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Day 1 Quito
Your journey of discovery begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved Colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments.
If you have time in the evening, visit Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrian street with links to poets and other artists who have lived here. It’s lined with cafés and shops where there are many handicrafts available to admirenad purchase.
Day 2 Quito
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Day 3 Galapagos
As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.
We begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon. We will trace the north shore of Santa Cruz toward the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (‘Dragon Hill’), where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish water lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.
Day 4 Isabela and Fernandina Islands, Galápagos
Your day starts at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by dinghy and our naturalist guides will teach us about the area’s dramatic geology.
This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and even fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique environment and a high density of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins
Day 5 Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds.
Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.
You’ll also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.
Day 6 Floreana Island, Galápagos
After breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.
After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we’ll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.
Day 7 Galapagos
As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island.
A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.
