Embark on an unforgettable adventure combining Ecuador's vibrant culture with the unparalleled beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Begin in Quito, where colonial charm meets breathtaking landscapes. Explore the iconic "Middle of the World," visit the famous Otavalo Market, & immerse yourself in Ecuador's rich indigenous traditions. Then, set sail aboard the Galapagos Legend for a cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Discover pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, & unique wildlife. Enjoy snorkeling, guided nature walks, & expertly led excursions that showcase this global treasure in all its wonder. For even more adventure, extend your journey into the Amazon rainforest. Boat through lush jungles, encounter incredible biodiversity & connect with the Kichwa community. This optional extension adds a thrilling dimension to your Ecuadorian experience. Prepare for a journey that promises discovery, wonder, & memories to last a lifetime!

Visit South America • Quito • Equator "Middle of the World" • Otavalo Market visit • Cotacachi leather shopping • San Pablo  Lagoon views  • Cuicocha Lagoon  • The Galapagos Islands • Galapagos cruise • Charles Darwin history • Snorkeling with sea lions • Nature at its best • Bartolome Island  • Sullivan Bay lava fields • North Seymour wildlife • Punta Pitt exploration  • Cerro Brujo beach • Cerro Colorado Giant Tortoise  Reserve • Upper deck stargazing • The Amazon • Canoe ride in Amazon • Amazon nature walks • Kichwa cultural experience • & much, much. 

For more information, contact: 

Allyson Krull at the Mason City Chamber

E-mail: akrull@masoncityia.com

Phone:  (641) 423-5724

 Protect Your Travel Investment with Travel Insurance! For your peace of mind, travel insurance can be purchased either by clicking the link below or after securing your reservation through our booking engine. At Quest Voyager, we highly recommend travel insurance—whether standard coverage or Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)—to safeguard both yourself and your investment. Click below to explore your options and ensure a worry-free journey: https://www.travelinsure.com/questvoyager/  

The Galapagos Legend is a first-class expedition vessel that offers unforgettable cruises through the stunning Galapagos Islands. Designed for adventure without sacrificing comfort, this 100-passenger ship features modern amenities and elegant spaces catering to relaxation and exploration. Spacious cabins with inside/ocean views, a pool deck, and a sun terrace provide ideal spots for unwinding, while the restaurant serves meals inspired by local and international flavors. The ship’s intimate size ensures personalized service and a deep connection with the islands as you sail from one breathtaking destination to the next. Onboard, the activities are as captivating as the landscapes surrounding you. Each day offers expertly guided excursions, including snorkeling with vibrant marine life, nature hikes through diverse ecosystems, and close encounters with the famous Galapagos wildlife. For those wanting a more leisurely experience, the ship offers educational lectures, stargazing from the upper deck, and moments of tranquility in the outdoor jacuzzi. The Galapagos Legend blends adventure with relaxation, ensuring a balance of exciting discoveries and peaceful downtime as you explore this extraordinary destination.

Depart from the USA for an exciting journey to Quito, Ecuador! Enjoy meals & refreshments served onboard during your flight to keep you comfortable. Upon arrival at Quito’s airport, your Tour Guide will be there to greet you & escort you to your hotel. Welcome to Quito, founded on December 6, 1534, by Spanish Conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar. Known as the "Light of America," Quito is a city where colonial charm meets modern vibrance. With its well-preserved historic center, Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site & a cultural treasure, boasting magnificent churches, plazas, & monasteries.

Step back in time as you explore the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site & the best-preserved colonial city in the Americas. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, lined with vibrant plazas & stunning architectural gems like the breathtaking La Compañía de Jesús Church, known for its ornate Baroque interior, & the towering Basílica del Voto Nacional. As you wander, every corner tells a story of the city's rich colonial past, offering a true immersion into Ecuador's cultural legacy. Next, embark on a short drive north to the iconic Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at 0º0'0" latitude—a must-see photo opportunity! Explore the nearby Intiñan Museum, where interactive exhibits offer fascinating insights into Ecuador's indigenous cultures & the scientific marvels of the Equator. For lunch, savor traditional Ecuadorian cuisine while overlooking the majestic Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, one of the world's only inhabited volcanic craters, completing your day with a breathtaking view of this natural wonder. (B, L)

Today you depart Quito on a flight to Baltra Airport. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Galapagos Coral & settle in as you set sail towards North Seymour Island, a true paradise for wildlife lovers. The afternoon brings a guided excursion to this arid island known for its bustling colonies of blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, & magnificent frigatebirds. Watch in awe as the frigates inflate their vivid red pouches during mating displays & enjoy the surreal beauty of this unique ecosystem. Your day ends with a return to the ship for a relaxing evening, where you can reflect on the day's encounters as you dine under the stars. (B,L,D)

Start your day with a visit to Bartolome Island, famed for its iconic Pinnacle Rock. The morning hike offers panoramic views of this volcanic landscape, where you can spot lava formations & perhaps even encounter Galapagos penguins along the shore. In the afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where a walk across the impressive lava flows feels like stepping onto another planet. The contrast of the stark, black lava fields with the sparkling ocean is unforgettable. Enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel here, where marine life thrives in these crystal-clear waters. (B,L,D)

Your morning begins at Punta Pitt, located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, where you'll explore dramatic cliffs & enjoy one of the few spots where all three species of Galapagos Boobies nest. Take a guided hike through the varied terrain or snorkel in the waters teeming with tropical fish. In the afternoon, the scenic beauty of Cerro Brujo awaits, with its powdery white-sand beaches & stunning views of the coast. Take time to relax or walk along the shore, observing sea lions, shorebirds, & the surrounding volcanic formations. (B,L,D)

On your final cruise morning, visit San Cristobal Island's Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve. This protected area is critical in conserving the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises. Learn about their breeding programs & see these gentle giants up close as they roam in their natural habitat. Afterward, head to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to Quito, concluding your incredible Galapagos adventure. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, allowing you time to unwind & reflect on the life-changing experiences of your adventure. (B)

Enjoy a free day in Quito or take an optional tour to Otavalo Market & Peguche Tour: Begin your day with a picturesque drive to the Otavalo region, where Ecuador's vibrant indigenous culture & stunning landscapes come together. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of San Pablo Lagoon at Miralago before indulging in freshly baked bizcochos, crispy Andean biscuits that melt in your mouth. Your next stop is the famous Otavalo Market, one of South America's largest indigenous markets, where vibrant textiles, intricate artwork, & local crafts line the colorful stalls. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, engaging with artisans & exploring their creations. Continue to Peguche, a village renowned for its rich musical heritage, & visit a workshop where traditional Ñanda Mañachi instruments are handcrafted, offering a glimpse into Ecuador's living traditions. No visit is complete without a stop in Cotacachi, famed for its exquisite leather craftsmanship—browse the shops for finely crafted bags & jackets. After savoring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, wind down your day at the serene Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering a perfect moment of reflection amidst nature's splendors. (B, L)

Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. Safe travels! (B)

Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Please note: Hotels (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change.   

This program is classified as a level 3 program -  Moderate tour: On and off coach/boat, a traveler needs to be a proficient walker on all terrains and in relatively good physical shape. Walking tours, standing for 30 minutes or longer in one spot, on slopes, uneven ground, city streets, or village cobblestones. For this program, participants must be able to embark and disembark from both a Zodiac boat and large, motorized canoes, with or without structures such as docks or piers.

All optional Day tours require a minimum of 15 passengers.  Hotels (when listed) & Itinerary are subject to change. 

All optional Day tours require a minimum of 15 passengers.  Hotels (when listed) & Itinerary are subject to change. 

Quest Voyager reserves the right to correct errors. Travel insurance can be purchased after you have reserved your trip in our booking engine! Quest Voyager

highly recommends travel insurance, either standard or cancel for any reason. http://www.travelinsure.com/questvoyager

Today you arrive back in the US.

Your Amazon Adventure Begins! This morning, embark on a captivating bus journey from Quito to the Napo River, where stunning Andean highlands give way to the lush, vibrant greenery of the Amazon rainforest. As you wind through picturesque landscapes, watch the scenery transform from mountain peaks to rich tropical forests, offering a glimpse of Ecuador's incredible biodiversity. This scenic ride is your gateway to adventure, setting the stage for your upcoming Amazon exploration as you approach the mighty Napo River. Once you reach the Napo River, your journey into the Amazon rainforest begins with a thrilling motorized canoe ride, surrounded by lush jungle & the sounds of nature. As you arrive at your welcoming lodge, settle in & savor lunch before some relaxation to explore your surroundings. This afternoon, visit a butterfly farm showcasing around 20 local species. See how these delicate creatures feed, transform, and take flight. Continue to a native Kichwa community to learn traditions firsthand, including the preparation of chicha, a fermented yucca drink. It’s an authentic cultural exchange that deepens your connection to the Amazon and its people. Tonight, savor dinner amid your rainforest retreat. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit the AmaZOO Animal Rescue Center, home to native wildlife rescued from poaching and the illegal trade. Your visit supports their ongoing care. Then step into the forest for a guided walk, where exotic plants, birds, and the soundtrack of the rainforest surround you. At the Cosano Reserve, enjoy sweeping views of Ahuano Village and the Napo River while learning about remarkable trees and medicinal flora. Following lunch, explore the Medicinal Garden & Ancient Traps Museum along a short island trail. Explore traditional indigenous traps and the healing plants that have been used for generations. Try your hand with a traditional blowgun, then continue to La Isla – Caiman Lagoon. From a secure wooden jetty, watch your guide summon white caimans, from tiny hatchlings to impressive adults. It’s an unforgettable encounter with Amazon wildlife (B, L, D)

Rise early for birdwatching at dawn, weather permitting, you may spot vibrant parrots and parakeets flashing across the river or through the canopy. Later, take your final canoe ride back to the local dock and meet your coach. Enjoy a scenic return drive to Quito, pausing en route for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. In the afternoon, arrive back in Quito and relax. (B, L) 

Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Please note: Hotels (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change.   

This program is classified as a level 3 program -  Moderate tour: On and off coach/boat, a traveler needs to be a proficient walker on all terrains and in relatively good physical shape. Walking tours, standing for 30 minutes or longer in one spot, on slopes, city streets, or village cobblestones and trails. All optional Day tours require a minimum of 15 passengers.  This program requires overnight flights in each direction. Hotels (when listed) & Itinerary are subject to change. 

Quest Voyager reserves the right to correct errors. Travel insurance can be purchased after you have reserved your trip in our booking engine! Quest Voyager

highly recommends travel insurance, either standard or cancel for any reason. http://www.travelinsure.com/questvoyager

This morning, transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Check in, relax, and let the memories linger: river sunsets, rainforest birdsong, and warm smiles along the way that define your Amazon adventure. (B)

This program is classified as a level 3 program -  Moderate tour: On and off coach/boat, a traveler needs to be a proficient walker on all terrains and in relatively good physical shape. Walking tours, standing for 30 minutes or longer in one spot, on slopes, uneven ground, city streets, or village cobblestones. For this program, participants must be able to embark and disembark from both a Zodiac boat and large, motorized canoes, with or without structures such as docks or piers.

All optional Day tours require a minimum of 15 passengers.  Hotels (when listed) & Itinerary are subject to change. 

All optional extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers.  Hotels (when listed) & Itinerary are subject to change. 

Quest Voyager reserves the right to correct errors. Travel insurance can be purchased after you have reserved your trip in our booking engine! Quest Voyager

highly recommends travel insurance, either standard or cancel for any reason. http://www.travelinsure.com/questvoyager

Today you arrive back in the US.