Quito
Quito 12/23/2025
Tauck's Galápagos tour begins: Swissôtel Quito. A transfer is included from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the Swissôtel Quito, where you'll enjoy an Executive Level room. After your flight to Ecuador, get a good night's sleep so you'll be rested and ready for your family's unforgettable Galápagos tour.,
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12/23/2025 |
12/23/2025 |
Quito
Quito 12/24/2025
Quito is not only 9,200 feet above sea level, it's also on the Equator... the "middle of the world". Take the opportunity to stand on both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time, and learn more about Quito's unique geography at the Inti-Ñan Museum before enjoying an Ecuadorian brunch near a volcanic crater. Explore centuries-old Colonial Quito on a guided tour, and then join us for a special reception with local entertainment before our welcome dinner at the hotel. And get set for tomorrow... when your Galápagos tour and cruise gets underway!,
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12/24/2025 |
12/24/2025 |
Mitad del Mundo
Mitad del Mundo 12/24/2025
Quito is not only 9,200 feet above sea level, it's also on the Equator... the "middle of the world". Take the opportunity to stand on both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time, and learn more about Quito's unique geography at the Inti-Ñan Museum before enjoying an Ecuadorian brunch near a volcanic crater. Explore centuries-old Colonial Quito on a guided tour, and then join us for a special reception with local entertainment before our welcome dinner at the hotel. And get set for tomorrow... when your Galápagos tour and cruise gets underway!,
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12/24/2025 |
12/24/2025 |
Quito
Quito 12/25/2025
Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas", that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers, and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening.,
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12/25/2025 |
12/25/2025 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 12/25/2025
Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas", that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers, and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening.,
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12/25/2025 |
12/25/2025 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/25/2025
Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas", that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers, and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening.,
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12/25/2025 |
12/25/2025 |
Isla Baltra
Isla Baltra 12/25/2025
Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas", that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers, and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening.,
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12/25/2025 |
12/25/2025 |
Las Bachas
Las Bachas 12/25/2025
Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas", that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers, and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening.,
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12/25/2025 |
12/25/2025 |
Isla Santiago (Buccaneer Cove)
Isla Santiago (Buccaneer Cove) 12/26/2025
Start the day with a morning boat ride off Buccaneer Cove on Santiago (James) Island – once a favorite haunt of pirates and whalers – to observe seabirds like frigates, pelicans, and boobies, and go snorkeling off the panga. After lunch aboard ship, a wet landing at Puerto Egas on Santiago provides even more opportunities to see seabirds, along with a colony of sea lions and marine iguanas; enjoy a swim and a snorkel from the beach before returning to the ship.,
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12/26/2025 |
12/26/2025 |
Isla Santiago (Puerto Egas)
Isla Santiago (Puerto Egas) 12/26/2025
Start the day with a morning boat ride off Buccaneer Cove on Santiago (James) Island – once a favorite haunt of pirates and whalers – to observe seabirds like frigates, pelicans, and boobies, and go snorkeling off the panga. After lunch aboard ship, a wet landing at Puerto Egas on Santiago provides even more opportunities to see seabirds, along with a colony of sea lions and marine iguanas; enjoy a swim and a snorkel from the beach before returning to the ship.,
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12/26/2025 |
12/26/2025 |
Isla Rabida
Isla Rabida 12/27/2025
Meet Darwin's finches and other rare birds today after a wet landing on Rábida (Jervis) Island, with its red-colored beaches. Experience both wet and dry landings on your excursion to Bartolomé Island; hike up to the summit and drink in amazing vistas of its volcanic features and the neighboring islands. Ride a panga around Pinnacle Rock, and view sea lions, sea turtles, and tiny tropical Galápagos penguins in a panorama of life found only here. Tonight you'll find out more about the Galápagos Islands with our shipboard naturalists.,
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12/27/2025 |
12/27/2025 |
Isla Bartolome
Isla Bartolome 12/27/2025
Meet Darwin's finches and other rare birds today after a wet landing on Rábida (Jervis) Island, with its red-colored beaches. Experience both wet and dry landings on your excursion to Bartolomé Island; hike up to the summit and drink in amazing vistas of its volcanic features and the neighboring islands. Ride a panga around Pinnacle Rock, and view sea lions, sea turtles, and tiny tropical Galápagos penguins in a panorama of life found only here. Tonight you'll find out more about the Galápagos Islands with our shipboard naturalists.,
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12/27/2025 |
12/27/2025 |
Genovesa (Tower) Island
Genovesa (Tower) Island 12/28/2025
Explore Genovesa (Tower) Island by panga and a dry landing; climb up Prince Philip's Steps for a hike across the island, where you'll see masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels, and more. An afternoon cruise and a wet landing at Darwin Bay offers more amazing views of thousands of rare birds, including red-footed boobies, gulls, mockingbirds, herons, and finches, as well as an optional walk across volcanic terrain. Back aboard the ship, celebrate the end of your cruise – and your family's most unforgettable Galápagos tour – at our captain's farewell dinner.,
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12/28/2025 |
12/28/2025 |
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Santa Cruz Highlands
Santa Cruz Highlands 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Isla Baltra Ferry Dock
Isla Baltra Ferry Dock 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Isla Baltra
Isla Baltra 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
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12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Guayaquil
Guayaquil 12/29/2025
Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
-
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00:00 – 00:45 |
Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco |
Paved |
This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
| 00:45 – 02:45 |
Walk around the Canoa Trail |
Uneven, slippery, muddy |
| 02:45 – 03:45 |
Deluxe Picnic |
Flat |
| 03:45 – 04:30 |
Drive back to the pier for embarkation |
Paved |
|
DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
|
12/29/2025 |
12/29/2025 |
Guayaquil
Guayaquil 12/30/2025
Galápagos tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer from the Wyndham Guayaquil to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is included. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
-
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00:00 – 00:45 |
Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco |
Paved |
This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
| 00:45 – 02:45 |
Walk around the Canoa Trail |
Uneven, slippery, muddy |
| 02:45 – 03:45 |
Deluxe Picnic |
Flat |
| 03:45 – 04:30 |
Drive back to the pier for embarkation |
Paved |
|
DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
|
12/30/2025 |
12/30/2025 |
