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Hacienda Zuleta & Land Based Galapagos

Designed For: Travel Beyond Clients
Designed By: Jennifer Gillmore
Dates: TBD
Itinerary as of: February 18, 2021
Day 1
Meals: N/A
Quito International Airport (UIO) - Quito, Ecuador

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the end of the jetway by a representative who will fast-track you through airport formalities and assist with luggage retrieval. You will then meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Hacienda Zuleta (approx. transfer time: 1hr 30mins).

Transfer Type: Private Vehicle

Hacienda Zuleta - Imbabura, Ecuador

Welcome to Hacienda Zuleta! Accommodations will be reserved for two nights, including all meals and choice of activities.

Hacienda Zuleta offers access to all the traditions and customs of a traditional Ecuadorian estancia. Surrounded by a large estate and beautiful scenery, it offers a wide range of activities. Zuleta’s hospitality retains an intimacy, warmth, and sincerity reminiscent of a century past. At Zuleta, you are a guest of the family and you are welcomed as such. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in the cozy reading and living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors including past presidents and dignitaries. All of the guestrooms are located in the main building of the Hacienda, which dates back to 1691. Individually decorated with antiques, authentic family pictures, and hand embroidered linens, the guestrooms transmit the feeling of a private home. The rooms have beautiful views and some provide access to private gardens, terraces, or a courtyard where hummingbirds feed.

Day 2
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hacienda Zuleta - Imbabura, Ecuador

After breakfast, spend your day exploring Hacienda Zuleta and the activities offered. Some of the available activities include:

HORSEBACK RIDING: An exclusive stable with our own breed of Zuleteño horse gives you the opportunity to discover this magnificent landscape in true style! We have horses for every level and provide you with good quality helmets, half chaps, rain ponchos, and a saddle bag so you can feel like a proper caballero while exploring some of our glorious horse trails.

HIKING: Explore different routes through idyllic pastures, aromatic woods, and winding mountain trails, where soaring condors and Andean bears make their home and volcanoes rise on every side.

CYCLING: Just you, our mountain bikes and miles of scenic roads through valleys and high grasslands. Let the world open up before you as the horizon fades into the blue yonder.

BIRD WATCHING: From bejeweled hummingbirds to magnificent condors, Zuleta is a haven for bird species of all kinds, and one of the few places you can see the extremely rare condor in the wild.

CONDOR RESCUE CENTER: Many guests ride or hike to Condor Huasi, the condor rehabilitation project, located about 3mi from the house in a valley surrounded by native forest. At Condor Huasi, the only reproduction and liberation site licensed by the governmental condor protection agency in Ecuador, you will be able to observe condors in captivity and, with luck, wild condors flying above you or even landing on the aviary.

CARRIAGE RIDE: Watch the beautiful scenery go by from the comfort of our pretty horse-drawn carriage.

COOKING CLASS: Learn to cook Andean specialties together with our local chef, using handpicked produce from our organic gardens.

EMBROIDERY: Become part of the famous creative tradition of Zuleta and try your hand at embroidery with the help of our friendly local experts! Meet with members of the Zuleta community, for which hand embroidery has been an important part of artistic and cultural expression for centuries. The project aims to keep this art form alive and well in the community through educational components and in providing the local people with a sustainable form of income through their own embroidery shop.

ORGANIC GARDEN VISIT: You are invited to visit the organic garden to learn about permaculture and to discover the origin of your lunch ingredients. Within three hectares, Hacienda Zuleta grows seventeen different kinds of vegetables, five different kinds of fruit, and several herbs, spices, and medical plants. Everything is produced without chemicals and the humus used as fertilizer comes from the hacienda’s own worm farm.

FOR KIDS: With horseback riding, milking cows, treasure hunts, straw house building, bonfires, and becoming a proper Zuleta cowboy, the opportunities are endless for children! And with the entire hacienda and its lands as a playground, together with our super friendly dogs, they will not want to leave.

This evening enjoy a wine and cheese reception with fellow guests before a hearty delicious dinner.

Day 3
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Hacienda Zuleta - Imbabura, Ecuador

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met for your transfer to the Quito Airport.

Transfer Type: Private Vehicle

Quito International Airport (UIO) - Quito, Ecuador

Check-in for your commercial flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Flight cost included.

Transfer Type: Commercial Flight

Baltra Airport (GPS) - Baltra, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Upon arrival, you will have use of the airport's VIP lounge while your entry is processed and your luggage collected. You will be met by a lodge representative for your transfer to Pikaia Lodge.

Transfer Type: Shared Vehicle

Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Welcome to Pikaia Lodge! Accommodations will be reserved for six nights, including all meals and shared activities according to the lodge schedule.

Pikaia Lodge is a new concept in luxury land-based eco-adventure in the Galapagos Islands, offering the highest levels of comfort and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine small group explorations on land and at sea, visiting nearby islands on our private yacht M/Y Pikaia I. At night you will rest in the spacious and serene lodge.

After lunch you will have the chance to settle in and explore the area around the lodge, where giant tortoises are often seen. Visit the Sumaq Spa for a relaxing and pampering treatment, relax at the Infinity Pool, or explore the 3.5km/2.1mi of trails within the boundaries on foot or by bicycle.

Gather this afternoon for a briefing with a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner.

Day 4
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Today you will enjoy an excursion to Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: Transfer this morning to the Itabeca Canal where the Pikaia I Yacht will be waiting. Private cabins are assigned according to the reserved room, and guests will have breakfast onboard as we motor to our first stop of the day, Bartolome Island. Upon arrival, guests may enjoy hiking or snorkeling activities until midday. Climb the island's 360+ stairs to reach the summit, taking in panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock with beautiful Santiago Island behind. Return to the pink and white sand beach below where you will find sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Don your snorkel and mask for a chance to see the Galapagos penguin, green sea turtle, rays, white tip reef sharks and a variety of tropical fish.

Lunch with traditional Ecuadorian food is served while the yacht sails to Sullivan Bay for an afternoon exploration. Go ashore to observe pahoehoe lava flow forms, hornitos and driblet cones, lava cactus, mollugos and other pioneering plants. Marine iguanas bask in the sun along your walk.

Two hours before sunset the yacht sets sail for Pikaia Lodge. During navigation you can rest, shower, or freshen up in your air conditioned private cabin, soak in the jacuzzi, watch a Galapagos documentary, join a discussion with guides, sunbathe or watch for seabirds or dolphins.

Day 5
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

After breakfast, you will be met for a half-day land excursion. Each morning activity is planned according to weather conditions and tide charts. Guests will join groups of maximum 16 people for the land tours, and activities will be chosen from the list below:

LOS GEMELOS & SCALESIA FOREST: Los Gemelos are sunken craters formed by a series of eruptions when the island was still volcanically active. These craters are in a unique place where Scalesia forest is found. Geologically speaking, they are considered crater holes and their formation was not directly due to volcanic activity. They were created as a result of the collapse and sinking of surface material into fissures and underground chambers.

GIANT TORTOISES AT RANCHO CHATO: One of the best ways to see Giant Tortoises is to visit a private estate located in the highlands, where these ancient reptiles search for water and lush vegetation.

LAVA TUNNELS: Formed as the outer skin of molten lava solidified but the liquid magma inside continued flowing, leaving behind a series of empty tubes. Visitors can walk more than a kilometer through these underground channels.

TORTUGA BAY BEACH:
This spectacular beach famous for surfing and bodyboarding is situated at the end of a 30-minute walk along a path from Puerto Ayora, through a dry forest filled with aromatic palo santo trees, cacti, rock formations and a variety of birds. Wildlife most found in the area are pelicans, large marine iguanas, herons, vermillion flycatchers, frigates and occasionally blue-footed boobies.

GARRAPETERO BEACH:
A gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by mangroves, located on the northern side of Santa Cruz. A fresh water lake behind the beach is home to flamingos, herons, stilts and other shore birds. The beautiful turquoise water is a great environment for for swimming and snorkeling.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION:
This renowned scientific station is the best place to observe the different stages of development of Giant Tortoises, which can live for over a century. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive creatures, listen to the fascinating story of their lives and in particular of world-famous Lonesome George, who died in 2012.

PUERTO AYORA & FISH MARKET: Puerto Ayora is the economic center of Galapagos with many restaurants, souvenir shops, discotheques, bars, internet coffee shops and other stores. A busy harbor located along the shores Academy Bay. You can also visit the fish market, where fishermen unload their catch while sea lions and pelicans try to steal the fish or wait for scraps. It is a nice spot for taking pictures of the people and the birds.

ORGANIC COFFEE FARM AND SUGARCANE PRESS: Java Lava organic coffee farm produces over 5,000 pounds of coffee each year. The invasive species were removed and reforestation of Scalesia (giant endemic tree) was implemented. After cleaning the weeds, old coffee plants that grew underneath the ground were discovered. Another option is a trip to El Trapiche, where you can see how a rustic sugarcane press pushed by a mule works. You will also learn about different cane alcohol distillation techniques as well as some traditional techniques for roasting coffee and you will have the opportunity to taste some homemade products.

Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Mountain bikes, helmets, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are available without charge at the front desk.

Optional activities offered at additional cost include scuba diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and catch & release fishing.

Day 6
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Today you will enjoy an excursion to North Seymour Island and Mosquera Islet.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: Transfer this morning to the Itabeca Canal where the Pikaia I Yacht will be waiting. Private cabins are assigned according to the reserved room, and guests will have breakfast onboard as we motor to our first stop of the day, North Seymour. Upon arrival, guests may enjoy hiking or snorkeling activities until midday. Stroll through the palo santo forest where you will find abundant birdlife, including the much loved blue footed boobies and a colony of frigate birds who inflate their red chests to attract mates. Land and marine iguanas dot the landscape and in the water you might find sea turtles and playful sea lions.

Lunch with traditional Ecuadorian food is served while the yacht sails to Mosquera Islet for an afternoon exploration. Mosquesra features a beautiful flat beach walk along the white sand with croppings of barren lava rocks. Sea lions rule this beach, where yellow crowned heron and lava gulls can also be found.

Two hours before sunset the yacht sets sail for Pikaia Lodge. During navigation you can rest, shower, or freshen up in your air conditioned private cabin, soak in the jacuzzi, watch a Galapagos documentary, join a discussion with guides, sunbathe or watch for seabirds or dolphins.

Day 7
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Today you will enjoy an excursion to South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: Transfer this morning to the Itabeca Canal where the Pikaia I Yacht will be waiting. Private cabins are assigned according to the reserved room, and guests will have breakfast onboard as we motor to our first stop of the day, South Plaza Island. Upon arrival, guests may enjoy hiking activities until midday. South Plaza is one of the archipelago's most colorful islands with the presence of the Sesuvium plants which turn red and orange hues during the cool season. Sea lions welcome you as you step ashore, but the real stars of this island are the seabirds and iguanas. Here you are likely to see red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies, and the prickly pear cactus feeds a healthy population of land iguanas. Here it is also possible to find a hybrid marine-land iguana!

Lunch with traditional Ecuadorian food is served while the yacht sails to Santa Fe for an afternoon exploration. Here you will find hoards of sea lions, cactus finch, and marine and Barrington land iguanas. The snorkeling here is fantastic.

Two hours before sunset the yacht sets sail for Pikaia Lodge. During navigation you can rest, shower, or freshen up in your air conditioned private cabin, soak in the jacuzzi, watch a Galapagos documentary, join a discussion with guides, sunbathe or watch for seabirds or dolphins.

Day 8
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

After breakfast, you will be met for a half-day land excursion. Each morning activity is planned according to weather conditions and tide charts. Guests will join groups of maximum 16 people for the land tours and activities will be chosen from the list below:

LOS GEMELOS & SCALESIA FOREST: Los Gemelos are sunken craters formed by a series of eruptions when the islands were still volcanically active. These craters are a unique place in the island where Scalesia forest is found. Geologically speaking, they are considered crater holes and their formation was not directly due to volcanic activity. They were created as a result of the collapse and sinking of surface material into fissures and underground chambers.

GIANT TORTOISES AT RANCHO CHATO: One of the best ways to see Giant Tortoises is to visit a private estate located in the highlands, where these ancient reptiles search for water and lush vegetation.

LAVA TUNNELS: Formed as the outer skin of molten lava solidified but the liquid magma inside continued flowing, leaving behind a series of empty tubes. Visitors can walk more than a kilometer through these underground channels.

ORGANIC COFFEE FARM AND SUGARCANE PRESS:
Java Lava organic coffee farm produces over 5,000 pounds of coffee each year. The invasive species were removed and reforestation of Scalesia (giant endemic tree) was implemented. After cleaning the weeds, old coffee plants that grew underneath the ground were discovered. Another option is a trip to El Trapiche, where you can see how a rustic sugarcane press pushed by a mule works. You will also learn about different cane alcohol distillation techniques as well as some traditional techniques for roasting coffee and you will have the opportunity to taste some homemade products.

TORTUGA BAY BEACH:
This spectacular beach famous for surfing and bodyboarding is situated at the end of a 30-minute walk along a path from Puerto Ayora, through a dry forest filled with aromatic palo santo trees, cacti, rock formations and a variety of birds. Wildlife most found in the area are pelicans, large marine iguanas, herons, vermillion flycatchers, frigates and occasionally blue-footed boobies.

GARRAPETERO BEACH:
A gorgeous sandy beach surrounded by mangroves, located on the northern side of Santa Cruz. A fresh water lake behind the beach is home to flamingos, herons, stilts and other shore birds. The beautiful turquoise water is a great environment for for swimming and snorkeling.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION:
This renowned scientific station is the best place to observe the different stages of development of Giant Tortoises, which can live for over a century. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive creatures, listen to the fascinating story of their lives and in particular of world-famous Lonesome George, who died in 2012.

PUERTO AYORA & FISH MARKET: Puerto Ayora is the economic center of Galapagos with many restaurants, souvenir shops, discotheques, bars, internet coffee shops and other stores. A busy harbor located along the shores Academy Bay. You can also visit the fish market, where fishermen unload their catch while sea lions and pelicans try to steal the fish or wait for scraps. It is a nice spot for taking pictures of the people and the birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Mountain bikes, helmets, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are available without charge at the front desk.

Optional activities offered at additional cost include scuba diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and catch & release fishing.

Day 9
Meals: Breakfast
Pikaia Lodge Galapagos Islands - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be transferred to the Baltra Airport.

Transfer Type: Shared Vehicle

Baltra Airport (GPS) - Baltra, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Check-in for your commercial flight to Quito. Flight cost included. You will have use of the airport's VIP Lounge while awaiting your flight.

Transfer Type: Commercial Flight

Quito International Airport (UIO) - Quito, Ecuador

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and make your way to the front of the airport, where you will be met by a Travel Beyond representative for the short transfer to EB Hotel.

Transfer Type: Private Vehicle

EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito - Quito, Ecuador

Welcome to the EB Hotel! Accommodations will be reserved for one night.

Day 10
Meals: Breakfast
EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito - Quito, Ecuador

This morning after breakfast and checkout you will be met by a Travel Beyond representative for a transfer to the Quito airport.

Transfer Type: Private Vehicle

Quito International Airport (UIO) - Quito, Ecuador

Upon arrival, you will be assisted with check-in for your international commercial flights home. Flight cost not included. You will be fast-tracked through immigration and customs procedures, and have use of the VIP Lounge while you await your flight.

Included:
Accommodations, meals, transfers, internal flights and excursions as detailed
Use of snorkel gear during your visit
Services of professional English speaking guides
In-country support while traveling
All applicable local sales taxes

Not Included:
International flights
Additional meals and optional extras
Travel insurance (medical evacuation coverage, at minimum, is required)
Gratuities
Personal expenses (alcohol, spa services, laundry, etc.)

Note: Exact islands visited may vary and/or occur in a different order according to permits which are designated by the National Park Service.