Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands 2022
8 Day Cruise Quito to Quito
Starting at $5,254
This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the “Center of the World.” You’ll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists and taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory. Before taking to the sea, a highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. Then, embark on an exciting 4-night cruise among various Galápagos Islands on the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, several species of Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Each day venture to a new island which is home to species found nowhere else in the world! During your cruise, you’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays. A remarkable cruise adventure!
Destination & Sightseeing
Day 1 Arrive Quito, Ecuador: | Welcome to Quito |
Day 2 Quito: | Walking tour, visit San Francisco Monastery, La Compania Church, La Ronda Street, a Chocolate factory, and the Equatorial Monument; welcome dinner |
Day 3 Quito–Baltra–Galápagos Islands (Embarkation)–Santa Cruz Island: | Fly to the Galápagos Islands; embark Treasure of Galápagos; visit Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island |
Day 4 Galápagos Islands Cruising: | Santiago & Bartolomé Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling |
Day 5 Galápagos Islands Cruising: | North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling |
Day 6 Galápagos Islands Cruising: | South Plaza & San Cristobal Islands: Naturalist-guided walks on each island; snorkeling |
Day 7 Galápagos Islands (Disembarkation)–San Cristobal Island–Quito: | Disembark Treasure of Galápagos; visit San Cristobal Interpretation Center; fly to Quito |
Day 8 Quito: | Your vacation ends this morning |
- Maximum elevation on tour: 9,200 ft.
- Small Group Discovery - We never allow more than 16 passengers on our Small Group Discovery vacations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the destination and local culture.
ITINERARY
Accommodations
Quito |
Moderate Deluxe
12 de Octubre 1820 y Luis Cordero Quito Ecuador
This contemporary hotel is located in the commercial district of Quito, minutes away from historical Old Town. The hotel offers a wide variety of dining with six restaurants and two bars. Other features include a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis and racquetball courts, beauty salon, gift shop, and business center.