Day 1
Quito
The adventure begins in the second-highest capital city in the world – Quito. This UNESCO World Heritage site features fascinating colonial architecture with vibrant plazas, magnificent churches and impressive monuments. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city.
Dinner included.
Day 2
Quito
On this day, discover more of the city with a guided tour of Quito’s Old Town with its well-preserved colonial era quarters. Walk through the city’s cobblestone streets and sample Ecuadorian chocolate during your tour.
After this, you will visit the ‘Middle of the World City’, around 16 miles north of Quito. Enjoy lunch before visiting the monument depicting the line of the Equator, where you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3
Santa Cruz
Today, you will make your way to the incredible Galápagos Islands, ready to experience the vast biodiversity of the region. After breakfast, take a short flight to Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the port and board the expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II.
In the afternoon, your Galápagos Islands adventure begins in Santa Cruz. The breath-taking landscapes of Cerron Dragón await. Take a walk along a trail featuring a brackish lagoon which is often visited by a variety of wildlife including American Flamingos. Continue along the trail for stunning views of the bay and islands, and have the chance to spot some land iguanas.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4
Isabela and Fernandina
This day begins at Punta Vicente Roca, in north-western Isabela Island. Venture along the coast in a panga boat (an outboard powered fishing boat), discovering more about the area’s geology.
Keep an eye out for the many species of bird found here – from Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and boobies. If the weather allows, you will also snorkel here and search for sea turtles, sun fish and fur seals.
Fernandina is your destination for this afternoon, with its vibrant ecosystem featuring a large marine iguana population, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5
Santa Cruz
Today you will discover the most iconic animals of the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise. Arrive at Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a giant tortoise breeding centre. You will also see Darwin’s finches, the basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection.
Enjoy lunch in the highlands, where giant tortoises roam, grazing on grass and relaxing in waterholes. After this, you will have the opportunity to choose another activity, including mountain biking or a visit to a sugar plantation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6
Floreana
In the morning, take a panga boat to the north shore of Floreana and take in stunning island views from Baroness Cove. Next, land at Post Office Bay – where a wooden barrel was installed in the 1700s for sailors to drop letters for other sailors to deliver. The tradition continues and tourists now leave postcards in the hopes that others will take them to their country and deliver them.
Following lunch, explore the remarkable surroundings of Champion Islet by panga or glass-bottom boat. Known as one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago, this is the perfect place to search for wildlife.
Next, you will head to Cormorant Point and take a walk to a lagoon which is often visited to American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7
Baltra
Take a morning to relax on board and reminisce on the experience so far.
In the afternoon, you will land at Las Bachas Beach on northern Santa Cruz Island. The turquoise waters of this pristine beach are the perfect place to search for wildlife. Enjoy a swim or snorkel before an expedition briefing for the next day.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8
Santiago Island
Discover the unspoiled beauty of Santiago Island and cruise along the dramatic cliffs of Buccaneer Cove – where numerous marine birds and sea lions reside. Enjoy a variety of water activities as you take in striking rock formations like 'Elephant Rock' and 'The Bishop.'
The afternoon offers a visit to the incredible Puerto Egas with its exotic birdlife and Galápagos fur seals. Or you may choose to swim or snorkel along the shoreline along with a range of marine life.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9
Rábida & Bartolomé Islands
Rábida Island, off the southern shore of Santiago, will welcome you with its breath-taking landscapes and distinctive red beach. Embark on an exciting panga ride along the coast and encounter a bustling sea lion colony and spot wildlife such as marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
The afternoon consists of sailing to the vibrant sands of Bartolomé Island, known for the magnificent Pinnacle Rock. Choose to swim or snorkel, view marine life from a glass bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos Penguins. The hike to the summit offers incredible views.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10
Genovesa Island
Today, discover the unique wildlife of Genovesa Island. Start the day with a short but steep ascent up Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco) which leads to a flat, rocky plateau. From there, enjoy an easy going walk while observing thriving colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels. For a different perspective, opt for a kayaking adventure.
In the afternoon, unwind at the picturesque beach lining Darwin Bay. Enjoy a refreshing swim, then stroll through the area to spot hundreds of island birds in their natural habitat. Or, choose to relax by the water, swim, snorkel or kayak.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11
Santa Cruz Island
Spend your final morning on Santa Cruz Island, with a bus ride to the higher region of the island allowing you to see giant tortoises in the wild. Visit a reserve that is home to two species of giant tortoise and a variety of flora.
You will then be transferred to the airport in Baltra to fly to Guayaquil or Quito (please discuss this option with your travel expert).
