Itinerary and Highlights for the Galapagos

Day     Destination

   1.     Depart from the U.S./Quito, Ecuador

   2.     Quito

   3.     Quito (Otavalo)

   4.     Quito/Fly to Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands/Embark m.v. Santa Cruz/Santa Cruz Island

   5.     Bartolomé Island/Santiago Island

   6.     Rábida Island/North Seymour Island

   7.     Santa Cruz Island/Charles Darwin Research Station

   8.     San Cristóbal Island/Disembark m.v. Santa Cruz/Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador

   9.     Depart Guayaquil/Return to the U.S.

 

Activity Level

Active

 

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the magnificent natural treasures of the Galápagos Islands on this customized itinerary aboard the m.v. Santa Cruz, a state-of-the-art exploration vessel designed specifically to navigate this fragile natural realm.
  • Discover how the harsh landscape of the Galápagos is a safe, thriving home for the quirky finches and primeval iguanas that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and evolution.
  • Learn about the Galápagos' unique ecosystem, natural history and the challenges facing its environment during daily briefings and presentations by our ship's team of expert naturalists.
  • Experience the world's most exotic wildlife from unparalleled proximity as you stroll among seal colonies, come face to face with giant tortoises and swim with dolphins and sea lions.
  • Explore a magical underwater world-including breathtaking coral, tropical penguins and a myriad of fish and mammals-while snorkeling and riding aboard the ship's special glass-bottom boat.
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe and learn about efforts to protect the Galápagos' rare giant tortoises and other indigenous species.
  • Discover some of the finest colonial architecture in South America during your stay in Quito, a cosmopolitan city known for its dynamic culture and vibrant street life.
  • Venture into the Andean highlands for visits to a traditional village and the ancient Andean town of Otavalo, site of one of the largest and most colorful markets in South America.
  • Six-night Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Post-Program Option.