QUITO

A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Chocó cloud forest and nature reserve. e Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 dierent hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat. 

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city’s historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You’ll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compañía Church—the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture—more than 160 years in the making.

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda—one of Quito’s oldest streets—with a wealth of artist’s workshops and galleries where you’ll meet local artists and learn about their original works.

Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world’s nest chocolate producers. 

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo—a monument to the Equator—the “middle of the world”. Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth’s Equator. Observe the equatorial eects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine. 

Breakfast Dinner

BALTRA–GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)–SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

The Theory of Evolution—and Giant Babies

This morning, take a ight to the Galápagos Island of Baltra where you’ll embark on your ve-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galápagos

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station— established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program and see many of the various islands’ tortoises.

Later on board your ship, join in a brieng of the next day’s adventures, and enjoy a Captain’s welcome with cocktails and dinner.

NOTE:

The ship’s itinerary may vary according to Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

SANTIAGO ISLAND – BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND

Volcanoes, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes 

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

This morning, you will nd yourself anchored in the western-central part of the archipelago where volcanoes are still active, attributing to the dramatic scenery. Take a Naturalist Led Excursion of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island where you will walk on newly formed (less than 100 years ago) lava ows reminiscent of the lunar landscape. You can catch sight of lava lizards, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and even the Galápagos penguin.

This afternoon, cruise to Bartolomé Island.

BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND

Hike the Summit, Snorkel, and Swim

ACTIVE EXCURSION

Take a Guided Hike to Bartolome’s 114-meter summit for spectacular panoramic views of the region with two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava ows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock.

Later, take a snorkel and swim o the beach here—home to playful sea lions, Pacic green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and Galápagos penguins

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND – MOSQUERA ISLET

Masterful Marine Iguanas and Birds of a Dierent Color

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to see colonies of remarkable bird species, including blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and magnicent frigate birds—with its inated red chest and nearly 7-foot wingspread. Watch for gulls and herons of all assortments. 

ACTIVE EXCURSION

Take a Guided Snorkeling Excursion in the aqua blue waters just o North Seymour Island’s shore—teeming with sea lions and amphibious marine iguanas—found only in the Galápagos. This afternoon, cruise for the sandy island of Mosquera Islet.

MOSQUERA ISLET

A Sea Lion Haven of White Coral Sand 

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

Take a Guided Walk on the white coral beaches to the islands’ largest congregation of Galápagos sea lions. You’ll see a wide variety of shore birds reecting the island’s amazing biodiversity—from the deep-gray lava gull to the yellowcrowned night heron.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND – SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Tracing Darwin’s Footsteps and Audubon’s Muses

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

This morning, take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to South Plaza Island to observe wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrid iguanas (only found on this island and a result of a cross between land and marine iguanas). You will see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon’s shearwaters, and many other species.

This afternoon, cruise to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island.

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

Blue Herons, Blue Lagoons, and a Sleeping Lion 

ACTIVE EXCURSION

Take a Guided Walk at the site where Charles Darwin rst visited the Galápagos. See the volcanic remains of magnicent Kicker Rock—also called León Dormido (Sleeping Lion). Walk beside one of the island’s blue lagoons to see a number of migratory birds, including pelicans and great blue herons.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)–SAN CRISTOBAL–QUITO

The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago 

DISCOVERY EXCURSION

This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You’ll learn about the Galápagos’ fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science. is afternoon, you’ll say farewell to the magical islands of Galápagos and y to Quito.

This evening, spend free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito’s many ne restaurants. 

Breakfast

QUITO

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. 

Breakfast