Author's tour "Humpback whale watching and all of Ecuador"

Breakfast and Quito City Tour Breakfast at the hotel. A city tour of Quito will include a visit to the equator. The total duration of the excursion day, including travel time, is 8 hours. The city is located at an altitude of 2800 m, with an average temperature of +20°C during the day and +10°C at night. During the tour, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views, historical churches, domes, and roofs, while learning about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the site of an ancient Inca city. Despite the earthquake in 1917, the city has preserved its historic center, which is one of the finest in Latin America. The architectural treasures reflect the influences of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and Flemish art, as well as that of indigenous peoples. The masters of this school created remarkable works from stone and wood dedicated to significant religious events. After a 1.5-hour walking tour of the Old Town, it will become clear why Quito was the first city to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Quito comes from the Kitu tribe, who inhabited this area long before the Spaniards arrived. In 1533, Sebastián de Benalcázar conquered the city, which had previously been the capital of the Inca Empire, and in 1541 it became a Spanish city, acquiring the full name San Francisco de Quito. The city remained the capital of the Quito state until the end of Spanish colonization. The Franciscans were the first order to establish themselves in Quito and immediately began constructing a monastery, which became a center for education and art, including its own schools of painting and sculpture (the Church of San Francisco encompasses this aspect). In Plaza Grande, you will find the most important buildings of the country: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. We will visit the best example of colonial art in the city—the Jesuit temple, known for its intricate carved facade. As a capital city, Quito is full of contrasts, which can be observed by strolling through the Old Town and modern districts. The Panecillo viewpoint, featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary with wings, the patroness of Quito, offers a splendid view of the entire city. Next, we will head to “Middle of the World” (the equator line). There are two key locations related to the equator line, and we will visit both: Mitad del Mundo This tourist and commercial center offers the opportunity to see the monument commemorating the 1736 geodesic expedition that established the equator’s location. The “Middle of the World” complex is located in the San Antonio parish in the northern part of Quito and is owned by the prefecture of the province of Pichincha. From 1979 to 1982, a 30-meter monument was erected here, marking the place where the equator was once thought to pass. The line designating the equator extends from the center of the monument, and many tourists have crossed it. However, the actual equator is located 240 m south of where it is currently marked, as defined by modern GPS technologies. Intiñan Museum At this museum, you can conduct several experiments demonstrating the effects of the equator on natural forces. You'll also gain insight into the culture of ancient peoples and see a collection of totems from various South American cultures. The museum showcases traditional dwellings from different cultures, including a home filled with items belonging to an indigenous family that lived here generations ago. After visiting the museum, we will return to the hotel for some free time. Recommended Activities: In the evening, visit the historic center. The city’s night lights attract tourists with numerous restaurants and cafés offering traditional cuisine and live music. Distance: 20 minutes by taxi from the hotel. Cost: 6-8 USD one way. Visit the souvenir market for those who haven’t had the chance to buy gifts during the excursion, where you can find handmade wool products, classic plates, magnets, t-shirts, and wooden crafts. Distance: 15 minutes by taxi. Cost: 4-5 USD one way. The market is open until 7 PM on weekdays and until 6 PM on weekends. Teleferico cable car: The lift will take you to an altitude of 4100 m above sea level, offering amazing views of the city and typical Andean ecosystems. Distance: 20 minutes by taxi from the hotel. Cost: 6-8 USD one way. The lift operates until 6 PM; the last ascent is at 4:30 PM (schedule may vary; please confirm with your guide). Entrance fee: 8.50 USD per person. It is advisable to avoid the trip in cloudy weather due to poor visibility. Accommodation at the Finlandia Hotel 3+*.

Breakfast and Visit to Quilotoa Crater Lake Breakfast at the hotel. The total duration of the excursion day, including travel time, is 11 hours. The travel time from Quito to Quilotoa is 3.5 hours, and from Quilotoa to Baños is also 3.5 hours. The maximum altitude during the excursion reaches 3900 m, and the overnight stay altitude is 1800 m. The average temperature during the excursion is +10°C. We will depart from Quito along the Pan-American Highway towards a rose plantation in the Cotopaxi valley. At the plantation, we will see various types of roses that Ecuador exports worldwide. We will observe the processes of cutting, sorting, and packing, which affirms the high quality of the products. Note: The plantation is not open for visits on Sundays and public holidays! Next, we will head towards the Quilotoa Volcano. On the way, we will stop at a craft workshop in the village of Tigua, where Naive painting style was developed, depicting Andean landscapes on sheepskins. Then we will continue our journey westward to the Central Andes of Ecuador, passing through the community of Quilotoa. Upon arriving at the Quilotoa crater, we will visit a viewpoint with a stunning view of the crater lake and can take a stroll through the indigenous community's territory. Depending on the group’s wishes (and time), we will have the option to descend to the lake, kayak, and return on mules. Please note that the cost for kayaking and mules is not included in the tour. After that, we will continue our journey to Baños, stopping along the way to visit an indigenous family from the high Andes to learn about the life of local residents. Accommodation at La Floresta Hotel 3*.

Breakfast and Baños City Tour and Waterfalls Breakfast at the hotel. The total duration of the excursion day, including travel time, is 11-12 hours. The travel time from Baños to Quito is 3.5 hours. The altitude during the excursion is 1800 m, with an average temperature of +25°C during the day and +12°C at night. Baños is a tourist town situated in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and hot springs, next to the Tungurahua volcano, which stands at 5016 meters. The town has a population of about 20,000 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 1826 meters, with an annual average temperature of 20°C. Baños offers recreation and entertainment for the whole family, as well as extreme sports like rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking, and bungee jumping. After breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy a short tour of the city's center with its pleasant subtropical climate. We will then head to the waterfalls: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia (Bride's Veil), and Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Kettle). We will also have the opportunity to ride the famous “Swing at the End of the World” and try zip-lining over the Pastaza Canyon (zip-lining costs are not included—15 USD per person). In the afternoon, we will return to Quito. Accommodating at the Finlandia Hotel 3*.

Breakfast and Transfer to Galapagos Islands Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we will depart for the airport for a flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra airport, a guide will greet you, assist with your luggage, and take you to the bus. The trip to the Itabaca Channel, separating Baltra Island from Santa Cruz, takes about 10 minutes. The boat ride across the channel will take just 5 minutes. Then, traveling individually, we will drive approximately 45 minutes across the island to Puerto Ayora, where your hotel is located. Note the changes in nature, from red rocky areas in the north to the lush green landscapes of wildlife in the highlands and southern regions. During the trip through agricultural lands surrounded by wildlife and diverse flora and fauna, we will have the chance to see finches, which inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. You will also be able to observe the famous Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and learn how private farms contribute to the conservation of these unique animals and their environment. Listen as the tortoises make sounds while nibbling leaves or seeking tasty treats. You will encounter tortoises of various ages and sizes: young ones with shiny shells and lazy elders with cracked shells—testaments to their long lives. Another key highlight of our journey will be the lava tunnels. These channels were formed due to uneven cooling of lava flowing down the slopes of volcanoes, extending from the highlands to the coast. Some sections of the tunnels have collapsed, but there are also preserved parts that can be explored in 30 minutes. You will see how they formed—through difficult passages and areas with collapses. The guide will share detailed stories about these tunnels' origins. After the excursion, you will be transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be welcomed and then check into spacious rooms. After this, you will have free time to explore Puerto Ayora, known for its many souvenir shops. You will be accommodated at Fiesta Hotel 4*. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Early Morning Departure to the Itabaca Channel 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 ready to set sail. This day will offer a unique encounter with nature, where white sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, and crystal-clear seas compete with the diversity of local wildlife. During the two-hour sailing, you will enjoy breakfast at sea. At this time of day, dolphins and other sea creatures often approach the yacht. Upon landing on Bartolome Island, you will embark on a 30-minute ascent, crossing almost lunar landscapes until you reach the highest point of the volcanic island. From there, stunning views of the islands Santiago, Seymour Norte, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Rabida, and Chinese Hat Island, as well as the famous Pinnacle Rock—remnants of an old volcano where thousands of birds reside—await you. The landscape from the summit has become a symbol of the Galapagos Islands, captured by many photographers. Next, you'll change into beach attire. During the marine excursion, our guests will have the chance to see Galapagos penguins (which stand about 50 cm tall) perched at the foot of cliffs or swimming swiftly in the crystal-clear ocean waters. You will have time for beach relaxation or snorkeling: the shallow waters will allow you to swim alongside Galapagos penguins, sharks, starfish, rays, sea turtles, and numerous exotic colorful fish. You'll also have the opportunity to observe a variety of local residents, such as marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and many others. After this wonderful adventure, lunch will be served on board. In the evening, you will return to the hotel, and you will have a little free time for a walk around Puerto Ayora. Accommodation at Fiesta Hotel 4*. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Seymour Island This excursion day provides you with the opportunity to visit Seymour Norte Island and Bachas Beaches. We will begin with a bus ride to our yacht at the Itabaca Channel and then set sail for Seymour Norte Island, which will take about an hour. On the rocky shore, near a small forest of palo santo trees that remain mostly leafless for much of the year, we will disembark. Seymour Island is famous for its numerous colonies of various bird species. The male frigatebirds, with their bright red pouches that they use to attract females during mating season, and the famous blue-footed boobies are especially memorable. These seabirds have long sharp wings and a wedge-shaped tail. During courtship displays, the males show one outstretched wing and a blue foot in an attempt to impress the females. The excursion will continue on the beach with small cliffs, where we will see sea gulls, many sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans. Most of the animals will be accessible for observation at close range. On board the yacht, a freshly prepared lunch will be served. After lunch, the yacht will continue its journey to Bachas Beaches on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. First, we will visit a lagoon behind the beach, where flamingos can often be spotted. Then, you will enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkeling on a picturesque uninhabited beach with white sands and turquoise waters! Surrounded by sea lions, various species of rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish, you can enjoy an underwater adventure. Return to Puerto Ayora is expected at around 4:30 PM, where you'll have free time for strolls on the pier, buying souvenirs, or enjoying the sunset. Plaza Island Departure from the hotel will head north to the Itabaca Channel, where you will board the yacht and head to Plaza Sur Island, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago located near the eastern part of Santa Cruz. After a one-and-a-half-hour sail, Plaza greets visitors with a red-green carpet of sesuvium, endemic plants, and the friendly barks of sea lion families that inhabit the area. The turquoise ocean waters blend beautifully with the white sandy beaches and rocks along the shore. Walking on the island will be easy—a trail passes by sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls and leads to the highest point where the gulls sing their songs, and the sea lions seeking to avoid competition climb nearly vertical cliffs. During this time, tropical birds, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds silently glide through the air. It is recommended to bring binoculars to closely observe the extraordinary nature. The view from the top of the ocean and powerful waves crashing against the rocks will provide unforgettable impressions. Next, the journey will continue to Cape Carrion, where lunch will be served on the yacht. This is a unique spot for snorkeling and swimming alongside rays, sharks, and many tropical fish. Return to the hotel. Accommodation at Fiesta Hotel 4*. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Breakfast and Transfer After breakfast, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be taken to a hotel located on the Pacific coast (the drive will take about 2.5 hours). You will have free time to relax on the beach. You will be accommodated at the Decameron Punta Centinela Hotel for 3 nights (all-inclusive).

Whale Watching During your stay, you will have the chance to participate in a whale-watching excursion lasting from 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the tour, you will return to your hotel. This is one of the most thrilling natural phenomena you can observe from June to September on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Humpback whales migrate about 7000 miles each year from Antarctica to the Ecuadorian coast for mating. Here they give birth to their calves and look for opportunities to survive in warmer waters. Humpback whales can be seen at sea just 30 minutes from shore on boats approved by the Ministry of Tourism, accompanied by experienced guides who will make your adventure unforgettable. Recommendations: wear comfortable clothing, sports shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. During whale watching, it is essential to follow the safety protocols announced by the instructors. Whale watching is subject to climatic and marine conditions. Important: This excursion is not recommended for pregnant women, people with spinal issues, and those who have recently undergone surgery. The guide reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone not meeting these requirements or to individuals under the influence of alcohol (with no right to reimbursement).

Return Transfer After completing your program, there will be a return transfer to Guayaquil Airport for check-in on your international flight.