Day 1
Saturday: Flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Sunday: Full-day Colonial Quito Tour and the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red-and-gold columns and ceilings. Afterward we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Monday
Today we will take flight from Ecuador's mainland to Baltra. Upon arrival we will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the M/v Santa Cruz to begin our Galapagos adventure.
Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
We make a wet landing on Play de las Bachas located on the northern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here we visit a flamingo lagoon, encounter marine iguanas, various sea birds, and sea turtles. After our exploration we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from the white sandy beach.
Day 4
Tuesday
Buccaneer Cove, James Island
We will enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer’s Cove. We will learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835, and the conservation projects aimed at eradicating feral species. We will have an opportunity to snorkel.
Puerto Egas (James Bay), Santiago Island
We make a wet landing on the black sand beach of Puerto Egas which was the site of a small salt mining industry in the 1960s. A walk down the shoreline takes us to grottos where we can see several colonies of fur seals. This location is ideal for watching shorebirds, while land birds are better observed inland. Before returning to our vessel we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from the beach in search of octopuses, sea horses, star fish, and other marine life.
Day 5
Wednesday
Rabida Island
We make a wet landing on the dark, red sand beach of Rabida Island; the color of the sand comes from the unusually high iron content in the volcanic material. This island is often considered the geographic center of the Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of the islands. Located near the beach is a salt pond that often attracts greater flamingos looking to feed on the brine shrimp in the waters. Here we can enjoy a 2-mile walk along the island’s beach to see a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. There is time for an optional swim or snorkel before returning to the boat.
Bartolome Island
This island is perhaps the most photographed location in the entire archipelago. As we arrive on the island we see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. We make a dry landing and walk to the top of the island in order to see the most famous Galapagos vista: Pinnacle Rock & Santiago Island. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. After returning to the dingy we ride around Pinnacle Rock for our first chance to see the small Galapagos penguins. Before returning to our boat there is time for an optional swim or snorkel.
Day 6
Thursday
Prince Philip’s Steps, Genovesa Island
We take a dingy ride to make a dry landing on Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps. Here we follow a trail through a Palo Santo forest to an open area full of nesting birds that include masked boobies, frigates, and red-footed boobies. At the end of this trail are thousands of band-rumbed storm petrels nesting in the crevices at the cliff’s edge. We will also be able to see the short-eared owls as they hunt the storm petrels during the daylight hours.
Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
Genovesa is a collapsed volcano that ships are able to sail into through its large breached caldera and anchor at the foot of the steep crater walls. Genovesa is commonly referred to as ‘bird island’ because it is home to thousands of great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, noddy terns, lava gulls, tropic birds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches. After a wet landing we follow a trail that leads from a coral beach past tidal lagoons to a cliff’s edge for amazing views. After the walk you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming along the cliffs.
Day 7
Friday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
Today we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here we will visit the islands’ Interpretation Center that opened in 1999 for a more complete understanding of their history.
This afternoon you will transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 8
Saturday: Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with the add-on of your choice.
Ecuador
The Santa Cruz
Sealion
Quito
