Author's tour "Ecuador - Beauty and nature"

Breakfast and City Tour of Quito Breakfast at the hotel. Then we will proceed to a city tour of Quito, including a visit to the equator line. The total duration of the excursion day, including travel, is 8 hours. During the city tour of Quito, you will be able to enjoy impressive panoramas, historical churches, and rooftops, as well as learn about colonial art, architecture, and the culture of the city. Quito, founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, is located at an altitude of 2800 m. Even after the earthquake in 1917, the city retained one of the most well-preserved historical centers in Latin America. The architectural elements and rich interiors reflect the Quito Art School, which combines various artistic traditions, including Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and local indigenous art. Masters from this school created masterpieces from stone and wood that depict important religious events. After a one-and-a-half-hour walking tour of the Old Town, it will become clear why Quito was the first city to be included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. The name "Quito" derives from the Quitu tribe that inhabited this region long before the Spanish colonial period. In 1533, Sebastián de Benalcázar captured the city, which became the capital of the Inca Empire, and in 1541 it was named San Francisco de Quito. The city remained the capital of the Quito region until the end of Spanish colonization. The first order that settled in Quito was the Franciscans. They immediately began constructing a monastery, which became an important center of education and art, having its own schools of painting and sculpture (the Church of San Francisco encompasses these aspects). On the Plaza Grande are significant buildings of the country: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Town Hall. We will visit the most beautiful example of the city's colonial style—the Jesuit church with its intricate carvings. Quito, being a capital city, offers many contrasts that can be observed while strolling through the Old Town and new districts. From the Panecillo viewpoint, where a statue of the Virgin Mary with wings is located, you will get a wonderful view of the entire city. Next, we will head to the "Middle of the World" (equator line). There are two locations associated with the equator line, and we will visit both. Mitad del Mundo City. This tourist and commercial center features a monument dedicated to the geodetic expedition of 1736 that determined the location of the equator line. The "Middle of the World" complex is located in the San Antonio neighborhood, north of downtown Quito, and is owned by the prefecture of Pichincha province. Between 1979 and 1982, a 30-meter monument was erected here, marking the place where the equator was believed to run. However, it has now been discovered that the actual line is located 240 m to the south, thanks to modern GPS technology. Intiñan Museum. In this museum, we will conduct various experiments that demonstrate the influence of the equator on natural forces. We will also learn about the culture of ancient peoples and see a collection of totems from different cultures of South America. Traditional homes are presented here, including a house that once belonged to an indigenous family. Return to the hotel. Accommodation in the Royal Suite at Plaza Grande Hotel 5* www.plazagrandequito.com (breakfast included).

Breakfast and Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park Breakfast at the hotel. Next, we will set off for Cotopaxi National Park. The duration of the excursion day with transportation is 8 hours. The travel time from Quito to Cotopaxi is 2 hours, and from Cotopaxi to Baños is also 2 hours. Overnight at an altitude of 1800 m, excursion altitude is 3800 m. Average temperature: +20°C during the day, +10°C at night. We will travel along the Pan-American Highway to a rose plantation in the Cotopaxi Valley, where we will see many roses of various colors and sizes that are exported to different countries worldwide. We will be able to observe the process of cutting, sorting, and packaging, which confirms the high quality of the product. Note: The plantation is closed for visits on holidays and Sundays. Upon arrival at the national park, tourists will have the opportunity to take a short hike. Cotopaxi National Park was founded in 1975 and is located 60 km from Quito and 30 km from Latacunga. The area of the park is 33,393 hectares. The park features the Ruminyahui and Sincholagua volcanoes as well as Limpiopungo Lake. During the day, the temperature can reach 18–20°C, while at night it can drop to 3–4°C. The main attraction is the famous Cotopaxi volcano (5897 m), with activity recorded as far back as 1534. At Limpiopungo Lake, you can observe numerous birds, of which potentially 24 species are wetland birds. One of them is the very rare white ibis, with a population of only 100 individuals. Wild rabbits are commonly found in this park. We will have the chance to walk through pine forests and then head to Limpiopungo Lake. In the afternoon, we will return to Quito. Evening at leisure. Accommodation in the Royal Suite at Plaza Grande Hotel 5* www.plazagrandequito.com (breakfast included).

Breakfast and Journey to Western Ecuador Breakfast at the hotel. After this, we will head north on the highway from Quito, passing the Mitad del Mundo monument, and then head west. We will stop at a viewpoint with a view of the extinct Pululahua volcano. From here, we will proceed to the Pacific coast. After two hours of travel, we will arrive at the Tulipe Archaeological Museum to learn about the Yumbo culture. We will see pools and other structures. In an hour and a half, we will reach the entrance to the Mashpi Reserve, which covers 1300 hectares and is a true paradise for wildlife and biodiversity. After that, we will continue our way to the lodge, arriving at 12:00-12:30. At the lodge, guests will be greeted with a refreshing drink and then taken to their rooms. Usually, there is an introductory talk and a short time for rest before lunch. After lunch, planned activities will commence. Specific activities will depend on group size, physical condition of the participants, and weather conditions. After dinner, there will be an opportunity for an evening walk. Accommodation at Mashpi Lodge, Wayra Rooms: Description Each room is 34 m² in size. 15 of these rooms are equipped with double beds. Three pairs of adjacent rooms are perfect for families or friends: 4 rooms are on the second floor, and 2 are on the first. All rooms are equipped with: wardrobes and safes; luxurious bathrooms and hairdryers; tables, chairs, and furniture; robes and slippers. (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Return to Quito The last day includes an early breakfast followed by planned activities. Upon returning to the lodge, we will have lunch before departing at 13:30. We will cross the Andes as we head back to the capital and arrive in Quito between 16:00 and 17:00 (depending on traffic, hotel location, and the number of passengers). You will be accommodated in the Royal Suite at Plaza Grande Hotel 5* www.plazagrandequito.com (breakfast and lunch included).

Breakfast and Flight to the Galapagos Islands Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to the airport for departure to the Galapagos Islands. Day 1 Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a guide will meet you and assist with your luggage and accompany you to the bus. The trip to the Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island, will take about 10 minutes. Crossing the channel by motorboat will take only 5 minutes. After this, we will travel by private transport for approximately 45 minutes to the town of Puerto Ayora, where your hotel is located. Notice the change in the environment: from the red rocky terrain in the north to the green world of highland and southern areas. The guide will accompany the group through the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. During the journey through agricultural areas surrounded by wild landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, you may see finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. You will also have the chance to observe the famous Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how private farms help preserve these unique creatures and their environments. Listen for the sounds they make while nibbling leaves or searching for tasty food. You may encounter tortoises of various sizes and ages: young with shiny shells and old ones with cracked shells, signs of a long life. Another stop on our tour will be the lava tunnels. These channels formed due to the uneven cooling of lava flowing from the slopes of the volcano, stretching from the highlands to the coast. Some parts of the tunnels have collapsed, but there are portions that you can traverse in 30 minutes. The guide will explain how they formed—some areas difficulty to travel through and some with collapses. Lunch is included. Transfer to the hotel. Following a welcome reception at the hotel, you will be accommodated in spacious rooms. You will have free time to explore the port town of Puerto Ayora with its many souvenir shops. You will be accommodated in an Ocean View Room at Solymar Hotel 4* www.hotelsolymar.com.ec (breakfast and lunch included).

Excursion to Bartolomé Island Early in the morning, you will leave the hotel by bus heading to the Itabaca Channel, where a sightseeing yacht will be waiting for you to depart. You will have the chance to spend a day in a unique corner of the Earth, with beautiful sandy beaches, amazing landscapes, crystal clear waters, and endemic species of flora and fauna. During the two-hour sailing, you will have the unique opportunity to see dolphins and other sea dwellers coming close to the yacht. Disembark at Bartolomé Island. After this, you will have a 30-minute hike, where you will cross almost lunar landscapes to reach the highest point of the volcanic island. From there, spectacular views of Santiago, Seymour Norte, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Rabida islands, and the small Chinese Hat island will unfold, as well as the famous Pinnacle Rock—remnants of an ancient collapsed volcano, home to thousands of birds. The view from the top has become a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, captured by many photographers. Next, there will be time to change clothes before visiting the beach. During the boat trip, our guests will be able to see Galapagos penguins (only 50 cm tall) either standing at the foot of the cliffs or swimming rapidly in the crystal clear waters. You will have time for beach relaxation or snorkeling: shallow waters will allow you to swim alongside penguins, reef sharks, sea stars, rays, sea turtles, and many exotic colored fish. You will also be able to see various local flora and fauna, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans. After this amazing adventure, a lunch will be served on board. In the evening, you will return to the hotel, and you will have free time to stroll around Puerto Ayora. Accommodation in an Ocean View Room at Solymar Hotel 4* www.hotelsolymar.com.ec (breakfast and lunch included).

Excursion to Seymour Island This day will offer an amazing opportunity to visit Seymour Norte Island and Bachas beaches. We will travel by bus to the yacht at the Itabaca Channel and then sail to Seymour Norte Island, which will take about an hour. Disembark on a rocky shore near a small forest of palo santo trees, which remain leafless for most of the year. Seymour Island is known for many colonies of various bird species. Male frigatebirds with bright red pouches used to attract females during the breeding season and the famous blue-footed boobies especially stand out. These seabirds have pointed wings and wedge-shaped tails. During mating dances, males show one raised wing and one blue foot, trying to impress the females. The excursion will continue along the beach where you can encounter marine gulls, numerous sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans. Most animals will be available for close observation. Freshly prepared lunch will be served on board the yacht. After this, the yacht will continue its journey to the Bachas beaches on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. First, we will visit the lagoon behind the beach, which is often frequented by flamingos. Then you will have a refreshing swim and snorkeling on a picturesque uninhabited beach with white sand and turquoise waters! Surrounded by sea lions, various types of rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish, you will enjoy an underwater adventure. Return to Puerto Ayora is planned for around 16:00. You will have free time to explore the pier, buy souvenirs, or enjoy the sunset. Excursion to Plaza Island Departure from the hotel north toward the Itabaca Channel, where you will board the yacht and head to Plaza Sur Island. This is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, located near the eastern tip of Santa Cruz Island. After a one-and-a-half hour sail, Plaza will impress you with its red-green carpet of sesuvium and the friendly barks of several families of sea lions that inhabit the area. The turquoise ocean harmonizes with the white sandy beaches and volcanic formations on the shore. The hike on the island is very easy: the trail leads past sea lions and cormorants to the highest cliff, where red-billed tropicbirds dance in the air, while lonely male sea lions who cannot compete with rivals in the fight for harems retreat as defeated beings, climbing the nearly vertical walls. At the same time, tropical birds, blue-footed booby birds, and frigatebirds glide gracefully through the air. We recommend bringing binoculars to get a closer look at this extraordinary wildlife. The view from the highest point over the ocean and the mighty waves crashing against the cliffs will leave unforgettable impressions. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Carrion Point. Lunch will be served on board. This is a unique place for snorkeling and swimming next to rays, reef sharks, and hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Return to the hotel. Evening at leisure. You will be accommodated in an Ocean View Room at Solymar Hotel 4* www.hotelsolymar.com.ec (breakfast and lunch included).

Transfer to the Airport The transfer to Baltra Airport will take 1.5 hours for your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. (Breakfast included) Completion of Services