Cruise Planners

Consisting of 13 large and hundreds of small islands in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most fascinating animal life. From Quito, Ecuador, fly to Baltra Island, then board your luxury yacht and cruise from island to island in the Galapagos, encountering giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, lizards, and a whole host of diverse bird species. As you explore these remarkable volcanic isles firsthand, you’ll discover the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. These exciting cruise vacations let you sample the natural wonders and historic treasures of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, & Peru.

Lima to Quito

Quito to Guayaquil

Quito to Guayaquil

ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS - 2010

9 days from Quito to Guayaquil (WBG)

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Quito, Ecuador

(Wed.) Board your flight to Quito. Your flight to South America arrives late this evening and will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2 Quito

(Thu.) An included sightseeing tour showcases Quito’s treasures: the historic stone murals of the LEGISLATIVE PALACE, Independence Plaza and the 16th-century SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY, the Jesuit’s LA COMPANIA CHURCH with its stunning golden altars, and the impressive paintings at the WORKSHOP & MUSEUM of Oswaldo Guayasamin. Have your photo taken in front of the EQUATORIAL MONUMENT, the “Center of the World.” This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 3 Quito–San Cristobal–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Cruising

(Fri.) A morning flight to San Cristobal, one of the remote Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, board the sleek Santa Cruz and enjoy four days of CRUISING among various Galápagos Islands. Each day, travel ashore to the remote islands with your expert Naturalist who introduces you to the unique fauna living free and fearless of man. Today, visit San Cristobal Island, where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos back in 1835. This island is home to seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, and frigatebirds. Also look for the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird and Chatham Lava Lizard—both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Galápagos Islands Cruising

(Sat.) Your exploration continues on Española (Hood Island), one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Here you will see the famous blowhole as well as unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas and a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. This afternoon, visit a brackish-water lagoon on Floreana, where you may observe Greater Flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, and sandpipers. For marine enthusiasts, this is a great place for snorkeling! (B,L,D)

Day 5 Galápagos Islands Cruising

(Sun.) This morning brings you to the youngest island, Fernandina. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment and the highest density of marine iguanas. Sharing their habitat are sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hawks. In the afternoon on Isabela Island, enjoy coastal exploration by panga along the cliffs of sunken Ecuador Volcano. Your Naturalist guides explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only birds in the world that have changed from flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here includes sea lions, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and noddy terns. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Galápagos (Disembarkation)–Santa Cruz–Finch Bay Hotel

(Mon.) This morning, disembark on Santa Cruz Island, where your Naturalist introduces the island’s lush and vibrant green highlands, pit craters, lava tunnels, the Scalesia forest, and the giant tortoises’ wild habitat. After checking in at the Finch Bay Hotel, visit the CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, established to help conserve the Islands’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Galápagos. Finch Bay Hotel

(Tue.) Named after the famous Darwin’s finches abundant in the area, the Finch Bay Hotel offers a private seaside location surrounded by mangroves. Outings today include a list of activities that allow you to have a “Galápagos a la carte” adventure. Choose a walk to Tortuga Bay, a 6-mile-long coralline beach, mountain bike up in the highlands, or swim or snorkel right off the beach. Tonight, enjoy the view of the bay at your farewell dinner at Angermeyer’s Point. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Santa Cruz–Baltra–Guayaquil

(Wed.) Transfer to Baltra for your return flight to Guayaquil, where you’ll enjoy free time this evening. (B)

Day 9 Guayaquil–Homebound Flight

(Thu.) Depart this morning for hometown connections. (B)