Located 650 miles from the Ecuadoran mainland, the Galapagos Islands consist of 13 large and nearly 50 smaller islands made of volcanic rock and lava that are known as a shelter for species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. Since Charles Darwin’s famous visit in 1835, Galapagos island ecology has been viewed as a virtual laboratory of the evolution of species.

The Galapagos island Marine Reserve is the second largest in the world and one of its most important for the preservation of flora and fauna. Among the animals found in the islands are giant Galapagos tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, many varieties of birds, marine mammals and colorful fishes. Many of the animal species on the Galapagos are unafraid of humans, so don’t run or fly away as people approach, thus making animal viewing in the Galapagos something that is truly special.

A Galapagos island cruise – whether on a sail boat, a yacht or luxury liner – is an unforgettable experience unlike any other sea cruise. Winding through the islands, the ship makes frequent stops to view wildlife. Uncrowded and unhurried, the cruise also allows time to relax on the beach or swim and snorkel or dive.

Condor Travel offers a wide spectrum of Galapagos island tours to match the needs of distinct clientele. Be forewarned: the Galapagos are not for everyone. But for active people who genuinely love learning and the exploration of nature, the Galapagos Islands are a destination that is not to be missed.

DAY 1 / QUITO
Upon arrival to Quito: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 / QUITO
Half day tour Modern and Colonial Quito.

DAY 3 / QUITO - THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Transfer to the airport to board flight to the Galapagos Islands. On Arrival: transfer to the dock to board the vessel that will take you around the islands.

DAY 3 - 7 / THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Step over volcanic Islands isolated from the continent in which residues of delightful life adapted. Get to an exclusive setting invoking plants, animals and bodies of water with vivid colors and more incomparable characteristics.
*Get the ideal gase of Galapagos and extend to a 7-night cruise. Diving cruises also avariable.

DAY 7 / THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - QUITO
Arrival to Quito: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Quito by night ending with dinner at one of Quito´s typical restaurants.

DAY 8
Transfer to the airport to board your international flight.
* Extend your stay in Ecuador and visit the Amazon Rainforest or combine your program with Cusco and Macchu-Picchu.
Please inquire.

DAY 1 / QUITO
Upon arrival to Quito: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 / QUITO - OTAVALO
Enjoy a half-day tour to Modern and Colonial Quito. During the afternoon, travel north to the province of Imbabura, a magical land of lakes, visiting on the way Calderon, the village of bread-dough figurines.

DAY 3 / OTAVALO - LATACUNGA
Modern excursion to the Otavalo Indian market which dates back to the pre - Incan times, famoust for its textiles woven on blackstrap and shuttle looms. A market piled high with ponchos, woolen goods, hats, sweaters, Indian jewelry and handicrafts that offer an outstanding variety of designs and colors. (On Saturdays experience the vegetable, potatoes and fruit markets). In the afternoon travel south to Latacunga.

DAY 4 / LATACUNGA - COTOPAXI - QUITO
Located in the Andes on Central Ecuador; Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the World. surrounding the volcano is the National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares with treeless vegetation of Andean moorlands or `paramo´. Explore the National Park for the day. In the afternoon drive back to Quito.

DAY 5 / QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Transfer to the airport for departure flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Upon arrival: reception, assistance and transfer to the dock to board the vessel.

DAY 5 - 8 / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Explore diverse ecosystems. integrate inimitable beaches and rare landscapes inhabited by ebdemic animals and plants. Discover incredible sceneries that differ on every island. Go beyond the islands to swim and snorkel into a life-bursting world.
* Extensions to 7 night cruises or diving cruises available.

DAY 8 / GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - QUITO
Upon arrival: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 9 / QUITO
Transfer to the airport for international flight. Pre or Post extensions available to the Amazon Rainforest of other areas of Ecuador.

DAY 1 / QUITO
Upon arrival to Quito: reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 2 / QUITO - PAPALLACTA
Enjoy a half-day tour on Modern and colonial Quito. In the afternoon travel northwest to Papallacta, a peaceful setting surrounded by mountains, where you will enjoy hot spring water pools.

DAY 3 / PAPALLACTA - OTAVALO
Drive north to Imbabura and visit the typical Indian market of Otavalo, where colorful products like: ponchos, tapestries, Indian jewelry and straw purses named `shigras´ are offered. continue your visit to the handicraft center on San Antonio de Ibarra or Cotacachi.

DAY 4 / OTAVALO - COTOPAXI
Spend the morning in the Imbabura province experiencing the rural life. Start by driving south in the afternoon on what Alexander von Humboldt named the `Avenue of the volcanoes´.

DAY 5 / COTOPAXI
Full day at the Cotopaxi National Park, climb up to the refuge at 4,8000 meters from where a spectacular panoramic view of the Andes awaits.

DAY 6 / COTOPAXI - RIOBAMBA
Continue driving south through the Ecuadorian Andes towards Riobamba located in the heart of highlands; visit the `Conceptas Museum´ as well Guano, where hand made rugs can be found.

DAY 7 / RIOBAMBA - CUENCA
While we drive south to Ingapirca, the most important Inca ruins in ecuador; we will also enjoy panoramic views of the highlands and maybe visit one of the Indian markets in the south `Guamote´ (held only on thursdays) or enjoy a spectacular train-ride through the Devil´s Nose.

DAY 8 / CUENCA
Stroll through history on narrow streets of adobe surrounded by houses with coquettish balconies, visit museum that display centuries of pre_Colombian and colonial treasures, and discover the traces of indigenous religion on colonial catholic churches. Cuenca is renown for its high quality handicrafts like: embroidery, jewelry, ceramics and the famous `Panama hats´.

DAY 9 / CUENCA - QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL
Transfer to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.
* Extensions to the Galapagos Islands on 3, 4 or 7 nights cruises, the Amazon Rainforest, Loja and the Valley of longevity `Vilcabamba´ or to Machalilla National Park can be easily arranged.