Galapagos Cruises

8 days

Have a great time visiting the fabulous Galapagos Islands! You will be drawn into a living laboratory of nature as well as be treated to stories about pirate adventures in the local waters! You will study how animals adapted to these islands, each of which is entirely unique. You will observe and interact with wildlife close-up like nowhere in the world - these animals have no fear of humans and can be approached closely. You can swim and snorkel with sea lions and sit right next to giant tortoises! Important Notice: This itinerary is just one example of the many other tours we can arrange in Galapagos Islands. We will do our best to adapt this tour to your exact dates and meet all your requirements; however keep in mind that departures dates may vary so once you send us a request online we will let you know the availability.

Tour notes:
Trip Code: ECS-009
Duration: 8 days.
Season: March to January
Customizable: Yes

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

   Itinerary  

Day 1: Arrival in Quito.
At your arrival in Quito our representative will welcome you and and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Quito City Tour and Mitad del Mundo.
Morning: After breakfast we will start our Quito city tour which includes visits to the “ Guapulo Mirador”, passing through the 12th of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated. Then we go on through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church, here we will have short stop at the “San Juan Mirador” having a beautiful view of Colonial Quito. We continue our tour, walking through the colonial streets stopping at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, and the archiepiscopal palace. Then we will visit La Compañia Church where many adornments and golden altars are admired. Then we visit San Francisco Cathedral which was built in the XVII century. Next we travel out of the city to visit Mitad del Mundo, the Equatorial marker where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. Your tour includes a visit to the excellent ethnographic museum where you get an overview of the Ecuador's amazing cultural diversity. Afternoon: free for you to relax, shop or prepare for your exciting Galapagos Islands adventure
(B)

Day 3: Flight Quito Baltra. Baltra – Bartholome.
Am. After breakfast, we will drive you to the airport to take the flight to Baltra where you will start your cruise aboard the Yacht Coral I or II after a short drive to the harbor. Arriving at the island of Bartholome we will ascend a lookout point from where you can admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous needle shaped rock, named Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some fine snorkeling spots from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world with a good chance to encounter penguins or the softly gliding turtles.
(B, L, D)

Day 4: Isabela - Urbina Bay - Tagus Cove.
Today we start by visiting Urbina Bay, a coastline that has been uplifted 4 meters by a volcanic eruption. It is a spectacular place to view coral reefs without needing to dive or snorkel. The flightless cormorant, oversized iguanas and the rare mangrove finch can be observed close by. The Tagus Cove is renowned as a place where many whalers and pirates anchored. At the shore of the deep-blue bay several bird species are breeding such as penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. A steep path leads you over a green, extremely salty lagoon.
(B, L, D)

Day 5: Fernandina - Punta Espinoza - Isabela - Punta Vincente Roca.
The Island Fernandina, which is the most western island of the Galapagos, is a most interesting point to visit. The main attractions of this island are its Lava-Cactuses and the on the surface of the lava growing mangroves as well as numerous animals such as sea lion colonies, penguins, the flightless cormorant and the iguanas. The Punta Vincente Roca is an amazing cliff at the west coast of Isabela and a paradise for divers.
(B, L, D)

Day 6: Santiago Island - Puerto Egas – Rabida.
From the visitor center at James Bay on the island Santiago a small path leads you in southern direction along the coast. Passing by the ruins of a former salt mine company, you will see many inhabitants of the bank area, like sea lions, lizards, herons, and cancers. You then arrive at the famous fur seal grotto, the best place at Galápagos in order to observe these elegant animals. In the afternoon you'll do a trip to the beach of the small volcanic island Rabida. A small path leads to a small lagoon very popular with flamingos. On the way there you pass many pelicans nesting. The beach is also considered as one of the most beautiful snorkel places in Galápagos and also frequently visited by many sea lions due to its rich ocean fish.
(B, L, D)

Day 7: Santa Cruz/Estacion Charles Darwin – Highlands.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, with the largest population of the 4 inhabited islands (approx 10.000). Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different zones of vegetation can be seen: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia, Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based here. We will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of their kind here. These scientists, park rangers and managers make huge efforts to preserve this Unesco World Heritage Site and conduct the conservation of the islands. The station also has a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Quito.
Arrival in Quito, transfer to Café Cultura Hotel.
Overnight in Quito.
(B)

Day 8: International Flight.
Pm. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
(B)

Price Inclusive:
3,390 US $ per person in double occupancy.

Price includes:
- All transfers airport Hotel airport in Quito and Galapagos Islands.
-Guided city tour of Quito and Mitad del Mundo includes: Guide, transport and entrance fee.
-Flight Ticket Quito Baltra Quito.
-Four night cruise in Galapagos. Includes: All transfers in Galapagos, 5 day cruise on board of the CORAL I or II in double accommodation with all facilities, all meals during the cruise, multilingual naturalist guide, purified water free for drink, coffee or tea.
-Three nights of accommodation in Quito with breakfast.
-English speaking Guide for all tours.
-Our 24 hour Assistance during your entire trip in Peru.
-Confirmation of Domestic & International flights.
-Price does not include:
-Alcoholic drinks.
-International Air fare.
-International flight airport tax: US$38.
-Entrance Fee to the Galapagos National Park: US$100 per person.
-Beverages
-Tips.