Introduction to Galapagos

Day 1 Wed: Arrive Quito

Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. Afternoon City Tour, including the modern Legislative Building with its murals of Ecuador’s history and gold-altered La Compania Church. Later, we visit San Francisco Cathedral, one of the first Christian religious buildings in the New World. Overnight at the Dann Carlton Hotel.

Day 2 Thurs: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Island (Bartolome)

This morning embark on a remarkable journey to the beginning of time as you transfer to the airport for the 600-mile flight to the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands, five million years in the making. Board the M/V Legend where the crew and naturalist guides acquaint you with the ship and islands you'll encounter. Set sail with a stop at Bartolomé Island for a dry landing. Arriving on this island, passengers will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent travelers will often see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance. (B,D)

Day 3 Fri: Galapagos Islands (Isabela & Fernandina)

Isabela Island – Is the largest island along the Galapagos. This afternoon a dry landing at Tagus Cove. Here we learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this land mass. During the walk you will see the largest population of Giant Tortoises (about 4000 -- but difficult to spot). A marked trail leads to Darwin’s salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations, As we board our dinghy and make our way back to the slowly to allow viewing of the marine life and with a bit of luck we may be treated to see the Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back to the 18-hundreds (believed to be that of pirates and buccaneers) will help visitors appreciate the relationship between the islands and sustainable tourism of today.

Fernandina Island – This afternoon a dry landing at Espinosa Point and begin our stroll across the island’s immense lava field and mangrove forest viewing the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Also enjoyed are the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea Lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. This is the youngest of the islands and here you will see recent lava flows from a safe distance. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Sat: Galapagos Islands (Santiago & Rabida)

Santiago Island – This morning a wet landing along the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, a good location for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Here you’ll view Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. Further along we will spot a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called “grottos”. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. From a safe distance you’ll be able to spot Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles.

Rábida Island – After lunch aboard ship a dry landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. This is a small island, just over 2 km in width and 400 meters above sea level at its highest point, is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the Galapagos. The island geologically consists of eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones that have resulted in the island's striking colors. The reddish beach and steep volcanic slopes give this island a distinctive look. Here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and 9 species of Darwin s finches. A dinghy ride along the reefs provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Sun: Galapagos Islands (Charles Darwin Station & Santa Cruz Highlands)

This morning you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed by international scientist, conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can see the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program.

This afternoon, trek through the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato, where you can observe the famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Mon: Galapagos Islands - Baltra /Quito

Disembark at Bachas Beach on the north of the island. Here you will be met by bodysurfing sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles. You will have the opportunity of swimming in the white sand beach. Next we head to Baltra´s airport to board our flight back to the mainland. Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. Overnight at the Dann Carlton Hotel. (B)

Day 7 Tues: Depart Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to Quito airport. (B)

Remarks

Not included:
Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.

Ask about our special airfares to Ecuador & the Galapagos for this program on AMERICAN AIRLINES or LAN AIRLINES.

Round trip airfare Quito/Galapagos/Quito: From $380 per person additional.

Galapagos Park fee not included: $110 per person.

Snorkelling/Wetsuit equipment rental not included.

Cruise itinerary subject to change.