Eclipse

MONDAY - ARRIVAL IN QUITO

Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcázar. Due to the city's preservation of its blended past, UNESCO declared Quito one of the "world's cultural heritage sites" in 1978.

Overnight: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

TUESDAY - QUITO COLONIAL DOWNTOWN

After breakfast enjoy a tour at the city's colonial downtown. Marvel at the city's ornate churches such as the Cathedral or La Compañia de Jesus, before experiencing the long history of local culture in Quito's "Old Town". During your city tour Mr. Jorge Rivadeneira, a local celebrity, will meet you for a special demonstration of his spectacular skills with his spinning tops. He is now able to perform more than 100 tricks with tops of different sizes, which he still makes himself at his own workshop. Children are very welcome to try spinning the tops too! Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

WEDNESDAY  - OTAVALO INDIAN MARKET

Today you will explore the Otavalo area. Your first stop will be at the Quitsato Sundial which is a monument to the "middle of the world" located right on the Equator. Continue to the Otavalo area for your next stop at the Otavalo market. After lunch at a local hacienda, you will make a stop at the village of Peguche, where you will spend some time with a local family, and have the option to participate and possibly learn to play some notes on a traditional Andean "rondador". Then return to Quito. Should you wish to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Northern Andes from above, please ask about a helicopter ride.

Overnight: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

THURSDAY - COTOPAXI VOLCANO

Head to Ecuador's central highlands where you can see eleven major peaks; many of which are still active volcanoes including Cotopaxi. A homemade lunch of Ecuadorian cuisine will be at a cozy hacienda located next to the National Park. In the afternoon, your family may want to relax after a morning full of excitement. Cow milking at the hacienda is actually quite a relaxing activity!  At the Cotopaxi National Park it is possible to take 2-3 hour horse riding tours or you may choose to descend the slopes by mountain bike. Both activities are very safe and lots of fun. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

Overnight: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

FRIDAY - MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

Depart your hotel and drive north to the iconic "middle of the world" monument, where you will be able to straddle both hemispheres at once. Visit the Inti Ñan Museum to see samples of how life was in pre-Hispanic times. Easy and educational fun experiments will show you how gravity works at the Equator. Before returning to Quito, stop for a demonstration of the preparation of traditional and irresistible Ecuadorian ice cream. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Day 06 - DAY 13  SATURDAY  TO SATURDAY - 7 NIGHT GALAPAGOS EXPEDITION

After breakfast take a flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be met by your guide who will escort you to the harbour where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard.  Depending on the itinerary you have chosen, your first visit will be done in the afternoon. Have a look at our ESPANOLA and GENOVESA itineraries and find your favourite Galapagos experience.

After your last visit at Black Turtle Cove you will be transferred to Baltra airport to board your return flight to Guayaquil, where you will be assisted by one of our guides to connect with your onward flight.

Overnight: Eclipse

What makes our family cruise different?

From the first moment that children step on board the M.V. Eclipse, they will be warmly greeted as such: kids embarking on a new, exciting and educational once in a lifetime adventure! Their cabins will be specially prepared for them with decorated beds and cheerful bathroom accessories. Also, on scheduled family departures, our Child Coordinator, organizes discovery and learning exercises throughout the cruise that allow children to learn about the unique species found only in these islands while mom and dad can also maximize their Galapagos experience. The M.V. Eclipse offers child-friendly menu selections with optional earlier meal times for kids.

As safety is our number one priority, there are certain sites and/or activities to which certain age or experience restrictions may apply, especially for snorkelling and kayaking. However, there are plenty of options and opportunities for all guests, regardless of age, to safely enjoy every day to the fullest.