An expedition for the whole family, we start in Ecuador visiting colonial cities and indigenous markets. Nature and culture at their best, 5 day Galapagos cruise, 9 days in total.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 – US/Quito
International flight. Arrival at Quito airport, where you will be met by our tour leader, Assistance with luggage and transportation to Alameda hotel.
Day 2 – Quito
Activities briefing and tour leader presentation. City tour of Quito, we explore the colonial center of Quito passing by the stone-carved façade of Ecuador’s house of congress, Independence square, and the Cathedral. From here we walk to the presidential palace, and El Sagrario Chapel. We then visit the church of La Compania (1605) (if open), with its breathtaking gold gilded altars, considered the finest example of baroque art in America, the church and monastery of San Francisco(1535) the largest example of colonial architecture in South America. We also go to the Tianguez art gallery. Finally we drive up to Panecillo hill for a spectacular view of Quito and to see the only winged Virgin in the World. We will have lunch and typical food at Restaurant “el crater”, you can enjoy the view of Pululahua crater as you eat. In the afternoon we will visit the middle of the world monument and museum. You will find a monument on the exact equatorial line marking latitude 0æ0’0”, a unique place where you can literally get a picture of yourself jumping from one hemisphere to another. Welcome dinner. Your tour leader will give a foreword and outline of our upcoming Otavalo visit and Galapagos expedition. Overnight at Alameda hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3 – Quito/Otavalo/Quito
Start your adventure by heading towards the town of Calderon famous for its bread dough figures, as you go on north towards the awakening valley you reach Cayambe, here you can admire the volcano and enjoy biscuits and leaf cheese. You will then pass by the most attractive Andean landscapes, when you reach Santa Rosa lookout point you will have your first glimpse of San Pablo Lake and Imbabura Mountain. You will then head towards the Otavalo indigenous market largest and most famous in South America, here you can bargain for hand-knitted wool sweaters, colorful tapestries, wood carvings, silver jewelry, naïf paintings, wool hats and much more. You will also visit Cotacachi, a town of hand made leather goods. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby hacienda (Andean Castle) or country Inn. In the afternoon we return to Quito. Overnight at Alameda hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4 – Quito/Baltra (Galapagos)/Bartolome
Early morning wake up (6h00 AM), quick breakfast. We meet at hotel lobby for our transfer to the airport for our 2 hour flight to Baltra (Galapagos). We are received at the airport by our cruise leader and naturalist guides. It is a 20 minute transfer to our Expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. After a short safety briefing and lunch by the pool, we will begin our first Island excursion. We head for Bartolome Island (dry landing). Exploring this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a steep hike to the summit aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the Islands including Pinnacle rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find Red mangroves, tiquilla, cacti. Later on we enjoy the pleasure of swimming at one the best snorkeling sites of the Islands. We will share these cool waters with Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises, sea lions, manta rays, and many other friendly hosts. After our excursion we are welcomed back on board with snacks prepared by our chef. This evening after dinner the following conferences and events are scheduled: “A penguin at the Equator?” educational, 15 min. “A cormorant that cannot fly?” educational, 15 min. “Briefing on next days visits”, informative. 15 min. For those who just want to relax, you have many choices, you can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, take salsa lessons at the lounge or enjoy one of our movie features at your own private in room television. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5 – Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island)/Tagus Cove(Isabella Island)
All Galapagos mornings start very early, 6h00 am. Are chef treats us to a delicious breakfast with a variety of fresh fruit, omelet, pan cakes, a variety of cheeses, juices and cereals. Today We Disembark to visit Espinoza point in Fernandina Island. Dry Landing. Catch the sight of largest colony of Marine iguanas sharing space with sally-light foot crabs, also to be found are the flightless Cormorants nesting grounds, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea lions where resident bulls are present. Among the Flora and volcanic formations there is, Brachycereus cactus, pa hoe hoe & aa lava formations, and mangroves extending into the sea. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano are also evident. As you return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapés. You will have lunch, and some free time to relax and enjoy your ships facilities before your afternoon excursion. We visit Tagus Cove in Isabela Island (dry Landing). Isabela is the largest Island in the Galapagos, it was created by the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together. Graffiti dating back to 1800's is written on the rocky cliff, believed to be done by pirates and buccaneers. Think you can find Sir Francis Drake’s? The trail leads to Darwin's salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. A zodiac cruise will allow us to see marine life, Galapagos Penguins and flightless cormorants. Isabela is also home to the largest population of giant tortoises (about 4000 very difficult to spot), Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks and frigate birds. This evening after dinner the following conferences are scheduled: “Marine iguanas, only in Galapagos” educational, 15 min. “The under water magic of the archipelago” educational, 15 min. “Briefing on next days visits”, informative. 15 min. After our conferences and briefings let our crew show you to a good time, the mariners way. We cross the Equator tonight, and we must request a safe passage so we render a tribute to “Neptune King of Seas”. At our equator crossing party we dress up as species of the Galapagos and at the command of King Neptune we take over the ship and its captain … Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6 – Moreno Point(Isabella Isl.) /Urbina Bay (Isabella Isl.)
We start our day by cruising through the Bolívar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins; we take a zodiac ride and disembark to visit Moreno point in Isabela Island (dry landing). We take a medium-length walk in search of giant tortoises and land iguanas orange-yellow in color with large spines along their backs as well as Flamingos and Oystercatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch we head towards Urbina Bay in Isabela Island (Wet landing). We head in with our guide search of Iguanas and tortoises in the wild. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkeling where you can spot marine iguanas, sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers. This evening after dinner the following conferences are scheduled: “Who is lonesome George”, educational, 15 min. “How a finch helped science evolves”, educational, 15 min. “Briefing on next days visits”, informative. 15 min. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7 – Puerto Ayora, Darwin station & Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)
Disembark at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. We start exploring this Island by visiting the Charles Darwin Station, staffed with international scientists doing biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises and their one year old offspring, the second being a miniature version of the first and are part of the breeding program. We will also find the famous “lonesome George”. The station is surrounded by an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. The visit to the station lasts around 40 minutes. After this visit passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs or can mail postcards. We hop into a small bus and cross the highlands of Santa Cruz in search of the twin pit craters, Los Gemelos. Surrounded by a cloud forest, here we will find many different species of finches. Next comes our visit to Cerro Chato where we will have the opportunity to admire the famous Giant Tortoises that gave the name to these islands. They graze in the wild and are not too difficult to spot. Lunch at Ranch, we will enjoy a hearty meal Galapagos style at one of the highland haciendas. Before we return to Puerto Ayora, we will immerse ourselves into the heart of this Island by entering its lava tubes. We will be able to admire stalactites and will have an in-situ briefing on the geological phenomena of a volcanic eruption. Free time in Puerto Ayora before boarding the Galapagos Legend. Tonight our chef will prepare us a special Ecuadorian dinner, displaying all his art and talent by recreating all the animals you have seen, using butter, ice and vegetables. We will have a farewell cocktail, and will be issuing our Trails club diplomas, certifying you as a true “Galapagos Expedition Master”. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8 – Disembarkation at Baltra Beach
Here after a wet landing we will be greeted by sea lions that will be found bodysurfing, marine iguanas feeding on algae and the opportunity to swim at the beach and snorkel.
Return on board the Galapagos Legend, Check out and depart to the airport, flight to Quito. Upon arrival we will receive assistance with our luggage and transportation to our hotel. The afternoon is at leisure, in the evening your tour leader has prepared a farewell dinner. Overnight at Alameda hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Early morning wake up, quick breakfast. We meet at hotel lobby for our transfer to the airport for our homebound flight or one of our trip extensions into mainland Ecuador or Machu Picchu in Peru. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Child discount:
$150 from above rates with own berth for kids 17 & under. Kids under 12 can share room with 2 adults, 50% discount (this option, limit is 1 child with 2 adults paying full fare)
Includes:
- Transfers, portage(1 piece of luggage pp), meals listed(breakfast B, lunch L, dinner D), cruise on board the Galapagos Legend, guided excursions, lectures & conferences.
- Bottled water on cruise ship & purified water with meals.
Not includes:
- Roundtrip airfare Quito to Baltra $ 353.00 net, Galapagos Park tax $ 100.00 net.
- Use of snorkeling equipment, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages, airport tax Ecuador $25 net, gratuities, personal expenses, airfare to Ecuador is extra.
Taxes:
Interior Cabin $148, child $134;
Superior Outside Cabin $157, child $143;
Junior Suite $ 176, child $161;
Legend Suite $ 227, child $212.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Ecuador
Boating and Sailing
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