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Darwin's Galápagos: Ecuador
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Tour Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its preserved city center and Baroque-inspired monasteries
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard a luxurious ship and explore remote coastlines
- Snorkel and kayak with sea lions along the shores and be awed by their underwater acrobatics
- Immerse yourself in topaz-blue waters on a glass-bottom boat tour
- Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing program to learn about these gentle creatures
- Learn more about the evolution of species at the Charles Darwin Research Center
- Browse the local markets of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city
Short Description
Majestic colonial cities, artisan markets full of world-famous handicrafts, and colorfully attired indigenous people are just some of the wonders on this incomparable journey. After a historical tour of Quito and a visit to the Equatorial Line Monument, fly to the Galápagos to begin your cruise through the islands on a luxurious ship with daily excursions to select islands. Snorkel with sea lions and observe flightless cormorants, so unthreatened by predators that they have lost the ability to fly. Observe endemic birds like the blue-footed booby and other animals found nowhere else on Earth. End your journey with an exploration of the city of Guayaquil on Ecuador’s mainland.
Destinations
EcuadorActivities & Interests
Educational/ learning Hiking Kayaking Nature River cruise Snorkeling Wildlife viewingItinerary
Day 1 & 2: Quito, Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena, Quito
You are met upon arrival and escorted to your hotel in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Day 2, tour the colonial old town and drive up to see the “Virgen de Quito” statue and enjoy the view. Visit the Equatorial Line Monument and the Ethnographic and Intiñan museums.
Day 3: Quito & Baltra, Galápagos Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Evolution, Galápagos Island; M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island
Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands and board the elegant 16-passenger M/Y Grace, your home for the next seven nights. Your cruise begins with a visit to Sombrero Chino, where you can swim and snorkel with the sea lions and penguins before returning to the yacht for a welcome cocktail.
Day 4 – 9: Galápagos Islands
Meals: 6 Breakfast, 6 Lunch, 6 Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Evolution, Galápagos Island; M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island
Explore eight of Darwin’s “enchanted islands” accompanied by an onboard naturalist guide. Observe an amazing variety of wildlife and countless fish and bird species. Daily activities include nature walks and hikes with an onboard naturalist guide, snorkeling, kayaking and explorations by inflatable craft. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Program. Your cruise is scheduled to visit the following islands:
Santa Fe, perhaps the oldest island in the Galápagos; South Plaza, with its rich wildlife and a huge sea lion colony; Tower, a submerged volcano also known as “Bird Island”; Fernandina, the youngest island and home to active La Cumbre volcano; Isabella, the largest island, highlighted by giant land iguanas and giant tortoises; Santiago, the rocky coast where Charles Darwin spent most of his time; and Santa Cruz, home to the Charles Darwin .
Day 10 & 11: San Cristobal, Guayaquil & Depart for Home
Meals: 2 Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil
On Day 10, disembark the M/Y Grace on San Cristobal Island, and visit the comprehensive Galápagos National Park Visitor Center. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On Day 11, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
Availability
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4 Travcoa Travel Reviews & Ratings
Darwin's Galápagos: Ecuador
Company Reviews
The wildlife viewing was incredible!
The trip exceeding all my expectations
Awesome!!
Fantastic
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Accommodations
Casa Gangotena, Quito
Casa Gangotena occupies a pivotal place in Quitos historic heart, at the corner of Plaza San Francisco. Its history stretches back to the time of the Incas when, according to the early Spanish chroniclers, in the 15th century the square featured Inca temples, one of them on the site of the present house. Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena features 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-paneled library, or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace.
M/Y Grace, Galápagos Island
This 16-passenger Camper & Nicholsons yacht has traversed the waters of the globe under many names. She has been rechristened with a name which intimates her very best era named after her late owner, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco, the name Grace is a representation of her elegance, beauty and prestige. Grace is the ideal yacht for the traveler who seeks a true explorer experience complemented by excellent service, superb accommodations and fine dining. All nine cabins feature private bathrooms, hot showers and air-conditioning, and quarters are cleaned twice daily during landings. The galley and dining staff create quality meals using both local and international cuisine, and all meals can be served inside or al fresco. The yacht is well-stocked with a library containing a wealth of information on the natural history of the Galápagos plus an entertainment center complete with DVDs and videos. The main salon is truly spacious, equipped with luxurious sofas and chairs, and a bar and entertainment center. Passengers gather here for briefings, to watch films, enjoy a drink at the bar or simply relax. Plenty of area to lounge in the sun or shade is available, and the bar is always open for refreshments. The front sun deck offers a hot tub and plenty of space to sunbathe, read a book, take pictures, or just enjoy the journey to the next island. Sea kayaks are available for some additional fun, as is snorkeling gear.
Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil
Welcome to the Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where elegant service in a timeless European setting is promised to you. This full-service, downtown hotel offers the ultimate in sophistication and comfort for business and leisure travelers alike. Oro Verde's superb location in the Guayaquil commercial and financial district means you are within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping, and cultural and historical sites. The hotel is also just a quick eight-minute drive from the airport and the World Trade Center. All 230 guest room accommodations feature luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs with premium cable stations, direct-dial telephones, clock alarm radios compatible with iPhones and iPods, mini bar, in-room safe, individual climate control with remote, and reading lights over the bed.
Trip ID#:
dargaltra
What's excluded
- Air transportation
- Airport taxes passport and visa expenses
- Laundry, alcohol, and all items of a personal nature
- Excessive baggage charges
- Health, accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance
- Gratuity for any personal services
- Gratuity to the Travel Director
Meals Included
10 Breakfast, 6 Lunch and 7 Dinner
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