Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Quito
Arrive Quito, Ecuador's capital. The charms of Quito will surprise and delight you. Later join in the get-acquainted reception and dinner at the SWISSOTEL QUITO.
Day 2 - Quito
Quito boasts the best-preserved historic center in all of Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get to know the city with your local guide this morning exploring amid the maze of narrow cobble stone streets lined with exquisite monasteries, churches and homes, all fine examples of beautiful colonial architecture. Dine on regional specialties at a local restaurant. Only minutes away is the impressive monument denoting the division of the northern and southern hemispheres, La Midad del Mundo. Here you are at 00 latitude, the middle of the world. The remainder of the day is for your own pursuits. SWISSOTEL QUITO
Day 3 - Chiva Express/Riobamba
At Tambillo station board the Chiva Express, a unique adaptation of a traditional old-fashioned Latin American bus turned one coach train, for an exciting and scenic adventure along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and up the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano. Riding on top is exciting and affords spectacular views! Along the way, pay a visit to a local diary farm, a rose plantation and a Tagua workshop, where you can observe local artisans making jewelry and other items from the tagua nut. Warm up with a canelazo by the fire during your overnight in Riobamba at the base of Chimborazo volcano in the charming HOSTERIA ABRASPUNGO.
Day 4 - Guayaquil
Return to the Chiva Express this morning for the second part of your scenic journey. Twist and turn over the Andes along ravines and river gorges. At Alausi, descend the "Devil's Nose", a series of switch backs representing an impressive feat of rail engineering. Next, experience the transition from Andean ecosystem to the lush coastal tropical vegetation as you travel to Bucay and on by motorcoach to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Enjoy dinner this evening at the HILTON COLON.
Day 5 - M/V Santa Cruz
Fly over the Pacific Ocean to San Cristobal Island, eastern most island and the first Charles Darwin set foot upon in 1835. Your adventure begins as you step aboard the M/V Santa Cruz for a four-day wildlife viewing exploration. This afternoon, an onboard briefing by a naturalist will acquaint you with the wonders to come. Take a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers to Cerra Brujo's while coraline beach. Here is the exclusive home for the Chatham Mockingbird and Chatham Lizard. They are found nowhere else. Enjoy dinner aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ.
Day 6 - Hood Island/Floreana Island
This morning venture out on to the lava boulder terrain of Hood Island. Here is a good place to observe a wide variety of indigenous wildlife including a sea lion rookery, marine iguanas and a host of bird life. In the afternoon disembark at Punta Cormorant for an easy walk by a brackish lagoon where a plethora of bird life flourish and on the sandy white beach you may observe evidence of sea turtles nesting. M/V SANTA CRUZ
Day 7 - Fernandina Island/Isabela Island
Arrive at Fernandina Island for a walking tour highlighting the islands very unique environment. Here without mammal predators reside the highest density of marine iguanas, who share their habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs and hawks. In the afternoon explore the coast of Isabela Island by dinghy to learn about the dramatic geology, which provides a nesting place for flightless cormorants. M/V SANTA CRUZ
Day 8 - Darwin Station/Conclude Guayaquil
Very early this morning arrive Itabaca Channel between the islands of Santa Cruz and Baltra. Disembark and travel to Puerto Ayora, located on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Darwin Research Station, which conducts research for marine and terrestrial conservation, monitors nesting green turtles as part of a new project that aims to protect and conserve the species, and pursues other research programs. Afterward return to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and transfer to Baltra Airport for the return flight to Guayaquil on the mainland where you will connect with your international flight home. Or, you might wish to consider extending your Galapagos stay for two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the beautiful Finch Bay Resort.
Travel Dates & Rates
| Departure Dates |
Space Available |
Land Only |
Single Supplement |
| 12/15/2008 |
Yes |
from $ 3699.00 US |
from $ 1739.00
US |
* Guaranteed to operate
** Ask agent about our waiting list
- Land/cruise rate is per person based on double occupancy of a main deck outside twin cabin with shower and toilet. Other cabin options may be available upon request at supplemental rates. Quito/Galapagos Islands/Quito airfare is included in the land/cruise rate. International airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at time of booking. With the purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included. Single supplement is from $1739 based on main deck cabin. Single cabins are limited. Departure/land taxes/fees of $136 per person are additional, subject to change, and paid directly to Maupintour. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservations deposit is $750 per person. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- M/V Santa Cruz
Explore the Galapagos Islands in style aboard the 1,500-ton M/V Santa Cruz, registered in Ecuador. This 90-passenger vessel was specifically designed for cruising the waters of the Galapagos. Amenities include private showers, lower berths, spacious lounge areas, a sun deck, Jacuzzi, and an observation platform for whale and dolphin watching. There is a doctor on board. The M/V Santa Cruz is fully air-conditioned. Passengers are ferried ashore in small boats called "pangas." The landings often require wading in shallow water. Naturalist guides accompany all shore excursions.
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
