Day-to-Day Schedule - Exploring Quito / Humanitarian Day 1: Arrive in Quito. We will meet you at the airport and from there we will travel to and get settled into the hotel. Day 2: This morning we will begin service in the clinic, then in the evening visit the Independence Plaza: a beautiful place dedicated to honoring the heroes who helped bring about independence from Spain. We will then have dinner at a beautiful rooftop restaurant where we can see views of the awe in-spiring statue Panecillo: a winged virgin of Quito. |
Day 3: After breakfast, choose to relax or join us for a visit to the Center of the Earth Monument. Around midday, begin service in the clinic for the re- mainder of the day. Day 4: Serve in the clinic and then in the evening choose to relax in the hotel or come with us to ride the Teleferico which takes you high above Quito where you’ll see the beauty of the city from the mountain side. For those interested, some or all will do an evening/night hike part way or to the top of Rucu Pichincha, which rises to 15,696 feet in elevation. |
Day 5: Option 1
(Galapagos Islands Trip) -Serve in the clinic, then in the evening have an authentic Ecuadorian dinner with a local family, then visit one of Quito’s most beautiful cathedrals. Option 2 (Jungle Adventures / Relaxation + Amazon) After service in the clinic we will travel to our accommodations in Banos “the gateway to the Amazon”. |
Day 6: Travel to the airport and fly to Santa Cruz Is- land of the Galapagos. Have lunch in El Chato, see the giant tortoises at the reserve, and visit some lava tunnels. After a short rest at the hotel, we will go to Tortuga Bay to enjoy the white sandy beaches for a bit of relaxation.
Day 7: After breakfast, we will travel to the Itabaca. Channel where we will board a yacht that will take us to the beautiful Bartolome Island. There we will see Pinnacle Rock: a large lance shaped rock which rises from the edge of the ocean next to an amazing crescent shaped white and pink sanded island. There you will enjoy exploring the waters snorkeling and seeing the amazing underwater fauna. For those interested we can arrange scuba diving this day as an alternate. Scuba diving available as an alternate. |
Day 8: In the morning, we will take a speed boat to the Island of Isabella where you will see the Breeding Center of the giant tortoises and gain a greater understanding and respect for them. From there we will see the lagoons, small beaches, lava tunnels, and streams of the wetlands. After lunch we will see Las Tintoreras: a chain of small islands housing many coves and hidden beaches. From the bay it is possible to see many amazing land and sea animals such as: iguanas, sea lions, marine turtles, and even possibly manta rays. Also found there are rock formations and cracks in which white tipped reef sharks can often be seen. Scuba diving is also available this day as an alternate. |
Day 9: This morning we will travel to visit the second largest and most active volcano in the world Sierra Negra to enjoy its magnificent views. We will also visit the Chico Volcano where we will enjoy lunch. After lunch, we will have free time on the beach or you can choose to go scuba diving. Scuba diving also available this day as an alternate.
Day 10: After a traditional breakfast, we will start our trip back to Santa Cruz Island by speed boat. Visit the Charles Darwin Station or explore the town before the flight back to Quito. That evening, you will be able to explore the great city of Quito before your flight home, specific activities will depend on your flight departure time. |
Day 6-8: For those choosing this option next three days we will be enjoying adventures and relaxation at a hot spot for activity and fun in the city of Banos being called the Gateway to the Amazon. Choose from adventures in the Amazon Jungle as well as biking, zip-lining, canyoneering, seeing and swimming near waterfalls, seeing animal life such as monkeys, white water rafting, or soaking in hot springs. The great thing about this location as it allows for many options of exciting activities and adventures.
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