Adventure Engine.com

iExplore Galapagos Cruise Silver

Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, is a crown jewel of the natural world. The Galápagos Islands live up to our dreams of a sheltered place far removed from the usual worries of the world. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body. The ocean is an ever-inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sandy beaches of crystal white, pink, black and looking-glass green. There are crystal coves and sheltered mangrove lagoons.However, what will make your visit here truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close up encounters with wildlife. The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans. This results in a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoise and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas. Bird life is abundant, varied and fearless. You may have to give way as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a Galápagos hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.

Trip Itinerary

Listed price may be a starting price, available dates subject to change. Please call iExplore to confirm 1-800-iExplore (1-312-492-9443).

"Day 01: Quito, Ecuador

Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 02: Quito

Half-day city tour of Quito. This morning's sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital has earned its honor as a world cultural site. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in Quito’s “Old Town” and in the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings and an altar of gold leaf, the church is an historical icon dedicated to Quito’s patron saint. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’ visible from almost anywhere in the city. You are welcomed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the city below before culminating your tour with a visit to the Equatorial monument - an irresistible opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 03: Quito - Galapagos National Park

Transfer to the Quito airport to board your flight* to Baltra. Arrive Baltra where you are met by cruise staff and transferred to your cruise vessel - home for the seven-night cruise that forms the heart of your itinerary. The Galapagos, located approximately 600 miles off of Ecuador's Pacific coast, is a fascinating archipelago consisting of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and over 40 islets. Formed approximately four to five million years ago by underwater volcanoes that erupted and rose above the ocean's surface, the islands were made world-famous when Charles Darwin visited in 1835 and later wrote his famed "The Origin of the Species." Settle in, enjoy an introductory briefing and become acquainted with the ship, its crew and passengers.

Day 04 - 09: Galapagos National Park

Weather, water and wildlife conditions affect actual day-to-day itineraries, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks, such as: Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island; Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island; Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Española; the volcanoes of Isabela Island; Prince Philip's Steps on Genovesa; and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Typical landings are by pangas (rubber boats) which carry you to island beaches where you can wander among the Galapagos' unique species. Here, visitors are objects of curiosity rather than fear. See sunbathing sea lions playing tag between surf and sand...skittering Sally Lightfoot crabs...tangles of marine iguanas...penguins, finches, pelicans, frigate birds, terns...boobies overhead and literally underfoot...the glint in the eye of a century-old tortoise. As you sail the blue waters between islands, there is time to relax, reflect and confer with your naturalist-guide about the sights you have seen and the sights yet to come.

Day 10: Baltra - Quito

Disembarkation and transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight* to Quito. Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 11: Quito - Depart

Transfer to Quito International Airport to board your homebound flight.

*Flights are not included in Land-cruise price.

Trip Availability & Difficulty

Shaded months indicate availability:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Difficulty: (mouse over for details)

IN/AD

This trip is supplied by iExplore (Click name for supplier profile and contact info)

Want to see more great trips from this supplier? Click here