Welcome to Quito, the highest capital city in the world, perched at 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) above sea level and home to over 2.2 million inhabitants. Its historic centre is one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved in the Americas and it was the first World Cultural Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. Upon your arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Hotel Casona de la Ronda,(https://www.lacasonadelaronda.com/es/index.html) Included meals: Dinner

Today’s adventure begins with the Casa Agave Experience, an immersive journey into Ecuador’s rich agave heritage. Set amid the stunning Andes, you’ll explore the plant’s historical and cultural significance, from ancient civilisations to modern-day artisanal uses. Wander through agave fields, learn traditional harvesting and fermentation methods and try your hand at crafting agave-based items. The experience concludes with a tasting of mishki, a traditional agave spirit, paired with local specialities - a true taste of Ecuadorian tradition. Next, you’ll visit one of Ecuador’s most iconic sites: the Middle of the World. In 1736, a French expedition confirmed the equatorial bulge here, giving the country its name. At the Middle of the World complex, stand with one foot in each hemisphere, perfect for a memorable photo. Then head to the nearby Inti Ñan Solar Museum where interactive exhibits reveal fascinating equatorial phenomena. Overnight: Hotel Otavalo(https://hotelotavalo.com/) Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After being collected from your hotel, you’ll head north to Cayambe, renowned for exporting 15 million roses a year. Here, you’ll sample the traditional Bizcochos de Cayambe - savoury biscuits baked in a clay oven and typically served with fresh cheese or milk caramel jam. This largely indigenous town lies two hours north of Quito, beneath the striking Imbabura volcano and is famed for its vibrant traditional market. Skilled local artisans use ancestral methods to craft distinctive alpaca jumpers, ponchos, hammocks, pan flutes and other handmade souvenirs. Don’t forget, bargaining is expected! Music from this region of the Ecuadorian Andes is globally recognised, especially the rondador - a small panpipe with a uniquely sweet tone. You’ll visit the home of a revered maestro, Taita Gundo, to learn more. Finally, you’ll see the Peguche waterfalls, 20 metres high and considered sacred by some local communities. Overnight: Bellavista Lodge (https://www.bellavistacloudforest.com/)or Piripe Lodge(https://www.piripelodge.com/) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Mindo Cloud Forest region, nestled on the western slopes of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano, whose eastern flank is home to the city of Quito. Your day begins with a short drive along a dirt road to the entrance of the Nambillo Cascades Sanctuary. From there you'll embark on a scenic hike through a lush, verdant forest, leading to a dramatic canyon crossing via a panoramic cable car. Next, you'll visit El Quetzal, a must-see for chocolate and culinary enthusiasts! At this artisanal chocolate production centre, you'll experience every stage of the chocolate-making process, from cacao tree to finished chocolate bar. Your journey concludes with a visit to the renowned Mariposario (butterfly garden) where you'll gain an up-close look at the four life stages of butterflies. This live exhibit is home to over 1,200 butterflies from 25 species. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Mindo’s Ornithological Point, a serene haven for bird lovers. It's a prime location for observing hummingbirds, with sightings of up to 14 species in just an hour being common. Overnight: Hotel Casona de la Ronda(https://www.lacasonadelaronda.com/es/index.html) Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be transferred out of Quito to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands! Galapagos Cruise Logistics Due to cabin availability and the desire to showcase more than one vessel, the group will be split across 2 Oniric vessels. 4 pax will be in Group A and will carry out the trip onboard Solaris and 7 pax will be in Group B onboard Treasure. The decision about which provider goes on which vessel will be made by The Adventure Connection and be based on provider type / style / client demographic. Group A itinerary aboard Solaris see here(https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1x3hUKQs2tu2mdQGKvZZREDAOurW6iBR5OhURKL-hir8/edit#slide=id.g351c4e4586d_0_214) Group B itinerary aboard Treasure see here(https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iKqpHuauEfEeb6nySN2wUXSdxB67J_FQ88y9eJEua2s/edit#slide=id.g356dc753b00_0_364)

Today, you will embark on a shared navigable tour to Kicker Rock. Kicker Rock is an impressive natural sculpture that rises up from the ocean at the northeast coast of San Cristobal Island. From the side it has the shape of a giant shoe upside down with the tower as a high heel (hence its name Kicker Rock). In its longitudinal direction, it rather resembles a sleeping lion (which explains its Spanish name Leon Dormido). Plunge into this chilly tropical aquarium, carefully overseen by your guide and the closely following boat. The surge around hauls you into the wide channel between the tower and the main formation of Kicker Rock, an area teeming with rarely seen marine life. While floating between its high walls, a bright day may offer dazzling views down to the bottom. Before and after your swim, you might also enjoy the plentiful presence of seabirds that nest and breed in the edges of Kicker Rock. Galapagos shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, blue-footed and Nazca boobies are a regular sight. This tour will be shared with scuba divers and snorkelers. Accommodation: Casa Opuntia(https://www.opuntiahotels.com/) Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch on board & Dinner Excursions: Shared navigable day tour to Kicker rock Transport: Boat ride to visit sites with english speaking guide - shared basis. Assistance included

After breakfast, you will embark on a transfer back to Quito, and will be dropped off at Rincon de Puembo hotel, in the countryside area. Get prepared for tomorrow’s departure to London! Accommodation: Rincon de Puembo(https://rincondepuembo.com/) Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Quito’s international airport to board your outbound international flight. Included meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation specified • Meals as specified in the programme • Excursions and entrances as specified in the programme • Services mentioned in programme • Transportation as specified • Transit Control Card • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee • Galapagos flights • Permanent assistance by our Customer Care and Emergencies Departments

• Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks • Dinners on • Day 2 (Group A & B) - You will have the opportunity to explore Otavalo’s local dining scene. • Day 4 (Group A & B)- You can discover a variety of local restaurants in Quito. • Day 5 (Group B) & DAY 9 (Group A) - Giving you the chance to experience the culinary offerings of San Cristobal. • Personal expenses, extras and gratuities • International flights • Travel insurance • Tips • Wetsuit rental

KLM From Heathrow (LHR - AMS - UIO): Thu 28 Aug. 06:30 - 14:50 Mon 8 Sept. 14:29 - 13:50 +1 Avianca From Heathrow (LHR - BOG - UIO): Wed 27 Aug. 22:05 - 08:35 +1 Mon 8 Sept. 15:50 - 15:35 +1