Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

< < Galapagos islands Ecuador Quito Guayaquil Santa Elena       Boat Air Nights 2 2 4 2 Sea Lion pup 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 What you’ll see ⚫ Fascinating tour of Quito and the picturesque port city of Guayaquil ⚫ Sail through the spectacular Galapagos Islands ⚫ Embark on, on-land excursions to explore the islands ⚫ Enjoy snorkelling trips to swim with sea life ⚫ 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. Tour pace: Challenging Cruise Tour All departures guaranteed Departures & from prices Oct 2023 £4,999 Nov 2024 £4,999 Nov 2023 £4,899 Jan 2025 £5,199 Jan 2024 £4,999 Feb 2025 £4,999 Feb 2024 £4,799 Mar 2025 £4,899 Mar 2024 £4,699 May 2025 £5,399 May 2024 £5,199 Aug 2025 £5,649 Aug 2024 £5,399 Sep 2025 £5,299 Sep 2024 £5,099 Nov 2025 £5,199 • Lead-in price based on 4 Mar 24 • 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 What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Ecuador with Avianca (via Bogota) ✔ Where you’ll stay Quito, 4 H Dann Carlton Hotel Galapagos, 4 H MV Galapagos Legend Upgrade to a Junior Suite from £359 Guayaquil, 4 H Unipark Hotel ✔ 17 meals ✔ 9 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide South America 88 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk