Colombia and Galapagos Express 13 Day Tour

This is the arrival day to Colombia and its capital. You will clear customes then our tansport will be waiting for you at the international arrivals area to take you to the hotel selelected and take a rest after a long day travel!!!

Depending of the arrival time , you can explore some areas on your own or simply relax and adjust to the City elevation over 8,000 feet.

Hotel:3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: N/A

Today you will visit on of the largest and cosmopolitan cities of southamerica!! Our tour start at la Candelaria area (Bogota's old town) and we will bike around the City visiting places such as; Plaza Bolivar, Catedral de Bogota, Casa Narino, Calle 7, San Francisco Church, los Periodistas Park, Coffee Factory, Fruit Market & the Grafitty tour.

Then we will go to visit Monserrate Hill (Cable Car) located at the East side of Bogota, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the entire city populated by over 11 millon people. Finally back to the hotel for overnight.

NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE OR NO DESIRE TO JOIN THE TOUR BY BIKE, JUST NOTIFY US IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN STILL DO THE SAME CITY TOUR BOGOTA WALKING AND PARTS BY CAR

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Early in the morning, you will embark on a scenic drive to the Guatavita area and its sacred lagoon, a journey of about one hour from Bogotá.Upon arrival, you will enjoy a one-hour hike, taking in the stunning Andean landscapes and the serene beauty of the lagoon.

Next, you will head to the charming town of Zipaquirá, located just a short distance from the lagoon. Here, you will have time to explore this colorful and magical town, where you can savor a meal and enjoy a refreshing local beer or juice.

Zipaquirá is also known as the second hometown of the famous Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez. Afterward, you will visit one of Colombia’s most iconic landmarks, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. This fascinating site, located 300 feet underground, sits within one of South America's oldest salt mines, making it a truly unique experience.

Construction of this remarkable site began in 1950, and it stands as a symbol of Catholicism in South America. The tour is self-guided (available in multiple languages) and consists of 22 stations. Using a device provided at the entrance, you can explore at your own pace while learning about the history and significance of this incredible place.

Finally, you will meet our transportation for the return trip to Bogotá, where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Early flight to Medellin (30 minutes approx.) upon arrival, we’ll take you on a guided city tour that includes a visit to Comuna 13, where you'll learn about its transformation, local life, and the historical context surrounding Pablo Escobar.

You’ll also enjoy a scenic cable car ride with panoramic views of the city, see the famous Botero sculptures, explore Parque Lleras, and visit a few more highlights along the way.

At the end of the day, you’ll have some free time to relax, whether enjoying the hotel’s gardens, resting in your room, or simply unwinding at your own pace.

Hotel:3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Morning depart to visit one of the most famous areas of all Colombia, the excursion start from Medellin downtown towards to a Picturesque town known as Marinilla, and we will continue towards Guatape Lake and you will board a motor boat tour around the area, where you can see fantastic views for pictures and one of Escobar's Houses as well as other rich family houses.

Then you will visit a place known as La Replica (it is a typical little village, where you can take beautiful photos and buy some souvenirs). After we will continue towards the famous Gigantic rock called "El Peñol de Guatape", (it is a natural formation created 80 million years ago) this rock is more than 220 meters high (700 ft.) so to access to the top you have to go over 720 steps, but it is not difficult at all. Stunning views of the all valley from above!!!!

Finally we will visit Guatape town, where you will have enough time to visit on your own and take as many pictures you desire or get a nice souvenir. At the end of the day we will return back to Medellin for overnight.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

On this day, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cocora Valley and its surroundings in a classic Jeep Willy (subject to availability; depending on the season, this activity may be done in a private car).

In the park, you can enjoy a walk for an hour or more, depending on your preferences and weather conditions, as you admire the towering Giant Wax Palms (one of the country’s most iconic trees).

The hike can be extended up to 5 hours if the entire group agrees, or you may opt for a shorter 1-hour walk.

Finally, return to Salento for an overnight stay.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

This is the flying day starting from Pereira via Medellin or Bogota (We confirm it once the tour booking is done.)

Then once in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel in downtown Quito for an overnight stay.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Today is your depart to Galapagos Islands, you will flight to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island) , it will take an hour and a half approx. Then one of our representatives will meet you at the Airport to take you to the hotel for check in.

After you will have time to take a lunch near by the hotel.

In the afternoon our Guide will meet you at the lobby to take you visit the most beautiful hill near by town well known as Tijeretas Hill (nickname given by the frigatte birds shape as scissors).

You will hike up to the hill, then you will stop by the self guided Interpretation Center to know more about the Capital of the Galapagos.

Then you will do snorkel at Darwins Bay, finally you will return back to the hotel for overnight.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

Today includes some of the best snorkeling in Galapagos, a day trip to Kicker Rock!
After breakfast, a comfortable speed boat navigates along the coast of San Cristobal, boasting views of the birds and landscape from a different angle. At the rock formation, we’ll snorkel thru the channel in search of a variety of sharks, fish, turtles, rays, sea lions, and more!

Enjoy a box lunch on the boat afterward, and some quiet beach time to relax before returning to town.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B- L

Today you will take a speed boat towards Puerto Ayora , Santa Cruz Island ( it will take 2 hours approx.) Then you will get to the hotel for check in , after the guide will take you to Charles Darwin Research Station (this is the most important research center of the entire Galapagos).

Then you will have some time to enjoy the town and have a quick lunch before the next activity. Later in the afternoon you will go to visit a Tortoise Ranch in the highlands of Santa Cruz , where you will see a very big land wild tortoises in natural state.
Finally you will return back to town for overnight...

Tonight Advise:

Don't miss eating at the QUIOSKOS street a very fresh lobster and many different tipe of sea food caught in the morning.
Also go at night to the Pier , where you can see babbie sharks, rays and many other animals very close.

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B

This tour will start early from twon , then a bus ride towards Itabaca Canal where you will board the yatch for this excursion.

This program includes sightseeing , hike , snorkel , snorkel equiptment , lunch on board and much more.

Finally you will be taken back to Puerto Ayora for your last night at the Galapagos.

Bartolome:

The little island Bartolome is very small and 114m high situated close to Santiago Island. When the volcano that formed Bartolomé erupted, there was not any water present resulting in large amounts of basalt on this island (when water is present in an eruption tuff is created). The basalt hardened together with air creating very light rocks.

Bartolome’s surface is covered with volcanic ash, which is suposed to be blown over from Santa Cruz Island. The island consists of an extinct volcano and volcanic formations in a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black.

Pinnacle Rock is the eroded remains of a tuff cone. This large partially eroded lava formation was created when magma expelled from the volcano reached the sea. When the seawaters cooled, the hot lava caused an explosion. The exploded particles eventually fasten together forming a rock composed of thin layers.

Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock has become one of the most photographed sights in the islands. As a prominent landmark it was used as a target for US military during World War II (you can still see the bullet holes).

Galapagos penguins can be seen living behind the rock, while just offshore, a small submerged crater is visible. To the east, a series of small spatter cones stretches into the landscape, and beside Pinnacle Rock lie two twin, half-moon-shaped beaches. On the northern beach, where a wet landing is permitted, visitors are allowed to swim and snorkel — an experience not to be missed!

Hotel: 3* (ASK FOR HOTEL UPGRADES IF NEEDED)
Meals: B- L

Free morning, 10:00 am check out and transportation to Baltra's Airport to take a local flight to Guayaquil or Quito.

END THE TOUR

However if you desire to add one more night in Guayaquil or Quito City or extend your staying in Ecuador , we can always help you out with free advise to make sure you optimize the time and continue exploring this paradise called Ecuador.

Meals: B