EXPLORE ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - 8 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. 

Quito’s newest hotel is located along the Amazonas Avenue within walking distance of the business district.  It offers 257 guestrooms and 16 suites with wonderful views of the Andean mountain range. There is a Mediterranean restaurant and the Bistro Latino, which offers both buffet and “a la carte” service.  It has a business centre, swimming pool, and health club, steam room, sauna; massage facility, and all the services your customers will expect from a five-star hotel.

J.W. Marriott (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.

J.W. Marriott (B, L)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight to Baltra (via Guayaquil).  Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you will be met and immediately transferred by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ.  Here you will be assigned your cabin and given a welcome talk.  Lunch is followed by the 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, and 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 (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.  It was this very same island that Charles Darwin first visited, back in September 1835.  Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, where it allows visitors to 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, before heading back to the mainland. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.

Afternoon: Return flight to Quito. 

J. W. Marriott (B)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight with great memories of Ecuador.

(B)

NOTES:

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:

$2,260.00 per person double occupancy – Inside Twin Upper Deck

$450.00 per person subject to change – internal air:  Quito / Galapagos / Quito

Personal expenses such as laundry, room service, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability)

We require a deposit of $1,000.00 per person to confirm space.  Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.  If the reservation is made within 100 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.