Albatross
Summary of nights: 18 days, 16 nights: Quito 3; Riobamba 1; Cuenca 3; Guayaquil 1; Galápagos 7; Quito 1.
Cultural Ecuador – where time stands still, age-old craft villages and traditional costumes thrive.
Andean landscapes of ice-dipped volcanoes and fertile plains cut through by verdant valleys.
Quito – historic capital in a dramatic high-altitude mountain setting.
Cuenca – city with a graceful colonial heart; seek out the cobbled lanes, churches and mansions.
Galápagos – the enchanted islands teem with land and marine fauna.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 Fly UK to Quito.
Days 2 Explore both the colonial and modern districts of Quito.
Day 3 Take an optional tour to the famous market town of Otavalo.
Day 4 Drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba.
Day 5 Travel by road and rail to Cuenca, visiting the inca site of Ingapirca en route.
Days 6-7 Optional excursion to Cajas national park or relax and enjoy the museums and markets of Cuenca.
Day 8 Short flight to Guayaquil.
Days 9-15 Fly to the Galápagos Islands for your 7-night cruise.
Day 16 Return to Quito.
Day 17 Fly UK, arriving day 18.
Trip Profile
Transport: 3 flights from 45 minutes to 3 hours; 2 scenic road/rail journeys; 7 day cruise on small motor yacht.
Accommodation: Superior medium class hotels, .
Meals: Breakfast daily, full-board in Galápagos (7 days).
Guides: Our tour leader will accompany you on the mainland, in the Galápagos you are guided by local naturalist specialists.
Included excursions: City tour of Quito including the Equator line, visits to villages and farms between Quito and Riobamba, shore excursions on Galápagos cruise.
A few days to spare?
Extend your trip by adding on a few days at the beginning or end of your tour on a tailormade, private basis. Click here to see our most popular extensions to the Albatross Tour or contact one of our consultants for more inspiring ideas.
|  The giant tortoise on the Galápagos is one of the major attractions
 Cotopaxi volcano accompanies us on our journey south
 Panama hats in fact come from Cuenca, Ecuador View more images      |