Conservation Consciousness In The Gal??pagos

While modern day Quito pushes against its outskirts with a recent boom of rapid building and industrial development, its center retains much of its colonial architecture and flavor. Modern pedestrians along the narrow cobbled streets of the old residential sections may peer through graceful archways into the flowered patios of red-roofed stone mansions from the past. Your visit today includes a stop at the Equatorial Monument before exploring Quito's "Old Town" and marveling at the city's ornate churches, cathedrals and Baroque architecture. Visit San Francisco Church, dedicated to Quito's patron saint and rich in artistic treasures, as well as La Compa??-a Church, whose glittering interior was created with seven tons of gold. Tonight, gather for a special reception at the British Embassy with special guests representing the Charles Darwin Foundation and other Galapagos Islands conservation efforts. Swissotel Quito B L D

This morning fly via coastal Guayaquil to the Gal??pagos archipelago where you board 'Eclipse,' your home for the seven-night cruise that forms the heart of your itinerary. Settle in, attend an introductory briefing and become acquainted with the ship and staff. MV 'Eclipse' B L D

Lying about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Gal??pagos islands are a haven for some of the world's most unique and varied wildlife. It was this diversity that first led naturalist Charles Darwin to propose that species evolved in response to their environment. Darwin's work also helped to alert the world to the need - urgent even in his own day - to preserve these pristine islands from degradation by humans. Since the first people arrived in the 17th century (the Gal??pagos has no indigenous human population), invasive species such as rats, goats and feral cats have decimated the native species, driving many into extinction. Today, tourism to the Gal??pagos is closely managed, and your visit adheres to the strictest standards of environmental responsibility. You may explore secure in the knowledge that your visit will have a minimal impact on the native flora and fauna. Joining you on this cruise is Randal Keynes, Charles Darwin's great-great-grandson, who continues his family's legacy of conservation in the Gal??pagos Islands. Weather, water and wildlife conditions affect the day-by-day schedule of your journey, but visits are planned for the main islands and their landmarks, such as Pinnacle Rock on Bartolom?(C) Island, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez on Espa?ola, and the volcanoes of Isabela Island. Embark from 'Eclipse' in pangas (rubber boats) to explore rocky beaches and eerie volcanic landscapes speckled with cacti and sleeping sea lions. 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 those yet to come. Wander among the Gal??pagos' unique species; with little experience of people, the Gal??pagos wildlife regards you with curiosity rather than fear. See sunbathing sea lion basking among surf and sand; skittering Sally Lightfoot crab; tangles of marine iguana; penguin, finch, pelican, frigate bird, tern and booby overhead and underfoot; even a century-old tortoise diligently trudging over the sand. Be sure to call on Lonesome George, the world's last known Pinta Island tortoise, in his home at the Charles Darwin Research Center. On Thursday, attend the grand opening celebration of the new Darwin Facility in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, and gain additional behind-the-scenes insight into the work of the National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation. MV 'Eclipse' B L D

Disembark today and return to Quito, where you gather with fellow travellers for a festive farewell dinner in the historic city center. Swissotel Quito B D

Board your homebound flight, or choose to continue your adventure onwards in Peru. B

This program contains some active elements, and a minimum level of fitness is required. Please contact A&K for more details.