After your arrival in the Costa Rican capital of San José, stroll the streets and discover the neo-classical grandeur of this unique Central American metropolis. We recommend enhancing your stay by adding a Pre-program to the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park.

We set course for Bocas del Toro, an archipelago of islands, cays, and thousands of islets. Bocas is brimming with clapboard houses, a laid-back atmosphere and sandy beaches. Called the `Galápagos of the Caribbean´, Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Included activity:

Water taxi to local beach with nature trail walk (2 - 4 hrs)

Travel by local tender boats to one of two beaches on either Solarte Island or Bastimentos Island to relax or walk on one of many trails. Solarte Island is a nature reserve without electricity. Watch for leaf-cutter colonies, birds of all types and red frogs. You might also spot three-toed sloths, rare birds and eagles. Red Frog Beach is located on Bastimentos Island, not far from Isla Colon, and you walk to the beach on a jungle trail.

Spend time on deck fully enjoying the serenity of sea days. Listen in as our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and meet our expedition team to spot marine wildlife and sea birds. As we cross the Equator, we need to ask King Neptune for approval and invite him on board. Join us for a proper baptism!

Our expedition team continues its lecture program, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience, as well as summarizing the voyage so far and letting you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.

Around noon we disembark at Callao, Peru, and transfer to nearby Lima airport for your flight to Quito, where you are picked up and transferred to your hotel. Quito is nestled at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and known for its eternally spring-like climate and beauty of its well-preserved colonial quarter.

The city’s diligent preservation of its culturally diverse past prompted UNESCO to declare Quito the first of its World Heritage sites in 1978. Beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 9,350 ft above sea level, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.

The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We drive to Quito Airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands (via Guayaquil).

Upon arrival at Baltra´s airport, we meet the local representative and board a bus for the short transfer to Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island. Here, we board a small ferry that crosses the azure waters of the channel to Santa Cruz, a journey that takes about five minutes.

On the other side, we travel through a rural agricultural area surrounded by wild landscapes and many different species of flora and fauna. We may well spot the finches that are famous for being the basis of Darwin’s theory of evolution.

See the famous Galápagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how private ranches help protect these special creatures and their habitat. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes gather here: small young ones with shining carapaces, and older individuals with weathered and worn shells. Lunch will be served in the highlands.

The well-known Lava Tunnels are another amazing experience. Formed by lava flows from the volcanoes, they range from the highlands down to the sea. Join an amazing half-hour hike through one of the tunnels to the point where it gets too small to pass.

Afterwards, we continue to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Once settled, we walk to the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station, which hosts educational museums on both the history and development of the Galápagos Islands, and protection of their natural heritage. Native giant land tortoises can also be observed. Many different tortoise species exist in the Galápagos and the station is the only place where most of the species reside at one site.

The afternoon is at your leisure to explore small yet picturesque Puerto Ayora and its many shops with local arts and crafts. We later enjoy dinner at the hotel´s restaurant.

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador. En route to the airport, we stop at 'The Twins' or 'Los Gemelos' - two impressive volcanic depressions in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Next is our flight from Baltra Island to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. A box lunch will be provided.

Included activity:

City Tour, Seminario Park & Museum (4 hrs 30)

Explore highlights of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, founded in 1537. See Santo Domingo church, built in 1548, and visit Parque Seminario, or Park of the Iguanas. It won't take you long to figure out where the name comes from. Also visit the municipal museum, highlighting different historical periods, and see Guayaquil's oldest barrio, the artistic district of Santa Ana hill.