12-Night Journey Through Quito and the Galápagos Islands

This 12-night trip combines rich culture and outdoor adventure. You’ll stay in Quito at Casa Gangotena and then experience a cruise and land stay in the Galápagos Islands. A complimentary tour of Casa del Alabado, a museum in Quito, is included with your Capital One® card.

Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Quito, where your guide will take you by car to the Hotel Casa Gangotena. At this romantic property overlooking the Plaza San Francisco, you will enjoy a three-night stay in a luxury double room. Note: Breakfast is included throughout the trip, as are transfers and guides. Unless otherwise noted, all other meals and alcoholic drinks are at an additional cost.

Explore the Beauty of Quito

With its magnificent churches and cobblestoned streets, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, boasts one of the most stunningly preserved colonial centers in all of South America. In 1978, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, you will enjoy a guided walking tour through the main plaza, where you will see landmarks like the Government Palace and the Monastery of San Francisco, which dates to 1534. Afterward, your guide will drive you to Panecillo Hill (Little Bread Loaf Hill) to see the iconic Virgin of Quito statue and enjoy a private picnic lunch. Next up: a chocolate tasting. Your guide will take you to a tasting room in Quito’s trendy La Floresta neighborhood, where you will learn about chocolate cultivation and production, and taste your way through 10 varieties. A gift box is included as a sweet souvenir.

Capital One Cardholder Experience – Casa del Alabado

A guide will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour at Casa del Alabado, a museum in colonial Quito. The museum features an archaeological collection of over 5,000 pieces (500 on permanent display) that represent almost 7,000 years of native Ecuadorian history. You will also learn about local plants and their integral role in the life of indigenous people, used for medicinal or spiritual purposes, while shamans have been the keepers of this knowledge for thousands of years.

Cotopaxi National Park Adventure

Leave Quito for an excursion to Cotopaxi National Park, which lies just one hour by car south of the city. Your guide will take you to the Cotopaxi Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the area’s volcanoes, flora, and fauna. You will then visit scenic Limpiopungo Lake for a walk and take a horseback ride through the trails in the Andes and Ecuadorian highlands. Your guide, a “chagra” (an Andean cowboy) may point out local species including Andean birds and wild horses. Lunch is included before your return drive to Quito.

Journey to the Galápagos Islands

Say farewell to Quito and embark on your next adventure: a visit to the ecological wonderland that is the Galápagos Islands. A driver will pick you up at Hotel Casa Gangotena and transfer you to the airport in Quito for the flight to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the 16-passenger Ocean Spray for a four-night stay in a double cabin. Note: other passengers will be on the vessel, and it is not a private charter. Meals are included; tips and alcohol are not included. In the afternoon, set sail for Bartholomew Island, home to a variety of green, red, orange, and black volcanic rock formations. You also may snorkel on the beach and possibly spot penguins.

Wildlife Exploration in Genovesa Island

Explore Genovesa Island and Darwin Bay, a white-sand coral beach featuring a half-mile trail that traces a path through mangroves. Be on the lookout for incredible animal species: Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and sea lions. At the end of the trail, you will have the chance to snorkel and kayak. After lunch on the boat, hike to the trail known as El Barranco (also known as Prince Philip’s Steps). Your reward is spectacular views of the ocean.

Discover Santiago Island

Explore Santiago Island, starting at Espumilla Beach, a great spot for snorkeling and spotting marine iguanas and Sally lightfoot crabs. After lunch onboard, visit Egas Port, also known as James Bay, which is home to species including Galápagos hawks and quick-footed lava lizards. Hike a trail to the coast for more snorkeling in pristine tidal pools.

North Seymour Island and Santa Cruz Exploration

Today you will experience North Seymour Island, known for its arid landscapes, windswept beaches, and remarkable bird life. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Santa Cruz Island, where you will hike to the highlands, a lush, green area dotted with Scalesia trees. Another surreal experience awaits as you walk through underground lava tunnels over half a mile long. Keep a lookout for the giant Galápagos tortoises that inhabit the island.

Final Stages of Your Ecuador Adventure

In the morning, visit Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest populations of sea lions. Say goodbye to the ship; take a car transfer; and check in to a double tent at the intimate Galapagos Safari Camp. This African-inspired tented camp is located on the highlands of Santa Cruz. Note: All meals during your stay here are included; tips and alcohol are not included. In the afternoon, explore the property by driving, biking, or trekking to a local farm, where lunch is included, and admire Santa Cruz’s natural beauty: lava tunnels, pit craters, and scalesia forests. Experience the Tortoise Reserve as well.

Final Excursions and Departure

Explore the neighboring islands of North Seymour, Bartholomew, Plazas, and Santa Fé by motor vessel. Alternatively, you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research facility where scientists, naturalists, and volunteers work to conserve this remarkable wildlife destination.

A Relaxing Day and Return to Quito

Embark on a guided drive of the eastern part of Santa Cruz Island to the Cerro Mesa Reserve, which provides phenomenal views of the largest crater on the island. After lunch, relax on Garrapatero Beach, a lovely stretch of white sand with turquoise water near a flamingo-filled lagoon. Kayaking in the secluded coves is also an option.

End of the Journey

Transfer to Baltra Airport for a return flight to the mainland and Quito airport. From there, you will be transported to the Hacienda Zuleta, a hotel in the Andean mountain range two hours north of Quito, in Otavalo. At this intimate property, which is located on a 4,000-acre working farm run by the renowned Plaza-Lasso family, you will stay in a standard room for two nights. Dinner—a feast of traditional Andean dishes—and lunch are also included daily.

A Final Horseback Ride

Begin your day with a horseback ride on a Zuleteño horse through the countryside. Lunch will be served at the hacienda, followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride through the hacienda grounds. You may also be driven to the Condor Huasi Project, a rehabilitation program for the Andean condor.

After breakfast at the Hacienda Zuleta, check out and transfer to Quito for your return flight home.

World’s Best Travel Experiences Terms and Conditions

Travel is organized and fulfilled through Black Tomato. Specifics of itinerary and perks are subject to change and availability. Details are to be confirmed by Black Tomato. The offer is valid for travel arrangements made before December 31, 2016, for travel before June 1, 2017. A Capital One card must be utilized at the time of booking to receive specific cardholder benefits. For full terms and conditions, refer to the provided link. Capital One Venture card: credit approval required. Credit card is issued by Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.