Welcome to Ecuador!

Take advantage of your free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galápagos adventure. Alternatively, explore the historic streets of Quito and indulge in delicious local cuisine like ceviche or helado (Latin American ice cream).

For a vibrant evening, dine out at one of the city’s many restaurants or inquire about the best clubs for music and dancing. Enjoy your time in Ecuador!

Discover the vibrant city of Quito through a series of guided excursions. Explore the Andean Chocó cloud forest, home to a diverse array of birdlife, including hummingbirds. Immerse yourself in the city’s colonial heritage, visiting historic sites like the Legislative Palace and the San Francisco Monastery. Experience the artistic spirit of Quito’s oldest street, Calle La Ronda, and indulge in the country’s renowned chocolate. Finally, stand in both hemispheres at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo monument. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner featuring local cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your day with a flight to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos archipelago. Board the Treasure of Galápagos and prepare for an unforgettable five-day cruise.

Your first excursion will take you to Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the vital conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the Galápagos’ unique ecosystem and its iconic giant tortoises. Witness the tortoise-rearing program and observe these fascinating creatures up close.

As the day concludes, join a briefing on the exciting adventures that await you in the coming days. Enjoy a warm welcome from the captain, complete with cocktails and a delicious dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Volcanoes, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes

Discovery Excursion: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

This morning, you’ll find yourself anchored in the western-central part of the Galápagos archipelago, where volcanic activity continues to shape the dramatic landscape. Join a naturalist-led excursion to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where you’ll walk on newly formed lava flows resembling a lunar surface. Keep your eyes peeled for lava lizards, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and even the elusive Galápagos penguin.

Active Excursion: Bartolomé Island

In the afternoon, cruise to Bartolomé Island, a volcanic wonderland. Embark on a guided hike to the summit, reaching a height of 114 meters. From the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the region, including two picturesque bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones.

Afterward, take a refreshing snorkel and swim off the beach, where you’ll encounter playful sea lions, Pacific green turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and Galápagos penguins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tracing Darwin’s Footsteps and Audubon’s Muses

Discovery Excursion: South Plaza Island

Embark on a naturalist-led excursion to South Plaza Island, a wildlife haven teeming with fascinating creatures. Observe sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and the unique hybrid iguanas found only on this island. Keep your eyes peeled for blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon’s shearwaters, and many other bird species.

Active Excursion: San Cristobal Island

In the afternoon, cruise to San Cristobal Island, where you’ll explore the site of Charles Darwin’s first visit to the Galápagos. Marvel at the volcanic remains of Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido (Sleeping Lion). Walk beside one of the island’s blue lagoons, where you’ll encounter migratory birds like pelicans and great blue herons.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago

Discovery Excursion: San Cristobal Interpretation Center

This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and embark on a naturalist-guided tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Delve into the fascinating geological origins of the Galápagos Islands, their remote location, unique climate, and the remarkable diversity of species that have captivated scientists and explorers for centuries.

Farewell to the Galápagos

In the afternoon, bid farewell to the enchanting Galápagos Islands and fly back to Quito. Spend the evening relaxing or indulging in the culinary delights of Quito’s many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast