Tailor Made Ecuador And The Gal??pagos (2009)

Straddle two hemispheres on a visit to the Equatorial Monument, followed by a tour of "Old Town" Quito, with its rich legacy of gold-plated cathedrals and Baroque architecture. Due to the city's preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Fly to the Galapagos archipelago and transfer to your land-based hotel. Encounter free-roaming giant tortoise, pristine beaches and hidden lagoons teeming with birdlife and marine turtle.

Visit various islands in the Gal??pagos by private yacht, larger vessel or from a panga, witnessing amazing wildlife, flora and fauna. Observe Gal??pagos penguin that walk along narrow volcanic ledges and snooze on rocky platforms. Marine iguana clear the path for sunbathing fur seal and bright orange Sally Lightfoot crab who wander the beaches. Birdlife abounds here, with tern, finch, pelican and booby constantly overhead or underfoot.

Fly to Quito and transfer to your hacienda near Cotopaxi, built on the site of an Incan ruin. The original Incan walls have been incorporated into the structure of the colonial hacienda, offering you an unrivaled glimpse into a glorious past.

Visit sights in and around Cotopaxi National Park. Its centerpiece, Mt. Cotopaxi, is Ecuador's second highest peak and one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Search for the local flora and fauna, as well as the highland hummingbird. You may even attempt to climb up to the Cotopaxi's base camp - 15,750 feet above sea level with excellent views over the national park.

Today you can choose to participate in various activities including trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking or visiting local Indian markets before heading back to Quito.

Board your homebound flight.