Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands

This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the “Center of the World.” You’ll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists and taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory. Before taking to the sea, a highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. Then, embark on an exciting 4-night cruise among various Galápagos Islands on the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, several species of Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Each day venture to a new island which is home to species found nowhere else in the world! During your cruise, you’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays. A remarkable cruise adventure!

Included Features:

Day 1 Arrive Quito, Ecuador: Welcome to Quito

Day 2 Quito: Walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner

Day 3 Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz Island: Fly to the Galápagos Islands; embark Treasure of Galápagos; visit Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island

Day 4 Galápagos Islands Cruising: Santiago & Bartolomé Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling

Day 5 Galápagos Islands Cruising: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling

Day 6 Galápagos Islands Cruising: South Plaza & San Cristobal Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling

Day 7 Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation)–San Cristobal Island–Quito: Disembark Treasure of Galápagos; visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center; fly to Quito

Day 8 Quito: Your vacation ends this morning