DISCOVER GALAPAGOS - 11 Days

Itinerary

Your journey begins today when you board your flight to Quito, Ecuador.  Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 

This hotel is located midway between the airport and the colonial city and lives up to its name by honoring the Swiss tradition of excellence. This modern hotel has 14 floors housing 240 rooms and suites with excellent views of the city and its surroundings. There is a business centre and a wide range of quality dining within the hotel. The truly wonderful Amrita Spa located in the hotel and operated by Raffles International is a stand out. Guests may use the indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym, squash courts, casino, and many additional first class services. 

Swissotel (no meals)

Ecuador’s capital is situated high in the Andes perched on the green slopes of rugged volcanic peaks reaching close to 20,00 feet. Quito is lively, scenic and cosmopolitan. Its one and a half million inhabitants tend to be helpful and friendly. The colonial section of Quito is a living museum of grand Spanish colonial architecture.  Its mansions; cathedrals; and squares have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. On a walking tour along its cobblestone streets we will have the chance to view buildings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. We’ll also visit Independence Square where the Presidential Palace is located, and marvel at the ornate interior of the Baroque/Moorish Church of San Francisco as well as the golden interior of La Compañia church. The last part of our tour takes us far above the colonial section where the guardian of the city—the winged Virgin of Quito—keeps watch over her city. The view is spectacular, not only of the city far below but also of the skyscraping Andes above and beyond.

About 20 minutes away from the northern part of Quito stands the Middle of the Earth Monument, built to mark the meridian arch of the planet at 0º latitude—better known as the Equator—and to commemorate this surveying feat in the 18th century. It’s also the site of a small colonial town crowded with craft shops and restaurants. This excursion includes a visit to the marvelous Ethnographic Museum, which traces the history and archeology of Ecuador’s native peoples back to the Pleistocene. The tour ends with a panoramic view of the nearby Pululahua volcanic crater.

Swissotel (B, L)

Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ.  Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship’s boat drill. 

The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill).  A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity.  While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans.  Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas.  The navigation in shallow turquoise colored water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks.

Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more.

Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings.  Tonight, our ECO Moment will let us understand more about the islands, and our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead.

MV Santa Cruz – Inside Twin Upper Deck (B, L, D)

Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day.  This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort.  Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to  ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.  Lunch on board.

Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing).  This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland.  The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties.  The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds.  Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk.  ECO Moment and briefing. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Disembark at Rabida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material.  A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.)  allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.  Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times Greater Flamingos migrate to; these spectacular birds feed exclusively on the brine shrimp found in this saline pond.   From June to November pelicans nest in the surroundings.   This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes.  During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.

Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises.  Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science.  Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise.  Good opportunity to contact friends and family from an Internet Cafe or browse in the many handcraft shops.  Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, and expedition plan for next day’s adventure.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special breakfast at a selected property.  Then, guests have the opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat.  What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment!  The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest.  Look for Darwin’s finches (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch.  Back on board the MV SANTA CRUZ.

Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago.  The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas.  Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. ECO Moment, and expedition plan for tomorrow’s outings.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. This morning we visit the breeding center for tortoises (La Galapaguera) at Cerro Colorado, including a 45-minute bus ride. Seeing the semi-saddle back shape of the tortoises can be a great way to understand adaptation to dry-tropical environments.  The rewarding fauna of this island may not only be the giant tortoises, since many island-specific endemics are found here.  It includes mockingbirds, lava lizards, and the vermilion flycatchers.  If time allows, a quick visit to El Junco Lagoon (the only permanent freshwater lagoon of the islands) could bring many surprises.  Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for lunch.  Today, new guests will join our voyage.

If you plan not to take our official morning program at San Cristóbal, an “at your own pace option” is to visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, where visitors can obtain information that will help them understand more the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation.  Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet cafés welcome world travelers who are willing to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed so far.  Return to the MV SANTA CRUZ for lunch.

Sail around Kicker Rock; rising 144 meters (almost 500 feet) from the ocean, it is a spectacular rock formation off the northwest coast of San Cristobal.  It is a volcanic tuff cone, of which just a minimum portion is left, as it has been eroded by thousands of years of sea and wind forces.  Waves have carved this volcanic structure we see today,  formed by two rocks, side by side, with vertical walls, and a small channel  in between. The rock is an important nesting place for Tropic Birds, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Frigate Birds. Sea lions and fur sea lions may be observed too.  The surrounding waters are clear for underwater viewing of rock walls and marine life.

Afterwards, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach.  Wet landing.  The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds. Also, look for Galapagos sea lions.  The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching.   Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a Vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal).  These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos.  Back on board for an ECO Moment and briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Morning outing at Punta Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole.  Among its landbirds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights.  Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site.  For those planning not to walk the entire trail, there will be a dinghy ride arranged along the coastline of Punta Suarez, followed by a very short walk under easy walking conditions. Back on board for lunch.

Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like Greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed.  This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (from December to May).  Snorkeling can take place from the beach, and for those experienced marine enthusiasts, Devil's Crown can be an option.  Non-snorkelers can enjoy an introduction to the Marine Reserve on the glass-bottom boat.  ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina.  First, a dinghy ride to observe Galápagos penguins, as well as flightless cormorants and then disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk.  Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife.  Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes.  Snorkeling at this location depends on local sea conditions, and will be announced by the Expedition Staff.   Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen.  The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.

Afternoon disembarkation (wet landing) for a walk at Urbina Bay. This area went through a volcanic uplifting event back in 1954 leaving gaunt marine skeletons, which make the walk remarkably interesting, specially for understanding island colonization.  This area is also home to large and very colorful Galápagos land iguanas, and with some luck, we may even find giant tortoises from the wild population of Alcedo Volcano.  A refreshing swim can be accomplished after the walk.  Farewell briefing and dinner.

MV Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Morning ship circumnavigation around the well known Daphne Islets (home of the major studies on Darwin's Finches), and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer by bus to the airport for the flight back to the continent.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. 

Swissotel (B)

(B)

The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters. Our crew is trained to deal with all the elements of the nature of this expedition. Safety will be always part of the daily programming of activities. Kindly follow all suggestions. It is compulsory to wear a life vest during all dinghy rides between the ship and the shore. Flexibility is essential in order to cope with nature's outstanding features. Given the islands’ volcanic origin, and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition for this kind of outings. The ship also organizes activities like shorter walks, boat rides, glass-bottom boat trips, snorkeling, swimming, lectures, all complementing everyone’s experience.

The Expedition Staff will provide you with snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag). The operation does not carry prescription masks. A shortie wet suit is highly recommended from June to December. Cooperation of guests is a key point when complying with the rules of the National Park. This alone can guarantee a major success in the expedition. 

For island visits, two types of landings are planned:

Dry landing: guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock.

Wet landing: as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.

ECO MOMENT - This is a Metropolitan Touring initiative.  Every evening, our Expedition Staff will present in laymen terms, subjects related to Geology, Evolution, Oceanography, and many more. The prefix ECO comes from the key words Explore, Conserve, Observe.

Please remember that the exact route and program may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter.

RATES

Baggage handling

Roundtrip airport transfers