Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Day 1: UK to Quito Depart the UK on your flight, via Bogota, Colombia. Day 2: Quito On arrival in Quito, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Take in the breathtaking mountain backdrop as you enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 3: Quito B/L Tour Quito’s well-preserved old town, experience the colonial charm of the buildings which line Independence Square and wander the churches of La Compañia and San Francisco, before taking in the views from Panecillo Hill. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take an optional trip to the equator monument. Day 4: Quito to Galapagos Islands B/L/D (San Cristobal Island) Fly to the Galapagos Islands for four nights of cruising around this archipelago, known for its unrivalled number of endemic animal species. An afternoon excursion takes you to the Galapagos Interpretation Centre, where you will learn more about the islands’ history. A walk up nearby Tijeretas Hill offers magnificent views. Day 5: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Española Island) Visit the white coral beaches of Española Island and watch the sea lions, marine iguanas and birds on the shore. Swim or snorkel in these warm waters for the chance to spot manta rays, reef sharks and other marine life. In the afternoon, spot endemic wildlife on a hike to Suarez Point and “Soplador”, a seaward blowhole. Day 6: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Floreana Island) Visit Floreana Island, where a wooden barrel installed in the 1700s serves as an informal post office. Drop off a postcard in the hopes that some other traveller will deliver it to its destination, then enjoy a morning of swimming and snorkelling on the beach. This afternoon, hike to a flamingo-filled lagoon and a large sea turtle nesting site. Return to the beach for some swimming and snorkelling. Day 7: Galapagos Islands B/L/D (Santa Cruz Island) Arriving at a lava dock, we first encounter marine iguanas camouflaged perfectly against the dark rock. Walking past prickly pear cacti, we reach a long, sickle-shaped beach with Dragon Hill in the distance. A circular walk takes you past a shallow lake where flamingoes feed. Moving inland, reach a dry, forested area where land iguanas nest and burrow. This afternoon, head to Punta Bowdith on Santa Cruz Island for an unparalleled sense of solitude. Relax on a powdery beach, snorkel around turquoise water islets, and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. Day 8: Galapagos Islands to Guayaquil B This morning, explore the Highlands Tortoise Reserve, where you can spot various bird species including yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (often seen perched on tortoises’ shells). Along the way, you’ll witness the island’s diverse ecosystems as you travel from the coast, through agricultural zones, and into dense, humid forests. Look out for Galapagos giant tortoises wandering through pastures in the paddocks. Later, fly to Guayaquil. Day 9: Guayaquil B Tour the picturesque port city of Guayaquil, strolling along the Malecon 2000 boardwalk to the colourful hillside neighbourhood of Las Peñas. Continue on to Parque Bolivar, known locally as Iguana Park for the many iguanas that bask on its lawns. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take an optional excursion to Parque Historico, a thematic open-air park. Day 10: Guayaquil to the UK B Enjoy a free morning before transferring for your overnight return flight, via Bogota, or continue on to your chosen extension. Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Tour highlights ✔ Fascinating city tours of Quito and the picturesque port city of Guayaquil ✔ Sail through the spectacular Galapagos Islands ✔ Enjoy snorkelling trips to swim with sea life ✔ Embark on, on-land excursions to observe the islands’ flora and fauna ✔ Visit the Highlands Tortoise Reserve Experience the wildlife encounters that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution as you tour Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Get unusually close to sunbathing iguanas and playful sea lions as your yacht sails the isles of this archipelago. Cruise Tour < < Galapagos islands Ecuador Quito Guayaquil Santa Elena       Boat Air Nights 2 2 4 2 Flamingoes Departures & from prices 29 May 23 £5,199 4 Mar 24 £4,699 21 Aug 23 £5,299 13 May 24 £5,299 4 Sep 23 £5,099 27 May 24 £5,299 2 Oct 23 £4,999 19 Aug 24 £5,499 13 Nov 23 £4,899 2 Sep 24 £5,299 8 Jan 24 £4,999 30 Sep 24 £5,099 7 Feb 24 £4,799 11 Nov 24 £4,999 • A single supplement starts from just £1,519 • Tipping paid locally $155 pp per tour Extend your tour Santa Elena beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £619 Meal plan: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners Accommodation: Quito, 4 H Dann Carlton Hotel Galapagos, 4 H MV Galapagos Legend Upgrade to a Junior Suite from £359 Guayaquil, 4 H Unipark Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to Ecuador with Avianca (via Bogota) Tour pace: Challenging South America 105 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk