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Arrive in Quito and set off to enjoy a full day at the famous Otavalo market, full of color, textiles, jewelry, handcrafts and more! Quito and its charming colonial streets will welcome you on another day of cultural discoveries.
Travel to the Galápagos Islands and discover a fascinating realm of natural life, home to some of the most astonishing creatures found anywhere on Earth. Galápagos Islands are made up of 13 main islands, 17 islets, and dozens of ancient rock formations. After millennia of isolation, the animals are famously indifferent to people, allowing visitors to view then from mere inches away. Certified naturalists accompany every shore excursion to explain the animal species and ensure animal rights are respected. Arrive in Quito for overnight, and explore the old city at your leisure. The next day fly to Galapagos for your four-day cruise with daily shore excursions to different islands. Cruises are available as a 4-Day, 5-Day or 8-Day options. Exact cruise itinerary will vary depending on date of arrival, specific yacht availability and client preference.)
NOTE: Due to capacity constraints in Galapagos, there is a $300 non-refundable booking fee as part of the 30% per person deposit. This booking fee is paid to vessel owners to secure reservations.
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| Day |
Activities |
Hotel |
Day 1
Quito
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- Quito: Transfer - Quito Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
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Le Parc (B)
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Day 2
Quito
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- Breakfast (included)
- Private - Otavalo Market Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
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Le Parc (B)
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Day 3
Quito
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- Breakfast (included)
- Private - 1/2 d City Tour, Equatorial Monument & El Crater (with Lunch) (5 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
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Le Parc (B)
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Day 4
Galapagos
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- Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Quito Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Quito - Galapagos [via Guayaquil - 2K032 (4hr) Depart 7:50am Arrive 9:55am] - Economy
- Galapagos: National Park Fee - Park Fee
- Fuel Surcharge - Fuel Surcharge (3n)
- Transfer - Shared - Airport to cruise
- Seymour Islands: Guided hike (North)
- Briefing and Dinner
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Legend Luxury Class Yacht (B,L,D)
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Day 5
Galapagos
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- Breakfast (included)
- Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
- Lunch (included)
- Floreana Island: Cormorant Point
- Briefing and Dinner
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Legend Luxury Class Yacht (B,L,D)
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Day 6
Galapagos
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- Breakfast (included)
- Española Island: Punta Suarez
- Lunch (included)
- San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center
- Briefing and Dinner
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Legend Luxury Class Yacht (B,L,D)
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Day 7
Quito
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- Breakfast (included)
- Santa Cruz Island: Carrion Point
- Transfer - Shared - Cruise - Airport
- Air - Galapagos - Quito [via Guayaquil 2K033 (4 hrs) Depart 10:40 am and Arrive 15:00 pm ] - Economy
- Quito: Transfer - Quito Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
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Le Parc (B)
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Day 8
Quito
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- Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Quito Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Quito Departure Tax
- End of Itinerary
- Kensington Cares - 2
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Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)
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| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Quito Quito is Ecuador’s capital and has a setting of great natural beauty, overshadowed by the volcano Pichincha with its twin peaks of Ruco and Guagua. Quito is located at 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, so some visitors may suffer from altitude sickness during the first hours after arrival. The city has preserved much of its Spanish colonial character, the cathedral in the Plaza de la Independencia (the oldest church in South America) and the many old churches and monasteries being among the most notable instances. Also in the plaza are the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palacio Presidencial. Many of the city’s famous churches and monasteries contain priceless examples of Spanish art and sculpture, particularly the Monasterio de San Francisco and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. Most of Quito’s colonial churches are located in the Old Town, parts of which have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver. Le Parc is a luxury boutique hotel with a diferent concept, unique in Quito. The hotel has 30 suites, each characterized by its unique design and architecture. Overnight at Le Parc. |
 Quito |
 Le Parc |
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Day 2
Quito Enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery, fascinating Indian cultures and specialized artisan villages as you travel across the northern Andean highlands to the famous market town of Otavalo. Allow yourself to browse, bargain, and enjoy the visual feast of an Indian market in Otavalo. Afternoon, return to Quito. Overnight at Le Parc. |
 Colorful Necklaces in Otavalo Market |
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Day 3
Quito Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas; visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan. Finish the morning at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city. At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the "Middle of the World City" complex. Visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0° 0’0”. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch (Included) in a typical restaurant where flavors from across the country can be savoured. Overnight at Le Parc. |
 Iglesia dela Campana |
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Day 4
Galapagos Baltra is a small flat island located near the center of the Galapagos. The island is very arid and vegetation consists of salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. The Baltra airport was originally constructed by the U.S.military during World War II as a base to protect the Panama Canal from enemy attack. It is linked by bridge to Santa Cruz Island. It is the main airport for arrivals and departures from the Galapagos. Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver. Take your flight from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour. The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only - the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters. A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to/from Galapagos. These surcharges are included in your booking. Please note that fuel surcharges are subject to change without prior notice Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship. Visit toNorth Seymourislands: After a dry landing, you will see swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions. This site is known as a major nesting colony for blue-footed boobies, and it has the largest colony of the magnificent frigate bird (a different species from the great frigate bird). Here you will also be able to see both endemic species of iguanas, the marine iguanas and the land iguanas. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. The magnificence and immensity of the Galapagos Islands comes to life aboard the Legend, Luxury Class Yachts. The 41 cabins are structured in suite style and superior room fashion, each with a window at the bedside to soak in the surrounding water and pieces of land. Dining can take place outdoors under the stars, while feasting on a medley of Ecuadorian and international methods and spices. Later, spend the evening watching live performances of native folk dancing, or perhaps spend some private time in the library. Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht. |
 Galapagos Sea Lions |
 Galapagos Wildlife |
 Luxury Class Yacht, Galapagos |
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Day 5
Galapagos After a dry landing, you will walk to a salty lagoon behind the beach. Here you may see pink flamingos. Continuing on the trail up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. You will also encounter a large colony of reintroduced land iguanas [hence the name, Dragon Hill] and a Scalesia tree forest. Returning to the shore, you will take a ride in a panga [Zodiac] boat to Venice Islet, to observe marine animals such as golden rays, sharks and sea turtles in the calm waters of the coves, as well as the land iguanas. Wet landing on a green sand beach at Cormorant Point, followed by a hike on well-marked trail to a large, brackish lagoon. Here you will see one of the biggest populations of flamingos in the islands. Novice snorkelers can practice back on the main beach where the sea lions are playful, while experienced snorkelers can roam the waters around Devils Crown. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht. |
 Land Iguana |
 Galapagos Penguins |
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Day 6
Galapagos Dry landing for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked) boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. We head to the Interpretation Center, which was built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Centre, and it gives a very good introduction to the Galapagos islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. It is located in the outskirts of the small city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos Province. Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship. Overnight at Legend Luxury Class Yacht. |
 Sally Light Foot Crab |
 Cactus at Interpretation Center |
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Day 7
Quito Santa Cruz (Carrión Point). Today, passengers can choose either a ride in an outboard motorboat to observe the Galapagos fur seal, seabirds and marine wildlife or go snorkeling to see a variety of tropical fish, manta rays or even harmless white-tipped reef sharks. Transfer by bus acrossSanta Cruz Islandand a short ferry ride to Baltra. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Continental Ecuador. Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours. Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver. Le Parc is a luxury boutique hotel with a diferent concept, unique in Quito. The hotel has 30 suites, each characterized by its unique design and architecture. Overnight at Le Parc. |
 Sally Lightfoot Crab |
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Day 8
Quito Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver. Departure tax is not included in the tour price ($44.30 per person). Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard). |
 Kensington Cares |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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