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 private welcome
dinner.
Swissotel Quito B L D
Day 1: USA or Canada/Quito, Ecuador
This morning fly via coastal Guayaquil to the Galapagos
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 get acquainted with the ship and staff.
MV 'Eclipse' B L D
Day 2: Quito
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.
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, the volcanoes of Isabela Island
and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.
Embark from 'Eclipse' in pangas (rubber boats) to explore rocky
beaches and eerie volcanic landscapes speckled with cacti and
sleeping sea lions. 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 playing tag
between 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.
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.
MV 'Eclipse' B L D
Day 3: Quito/The Gal??pagos
Disembark today and return to Quito, where this evening you
gather with fellow travellers for a festive farewell dinner.
Swissotel Quito B D
Days 4-9: The Gal??pagos
Board your homebound flight.
B
Day 10: The Gal??pagos/Quito
Day 11: Quito/USA or Canada