Your journey of discovery begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved Colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments.

If you have time in the evening, visit Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrian street with links to poets and other artists who have lived here. It’s lined with cafés and shops where there are many handicrafts available to admirenad purchase.

Pre-Program

Arrive in Quito a few days early and join us on a 4-day tour to Cloudforest Lodge in the Mashpi Reserve. This area is part of the Ecuadorian Chocó Rainforest, known as one of the world’s greatest areas for biodiversity. This optional extension is also available as Post-Program.

Today, you’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of South America's most active volcanoes. But first, you’ll stop at the photogenic Sangolqui open-air market, where you can browse colorful stalls with unique handicrafts and sample different local specialties.

Then, we’ll walk to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked at 12,800 feet in a high valley within Cotopaxi National Park. You’ll likely see herds of llamas on the slopes, and keep your eyes open for birds such as the Andean Gull, several species of hummingbird, and, with some luck, the majestic Andean Condor. You’ll enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by some of the region’s best chefs before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.

In the afternoon, we’ll land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white-sand beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galápagos wildlife, such as flamingos and sea turtles. The beach’s name, ‘baches’ means ‘barges,’ comes from the sunken barges left after World War II. Swim or snorkel here before heading back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and a briefing about the next day’s adventures.

Today, you’ll explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop’.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see a colony of fur sea lions and exotic birdlife on an excursion Or, you can swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles.

Your day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga-boat ride along the coast or join an excursion to explore the island’s mesmerizing, red-tinted sand beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.

In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel from the beach here or discover colorful marine life from our glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galápagos Penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Today, you explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climbo—only 90 feet—up a flight of stairs to reach a flat and rocky plateau. At the plateau, you can walk along comfortably and check out large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, and Storm Petrels. Afterward—or instead—hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure!

In the afternoon, we’ll land at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. You can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or just take relax on the beach.

We’ll start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, your baggage will be taken to the airport while you visit the tortoise reserve. After a dry landing at a passenger’s wharf and a bus ride to the island’s higher region, behold the last highlight of the cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.

The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids, and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit, we’ll take a transfer directly to the Baltra Airport. Farewell to Galápagos.

Post-Programs

Explore more of Ecuador on one of our optional Post-Programs. Join us as we travel to Napo River, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Fly to Coca and spend three nights in a lodge surrounded by the beautiful rainforest. Observe and learn about its flora and fauna through different activities.

Or, travel from Quito to the Mashpi Reserve, a unique habitat and ecosystem. Here, you’ll Enjoy a three-night stay in a luxurious Cloudforest Lodge and discover the breathtaking area from there (also available as Pre-Program).

Both Post-Programs include two overnight hotel stays in Quito.