Pristine Galapagos
Day 1 : Guayaquil
Arrive in Guayaquil and check in to the deluxe Hilton Colon. Enjoy tonight's Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Day 2 : Baltra & Santa Cruz Island
This morning, fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. Board the Galapagos Explorer II – your home for your adventure in this pristine place. This afternoon, cruise to Santa Cruz Island and Cerro Dragon(Dragon Hill), named for the large Land Iguanas that thrive here among the Oppuntia Cactus, Palo Santo (Bursera) and other endemic plants. Indigenous wildlife includes flamingos in seasonal lagoons, a variety of finches and mockingbirds, including the Hood Mockingbird, responsible for first drawing Charles Darwin’s attention to the diversity of species in the archipelago. On the beach, you will see the famous Marine Iguanas, sea lions, American Oystercatchers, pelicans and colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Ascend Cerro Hill for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and coastline
Day 3 : Bartholomé Island & James Island
Be sure to bring your camera, for today you will set out for Bartholomé Island—a natural wonderland of varied volcanic formations with a 350-foot summit and a fabulous 360° view.Visit the enchanted cove inhabited by a colony of Galápagos Penguins, the only penguins in the wild living north of the equator. As you wade, swim and snorkel in these clear waters, don’t be surprised to find Green Sea Turtles, penguins and sea lions swimming alongside you. A glass bottom boat ride around Pinnacle Peak provides close-up views of Manta Rays, Whitetip Reef Sharks and a rainbow of tropical fish. Also common are Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas, Lava Herons, Blue-footed Boobies and Brown Pelicans.
Day 4 : Punta Espinosa & Punta Vicente Roca
Spend an exciting morning exploring Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. Here you might see penguins diving off the rocks into the water, and marine iguanas congregating in the largest groups anywhere in the islands—basking in the sun, or swimming in the tide.The M/V Galápagos Explorer II is among the few boats fast enough to reach the western side of Isabela Island, composed of six shield volcanoes merged into a single land mass. The sheer volcanic cliffs along this remote and rugged coast is rich in marine species and birdlife. You’ll be up-close to an abundance of birdlife perched precariously on the cliffs, including the Nazca, Masked and Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Noddy Terns, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions pop their heads out of the water next to your Zodiac, and Galápagos Penguins leap off the rocks to swim playfully alongside. There are also Green Sea Turtles, Golden Rays and sunfish, all swimming quite close to the water’s surface.
Day 5 : Seymour Norte & El Chato
Enjoy your morning on Seymour Norte—a small, flat island with a long sandy beach where sea lions and marine iguanas may be found relaxing in the sun.Back on Santa Cruz Island this afternoon, travel inland by motorcoach through the changing vegetation into El Chato (the Highlands) where you will see one of the most famous inhabitants of the islands—the giant ancient tortoises.
Day 6 : San Cristobal Island & Cerro Brujo
This morning, visit the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island. Here visit La Galápaguera, a tortoise breeding facility that prepares Giant Domed and Saddleback Tortoises to be returned to their natural habitats. Afterwards, enjoy some time for shopping in town.This afternoon, you will have time to explore Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill). Swim, snorkel, take a walk or simply relax on the beach, keeping an eye open for exotic birds such as Blue-Footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Whimbrels, Sanderlings, Darwin’s Finches and Yellow Warblers.
Day 7 : Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Hood Island is the southernmost island of the archipelago. The ship anchors off scenic Punta Suarez on the spectacular western shore of the island. Here you have the opportunity to view one of the rarest and most brightly colored red and green subspecies of Marine Iguana. From April to December, you will have the rare opportunity to see the Waved Albatross in their only nesting place. It is a magnificent bird, with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. Follow along the cliffs to the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where seawater jets high into the air. In the afternoon, put ashore at Hood Island’s Gardner Bay, the longest and most magnificent beach in the Galápagos. This is home beach for a large sea lion colony, and hundreds often line the beach, enjoying the sun and a snooze. There are also rays and sea turtles swimming quite close to shore in the knee-deep crystal blue water.
Day 8 : Santa Cruz Island & Rabida Island
At Puerto Ayora Town on Santa Cruz Island, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Darwin Station to learn about research conducted on the island since the famous naturalist’s time.Here is a Galapagos tortoise breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. In the afternoon, you will set out for arid Rabida Island. In addition to exploring the island’s volcanic features, visit a salt-water lagoon known for flamingos and a beach that is home to a large sea lion colony.Take a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the distinctive teal waters, red sands and volcanic peaks. There is also great snorkeling here—keep an eye out for rays and other colorful marine life.
Day 9 : Santa Cruz Island, Guayaquil & Quito
Start your last morning in one of the world’s perfect paradises, with a visit to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island before your return flight to Guayaquil and Quito.Once in Quito, enjoy a tour beginning in the north part of the city, heading towards Mirador del Guápulo, then to the National Congress, passing by Alameda Park and the Basílica del Voto Nacional towards Plaza Grande.The Historic Center is a wonderful place to discover the city’s history in its churches and facades. A short walk takes you to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Church of the Companía de Jesus and Church of San Francisco. A short journey into the volcanoes and hills of the Panecillo Mountains that surround Quito affords wonderful views and picturesque landscapes. Tonight's Farewell Dinner is at your hotel
Day 10 : Quoto, Lima & U.S.
Depart for your flight back to the U.S. or fly to Lima, Peru, for a fascinating extension to see the spectacular sites of Machu Picchu.
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