, is a Jesuit church best- La Basilica, is the most important work of known because of its large central nave, neo-Gothic Ecuadorian architecture and is which is profusely decorated with gold leaf, one of the most representative of the gilded plaster and wood carvings. This is Americas. It is the largest neo-Gothic one of the most significant works of Spanish basilica in the New World. The building is Baroque architecture in South America. It is noted for its grotesques in the form of Quito’s most ornate church and (according native Ecuadorian animals such as to many) the country's most beautiful. armadillos, iguana, and Galapagos tortoises.

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Teleferiqo (weather permitting): this walk near them. The site provides the gondola lift runs from the edge of the city chance for some great photo ops. centre up the Pichincha Volcano. It’s one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising First night onboard. from 10,226 to 12,943 ft. The ascent takes about 20 mins. and is rewarded with the most amazing cloud-high views of Quito and DAY 5: Wednesday the surrounding mountains, volcanoes and sky-capped peaks. Isabela Island: This is the largest island in the archipelago, with an area of 1792 sq. mi Dinner at Casa 1028 Mobile Restaurant: and a length of 62 miles. This is the only This first-of-its-kind in Ecuador will take you populated island in the Galapagos. on a night tour through Old Town while you enjoy traditional appetizers and drinks. Tintoreras: Group of small islets with huge Experience the flavors and traditions of biodiversity! Marine iguanas, Galapagos Quito and get to know the stories and penguins, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos legends born from the Colonial time. sea lions and marine turtles live here and adore the rocky-lava landscape.

DAY 4: Tuesday Arnoldo Tupiza Breeding Center: Five species of giant tortoises have been bred in Flight to Baltra, Galapagos. captivity in this center, where there are a total of 330 juvenile and adult tortoises. It Transfer to the Fragata Yatch: The also features beautiful gardens that include “Fragata” is a 75 ft, spacious and native plants. comfortable owner-operated motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers in cozy Wetlands: Complex trail network and cabins, equipped with private bath, hot mangroves estuaries where a wild variety of water, A/C, TV. Onboard amenities include flora and fauna including tortoises, marine an ample sundeck, dining room, living iguanas and flamingos live. It also room, bar, library, and snorkeling showcases spectacular scenery of the bay, equipment and wetsuits that are available the town of Puerto Villamil, volcanoes, islets for rent. and rocks.

Santa Cruz Island: Situated in the center of Wall of Tears: Historical site constructed by the archipelago, this is the second largest prisoners using infrastructure left by the US island after Isabela, and is known for sandy military after WWII. The wall is about 65 ft. beaches. Its capital is Puerto Ayora, the tall and is said to have been the cause of most populated urban centre in the islands. thousands of deaths during its construction. The island is a large dormant volcano, and Locals call it this name because it is said to features a 1.2 mi lava tunnel that you can emanate eerie cries and have a heavy walk through. energy surrounding it.

“Primicias” Ranch: Admire the gentle giants in this giant Galapagos tortoise refuge. DAY 6: Thursday Explore the ranch lush with fruit trees and populated by cattle, goats and giant Rabida Island: This little island is less than 2 tortoises, who won’t be frightened if you sq mi. In addition to flamingos and the

www.ecuadorgaytravel.com 3 [email protected] | (954) 247-1035 bachelor sea lion colony, pelicans, white- majestic lake on the skirt of the Imbabura cheeked pintails, boobies and nine species volcano. of finch have been reported. Otavalo Indigenous Market: One of the Dragon Hill: You’re back in Santa Cruz to largest and most famous markets in South visit this rocky, low-lying hill, a home to an America. The indigenous Otavalo people are impressive population of the Galapagos famed for weaving textiles, usually made of land iguana. These miniature dragons wool, which are sold at the world-famous (hence the name of the site) roam around Saturday market. In this artisan market you the island eating fruits, flowers and cacti. will find anything from jewelry, clothing, and traditional home décor to (fake) Last night onboard. shrunken heads.

Lunch at La Mirage Garden Hotel: This DAY 7: Friday former hacienda is a paradise of plant life filled with a thousand fragrances from its Black Turtle Cove: The cove is a haven for a bougainvilleas, hibiscus, roses and orchids. plethora of rare marine life and birds, Exquisite cuisine is luxuriously served in the making it a must-visit for wildlife hotel's glass pavilions on the lawn, while enthusiasts. Naturally protected and watching peacocks strolling and virtually untouched by man, the cove is hummingbirds flying by. home to some truly remarkable species of animals and plants. The mangrove forest is Shopping in Cotacachi: This little artisan a protected national park, guaranteeing the town is famous for its leather goods and safety and sustainability of it many rare and handicrafts. The city of Cotacachi holds a vulnerable inhabitants. UNESCO medal for being free of illiteracy. In 2000 the entire canton was declared the Transfer to Baltra Airport. first ecological county of South America.

Transfer from Quito Airport to hotel. Visit to Cuicocha Lake: The name of this crater lake comes from the shape Dinner and drinks in La Floresta: Quito’s of the largest Island in the middle of it. most chic neighborhood features dozens of These animals play a significant part in the restaurants and bars with top of the line everyday life of , as they worldwide cuisine and décor. Some venues reproduce rapidly and need a minimum of transition from restaurant to bar and even food and care to survive. They make for a dance club as the hours and drinks flow, and high protein meal especially for populations the neighborhood becomes the best and living in high altitude. safest area to bar-hop in the capital. DAY 9: Sunday DAY 8: Saturday Typical Coastal breakfast: Start your last Breakfast and San Pablo Lake: Enjoy a day in Ecuador with a delicious homemade wholesome breakfast with local “bizcochos” meal as you would experience it in the and “queso de hoja” as you take in the Ecuadorian Coast. From plantain breathtaking scenery and beauty of this empanadas to shrimp ceviche, you will

www.ecuadorgaytravel.com 4 [email protected] | (954) 247-1035 enjoy a unique mix of flavors and sensations to prepare you for a long day.

Guayasamin’s Home and Museum: In the former hillside home of the legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamin, this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of the artist’s work, famous for his social justice themes. The visit includes entry to the ”Capilla del Hombre” (The Chapel of Man), a purpose- built art museum dedicated to the peoples of Latin America.

Lunch in Cumbaya: In the last decade, this former small rural village close to the capital has become one of the most stylish, hip (and expensive) residential and entertainment areas to live in or around, and features world-class restaurants, country clubs, gastro-pubs, clubs and bars.

Papallacta Hot Springs: Located in a magical High Andes landscape, this spa and resort is an integral holistic experience that will awake all your senses. Discover the beauty of nature and the healing properties of mineral hot springs. This relaxing afternoon will prepare you for your trip back home tonight.

Transfer to airport: Wow, what a ride! Your 8-night vacation in Quito and The Andes has come to an end. If you’re ready to start your adventure, contact us today, spaces are very limited! If you prefer a more economic option, check out our Package 1: Quito & The Andes (without the Galapagos).

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Ecuador Gay Travel, LLC reserves the right to alter the itinerary as needed and with no previous notice due to hotel availability, weather, temporary maintenance closings, local holidays, etc. We will make sure we replace the accommodation or activity with a similar one so your overall experience isn’t affected.

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