Galapagos Islands: Charles Darwin's Living Laboratory

Location  U.S. and Quito, Ecuador

Depart the U.S. for Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to Hotel Patio Andaluz, where you will spend the night.

Location  Quito, Ecuador

Experience a historical city tour of colonial Quito, the "Middle of the World." Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most important pieces of neogothic architecture in Ecuador. The tour continues to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), where you'll admire historical buildings, among which stand the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. Walk through the lively colonial streets of the old town to visit other historical highlights, such as the famous Compañia church, with its gold-covered interior. Finally, visit the famous Panecillo Hill, from where you will have an amazing view over the city and take in the contrast between colonial and modern Quito from above. After lunch, head out of the city to visit the "Middle of the World," where the equator line meets the prime meridian and the coordinates indicate point 0° 0’ 0”. This unique location allows you to stand in both hemispheres next to the Middle of the World monument and play with gravity in the adjacent interactive museum. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group to finish the day.

Location  Quito and Galápagos Islands: Baltra, Santa Cruz

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island. Your guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to Santa Cruz Island. Visit Gamelos craters and lava tunnels formed by volcanic surface materials and then head to the Tortoise Ranch in the highlands where you will see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, some as old as 100+ years. After lunch at the ranch, you will drive to the hotel (Angermeyer Waterfront Inn) for check in. The evening is at your leisure. Feel free to walk the main street of Puerto Ayora and experience traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.

Location  Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz and Isabela

After an early breakfast, transfer to the port in Santa Cruz to board a speed boat for a 2-hour journey to Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island. Upon arrival, check into the hotel (Albemarle) and then visit the Wetlands where you will see flamingos, swamps, mangroves, a variety of bird species as well as the Wall of Tears. After lunch, you will visit Las Tintoreras, a chain of small islets full of coves and hidden beaches for an up-close encounter with marine iguanas, followed by snorkeling where you may encounter sea turtles and sea lions amongst colonies of colorful fish.

Location  Isabela Island
LocationLocation

After breakfast, we will go on a moderate 7-mile hike to the stunning Sierra Negra Volcano, which boasts the second largest crater in the world. After lunch you will return to the hotel by mid-afternoon and have the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the beach and explore the small village of Puerto Villamil.

Location  Galápagos Islands: Isabela and Santa Cruz

An early morning departure to the port in Isabela for your 2-hour boat ride back to Santa Cruz. A boxed breakfast will be ready to take with you. Upon arrival, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Center and spend a few hours learning about the Galapagos ecosystem, wildlife and breeding of giant tortoises to avoid extinction.

After lunch, enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora and its small gift and coffee shops, check in at the hotel (Angermeyer Waterfront) and spend the evening at your leisure.

Location  Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz and Bartolomé

After an early breakfast, you will depart around 6 a.m. to board a speed boat for a day excursion to the picturesque Bartolomé Island, home to some of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Galapagos, including the famed Pinnacle Rock.

Admire the striking volcanic rock formations in shades of simmering red, black and green as you hike to the summit of the island. Walk along the crescent shaped pink and white sand beaches and admire the Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and a large variety of fish as you spend some time snorkeling. Lunch will be served on board the boat as you return to Santa Cruz Island. The evening is at your leisure.

Location  Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz and South Plaza

After an early breakfast embark on another day excursion to South Plaza Island, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, formed from an uplifted sea bed. Famed for its extraordinary flora, you will also see a variety of birds, marine iguanas and sea lions. Lunch will be served on the boat as you return to Santa Cruz. The evening is at your leisure.

Location  Galápagos Islands: Santa Cruz and Baltra, Quito Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival you will be assisted with check in at your hotel (Patio Andaluz). The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Location  Quito, Ecuador and U.S.

Arrive home to the U.S.