When you arrive, a guide who speaks English will be there to meet you outside of Customs. They will have a sign with your name on it. The guide will show you where to go to meet your private driver and vehicle. They will also go with you to your accommodation to help you check in.

Take a private guided tour through the streets and main squares of Quito's historic center, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. This recognition is due to the city's well-preserved architectural and artistic achievements. Experience the narrow and sometimes steep streets, surrounded by classic architecture, colonial style houses, flowered balconies, charming squares, and over 50 churches, convents, monasteries, and historic monuments. Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the city's history. One of the highlights of the tour is the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, known for its exquisite architectural and religious art. Take note that the floors of Santo Domingo Church and Convent can be slippery when it is raining, so appropriate footwear is advised. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Enjoy the convenience of pre-arranged car transfers and the assistance of an English guide on your way to Zazu Restaurant. As a designated restaurant of Relais & Châteaux, Zazu offers a gastronomic journey that showcases rare and beautiful ingredients. Chef Wilson Alpala combines Latin American influences with local ingredients to create enticing and mouth-watering dishes. Please be aware that tonight's meal at Zazu Restaurant is not included in the service and will be paid for in person.

Start your day by leaving Quito with your professional driver and private guide to visit an Andean hacienda. As you ascend through the stunning landscape, take a moment to stop at Los Fallones del Isco, a captivating wall of rocks where Andean Condors reside and can often be seen. Here, you'll come across unique and native plants, such as the chuquiragua, also known as the flower of climbers. This area is also a haven for various bird species, including guarros, blackbirds, partridges, turtledoves, curiquingues, and sparrow hawks. Marvel at the rivers of petrified lava that emerge from the gorge, creating lakes filled with trout. Afterward, spend the rest of your day at an Andean hacienda, indulging in a delightful three-course lunch and exploring the breathtaking surroundings. To end this full-day adventure, you will be transferred back to your hotel in complete privacy.

Your private driver and English-speaking guide will transfer you to Quito Airport. You will then board a direct flight to Cuenca, which is approximately 45 minutes long. This flight is included in your tour price and cannot be refunded.

Upon arriving at Cuenca airport, you will have a professional driver to take you to your accommodations. It is important to note that most drivers in Cuenca may not speak English fluently.

The charming towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg are located just 45 minutes east of Cuenca in the stunning Andean landscape. Join a private guide to discover the traditional textile-making techniques of the Cañaris, an ancient pre-Inca civilization, while exploring this beautiful region. Visit the workshops of a jewelry maker, a guitar maker, and a Chola Cuencana who crafts straw hats in the traditional manner. Don't miss the chance to explore a remarkable orchid farm boasting over 2,000 species, one of the world's finest collections. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a shoemaker, more jewelers, and a vibrant fruit market offering the freshest produce in the area. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the countryside before returning to your hotel in Cuenca.

Experience one of Ecuador's greatest treasures - incredible vistas - this morning. Starting in Cuenca, nestled in the Andes, you'll cruise through the impressive range en route to Guayaquil, taking in spectacular sights. Along the way, tour El Cajas, a sprawling National Park with diverse landscapes, including cloud forests and lunar-like terrains. The reserve is characterized by its 200 lakes scattered among jagged peaks. Most of El Cajas is above 9,840 feet (3,000 meters) and covered in grassland. The frost and ice above 13,120 feet (4,000 meters) deter vegetation, but the hardy Quina tree thrives here, higher than any other tree in the world. Look out for 200-year-old Quina trees in pockets of primary forest, adorned in mosses and ferns, fighting for sunlight. El Cajas is home to reintroduced wild llamas and elusive animal inhabitants like spectacled bears, pumas, and tigrillos. The park is also a haven for various bird species, including hummingbirds, toucans, and Andean condors. After exploring the park and enjoying lunch, you'll be transferred to your accommodations in Guayaquil along Ecuador's impressive highway, relishing remarkable views.

You will be transferred between Guayaquil Airport and your hotel by a driver and guide. Take a flight from Guayaquil to Baltra Island, with a duration of around two hours.

The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is included in your itinerary. However, please note that all Galapagos excursions are subject to change due to various factors such as National Park policies, weather conditions, safety precautions, and wildlife encounters. There is also a fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises and flights, which has already been included in your trip price. Please be aware that fuel surcharges may change without notice and additional fees may apply.

The Galapagos tourist transit card is also included in your itinerary.

Please make sure to have medical travel insurance when visiting the Galapagos Islands. Proof of insurance is required upon entry and your policy must be valid for your entire stay. You can purchase medical travel insurance through Kensington Tours or independently. For more information, please consult your Destination Expert.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, representatives from the M/V Legend will guide you to a coach that will transfer you and other guests to the ship.

After boarding, take some time to settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. The M/V Legend will soon depart.

In the afternoon, you will visit North Seymour Island. This is an important location to observe male frigatebirds courting females through various displays and behaviors. You will also see sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and have distant views of the Daphne Islands.

Start your exploration of Bartolome Island with a wet or dry landing, depending on the conditions. The most iconic view of the entire archipelago awaits you at the top, where you can see the famous Pinnacle Rock and austere Santiago Island. The climb up the wooden boardwalk is definitely worth it to enjoy this breathtaking sight. Along the way, the volcanic landscape may seem desolate, but a closer look reveals the presence of Sally Light-foot crabs, marine iguanas, and lava herons. Afterward, go snorkeling off the shores of Bartolome and you might come face-to-face with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

On the northern part of South Plaza Island, have a dry landing and start your walk through an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas. As you reach the highest point, keep an eye out for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. South Plaza is also home to a large colony of smaller land iguanas, with an approximate population of 300 individuals. These iguanas feed on various vegetation, but during the dry season, they rely on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti for survival. Interestingly, this is the only place on Earth where you can find the Galapagos hybrid iguana, due to its close proximity with marine iguanas.

Upon your wet landing at Pitt Point, you can observe sea lions lounging and frolicking in the sand. Here, fortunate visitors can spot all three species of boobies: red-foots perched in small trees, Nazca’s perched on the cliffs, and blue-foots located further inland. Frigatebirds are also commonly seen as you trek on the rocky terrain. Following a challenging hike, take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel or kayak in the water.

Later in the day, embark on a panga for another wet landing, this time at Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island. During the journey, marvel at the vastness of "Sorcerer's Hill" before reaching the sandy beaches of Cerro Brujo. Here, you can either relax on the beach or venture to a nearby lagoon, where you may encounter black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails.

Located in the highlands of San Cristobal, the giant tortoise breeding center iLa Galapaguerai is where you can observe the iconic creatures of the archipelago in different stages of life. Tortoises roam in a semi-natural environment, providing great photo opportunities, while reserve employees work to restore populations of the endangered San Cristobal tortoise and release them back into the wild. After a one-hour visit, you can visit the town to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the morning, you will disembark from the ship and say goodbye to the crew.

A shared coach will take you to the airport for your outbound flight.

Catch a direct flight from San Cristobal Island to Guayaquil, with an approximate duration of two hours. **Please note:** Flight rates may change without prior notice.