Highlights of Ecuador and Galápagos Islands

Land Iguana tour Fridays from the UK Duration –  15 days, 13 nights Quito 3 nights, Riobamba 1n, Guayaquil 1n, Galápagos 7n, Guayaquil 1n Itinerary Day 1 Depart from the UK, arriving Quito in a sensational Andean setting. Day 2 Full day excursion to the mountain town of Otavalo, with its livestock, food and craft markets. Day 3 City tour of Quito – the whitewashed colonial heart has been carefully preserved and there are many delightful baroque churches lining narrow cobbled alleyways. Day 4 Drive to the market town of Riobamba, where there are splendid views of 5 great volcanic peaks, stopping at a rose farm en route. Day 5 Take the train to Alausí, one of the world’s great railway journeys. The track descends in a spectacular combination of switchbacks down an almost perpendicular cliff, known as the Devil’s Nose. Continue by bus to the port of Guayaquil. Days 6-12 Fly to the Galápagos Islands (1½hrs) for a cruise on the Diamante, a romantic brigantine schooner/motor yacht for 12 passengers. Day 13 Fly back to Guayaquil. Day 14 Fly to the UK, arriving day 15. How about? Experiencing the cloud forest of Mindo. Experiencing the remote Ecuadorian Amazon. Riding in the Andes. A beach wind-down on Ecuador's undiscovered Pacific Coast. The above optional excursions may dovetail into the existing 13 night itinerary, or require extra nights.