Unforgettable Galapagos

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel for check-n and the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

After an early morning breakfast, you will begin your tour of downtown Quito, or Centro Histórico, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. The trip will continue with a walking tour, starting at Independence Square. Later, drive northwards to the Equatorial Monument, built as a tribute to the French scientists who determined the shape of the earth in the 1700s. Just north of the Equatorial Line Monument you will find Ecuador’s actual “middle of the world,” marked by the Intiñan Museum. You may choose to visit either the Ethnographic or the Intiñan Museums, both located near the site of the monument. (B)

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil (ticket not included). Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, a local representative will meet you at the airport, after inspection, to assist with your loading your luggage onto your bus to head for the port. Upon arrival, board the motorized boat, known as a panga, to carry you to North Seymour. This is an uplifted, not volcanic, island that is ideal as a nesting site for a large population of frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here as well as sea lions along the beach. (B,L,D)

Today you will explore El Barranco, located on the southern part of Darwin Bay. The trail is on volcanic rock and can be walked in as little as two hours. The cliffs located in the south are composed of fragile lava rock, the natural erosion of which provides an ideal spot for nesting storm petrels. During your panga ride along the cliffs, you’ll have the opportunity to spot fur sea lions and several species of marine bird. Later, visit Darwin Bay, formed when the crater on this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach and is a favorite spot for bird watchers. Walk along the trail to the edge of the cliff to spot red-footed boobies nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Reaching the end of the trail, you will have an incredible view of the island and the many species of bird living here. (B,L,D)

Today you will explore Plazas, located on the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the islands can be found here. You can find a hybrid species of iguana, the result of crossing a male marine iguana with a female land iguana. Later, visit Santa Fe Island located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos. This island is home to a number of endemic species such as the Galapagos hawk, the Galapagos snake, the Galapagos mockingbird and a few species of land iguanas.Disembark your ship in the beautiful waters to come in contact with a colony of sea lions. Walk along the trail to witness the island’s fascinating vegetation or take some time to snorkel with the playful sea lions. (B,L,D)

The Galapagos tortoise is, perhaps, the most iconic of the unique species indigenous to the islands and you will have the opportunity to learn about the population rehabilitation efforts performed at the Jacinto Gordillo Breeding and Rearing Center. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil (ticket not included). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. (B)

Enjoy a free day in Ecuador’s largest city to explore at your leisure. We recommend an optional guided tour of Guayaquil to see Administration Plaza, Southern Malecon 2000 and its Southern Marketplace. Next you will head to the Rotonda Monument followed by an optional visit to the garden area of the Malecon. After exploring the extensive Malecon, continue to the Peñas neighborhood, the oldest part of the city, where you have the opportunity to climb the Cerro Santa Ana for the best views of the city and the Guayas River. (B)

Enjoy a final Ecuadorian breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B)