Galapagos Islands and Quito

After breakfast at your hotel, join your guide for a Quito city tour. Quito, declared the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978, boasts the largest colonial center in the Americas. Its architecture blends modern neighborhoods with centuries-old churches and private residences, featuring balconies that have been built over five centuries. Visit the Gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional and Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace and Archbishop’s Palace, dating from the 17th and 19th centuries. Walk to the Metropolitan Cathedral, a fine example of Spanish Renaissance style. Stroll along the Street of the Seven Crosses, passing the Jesuit Convent, El Sagrario Church - with its unique Orthodox cross layout - and the Baroque masterpiece La Compañía de Jesús, the crown jewel of Quito’s colonial architecture. Continue to San Francisco Plaza, home to the San Francisco Church and Convent, rich in artistic and cultural heritage. The tour continues 11 miles (18 km) north to the Middle of the World Complex, home to the Equator Monument at 0º0’0” latitude. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases Ecuador’s diverse cultures. The site also features a replica of Spanish colonial architecture, with a central plaza, church, and bullfighting ring. The French Geodesic Expedition erected one of its pyramids here in the 18th century, marking the calculated center of the Earth.

Breakfast at your hotel. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are greeted at the airport by our knowledgeable guides who will accompany them on a short ten-minute bus ride to the pier where they will board the Galapagos Legend. Only a select few have the chance to travel through this paradise, sailing on a charming ship featuring ample outer decks, a jacuzzi, pool, bars, and more. See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, and plants, as well as beautiful landscapes featuring volcanoes, lava cones, and magma flows. Swim and snorkel at any time of the year in the warm, clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife. Naturalist guides lead shore excursions twice a day to a place unlike any other. After lunch, embark on your first expedition to Santa Cruz Island. Named for some wrecked World War II barges whose ribs are still visible in the sand, this visitor site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore, and a visit to a lagoon behind the high tide line with wading birds, marine iguanas, and sometimes even flamingoes. The beach is also a favorite nesting site for green turtles, which often leave tractor-like tracks in the sand. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Semi-rocky.
Duration: 1½ hour walk or 1 hour snorkeling.

Breakfast on board. Join your naturalist guide for the excursions of the day. Morning - Santiago Island:
The black volcanic sand sets this landing apart from most; it's best known for the dramatic shoreline where we meet a host of species that choose to live between land and sea. Among these are the endemic Galapagos fur seals, which maintain a small colony at the end of our walk. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Semi-rocky.
Duration: 1½ hour walk or 1 hour snorkeling. Afternoon - Rabida Island:
Lying at the archipelago's heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Semi-rocky.
Duration: 1½ hour walk, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 minute Kayaking, or 30 minute glass-bottom boat.

Breakfast on Board, followed by the excursions of the day with your naturalist guide. Morning - Urbina Bay:
At the far end of a long level hike, we arrive at a strange phenomenon where large blocks of coral lie completely exposed after a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Located at the western base of Alcedo Volcano, we hope to encounter a few impressive land iguanas and some volcanoes endemic to the Galapagos, as well as giant tortoises, during the wet season. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Rocky.
Duration: 1½ hour walk or 1 hour snorkeling. Afternoon - Tagus Cove:
Tagus Cove is a historic pirate hideout and anchorage. Visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835. Hike past Darwin Lake and the stunning volcanic landscape, revealing Isabela Island's dramatic northern volcanoes. Snorkel along a submerged wall with turtles, fish, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Enjoy a panga ride or kayak for added excitement! Difficulty level: Medium or High.
Type of terrain: Steep.
Duration: 2 hour hike, 1 hour snorkeling, 30 minute kayaking, or 30 minute glass-bottom boat.

Breakfast on board, then depart with your naturalist guide for the excursions of the day. Morning - Fernandina Island:
Pristine Fernandina, the marine iguana capital. Its desolate volcanic backdrop hosts a massive concentration of these enigmatic reptiles. Surprisingly, Galapagos penguins share the same shoreline. Snorkeling offers an exciting opportunity to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, alongside penguins, turtles, and unique flightless cormorants. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Semi-rocky.
Duration: 1½ hour hike, 1 hour snorkeling, or 30 min glass bottom boat. Afternoon - Isabela Island:
Spectacular site, surrounded by immense cliffs of an eroded volcano. Studded with resting seabirds like brown noddies and Nazca boobies. Superb snorkeling with unique fish species. Swim with penguins and green turtles. Difficulty level: Medium.
Type of terrain: Flat/Semi-rocky.
Duration: 1 hour snorkeling or 30 minute dinghy ride.

Breakfast on board followed by an off-shore excursion to Santa Cruz Island. In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Quito. Difficulty level: Low.
Type of terrain: Flat & Muddy (depending on the season).
Duration: 1½ hour walk.