Day 1: Arrive Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Guayaquil to begin your Galápagos adventure.
Settle into your hotel and relax.
Day 2: Guayaquil/The Galápagos | On Board ‘Eclipse’
After a private welcome breakfast and briefing, depart the hotel to visit the Ecua-Andino Panama Hat Factory to learn about the fine craftsmanship required to make this iconic headgear. Next, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos. Upon arrival, you are met by your naturalist guides and escorted to a vehicle that whisks you to the pier to board ‘Eclipse,’ your home for the seven-night cruise at the heart of your itinerary. Nimble enough to access the Galápagos Islands, yet large and stable enough for safety, it is a vessel built for adventure, offering a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. ‘Eclipse’ is ecologically sound as well and has been awarded the “Smart Voyager” seal of approval by the Rainforest Alliance, certifying it as eco-friendly and socially responsible. After settling in, attend an introductory briefing and a fitting for your wetsuit and snorkeling gear.
Days 3-8: The Galápagos | Spectacularly Diverse Wildlife
Lying about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos
Islands are a haven for some of the world’s most 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 islands from
degradation by humans. Today, tourism to the Galápagos is
closely managed, protecting the wildlife and allowing you to
experience the environment much as Darwin did. Because
weather, water and wildlife conditions are subject to constant
change, your islands itinerary is not fixed, but two daily
excursions are planned to the main sites and islands. Explore
landmarks such as Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, El
Barranco on Genovesa Island, Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome
Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa
Cruz Island. Each cruise day begins with an early breakfast,
perhaps taken al fresco on ‘Eclipse’s’ spacious deck. You then
board a sturdy rubber raft called a panga for the morning shore excursion. As soon as your feet touch terra firma, expect to
spot flora and fauna (all different depending on the island),
take photographs and confer with your naturalist guide. See
sunbathing sea lions; skittering Sally Lightfoot crabs; tangles
of marine iguanas; penguins, finches, terns and blue-footed
boobies; even a century-old tortoise diligently trudging over
the sand. Return to ‘Eclipse’ for a refreshing lunch, followed by
time at leisure to nap or socialize on deck. Keep your binoculars
close by for a possible sighting of whales or seabirds. In the
afternoon, return to the pangas for the second excursion of the
day, perhaps with an opportunity to swim, kayak or snorkel. You
may well come face to face with a water-dwelling inhabitant,
such as a curious dolphin or sea lion stopping by to inspect the
visitors to its equatorial home. Back on board ‘Eclipse’ for the
evening, there is time to shower and relax before gathering in
the dining room for another wonderful meal. In the evening,
your time is your own: attend a lecture on board by one of your
affable guides, recapping the day’s sights and gaining a sneak
peek at tomorrow’s itinerary; explore the mysteries of the night
sky with a fascinating astronomy lecture on deck; peruse the
ship’s excellent library; or gather for cocktails in the lounge
to cap a day of extraordinary discoveries. Drift asleep in your
air-conditioned cabin to the rise and fall of gentle ocean swells,
awakening refreshed the next morning ready for a new day of
adventure.
Day 9: Guayaquil | Panama Hats & Farewell Dinner
After a leisurely morning, disembark your cruise and board your flight to Guayaquil, and then transfer to your hotel. Later, share the highlights of your inspiring Galápagos experience with fellow guests during a farewell dinner at your hotel’s elegant Portofino Restaurant.
Day 10: Depart Guayaquil
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your
homebound flight or set out for Lima to begin the Machu Picchu
Post-Tour Extension.
Machu Picchu Post-Tour Extension
5 days, priced from $3,295; internal air priced from $925
Available on the Feb 27, Mar 27, Apr 10, and Oct 16 departures.
Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru, connect to Cusco, then transfer
to your hotel to relax and acclimatize. Hotel Monasterio
Day 2: Tour Sacsayhuaman. Hotel Monasterio | Meals: B
Day 3: Travel to Machu Picchu by train to roam its intriguing
ruins. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | Meals: B L
Day 4: Hike with a guide to Inti Punku or Huayna Picchu,or explore the ruins. Return to Cusco. Hotel Monasterio | Meals: B L D
Day 5: Fly to Lima and visit the historic Plaza Mayor and Cathedral, Presidential Palace and Larco Herrera Museum. This evening, depart. Meals: B