Majestic Ecuador

Quito / Arrival Day

Upon your arrival, a friendly representative will greet you at the airport (Look out for a welcome sign displaying your name as you exit the arrivals area), assist with your luggage, and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in the charming Quito Old Town. Once the entire group has arrived, we will gather for a brief orientation, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* hotel or similar 
Included meals: Dinner

Quitsato Sundial - Cayambe - Calera community (Sumak Warmi Kuna Project)

Early in the morning, you depart from Quito and head north on the Panamerican Highway for two hours, through varying landscapes of rolling hills, snow-capped volcanoes. We will stop in the Quitsato Sundial, a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del  Mundo, the actual Middle of the World. Then we will go to Cayambe, where we will have a quick stop at a local bakery to taste the famous biscuits (bizcochos) with hot, fresh cocoa. 

We will continue our journey to the Calera community, where we will explore the Sumak Warmi Kuna Project, which aims to ensure that tourism development significantly contributes to improving the lives of women within the indigenous communities of this region. During our visit, you will have the opportunity to engage in the following enriching activities:

• SUMAK MUYU Workshop: Led by Marisol Muenala, a member of a group of five mothers, this workshop focuses on the creation of beautiful tagua necklaces. You’ll learn about the intricate process of crafting these unique jewelry pieces, which are an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.

• ALLÍ MAKI Workshop: This workshop will introduce you to the art of manual embroidery. The women use traditional and regional motifs to create a variety of items and clothing, offering a glimpse into the textile traditions of the area.

Next, we will visit the Sabores y Tradiciones community dining room, where we will be treated to a delicious traditional lunch. The meal will feature fresh, organic produce from the community’s gardens, providing an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Following lunch, we will visit the Plant Garden (also known as The Blue House). This space offers an opportunity to learn about a variety of plants, including medicinal herbs, fruit trees, and vegetables. You will discover the vital role these plants play in supporting the health and well-being of Calera’s families.

Our final stop will be a short, 15-minute walk to a sacred site, a natural water source. Here, the community’s Shaman will perform a ceremonial ritual, demonstrating the spiritual and healing powers of Pachamama. During the ritual, you will gain insight into the use of medicinal plants and essences made from natural products, as well as their profound significance in the community’s traditions.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of the Calera community while supporting women’s empowerment and sustainable tourism.

After a day filled with enriching experiences, we will make our way to our charming hotel, a historic hacienda more than 150 years old. Upon arrival, you will be assigned your room, allowing you time to relax and refresh before enjoying a delightful dinner.

Accommodation: Pinsaquí 4* hotel or similar  
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Otavalo Market - Quito City Tour

We will explore the renowned indigenous market in Otavalo, famous worldwide for its exquisite woven textiles, and discover a stunning array of Ecuadorian handicrafts. Afterward, we’ll return to Quito to embark on a unique and exciting tour that will showcase the city's rich history. From its pre-Columbian roots to the colonial era, we’ll trace Quito's transformation into the capital of a republic and its rise to modern magnificence. This fascinating journey through time highlights the reasons UNESCO designated Quito as the first "Cultural Heritage Site" in 1978.

You will disembark at the heart of the historic district, Independence Square, also known as Plaza Grande, the symbol of Ecuador's Executive Power. The square’s central monument honors the heroes of August 10, 1809, a pivotal date marking the First Cry of Freedom from the Spanish monarchy and the beginning of Quito’s independence movement.

Next, we’ll visit the Church of La Compañía, a true colonial masterpiece. Construction began in 1605 and was completed in 1650, and the church spans 4,500 square meters of stunning architectural beauty. Its golden interior glows like a gem, with intricately illuminated paintings, sculptures, altars, a cupola, and pulpit—all contributing to its reputation as the crown jewel of colonial baroque architecture in the Americas.

Our journey continues to San Francisco Square, home to the largest colonial structure in the city. Construction of the church began shortly after the Spanish conquest of Quito in 1534, though it took nearly 70 years to complete. While much of the church was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake, parts of the original structure remain intact.

In the Chapel of Señor Jesús del Gran Poder, located to the right of the main altar, you’ll find beautifully preserved original tile work. The main altar is an exquisite example of baroque craftsmanship, and the ceiling showcases Moorish influences, further enriching the church’s unique blend of styles.

After this enriching exploration, we’ll return to our hotel to rest and prepare for the exciting journey to the Galápagos Islands the following morning.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz 4* hotel  or similar 
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Quito - Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island

In the morning: Baltra Airport Arrival

Morning flight from Quito to Galapagos Islands. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Horizon staff member and brought into a private bus to start your adventure in Galapagos.

Please note: Your first excursion in the Galapagos will be after being picked up at the airport upon arrival to the islands, before boarding the cruise. It is essential for you to arrive in the Galapagos wearing comfortable clothes, good closed-toe shoes suitable for an excursion, a long-brimmed hat, sun lotion, sunglasses, and to ensure you have your camera handy.

In the afternoon: Twin Craters

You will visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

• Highlights: Pit craters, Scalesia forest

• Possible Activities: Hike

• Type of Landing: Dry landing

• Difficulty: Moderate
  
  

Afterwards:  Highlands

Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have lunch.

• Highlights: Lava tunnels, wild turtles, tortoises breeding center.

• Possible Activities: Hike

• Type of Landing: Dry landing

• Difficulty: Moderate (long)

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Floreana Island

You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives at its destination before you even get home!

• Highlights: Post office barrel, nice sandy beach

• Possible Activities: Hike and snorkeling

• Type of Landing: Wet landing

• Difficulty: Easy

Afterwards: Devil’s Crown

You will have a chance to snorkel around Devil’s Crown which is the rocky remains of an offshore volcano sticking out of the water. This is a great location to spot a wide range of marine creatures.

• Highlights: The best snorkeling site in Galapagos Islands with sharks, rays, rock formations, lots of tropical fish.

• Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride

• Type of Landing: No landing

• Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

In the afternoon: Cormorant Point

Cormorant Point hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.

• Highlights: Flamingos, green-colored beach

• Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride

• Type of Landing: Wet landing

• Difficulty: Easy
  

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Santa Fe and San Cristobal Islands  

In the morning: Santa Fé Island

Santa Fe Island (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails: one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

• Highlights: Land iguanas, giant tunas

• Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

• Type of Landing: Dry landing

• Difficulty: Moderate
  
  

In the afternoon: Lobos Island

You will take an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

• Highlights: Snorkeling with sea lions, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies

• Possible Activities: Hike, dinghy ride and snorkeling

• Type of Landing: Dry landing

• Difficulty: Easy / moderate

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

San Cristobal Island

In the morning: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center

This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this center will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonization of the islands.

• Possible Activities: Hike

• Difficulty: Easy

• Type of Landing: Dry

• Highlights: Information and history about the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon: David Rodriguez Breeding Center “La Galapaguera”

Breeding Center David Rodriguez - “La Galapaguera”, in Cerro Colorado, is a new visitor site in the southeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the trees and shrubs surrounding the site, you may see land birds like warblers, finches and mockingbirds. Giant tortoises can be observed on the trails. They live there wild but in a protected area to ensure their survival by sealing them off from introduced predators like pigs and goats.

• Possible Activities: Hike

• Difficulty: Easy / moderate

• Type of Landing: Dry

• Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity, snorkeling with sea lions, land and sea birds, blue-footed boobies, hatchling turtles.

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

San Cristobal Island 

In the morning: Pitt Point

Pitt Point, situated on the north-eastern tip of the San Cristobal island, hosts frigate birds, storm petrels, and all three types of booby birds: the Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed boobies. A steep trail goes up a cliff and through a ravine leading visitors to an area with an abundance of birds.

• Highlights: Wonderful landscape, sea lion colony, three possible species of boobies.

• Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

• Type of Landing: Wet landing

• Difficulty: Moderate / difficult

In the afternoon: Witch Hill

Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.

• Highlights: Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponge coral

• Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

• Type of Landing: Wet landing

• Difficulty: Easy walk along the beach

Afterwards: Kicker Rock

This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, circumnavigation allows visitors to spot a variety of marine life.

• Highlights: Sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays (occ.), hammerhead sharks, spectacular rock formations; sea birds: blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies & frigatebirds.

• Possible Activities: Circumnavigation

• Type of Landing: No landing

• Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Española Island 

In the morning: Suarez Point

On the trail to Suarez Point you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the oceanfront where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts sea water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.

• Highlights: Hood mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatrosses, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, blowhole, amazing landscape

• Possible Activities: Hike

• Type of Landing: Dry landing

• Difficulty: Difficult

In the afternoon: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet

This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.

• Highlights: White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery

• Possible Activities: Hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking

• Type of Landing: Wet landing

• Difficulty: Easy

Accommodation: Horizon luxury trimaran
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Santa Cruz Island

In the morning: Bachas Beach

Bachas Beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz and is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

• Highlights: World War II remnants. Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, whimbrels, sea turtles

• Possible Activities: Snorkeling and hiking

• Type of Landing: Wet

• Difficulty: Easy

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure 

After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. Depending on the time of your international flight you will wait at the airport or you can book an additional night with us.

Note: Guests can book their international departure flight from either Quito or Guayaquil at their convenience. However, please be sure to notify us of your chosen departure airport so we can coordinate your Galapagos flights.

Included meals: Breakfast