Quito and Galapagos Cruise Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Explore Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades, and dazzling gilt altars. Your first stop will be Independence Square to have a view of the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as other buildings that are representative of colonial art and architecture. Drive to the hill of Panecillo for a panoramic view of the city. Then, take a short trip to the north of Quito and arrive at Latitude 0´0´0´´ where the Intinan Museum will guide you through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo vision, culture, and traditions. This is the place where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and with the other one in the southern hemisphere. (B,L)

An early start will take you north on a beautiful scenic drive to the province of Imbabura, a magic land of lakes and mountains and outstanding beauty. Your first stop will be the Quitsato Sundial. Built on an area of 170 ft in diameter, this is a great stone mosaic, in which different lines mark the solstice, the time of the day, and the influence of the Center of the World on daily life. The Northern Highlands are the home of the Otavalo Community, well known around the world for their weaving patterns and textiles which pre-date the Spanish conquest. Close by is the town of Peguche. Along with the weaving industry, the community of Peguche is also known for the manufacture of wind instruments: sikus, kenas, and charangos. You will have the opportunity to visit a typical house of this region. (B,L)

You will be transferred to the Quito airport to catch your flight to Baltra Island (not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the MV Galapagos Legend. In the afternoon, land on Bartolome Island and discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones - lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones - that resembles the moon. After reaching the summit, you will enjoy impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. You will have time to do some snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles, and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. (B,L,D)

In the morning, arrive on South Plaza Islet and begin the journey along an impressive cactus forest were colorful yellow and red land iguanas live. The population is around 300 animals. During the dry season they survive on fruits and flowers of the opuntia cacti. A peculiar thing to see in South Plaza is the hybrid iguana (sea and land). When reaching the highest point, tropic birds can be seen. In the afternoon, continue to North Seymour Island. This landmass was formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. You will go on an approximately 2-hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and sea lions. You will also encounter land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galapagos Snake. (B,L,D)

This morning, land at Pitt Point and go on a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain. Climb to the top of a volcanic tuff, passing several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as, two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent spot for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed. In the afternoon, continue to Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone. You will find a beautiful white sandy beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. Visit a lagoon and see a variety of migratory bird species: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast. (B,L,D)

This morning, land in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the San Cristobal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Enjoy a beautiful landscape on the way to the Reserve. You will also have the opportunity to visit the village’s port, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport on San Cristobal to catch your flight to Quito (not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

You will be transferred to Quito airport for your return flight home. (B)