Galapagos and Mexico 15 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Qutio, Ecuador

After you arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you will be transfered to your hotel in the modern area of the city. We recommend the Dann Carlton hotel or similar.

Day 2: Quito

Today you will have a full day to explore the capital of Ecuador, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage City, with a professional, English-speaking guide.

You will have a visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia; as the President still conducts business here, access to the inside may be limited. It is also the home of the tomb of Sucre and houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. You can also visit the Parque Alameda that houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive monument of Simon Bolivar. The Plaza de San Francisco, which was constructed by the Spanish in 1553, has a high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. You will also visit the Church of San Francisco where every inch of wall and ceiling is paved with Gold. A visit to the middle of the world monument concludes the day.

We can recommend a colonial hotel in the old center such as the Patio Andaluz or similar, or a more modern, super comfortable hotel in the business district of the city such as the Dann Carlton or Swisshotel, just let us know your preference.

Days 3 to 7: Fly to Galapagos Islands

After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up and take you to Quito airport for your flights to the Galapagos Islands. When you arrive in the Galapagos we will transfer you to your yacht. We can recommend the luxury expedition vessel M/V Santa Cruz, rated the best big ship cruising the Islands by Frommers! Cruises are always subject to space but we will do our best to meet your requirements.

The 46 cabin M/V Santa Cruz, built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising, was completely renovated in 1998, having been redesigned and refurbished inside and out. The Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent standards, including superb service, expert crew and the most knowledgeable multilingual naturalist/guides.

Sample 5-day, 4-night Itinerary on the M/V Santa Cruz
MONDAY: Baltra Island – Dragon Hill – Santa Cruz Island
TUESDAY: Bartolome Island – Puerto Egas – Santiago Island
WEDNESDAY: Radida Island – Puerto Ayora
THURSDAY: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island – North Seymour Island
FRIDAY: San Cristobal Island

Day 7: Last day in the Galapagos

Today, your last day on the Islands, you will fly back to Quito or Guayaquil (depending on flight connections) where we will pick you up and take you to your hotel for a nights rest before flying out to Mexico.

Day 8:

Today you will fly from Ecuador to Cancun, Mexico, home to some of the best beaches in the world and spectacular remnants of the ancient Mayan Ruins, such as one of the new seven wonders of the world – Chichen Itza!

We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. We recommend the 4* Cabañas Los Lirios (subject to space of course). Located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Los Lirios is a beach front hotel in Tulum only a short drive from the ruins of Tulum and the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, offering unusual comfort and lovely spacious rooms to its guests. Los Lirios Tulum Cabins is the right place if you want to be totally relaxed, far from stress.

Day 9: Tulum Ruins

After breakfast and spending the morning relaxing at your hotel, in the afternoon you will pay a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, perched above the Caribbean Sea.

If you have some extra time, you might try snorkeling in the world-class reefs of the Mexican Caribbean or diving in the nearby unique cenotes or underground freshwater caverns.

Day 10: Chichen itza

Today you will have a full-day to explore Chichen Itza, the most visited Maya ruins on the peninsula. Eighteen structures have been restored over the years. Pyramid Kukulcan is the tallest of them and allows a view from the top of all Chichen Itza. During the Spring and Fall equinoxes, (March 21 & Sept 21) the setting sun creates shadows down the steps of the pyramid that resemble a snake descending. This is a popular event to see and usually draws big crowds.

You will end the day by travelling to the beautiful, colonial city of Merida – the Yucatan´s capital and largest city. We will transfer you to your hotel, where we recommend the 4* Casa del Balam, in the heart of historic Merida. We recommend the lovely Casa de Balam hotel for your stay.

Day 11: Merida

After breakfast and a relaxing morning, we will take you on a city tour of this special Mayan and Spanish colonial city. Merida was built on the site of the Maya city of T'ho (also known as Ichcaanzihó or "city of the five hills", referring to five pyramids) which had been a center of Mayan culture and activity for centuries. Because of this, many historians consider Merida (with an argument with Cusco, Peru) the oldest continually-occupied city in the Americas.

Many carved Maya stones from ancient T'ho were used to build the Spanish Colonial buildings that are plentiful in downtown Merida, and are visible, for instance, in the walls of the main Cathedral. Much of Mérida's architecture from the Colonial period through the 18th century and 19th century is still standing in the centro historico.

Day 12: Uxmal Ruins full day tour.

Today you will embark on a full-day exploration of the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal, considered the best built and the best preserved. Even before the restoration work Uxmal was in better condition than many other Maya sites thanks to being unusually well built. Much was built with well cut stones set into a core of concrete not relying on plaster to hold the building together. Thanks to its good state of preservation, it is one of the few Maya cities where the casual visitor can get a good idea of how the entire ceremonial center looked in ancient times.

At the end of the day, we return you to your hotel in Merida.

Day 13: Transfer to Cancun, Playa del Carmen

The ruins were fantastic, but now it´s time to just rest and relax at the beach! Today we will transfer you from Merida to your hotel in Playa del Carmen on the beach. We recommend the 4* La Tortuga, rated on Trip Advisor as the best in Playa!

La Tortuga Hotel & Spa is a small hotel, so each of our 51 rooms has personality and charm. Every room has AC, TV, telephone, in-room safe, ceiling fan, coffee machine, and hairdryer. We even provide you with daily beach towels for our beach club.

Day 14: Free day at La Tortuga Hotel (or similar)

Today you will have a free day to just rest and relax at the hotel and at the beach.

Playa del Carmen, where the turquoise Caribbean Sea laps at white beaches, palm trees sway in the mild breezes and the sultry tropical sun shines down on you from the sky. The soft, porous coral sand doesn't absorb the sun’s rays so it always stay cool.

Day 15: Transfer to Cancun airport, Fly home

After breakfast at your hotel, we will take you to Cancun airport for your international flights home … an unforgettable trip!