The Galapagos Islands

Day 1: En Route from U.S. / Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
After an evening arrival in Quito, transfer to your award-winning hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Overnight: Casa Gangotena – Quito

Day 2: Quito
Head out for a full-day, guided tour of historic Old Town. A local expert will take you through a Quito neighborhood, where you’ll visit with local artisans, including shopkeepers, hat makers, and confectioners. Explore the San Francisco Market—one of the oldest in the capital. There, learn about unique Ecuadorian fruits and vegetables, as well as local culinary traditions. Stop by a chocolatier to learn how cacao beans are processed, and taste the finest chocolates of Ecuador!

Next, head north toward the political heart of the city. Following a brief narrative, stroll to the Jesuit Church of la Compañía to admire its stunning gold-leaf interior. Relax and enjoy a lunch that highlights the unique and diverse flavors of this culturally rich South American country.

In the afternoon, head to the Casa del Alabado Archaeological Museum inside a restored 17th-century colonial mansion to view its collection of pre-Columbian art. This evening, gather with traveling companions for a welcome reception and prepare for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Casa Gangotena – Quito (B,L,R)

Day 3: Quito / Flight to Baltra / Santa Cruz: Highlands / Puerto Ayora – Embarkation
Arrive by plane to Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. After a short, scenic drive across Santa Cruz Island, arrive in the Highlands to enjoy lunch.

Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to gain an understanding of the extensive conservation efforts that have gone into maintaining and improving the environment and biodiversity in this remarkable archipelago. See the Galapagos giant tortoise up close and learn about the various stages of tortoise care and development, including a visit to the baby tortoise house.

Take a late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Isabela II.

Join the captain this evening for a cocktail and briefing on the exciting activities to come.
Overnight: Isabela II (B,L,D)

Day 4: Bartolomé / Santiago: Sullivan Bay
One of today’s highlights includes a panoramic view of the Galapagos from a special vantage point—an overlook atop Bartolomé Island. On a pristine day, more than 10 islands can be seen from this viewpoint. After the morning hike, examine the environment by snorkeling or by glass-bottom boat.

Return to the beach to board a panga for a cruise around Pinnacle Rock, formed by an eroded tuff-stone cone—light limestone created by the accumulation of small volcanic elements. Pinnacle Rock is home for a small colony of flightless Galapagos penguins that share the area with sea lions and other marine birds.

After lunch, explore Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago Island, featuring a white coral sand beach that’s ideal for swimming. This location has some of the best snorkeling within the archipelago. See and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos by traversing the walking trail across a lava field that flowed here in 1897.

Tonight after dinner (conditions permitting), look up and experience the enchantment of stargazing.
Overnight: Isabela II (B,L,D)

Day 5: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill / Santiago: Buccaneer Cove
The island of Santa Cruz is the only one with six different vegetation zones. Pit craters, Scalesia forest, cacti, and ferns are found here. After breakfast, set off on a walk, passing a lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and American flamingos. Continuing inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas. Afterward, snorkel from the shore in hopes of spotting rays and green turtles.

Later today, explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. Buccaneer Cove was used extensively by pirates, privateers, and whalers to set anchor and head ashore. It is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and intertidal organisms. The geology is fascinating, with layers of compacted tuff volcanic material that, due to wave and wind action, has eroded into different forms and shapes. Enjoy fantastic natural formations, such as the “Elephant Rock,” and an impressive natural cave.

Relish the available opportunities for snorkeling or relaxing with panga or glass-bottom boat rides.
Overnight: Isabela II (B,L,D)

Day 6: Isabela: Punta Vicente Roca / Fernandina: Punta Espinoza
Explore the captivating coast of Isabela Island by watercraft, seeking abundant wildlife, including colonies of Galapagos fur seals, the nesting sites of Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, and marine iguanas. Depending on conditions, there may be a chance to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. Back on board, navigate along the Bolivar Channel, where nutrient-rich upwellings provide fertile fishing grounds for cetaceans.

Then visit the island of Fernandina, the youngest island of the archipelago and arguably one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. Punta Espinoza boasts an amazing combination of barren landscapes and abundant wildlife, all dominated by the lofty volcano at the heart of the island. Highlights to spot include hawks, penguins, huge numbers of marine iguanas, and the famous flightless cormorant, with its beguiling blue eyes.
Overnight: Isabela II (B,L,D)

Day 7: Baltra – Disembarkation / Flight to Quito, Ecuador 
Bid a fond adiós to the Isabela II crew this morning prior to departing Baltra for Quito, where you will spend your final night. Guests who are going back to the U.S. and not continuing on the post-tour will stay at the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, or similar.

Note: dependent on prevailing air schedules at the time, Machu Picchu post-tour guests will connect with an evening flight to Lima, Peru, and overnight at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, or similar, in Lima.

Flights back to the U.S. may begin late the evening of Day 7 as well (flights departing after 9:00pm).

(Accommodations are subject to change as needed and available.)
Overnight: Wyndham Quito Airport  if returning to the U.S.; Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel  in Lima if joining the post-tour (B,L)

Day 8: Quito / Depart for U.S.
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. Guests continuing on the post-tour will depart Quito for flights to Cusco, Peru, this morning or may have already exited the evening of the previous day, depending on air schedules. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception