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Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
Treasures of the Galapagos

Quito, Otavalo Valley and The Galapagos Islands

Daily Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive in Quito
Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, an Adventures by Disney representative meets you and escorts you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and brings you to the JW Marriott Hotel.

JW Marriott Hotel
Welcome to Quito, also known as "The Middle of the World"! This luxury hotel in the capital of Ecuador is surrounded by spellbinding views of the magnificent, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes outside of the city. Sit back and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, opt to have a family dinner in the hotel.

Meals Included: None

DAY TWO
Welcome Breakfast
Meet your fellow adventurers and Adventure Guides during an exclusive breakfast at the hotel. Say "Buenos días!" and fuel up for a day of excitement.

Quitsato Equator Sundial
Stand at the center of the world as you visit this enormous sundial. A local expert introduces you to the monument and its history. Sitting precisely on the equator, the sundial marks not just the location but the cultural identity of Ecuador.

Lunch at Molino San Juan
Begin lunch with a biscuit-baking class as you whip up the golden brown bizcochos that Ecuadorians adore for dessert. Then gather for a story about Ecuadorian cuisine as you savor a traditional lunch featuring a special presentation of their famous quinoa, as well as aji "hot" sauce that's made with peppers, cilantro, garlic, onion and lime.

Arrive at Hacienda Cusín
Climb aboard a motor coach for a 30-minute drive as you head to Hacienda Cusín (elevation 8,500 feet above sea level), a 17th-century hacienda and estate brimming with Spanish colonial charm. Wander the vivid gardens and delight in the many bird species.

Welcome Greeting at the Hotel
The hacienda's staff greets you with a glass of juice before you head off on a tour of the grounds. Learn about the history of this grand estate in the Andean Highlands as your Adventure Guides check you in.

Folkloric Dance Show
Traditional dancers welcome you in the grassy courtyard as you sip hot canelazo, a delicious cinnamon and sugar cane liqueur_or enjoy the non-alcoholic version if you prefer! Join the jubilant show as the dancers in their brilliantly hued costumes draw you into the joyous swirl.

Welcome Dinner at the Hacienda
Meet in the private dining room of El Monasterio for an exclusive three-course meal of Ecuador's robust and piquant cuisine!

Evening Activities at the Hacienda
Enjoy this evening and head to the game room or relax and read by the fire in this one-of-a-kind retreat.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY THREE
Depart Cusín
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hacienda before you board the motor coach for an excursion to the indigenous village of Peguche.

Private Flute Making and Musical Demonstration
Create your own keepsake when you make a wooden Andean flute with a famous musical family. Then learn about the variety of panflutes and other instruments that make the joyful music of Ecuador during an exclusive musical demonstration.

Lunch at Mindala Cultural Center
Step back in time in this center as you learn about the local traditions and artistry of the Otavalo Valley. Then delight in a hearty dish of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with special care at this restaurant set in a local home.

Mindala Weaving Demonstration
Discover why the woven handcrafts of Ecuador are world-famous for their bold colors and dazzling craftsmanship during this weaving demonstration. Join in the weaving process with these expert artisans as they also teach you the secrets of how the diverse dyes are created.

Otavalo Market
Lose yourself in this magnificent market of vivid artistry and master craftsmanship! Practice your bartering skills as you interact with the sellers and unearth great finds at this renowned marketplace.

On Your Own at the Hacienda
Return to the hacienda to unwind from your day with a bit of biking*, hiking or horseback riding*. Relax with a cool beverage under the shade of a eucalyptus tree. Or even visit the stables and learn about the famous breeds of Andean horses. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Kite Making
In this very special demonstration, meet locals from the community who will teach you how to make an Andean kite in this hands-on, interactive experience.

Dinner and Exclusive Pizza Party at the Hacienda
While adults dine at their leisure in the hacienda dining room, Junior Adventurers break away for a special pizza party! Grownups are invited to join if they choose.

*Available at an additional cost.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY FOUR
Peguche Waterfalls Nature Walk
Have a hearty breakfast at the hacienda before heading out on motor coach to the Peguche Waterfalls. Follow the path through a leafy forest as your Adventure Guides share the lore and legends of the misty waterfalls that cascade like white diamonds down the mountainside.

Hacienda Tour and Lunch
Visit one of the great haciendas of the Otavalo Valley where the legendary South American leader Simon Bolivar once stayed. Here we engage in some hands-on activities that will bring to life the colorful history of this fascinating hacienda. Then we feast on farm-fresh foods made at the hacienda for this bountiful buffet lunch!

Parque Condor and Kite Flying
Hear about the history and important work in progress at the Parque Condor. This is a refuge that is saving these regal birds from the threat of extinction. Then take your kite and fly it above the lush grasses that blanket over the hillsides of Otavalo.

Cooking Lesson at Hacienda Cusín
Return to Cusín for an exclusive culinary demonstration to create a rich, homemade ice cream, crunchy empanadas and an unbelievably delicious banana fritter appetizer!

BBQ Dinner in the Courtyard
Join this private outdoor cookout in the winsome, old-world courtyard as the hacienda cooks up a variety of BBQ meats, especially succulent pork and veal sausages. Vegetarian options are also available.

Disney Movie Night
Time for adults to take a break at the hacienda from the day's activities while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks! If grownups prefer, they can join in on the fun.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY FIVE

Fly to The Galapagos Islands
Take a breakfast box to go as your Adventure Guides bring you to Quito for your flight to Baltra, where upon landing you and your fellow adventurers will unwind in the V.I.P. lounge before boarding your ship.

Welcome Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Climb into the dinghy for a short ride to the ship. Then ascend the staircase to board this elegant vessel that's the best in both comfort and communication with scientists. The ship is 293 feet long and carries a total of 100 passengers, including several bilingual naturalist guides. Share your shipboard experiences with people from all walks of life as you sail into adventure!

Lunch on the Ship
Gather in the main dining room for your first meal at a luscious buffet lunch.

Orientation and Drill
Hit the deck for a lifeboat drill and ship orientation to make your sailing as smooth as possible.

Santa Cruz Island and Dragon Hill Hike
On a privately guided tour, hike along the beach of this verdant. Watch for the slim necks and legs of bright pink flamingos perched in the waters as you make your way to the red volcanic sands of Dragon Hill, where iguanas scurry over the rocky surfaces.

Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal. You and your fellow adventurers are the first to be seated.

Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of night's glittering tapestry as a guide describes the legends, lore and scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each day while sailing through the islands.
DAY SIX
Journey to Bartolomew Island
Have breakfast at your leisure in the ship's dining room before disembarking for a hiking tour of rugged Bartolomew Island.

Hiking Expedition
Hike through the volcanic landscape like the young Charles Darwin did in 1835. The island teems with life as you encounter elusive iguanas and birds of every feather, not to mention the unusual cactus plants. As you hike with a private naturalist, marvel at the panoramic view of the sapphire waters, reddish sands and fabulous peaks of the archipelago.

Snorkeling in Paradise
Submerge yourself in an exotic underwater world where tropical fish swish through feathery floral tendrils and rocky crags as sea lions and penguins play in the waves. Then spend some time on the broad beach exploring the fascinating rock formations that crouch at the water's edge.

Lunch Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.

Save the Ocean Seminar and Cocktail Lessons
Meet a naturalist with your fellow adventurers and other ship passengers for an informative talk about the efforts of Ecuador to save the ocean's many valuable resources. Then attend a cocktail-making lesson from the bartender where you learn how to prepare special island-themed concoctions.

Main Bridge Tour
Come for a private meet-and-greet with the Captain of this impressive ship at the main bridge and learn how he keeps everything even keel for the smoothest sailing possible.

Journey to Santiago Island
Hike across the fourth largest island of the Archipelago, and witness a spectacular array of wildlife across the terrain. The mottled Galapagos hawk, coppery lava lizards, smoky fur seals, blue heron and other creatures abundantly populate the shores and inland areas. Dive into the waters for an otherworldly snorkeling escapade that shows you even sweeter sea mysteries. Then stroll the dark sand beaches that make up this dramatic landscape.

Dinner Aboard the Ship
Be seated together with your fellow adventurers before everyone else on the ship for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each day while sailing through the islands.

DAY SEVEN
Journey to Fernandina Island
After a buffet breakfast on the ship, hike over the pristine terrain of one of the most active volcanoes on earth during a privately guided tour. Venture into one of the largest populations of multicolored marine iguanas with their scaly hides and thick, swishy tails as they swim. And don't miss your chance to see the flightless cormorant, one of
the world's rarest birds!

Lunch Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.

Naturalist Talk
Join fellow adventurers and other ship passengers to hear more from a naturalist about the animals of this unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's revolutionary theories of evolution and natural selection.

Snorkeling
Ride out on a dinghy off the coast of Isabela Island for a truly thrilling swim into the deeper mysteries. Feel the awe of nature's beauty as you swim with sea lions, penguins and sea turtles. After snorkeling, join a naturalist in a dinghy for a boat tour around the coast of the island.

Junior Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their own pizzas.

Disney Movie Night
Adults can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each day whilst sailing through the islands.

DAY EIGHT
Privately Guided Tour of North Seymour Island
After breakfast, ride a dinghy boat from the ship to take a privately guided tour of this island. Although smaller than the others, this island is superabundant with wildlife_such as flocks of blue-footed boobies and the scarlet-throated frigate birds who swoop down to steal their food. Pelicans and penguins crowd the shores, along with barking sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls.

Snorkeling
Escape into the waters one last time for an unforgettable glimpse of the amazing array of sea creatures and underwater flora.

Lunch Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to devour lunch as you exchange tales of the morning's exploration and sail to Santa Cruz Island.

Tour of Santa Cruz Island
Roam this island with a private naturalist and explore inside the rocky lava tubes left by the liquid magma of the volcanoes. Meanwhile the giant Galapagos tortoises show you the leisurely life as they ramble across the land. Follow their lead as you discover the powerful sights and sounds of Darwin's paradise.

Dinner on the Ship
Savor one last dinner prepared by the chefs on the ship with your fellow adventurers in the main dining room.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each day whilst sailing through the islands.

DAY NINE
Visit to San Cristóbal Island
Start the day with a hearty buffet breakfast onboard the ship, then disembark to visit the town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover scientific history at this place where Charles Darwin first disembarked from his famous voyage on the "Beagle." At the Interpretation Educational Center of the Galapagos, learn about the cultural and geological history of the archipelago.

Shopping Time On Your Own
Indulge in a bit of souvenir seeking at the island shops before saying goodbye to the Galapagos and boarding the plane back to Quito.

Journey Back to Quito Fly back to Quito and enjoy lunch on the plane as your return to Quito. After you land, your Adventure Guides once again check you into the JW Marriott Hotel for the evening.

Farewell Dinner in Quito
Meet with your fellow adventurers for this final feast in Ecuador. A surprise awaits as you relive together the highlights of your trip.

Traditional Ecuadorian Musical Entertainment
Sway with the rhythms that rock the Andean mountains at this exclusive musical show featuring Ecuadorian musicians. They even give music lessons to all who want to try playing the pipes!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*This itinerary is a sample configuration of the possible activities that happen each day whilst sailing through the islands.

DAY TEN
Breakfast at the JW Marriott Hotel
Enjoy one last meal in Ecuador before your departure. Transfer to Airport Board pre-arranged transportation to the airport and say "Adiós" until you return again!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Information subject to change


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Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Vacation Rates & Dates ¹

When you book an Adventures by Disney vacation, discover the Disney Difference:
• The services of two Adventure Guides
• Family Activities and special fun for the kids
• Accommodations
• Scheduled meals, activities & entertainment
• Luggage service
• Transportation within your adventure
• Cultural entertainment with local experts
• VIP access and exclusive activities

All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Airfare to and from the destination is not included in our land package prices. Other Terms and Conditions apply.

Adventures by Disney Guaranteed Departure Program2

We will not cancel any 2011 season departure less than 70 days prior to its scheduled start date. Restrictions apply, click here for details.

Prices are subject to change without notice
Prices for this trip vary within these ranges based primarily on when you book and travel; they are subject to change without notice. Please note, the price ranges set forth below include double, triple and quad occupancy.

Adult $5,039 - $5,779
Child $4,549 - $4,979


Trip Dates and Current Rates
Call your Travel Agent at 1-800-CRUISE-1, for availability.

Rates based on double occupancy Adult Child
Oct 05, 2010 - Oct 14, 2010 $5,039 $4,549
Dec 28, 2010 - Jan 06, 2011 $5,519 $4,979
Apr 19, 2011 - Apr 28, 2011 (Adult Exclusive - 18 and over) $5,139 N/A
Jun 14, 2011 - Jun 23, 2011 $5,139 $4,639
Jun 28, 2011 - Jul 07, 2011 $5,139 $4,639
Jul 19, 2011 - Jul 28, 2011 $5,139 $4,639
Aug 02, 2011 - Aug 11, 2011 $5,139 $4,639
Dec 20, 2011 - Dec 29, 2011 $5,139 $4,639
Mar 30, 2012 - Apr 08, 2012 Now Accepting Waitlist - Call for Details N/A N/A
(1) All prices are in U.S. dollars. AIRFARE TO AND FROM DESTINATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR LAND PACKAGE PRICES. Your land package pricing, which will be confirmed once we receive your USD$300 per person deposit, is guaranteed at the time of booking for your party. Government fees or taxes are subject to change. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added. The child rate applies to Guests under 12 at the time of travel when accompanied by an adult in the same room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling with children, check this trip's minimum eligibility age and recommended minimum age, which you can find in the Overview, FAQs and Itinerary. Room configurations are subject to availability. Please see "Notes on Accommodations" for room configurations.

(2) Guarantee Terms & Conditions: Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. will not cancel any regularly scheduled departure of any 2011 season itinerary less than 70 calendar days prior to its scheduled start date, except if cancellation of same is due to: (1) non-payment by the Guest; or (2) factors beyond our reasonable control, such as, but not limited to: industry-wide strikes, civil unrest, embargos, fires, explosions, floods, earthquakes, typhoons or similar severe storm, wars (whether or not declared), or acts or threats of terrorism or a direct response to same; in which case the provisions of our standard Terms and Conditions shall apply.

Note on Accommodations: Subject to availability:

•  Parties of three in Quito are accommodated in one room with either two double beds (rollaway available upon request) or one king bed with a rollaway. Parties of three in the Otavalo Valley are accommodated in one room with either three twin beds or a rollaway and either one king bed, one queen bed or two twin beds. Parties of three in the Galapagos Islands are accommodated in one room with a twin sofa bed and either one queen bed or two twin beds.

•  Parties of four booked as a quad: In Quito, quads are accommodated in either one room with two double beds or two connecting rooms, each having either one king bed or two double beds. In the Otavalo Valley, quads are accommodated in either a family suite with one king bed and bunk beds or four twin beds, or in two rooms each having either one king bed, one queen bed or two twin beds. In the Galapagos Islands, quads must be accommodated in two rooms, each having either one queen bed or two twin beds.

•  Parties of four booked as two doubles: In Quito, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having either one king bed or two double beds. In Otavalo Valley, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having either one king bed, one queen bed or two twin beds. In the Galapagos Islands, accommodations consist of two rooms, each having either one queen bed or two twin beds. Connecting rooms may be requested in Quito and the Galapagos Islands only. Rollaways may be requested in Quito and the Otavalo Valley.
 
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