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Greetings from Cuzco,
The Otto's Tours Team
Luxurious haciendas, boutique hotels
& exclusive yacht cruises
Luxurious haciendas, boutique hotels & exclusive yacht cruises
Ecuador's dense jungle in the east, its mighty Andes running through the middle of the country, a sunny Pacific coast in the west and, of course, the Galapagos Islands - the showplace of evolution and a unique natural paradise - all await you. Added to this is the warmth and openness of the Ecuadorians, with many of them who live in the Andean regions still keeping to a way of life stemming from ancient traditions. In Ecuador you can look forward to a colourful journey, full of lively culture, luxurious accommodation and spectacular landscapes - the country at the equator awaits you!
After arriving with KLM from Amsterdam in the afternoon, you will be met by your
English-speaking tour guide. Together, you will head north on winding roads for 90 minutes,
until you reach the fertile province of Imbabura and the beautiful Hacienda Pinsaqui, which
was founded in 1790.
Most of the estate has been preserved in its original form to this day. An interesting part
of the hacienda's history, is that the famous independence fighter, Simon Bolívar, had
often rested here on his journeys between Colombia and Ecuador. The hacienda's antique
furniture, the lovingly tended park-like grounds and the 27 rustic and comfortable suites,
with their own fireplaces, exude the charm of times gone by.
Overnight stay with breakfast at
Hacienda Pinsaquí
(SUITE MATRIMONIAL) / Angochagua
On this day, we will head out to the famous Otavalo market right after breakfast. In this
market, indigenous women, proudly wearing their traditional costumes, will have colourful
cloths, embroidered belts and handmade jewellery laid out on their stalls. Bags full of
spices, eggs, woven baskets and fresh vegetables will be stacked around them and, usually,
the cloths on the women's backs will be filled with fresh bread, fruit and fragrant herbs.
We'll also find a poncho market in the midst of the adjacent food market. It will likely be
surrounded by many and high stacks of other types of clothing, and all sorts of odds and ends.
Here, we'll also be able to see how small benches and stools line up in front of the blue
wooden stalls. Coffee, soups, roasted meat, as well as fresh juices are all also offered
here for sale - no one leaves this market hungry.
Afterwards, we will set off for the emerald-green, shimmering and 200-metre-deep, Crater Lake
Cuicocha (The Lake of Guinea Pigs). It is a sacred site and the two forested islands in the
middle of the lake are not allowed to be accessed by people. We will walk for about an hour,
right along the crater rim and enjoy the beautiful Paramo landscape of the highlands. This
lake is closely connected with the traditions of the Incas and, even today, solstice
ceremonies, such as the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), take place here every summer.
In the afternoon, we will have time to enjoy the hotel's SPA, with its colonial Spanish spa
architecture. You'll be able to soak in a tub full of relaxing mineral salts, rose essential
oils, moisturising cleansing milk and aromatherapy accompanied by beautiful flower petals
from the region. Afterwards, you might even be interested in a massage. All the SPA services
are optional.
Overnight stay with breakfast at
Hacienda Pinsaquí
(SUITE MATRIMONIAL) / Angochagua
The lake San Pablo and its majestic "Volcano Guard" Imbabura, form a landscape that lends
itself to an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure. Taking in this snow-capped volcano from
the sky, with a beautiful sunrise in the background, is an ideal way to start a day full of
adrenaline, culture and lots of fun - A 35-minute romantic adventure awaits you 100 metres
above the ground!
After a wide-ranging breakfast buffet at the hacienda, we will head to the old, leather-goods
town of Cotocachi, where we'll pay a visit to a leather factory. The Quechua name for
Cotocachi, which translates as "grinding salt", indicates that its locals were not always
specialising in processing leather. Nowadays, the main street is lined with one leather
boutique after another - an expression of the important leather industry in this small town.
Afterwards, we will travel to the small village of San Antonio - known for its beautiful
wooden crafts - before reaching the famous equator monument "La Mitad del Mundo", around
noon. It was here, during a French expedition in 1736, that Charles Marie de La Condamine
was to be the first European to determine the position of the equator, with an accuracy to
within 240 meters. Of course, we will also visit the anthropological "Museo del Sitio Inti
Ñan", to carry out some practical experiments, which will impressively prove that
here, you are truly standing at the equator.
Our next journey will take us along the Pan-American Highway, to the Ecuadorian capital of
Quito, which we will reach in the afternoon. Quito lies at an altitude of 2,850m and is
framed by the Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes, which all together form
a truly majestic backdrop. With its over 100 churches, 55 monasteries, pristine streets and
squares covered with a multitude of tropical flowers and palm trees, Quito's historic city
centre has retained the charm of colonial times.
Our Plaza Grande Hotel is uniquely positioned on the Plaza de la Independencia, the heart of
the historic centre. It offers impressive views of the Presidential Palace, a Cathedral as
well as of the domes of the old, local churches, the hill "El Panecillo" and the City Hall.
During the Spanish foundation of Quito, the grounds of the hotel were granted to the famous
conquistador: Francisco Pizarro.
The building of the current hotel was the first house built during the city's foundation in
the 16th century and was later inhabited by the most prestigious families of Quito. At the
beginning of the 20th century, it became the first luxury hotel in the city. The entire
hotel was decorated by designer Adriana Hoyos with unique details, gold and bronze colours
and wall-to-wall carpets as well as with elegant curtains and furniture designed specifically
for each room. Our Royal Suites will have a view out onto the García Moreno Street
and the Las Conceptas Monastery, or onto the Mayor's House and the Archbishop's Palace.
Overnight stay with breakfast at
Hotel Plaza Grande
(ROYAL SUITE) / Quito
From the hotel, we will drive to the western side of Quito. There, a cable car ride will take
us from an altitude of 2950m to a viewpoint at 4050m, all within 15 minutes. As the teleferico
(the gondola lift) is located on the eastern side of the volcano "Pichincha", you will be able
to enjoy a fantastic view of Quito and, weather permitting, of the surrounding snow-capped
volcanoes: Cayambe, Antisana and Cotopaxi.
Afterwards, an extensive city walking tour will lead us from the Plaza Grande, past a
Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, to La Compañía and the famous El Sagrario.
You will also be able to climb the church towers of the Basilica del Voto, which boast
magnificent views over the city. From there, you will be able to observe the hustle and bustle
of the Plaza Grande and the Plaza San Francisco.
You'll see how lively squares, narrow Spanish streets, imposing churches and colonial buildings
contrast with the glittering facades of modern high-rises. The charm of this colonial old town,
with its churches, convents and squares, make Quito a real gem. The city has been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1978 - the first city ever to be granted this status.
After the city tour, we will drive up to the so-called "bread roll mountain" - "Panecillo" -
for a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, will pay a visit to the Santa Clara fruit and
vegetable market, with its large selection of fruits and vegetables to choose from. Delicious
smells wafting from small food stalls will invite you to try some of them out.
Overnight stay with breakfast at
Hotel Plaza Grande
(ROYAL SUITE) / Quito
At 5,897m, Cotopaxi is the second highest mountain in Ecuador and one of the highest active
volcanoes on earth. Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted around 50 times. The last major eruption
was in 1904, followed by repeated smaller eruptions until 1940. Although active, it is the
most frequently climbed mountain in the country and one of the most visited peaks in South
America. The first European to attempt to climb the mountain was the German scientist and
explorer, Alexander von Humboldt, in 1802. Though he was able to only reach an altitude of
about 4,500m.
A short walk will take us along the Laguna de Limpiopungo, in Cotopaxi National Park, where
you will be able to observe vicunas as they forage for food. If lucky, we will also be able
to spot some condors and eagles here, as well as wild ducks, coots, alpacas and the largest
hummingbird in the world - the Star of Chimborazo. From the Cotopaxies car park at 4,604m,
we'll be able to directly set off on the roughly remaining 200 metres in altitude, to the
José-Rivas refuge, which lies at 4800m. If we will like, we'll also be able to go even
further, all the way to the edge of the glacier. In any case, our efforts will be rewarded
with great views. And if you wish, you will also be able to enjoy a delicious cup of cocoa
and a steaming soup at the refuge, offered by the tour guide.
In the afternoon, we will drive along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, the Panamericana.
It was named by Alexander von Humboldt, because nowhere else in the world, did he see so many
high volcanoes standing so close together. Our destination will be the historic colonial
hacienda La Ciénega. This estate, built in 1695, is one of the oldest haciendas in
Ecuador and in its life, it has witnessed several historical events.
Not only was this the place of the signing of the Treaty of La Ciénega, but several
famous historical figures also resided here. One of them was Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt
lodged here in 1802, during the time that he was conducting research into the surrounding
area of Mount Cotopaxi. With beautiful patios, paved paths, towering trees and flowers from
the area, as well as a historic chapel - La Ciénega is one of the most beautiful country
inns in Ecuador.
Your balcony rooms, with 2m, thick walls made of volcanic stone will be decorated with
contemporary features combined with 17th century furniture, which give a historical touch
that recreates the memories of the colourful past of this hacienda. The room's beautiful
stone balconies will offer beautiful views of the garden and the entrance of the mansion.
Overnight stay with breakfast at the historic colonial hacienda
La Ciénega
(LUXURY SUITE or BALCONY ROOM)
On this morning, we will meet a local indigenous cheese maker, where we will learn how to use
milk and other mysterious ingredients to make some delicious cheese, all in just over an hour.
You'll learn all about the stages of cheese making and, of course, you'll also be able to take
a walk through the local dairy, where the cheese is matured. This guided farm visit will also
include a stop at a sheep pen, where over 700 sheep are milked twice a day!
Our route will continue across the Andean highlands and over a wide variety of vegetation
zones. With every metre of altitude, you will notice how the vegetation will become barer,
and the few trees and bushes will get lower and lower. Only once we are above the tree line,
will we reach our destination: The volcanic crater lake "Quilotoa".
Its volcano erupted last in 1797, creating a huge crater that has since filled with rainwater.
Today, the crater's water has an unusual colour because of the algae within it. Its colour
also changes constantly, depending on the amount of light shining into it, from the sun. The
lake has a diameter of 3km and is up to 250 metres deep.
Upon arrival, you will be able to take a short walk down to the crater lake or walk some way
along the crater rim. On a clear day, the view from the Quilotoa crater extends to the
snow-capped peak of the neighbouring Illiniza Volcano and even the Cotopaxi shows up on the
horizon on fine days.
Overnight stay with breakfast at the historic colonial hacienda
La Ciénega
(LUXURY SUITE or BALCONY ROOM)
At 6,310m, the Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. On this day's tour, you will be
able to observe local llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, giant hummingbirds, condors and even
foxes. You will also be able to see the fascinating Polylepis trees, which grow at altitudes
between 3,800 and 4,600 metres, although the tree line of the Andes actually lies at 3,500
metres high.
At an altitude of 4,400 metres, we will enter the national park and continue to Refugio
Carrel (4,845m). At this refuge you can have a cup of coca tea (Mate de coca), before
climbing up to Refugio Whymper (5,042m) in a little less than an hour. From there you will
no doubt enjoy spectacular views - so have your camera at the ready!
Alexander von Humboldt once considered this to be the highest mountain in the world, but also
failed in his attempt to climb it to its peak. And he was not entirely wrong about this
volcano's height, as the earth is not a perfect sphere and is actually "thicker" at the
equator. So here, you will not only be the furthest away from the centre of the earth, but
also closer to the sun by exactly 1,811m than on Mt. Everest!
In the afternoon, we will reach Baños de Agua Santa, one of the most important places
of pilgrimage in Ecuador. From here, our vehicle will take us up a steep hill to our hotel
"Luna Volcan". Luna Volcan is spectacularly situated 400m above the city of Baños, on
the flanks of the very active volcano Tungurahua (5,016m), whose grumbling can often be heard
even at night.
Here, the views from the rooms, the panoramic restaurant and the outdoor pools, heated with
volcanic water, are all magnificent! You will be able to relax and unwind with exquisite spa
programmes.
Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner at
*****Luna Vulcan Hotel & SPA
(NOCHE DE LUNA room) / Baños de Agua Santa
Our train will descend almost vertically down a striking, rocky ledge in the Ecuadorian Andes.
It was once even said that a pact with the devil had to be made in order to build this railway
line. It's after all for a good reason, that this ledge is called "Nariz del Diablo" - the
Devil's Nose. This is probably one of the most exciting train rides in the world and takes
only half an hour: Sharp hairpin bends will lead steeply down the mountain and reveal a unique
panorama. (Please be aware that the train ride may be cancelled without a replacement service,
if the train line is closed).
After this, we will continue on the Panamericana, towards Cuenca. At an altitude of 3,200
metres above sea level, we will be able to visit the mysterious ruins of Ingapirca. They
puzzle scientists and archaeologists still to this day, as Ingapirca is not only a castle
or fortress, but also a place of worship that contains a sun temple that seemed to have
been incredibly important to the Incas. But what exactly was the purpose of Ingapirca?
Together, we will explore the sun temple, the ritual bathing places, the observatory and of
course the mysterious tomb of the Cañari indigenous people, which is still visible to
this day. This tomb is often referred to as the Moon Temple and, just like the Sun Temple, it
has a fascinating aura.
Later in the afternoon, a colonial jewel of Ecuador awaits you! Cuenca - a city with a lot
of charm - preserves its provincial character despite its size. For this reason, in 1999 it
was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Bed and breakfast at
ITZA Hotel Boutique Internacional
(Deluxe King Suite with a Cathedral View) / Cuenca
Cuenca is considered the most beautiful colonial city in Ecuador. It will no doubt captivate
us with its whitewashed houses, which nestle against the mountains, and its archetypal,
elaborately decorated iron balconies. During a city tour you will be able to get to know
many colonial stately buildings as we'll walk through cobblestone paved, winding and idyllic
alleys and flower-filled squares.
We will also stroll through a labyrinth of pastel-coloured colonial houses and visit the
Calderon Park in the historic centre, as well as an imposing cathedral, a historic bridge
over the Tomebamba River and the particularly impressive New Cathedral of Cuenca. Inside,
it is almost completely decorated with Carrara marble, which often creates a fascinating
warm glow. The domes of this magnificent building, with their blue and white tiles, are a
symbol of the south.
Our city tour will end with a visit to a famous Panama Hat Factory. The Panama hat (Jipijapa)
is a hand-woven straw hat from Ecuador. It is made from the fine, so-called toquilla straw -
toquilla being a palm like plant. The production of such a high-quality hat takes several
months. In individual production areas, the workers will show you the various steps of the
production process and will also be happy for you to take photos of them busy at work. If
you wish, you can also purchase one of the many Panama hats on offer at the end of your
visit. Another interesting fact about these hats, which were also made famous by the novelist
Ernest Hemingway, it that they owe their name to their export route through the Panama Canal.
On this day, we will also visit the only rum cellar in Ecuador: La Cava San Miguel. Here we
will discover one of the most famous spirits of the region: Rum. Good rum is enjoyed slowly,
as is the time it takes to make it. You will be able to learn a lot about this process: From
the cultivation of sugar cane, to the fermentation, distillation and all the way to the
maturation of the spirit in oak barrels. This Ecuadorian brand of rum comes from the Uzhupud
Farm, a small mountain village on the Paute River. The inhabitants' devotion to the archangel
San Miguel gave the rum its name. Of course, you will also be able to taste some of these
high-quality rums!
Bed and breakfast at
ITZA Hotel Boutique Internacional
(Deluxe King Suite with a Cathedral View) / Cuenca
After breakfast, we will drive to the magnificent Cajas National Park, which is known for its
humid and hilly mountainous terrain. In addition to countless small ponds and swamps, there
are a total of more than 230 small lakes within this nature reserve. We will first explore the
cloud forest around Laguna Llaviuco (3,250m) as well as its fascinating bird life: Trogons,
jays, tanagers, parakeets and mountain toucans all live in this beautiful forest area.
After this, we will drive to the highest point of the national park at an altitude of almost
4,000m. From there, we will hike along Laguna Toreadora to an enchanting Polylepis Forest. On
our way, you'll also be able to marvel at the famous páramo plant.
Another drive through different vegetation zones will then take us to the lowlands - with
their rice, cocoa and banana plantations. As soon as we'll arrive there, at Hacienda La Danesa,
we will immediately feel welcome and be able enjoy a very different, warmer climate on this
huge farm, than we did in the highlands.
This beautiful, family run property has just six stunning and very well thought out rooms,
which are located close to the hacienda's renovated stables and the family's main house. The
rooms are furnished with the finest quality of furniture, to ensure a luxurious and extremely
comfortable stay. The rooms' furnishings predominantly make the use of wood, leather and local
materials in their designs.
On a tour with the owner, or with one of the managers of the hotel, you will be able to get a
good insight into the daily work on the farm. The 500-hectare farm grows teak, mangos, bananas
and sugar cane as well as cocoa, and produces 1,200 litres of milk per day. The food at the
hacienda is delicious and you will be able to enjoy seasonal, local and organic food directly
from the farm, which is always prepared with great care. On this day, dinner will be included
and served in the renovated stables.
Overnight stay with dinner and breakfast at
****Hacienda La Danesa
/ Naranjito
After an early breakfast, it will be a 90-minute drive to the José Joaquín de
Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. At the airport, we will say goodbye to our tour
guide and take a domestic flight to the Island of Baltra.
On this Galapagos Island, we will be welcomed by the crew of the yacht "La Pinta"! With them,
we will take a small transfer ferry, across the Itabaca Channel - a small channel that
separates the north coast of Santa Cruz Island from the Baltra Island. On the island of Santa
Cruz, we will board a private bus that will take us into the highlands, along with other
guests. There, we will all have the opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystems and
biodiversity of Santa Cruz. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we'll continue on our private bus to a reserve, also located in these Santa
Cruz highlands. This nature reserve is one of the best places in the archipelago to observe
giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The turtles are easy to spot as they stumble around,
eating grass and swimming in the small pools. There are also several tubes of lava, which we
will be able to see in this reserve. Afterwards, a further, short private bus ride will take
us down to the town of Puerto Ayora, to board the yacht La Pinta.
Yacht La Pinta is a spacious vessel operated by an incredibly hospitable team. The crew and
our nature guide onboard have a strong attachment to the ancient islands of the Galípagos,
and you're bound to learn a thing or two from them while on board. The yacht was even named
in the memory of "Lonesome George", the last of the Pinta Island tortoises.
On board the yacht, you will have numerous opportunities to step out and explore the
wildlife-abundant reefs, beaches and landscapes. Our expert guide will also take us to
visit James Island as well as Fernandina Island and the Island of Santa Cruz, including a
trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The fascinating, local history and the local
animals of these world-renowned sights, will come to life before our eyes.
After a day of hiking, swimming or snorkelling, we will then all return to the relaxing
outdoor spaces on the yacht. Here, you will be able to enjoy sunbathing, alfresco dining
and whale watching in the warm equatorial sun. The sundeck also comes equipped with a
Jacuzzi, which is an ideal spot for watching the marine and birdlife all around you.
Yacht La Pinta's dining room is a highlight as well, offering traditional Ecuadorian
delicacies alongside classic European dishes. During our meals, the ship's wrap-around
windows will mean that each minute will hold the possibility of even more sightings of
fascinating marine life or of beautiful nature. You will also be able to enjoy a wealth
of onboard learning, with engaging natural-history lectures and a well-stocked library.
A world-class culinary experience awaits you on the yacht: With gourmet meals designed by
internationally well-trained chefs, which include international expedition cuisine with delightful
Ecuadorian touches, flavours, and seasonings, displaying the diverse options of Ecuadorian
cooking. Also, Yacht La Pinta can deliver a variety of options for more specific palates,
including the careful handling of food allergies, vegetarian meals and more.
A shared itinerary starts on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island in the archipelago,
where we will meet Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to the coast of
Eden Islet. From there we will hop over to the beautiful crescent-shaped bay of the "Chinese
Hat". On Wednesday, one of the archipelago's most iconic sites, Bartolomé Island,
awaits us. It's boardwalk will lead us to a lookout point and a golden sandy beach, offering
some great offshore snorkelling.
Nearby Sullivan Bay will also give us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the
islands. You'll finish this trip with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of the Genovesa
Island - one of the most isolated islands in the Galapagos. Located far up, in the
north-eastern region of the archipelago, this incredible site is home to hundreds of marine
birds. The entire crew on board La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure that your Galapagos
tour is a truly moving and unforgettable experience.
Eden Island (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, a panga ride will take you down to the Eden Islet, which lies off the coast
of Santa Cruz Island. On Eden Islet, you will be able to see the blue-footed boobies birds
diving into the water as well as reef sharks and frigates birds. If the weather will be
nice, there will also be the option of snorkelling or boarding La Pinta's own glass-bottomed
boat. The volcanic environment of this area is stunning due to its variety of volcanic
debris, complete with cinder cones, tuff cones and semi-eroded lava flows.
Sombrero Chino Islet
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino owes its name to its appearance, which resembles a Chinese
hat. This island, a recent addition to our tour, makes for a beautiful visit. There, you will
be able to explore the wildlife along its 400-metre path that begins on a crescent-shaped,
white sand beach. The bay offers excellent swimming and snorkelling in the company of
white-tipped, reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
Bartolome Island
On this morning, the Island of Bartolome - an iconic and postcard-worthy Galapagos Island
awaits you. Here, we will disembark from the dinghy shuttle and begin a steep climb up a
wooden staircase, where the views from the top will make the hike definitely worth the
effort! After the hike, we will get back on the dinghies, which will take us around the
colossal Pinnacle Rock. After this, we'll have time to enjoy the beach or go snorkelling.
We will also be able to board the yacht's glass-bottom boat, on which we can enjoy a great
view of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
After lunch, it's back to the dinghy which will drop us off at Sullivan Bay, on the east
coast of Santiago Island. This tourist attraction has a white coral sand beach that is also
great for swimming and snorkelling. There will also be a path that leads across a lava field,
that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is a perfect place to see and feel the volcanic
origin of the Galapagos, while also observing the local wildlife.
Darwin Bay
We will begin our exploration of this island in the morning with a leisurely walk to observe
the local sea and land birds. There will also be an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven
terrain, which rewards with dramatic views at its end. Alternatively, you can simply return
to the beach to swim and snorkel in this beautiful natural harbour. If you are more
adventurous, you will also be able to snorkel along the cliffs or paddle in sea kayaks.
Prince Philip's Steps
This afternoon will begin with a very interesting inflatable boat ride along the cliffs,
before disembarking at Prince Philip's Steps. This will be the start of a steep but short
climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is fairly flat, making for a
fascinating mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way you will
be able to see large colonies of the Nazca boobies birds as well as of frigate birds and
petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.
Our journey will end on Baltra Island, where we will be transferred to the airport to catch our flight back to the mainland. The flat terrain of Baltra (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason why this island was chosen as the site for the construction of an airport in the 1940s.
An excellent way to explore and discover the beauty of the Galapagos Islands, is through the many activities approved by the Galapagos National Park. There are many options for the whole family, and Yacht La Pinta offers almost all of them: Snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking as well as glass-bottom boat tours and panga trips.
There is so much life and activity on the surface just waiting for you, and the best way to take in these incredible moments is to take to the crystal blue waters in a kayak. As you paddle alongside remarkable scenery, you'll never get bored of watching a variety of seabirds dive for their meals, just as gentle sea turtles suddenly appear beside you. You will find yourself at the heart of so much beauty to admire.
There is so much marine life and places to see and enjoy while snorkelling as part of your expedition aboard the yacht La Pinta! Just below the surface of the sea, dazzling congregations of fish, sea lions, sharks, sea turtles and marine iguanas await you! This underwater world will no doubt fill you with awe and you will see why the Galapagos Islands and Marine Reserve are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find your centre, both physically and mentally, as you glide along the clear, pristine waters of the Galapagos and peer through the surface to see all the wonderful activity below. Wild sea lions, stunning schools of fish and many species of rays are just some of the things that await you on this adventure. Some people call it a real balancing act. We call it paddleboarding.
Whether you just want to stay dry or simply experience something truly unique, the glass-bottom boat is the experience for you! Float along, lean forward and look down. This is the perfect place for a front row seat to the visual symphony taking place just below the surface of the sea. The movements of fish, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, sharks and marine iguanas are things of beauty. It's also a pretty "cool" experience to shelter from the blazing hot sun under the canopy of this boat.
The low ratio of guests per Galapagos Nature Guide is just one of the many great features on offer, when you travel aboard the yacht La Pinta. Each day, you and a small group of your fellow passengers will embark on a series of informative tours. Your nature guide will lead you through incredible sites, pointing out all the different species of wildlife and providing interesting facts about the archipelago's indigenous and often endemic creatures.
Please note that the itineraries are only examples. We reserve the right to change the itinerary or certain agreed services if force majeure, unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances require it.
As the Yacht in Galapagos requires a deposit and the final payment is also clearly regulated, we have to use the following payment plan for this tour, separate from our other T&Cs: