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Our tour to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands is your chance to experience one-of-a-kind wildlife watching. Get unusually close to sunbathing iguanas, playful sea lion pups and male frigate birds who proudly display theirred pouches. Swim with turtles, marvel at the majestic volcanoes and be taken aback by the magical charm ofthe islands. City tours of Quito and Guayaquil give an excellent insight into the country’s vibrant past. This tour allows you to access one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world.
This document aims to give you all the information
that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to
Ecuador and the Galapgos Islands. Please take the
time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with
all the aspects of our tour. It includes important
information such as flight details, visa requirements
and travel insurance.
DAY 1: UK to Quito, Ecuador
Depart London on your scheduled flight to Quito.
DAY 2: Quito
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and
transferred to your hotel.
DAY 3: Quito B/L
In the morning enjoy a half day walking tour of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic old town.
Visiting Independence Square, stop at the Cathedral
and Presidential Palace before passing the church of
La Compania and San Francisco. Finishing at El
Panecillo Hill, here you will have panoramic views over
the capital city whilst enjoying a well-deserved lunch.
DAY 4: Quito to The Galapagos Islands B/L/D
Fly to Baltra Island this morning where you will be
met and transferred to Santa Cruz via a short ferry
crossing. After a welcome drink and a leisurely lunch,
your guide will take you to see the island's famed giant
tortoises. These gentle giants roam freely between the
national parks and boast lifespans of over a hundred
years. Next visit the lava tunnels; formed by rivers
of fast flowing liquid lava, a walk through these
passageways will take you on an exciting journey back
in time to the very formation of these volcanic islands.
DAY 5: The Galapagos Islands B/L/D
Today, take a boat trip out to one of the bio-diverse
Galapagos isles. Here you have the opportunity to
view a selection of wildlife the islands are so revered
for. Spot iguanas lazing in the shade of cacti,
blue-footed boobies and sea lions perched on top of
rocky outcroppings or frigate birds showing off their
vibrant red pouches. Before lunch get a sea lion's view
of these magnificent creatures and other marine life
such as sea turtles, rays and tropical fish as you
snorkel around the bay.
DAY 6: The Galapagos Islands B/L/D
After breakfast, journey on foot through arid, aromatic
forests that hug the spectacular white sandy coastline
of Tortuga Bay to arrive at hidden blue lagoons.
These natural pools are perfect for swimming or
snorkelling in, or rent a kayak and paddle close to
white tip sharks, turtles and schools of rays on the
tranquil lagoon of Playa Mansa.
DAY 7: The Galapagos Islands B/L/D
Embark on another boat trip to a different island today
to enjoy more wildlife spotting and snorkelling, where
you can observe flamingos, frigates, mocking birds
and blue-footed boobies.
DAY 8: The Galapagos Islands B/D
This morning, travel to the viewpoint at Cascajo,
where you can enjoy phenomenal views over Santa
Cruz and the other islands of the archipelago.
Continue on to Trapiche, a local farm where you can
watch the fascinating process that locals use to
produce alcohol from sugarcane. Next, visit beautiful
Garrapareto beach for time to relax on its soft sands
and enjoy some birdwatching and snorkelling.
In the afternoon, take an optional excursion with the
Plant a Tree volunteering programme. Leave your eco-
signature on the island as you clear a patch of land
and plant an indigenous tree, adding a personalised
plaque to your newly-planted sapling.
DAY 9: The Galapagos Islands to Guayaquil B/L
Returning to Baltra Island, you will catch a flight to
Guayaquil, Ecuadors largest city known as the
gateway to Pacific beaches and the Galapagos
Islands. Stretching along the Guayas River is the
waterfront Simón Bolívar promenade, home to
La Rotonda monument. Transfer to your hotel to
rest and relax, the rest of your day is at leisure to
meander round the large selection of cafes and art
galleries.
DAY 10: Guayaquil B
Embark on a guided morning walk of the city.
Starting at the Malecon 2000, an impressive
boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River, you will then
visit the picturesque neighbourhood of Las Penas
before strolling down Avenue 9 de Octubre, the main
downtown district. Finish at Parque Bolivar, one of the
only parks in the world to have land iguanas.
DAY 11: Guayaquil to the UK or Extension
Transfer to Guayaquil airport for your flight to the UK,
or continue on to your chosen extension.
PLEASE NOTE: The order of your itinerary may
vary during your time.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Quito, the Galapagos Islands & Guayaquil
1
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Visas
A visa is not required for entry into Ecuador and theGalapagos Islands for UK passport holders. Furtheradvice should be sought from the applicable touristauthority for other nationalities and for general queries.We strongly advise you check with your destinations’Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-dateguidelines regarding required passport validity.Your transit card (worth $110) is included for entranceinto the Galapagos Islands.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you and all members ofyour party are suitably insured as soon as you book yourholiday. It is a condition of booking that you must havesuitable travel insurance. It is important that youpurchase travel insurance that suitably covers yourparticipation in whatever activities you may undertake atthe time that you make your booking. To assist you withthis, we have arranged travel insurance in partnershipwith Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance withHoliday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provideus with the name of your insurer, policy number and their24 hour emergency contact number as soon aspossible. Sunspot will not be liable for any costs incurredby you due to your failure to take out suitable travelinsurance from the date of booking.
Tour Guides
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be meton arrival in each destination and will have a regionalguide with you during your stay at each place, ensuringthat you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion, however we wouldrecommend approximately £2.00 ($3.00) per person perday for your driver and guide. Tips are accepted in USdollars, however should you wish to pay these on acredit card you can do so when you pay for personalexpenses on board.
Health and Vaccinations
It is your responsibility to check any health andvaccination requirements applicable to your bookedarrangements. We can only provide general informationabout this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risksvary from country to country. You should take healthadvice about your own needs as early as possible and ingood time before your departure. Sources of informationinclude; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk,www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialistclinic.VERY IMPORTANT
Please note that due to new regulations from the Ministryof Tourism in Ecuador, you will be provided to state anypre-existing medical conditions and your blood type onarrival into the Galapagos Islands. This information can be given to your tour guide onarrival. Please be aware that failure to provide thisinformation by the time you arrive in the GalapagosIslands may result in you being refused entry.
Physical Accessibility
This tour is accessible to most people with an averagelevel of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbingof stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This
tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Group Size
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely eventthere are less than 10 people booked on your tour datethen you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should thisalternative not be suitable.
Currency Exchange
The currency in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands isthe US Dollar. Cash machines are available in Quito andGuayaquil, but there will not be a chance to exchangecurrency during your cruise.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take some extra money with you tocover any drinks and personal purchases such assouvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Approximately£400-£500 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Credit Card Information
As normal practice you will be asked for your credit carddetails on check-in at the hotel in order to cover anyextras incurred during your stay. If you do not have acredit card you may be asked for a cash deposit.American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
Itinerary Changes
The order of events and sightseeing may vary accordingto local conditions or for operational purposes. For thisreason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changesas they are informed of them. Some road constructionand/or weather conditions may lengthen the drivingtimes. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-dayitinerary as printed; however order of events andsightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
What to Pack
• Loose fitting t-shirt or tank top and shorts for
your island adventures
• 2 pairs of old comfortable walking shoes as
these can get damaged from saltwater,
volcanic rock and sand
• High factor waterproof sunscreen and lip balm
• 2 swimsuits and a towel • Wide brim hat
• Snorkelling equipment if you would prefer to
use your own
• Camera and spare batteries
• Travel plug adapter - the voltage is 120 volts
and is a 2 or 3 flat pin plug
• Binoculars • Sunglasses
• Waterproof, light poncho or rain jacket
• Personal first aid kit containing travel pills,
rehydration powder, plasters,stomach settlers,
antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
All accommodation is 4H and features an en suite bathroom and air
conditioning. Sunspot has visited and inspected all hotels used, as well
as the cruise, to ensure that they meet the high standards of service
which we require for our clients. If the hotels or cruise detailed are not
available, alternatives will be used of a similar standard.
Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final
confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document,
along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before
you travel.
2
CoachAirBoat
1 Number of nights spent
<
2
<
2
•
Quito
Guayaquil
GalapagosIslands
South America
•Santa Elena
On your arrival
On your arrival in Quito you will be met by a
representative from our local agent, Pure! Ecuador,
holding a sign displaying: “Sunspot”.
The Sunspot/Pure! Ecuador representative
will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Your representative available 24 hours a day should
you have any queries.
If you need to contact Pure! Ecuador during your stay
the details are:
Pure! Ecuador
Muros N27-94 y González Suarez
Quito
Ecuador
Contact number: 00593 2 5123358/2 2234336
Emergency contact information
Please find below the emergency contact details
Pure! Ecuador
24 hour contact number: 00593 98448414
•5 ••
Your hotel information
Quito (2 nights): 4H Dann Carlton Hotel - República Del
Salvador N34-377 e Irlanda, Quito, Ecuador,
Contact number: +593 2-397-2600
Santa Cruz (5 nights): 4H Royal Palm Hotel - Km 18 Via
Baltra Isla Santa, Cantón Santa Cruz, Ecuador.
Contact number: +593 2-252-0000
Guayaquil (2 nights): 4H Unipark Hotel -
Clemente Ballén 406 y Chile, Clemente Ballen y Millán 406,
Guayaquil 090313, Ecuador
Contact number: +593 4-232-7100
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Weather and Climate
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
4
Airport Extras
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras
- Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus one item of hand luggage providing the exterior dimensions
(height + length + width) do not exceed 115cm and 10kg in weight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take
additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that check-in should be three hours before your flight departure time.
Final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before
departure.
Baggage Allowance
Flight and Airport Information
Your flight is to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito with Avianca (AV), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 2.
Santa Elena
The beautiful costal province and town of Santa
Elena provides a relaxing setting to complete
your tour.
Enjoy the wide range of facilities on offer at your
resort, unwind on the many beaches or explore
some of the area’s sights.
Hotel
Your stay will take place at the below resort:
4H Royal Decameron Punta Centinela on All-Inclusive, an excellent resort boasting anoceanfront location along a pink coral beach.
Hotel information: Km. 10.5 vía Santa Elena,Manglaralto, Urbanización Punta Centinela. Contact number: 00593 43716200
Any alternative hotels or board basis will havebeen confirmed at booking. Please speak to our
reservations department if you are unsure.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any snacks, as well as personal purchases, suchas souvenirs, laundry and drinks.
Tour Guides
Your stay in Santa Elena is not escorted by a tourguide. All internal transfers are included.
Please note
This extension takes place after your main tour.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
YOUR SANTA ELENA BEACH STAYSanta Elena, Ecuador
This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Santa Elena.
Weather and Climate in Santa Elena
Your add-on to Santa Elena offers a relaxing end to your journey in Ecuador. Unwind on this province’s
beautiful beaches, enjoy the calm weather of the Pacific Coast and reflect on your wonderful tour memories.
Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately
10 days before departure.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
Your included meal guide: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch
DAY 11: Guayaquil to Lima
After a day at leisure in Guayaquil, take an evening flight
to Lima. Your guide will meet you on arrival and
accompany you to your hotel.
DAY 12: Lima and Cusco
This morning you will fly to Cusco. In the afternoon
your guide will commence your half day tour, taking
you around all the most important sites.
DAY 13: Cusco & Machu Picchu B/L
Today is the highpoint of this extension – a visit to
the world renowned Machu Picchu. Board the
Vistadome train to climb up through the Andes,
then a bus to the summit of the archaeological site.
Constructed on a saddle between two Andean peaks,
Machu Picchu was one of the greatest achievements
of South American civilisation.
DAY 14: Cusco B
After breakfast at your hotel the rest of the day is
free for you to relax and explore Cusco.
DAY 15: Cusco to UK B
After breakfast return to the UK via Lima and Madrid.
Hotel Information
Lima (1 night): 3H Hotel Casa Andina Classic Centro
- Petir Thouars 5444, Lima 00000, Peru, Contact
number: 0051 1 4470263
Cusco (3 nights): 3H Casa Andina Koricancha
- Calle San Agustin 371, Cusco, Peru
Telephone Number: +51 84 252633
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover
additional breakfasts, lunches, dinners & purchases.
Visas
British passport holders are not currently required
to obtain a visa in order to travel to Peru.
Tipping
Tipping is a common practice in Peru and it is
customary to top on average £2-£3 per person per
day. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Currency Exchange
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol, the symbol is
S/. We recommend that you exchange your currency
before you leave the UK. Cash machines are available
in all the major cities to withdraw local currency.
Shanghai, Wuzhen, Xi’an &
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Highlights of Peru tour.
Your extension to Peru is the perfect way to see a little more of South America. You will visit the traditionaltown of Cusco, as well as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately
10 days before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU
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