Wonders of Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands | April 1st, 2024
$12399 $11999 per person
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*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing; based on a Junior Suite (215 Sq ft – Main Deck) for the Galapagos Cruise portion of the trip
*Based on a minimum of 16 passengers
Single Supplement: +$4000 CAD (limited to 2 rooms)
*Space is limited and is first come first serve!
BOOK BY SEPTEMBER 1ST (OR UNTIL SOLD OUT) AND SAVE $300 CAD PER PERSON!
6 DAY/5 NIGHT: ANAKONDA AMAZON RIVER CRUISE – APRIL 16TH TO 21ST, 2024 | 1 Night Lodge + 4 Night River Cruise
This journey takes us into the endless heart of biodiversity, the Amazon Basin. The Anakonda Amazon Cruise is a state-of-the-art vessel specifically designed to navigate on the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The wide array of onboard services and amenities will ensure your full comfort and enjoyment as you explore this region of the world.
The Anakonda Amazon Cruise, winner of the World Travel Award as South America’s Leading Boutique Cruise, offers an exclusive experience characterized by comfort, exceptional culinary offerings and once-in-a-lifetime journeys involving Amazonian cultural immersion, unique and vibrant wildlife, and the unrivaled wonders of its many ecosystems. In this rich and diverse environment, we have the chance to observe enchanting animals such as the pink river dolphin, giant otters, and turtles, as well as hundreds of native birds and primates, while navigating along the region’s freshwater rivers, both white-water and black-water.
Guests will enjoy Ecuador’s pristine Amazon region in total comfort on board with first-class facilities: 14 Standard Suites offering spacious accommodations, air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, French balconies and ceiling-to-floor windows. 4 Deluxe Suites come complete with all of the above, plus private balconies and private whirlpool bathtubs. We invite you aboard to experience our cozy Bar and Lounge, Conference Room and Reading Room featuring breathtaking views; our Al Fresco Shaded Lounge, Panoramic View Restaurant and Outdoors Hot Tub on the vessel’s top deck. We also have a Boutique and concierge for a journey that is both relaxing and exhilarating!
Click Here to View the Anakonda River Cruise Cabin/Deck Plans
$5599 CAD – based on double occupancy (Standard Suite)
$7599 CAD – based on single occupancy (Standard Suite)
Includes:
1-night accommodation in the Grand Hotel de Lago in Coca (standard double room)
4-night Amazon River Cruise in a standard deluxe suite
All gratuities included for Anakonda Crew
All meals on board
Scheduled excursions according to the itinerary
Certified naturalist local guides
Coffee station (unlimited supply of water, coffee, and tea)
Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise)
Free Wifi
1 Glass of House Red or White Wine OR 1 Glass of Beer or any 1 glass from the Soft Drink Menu Per day
Roundtrip flights from Quito – Coca – Quito
Communities fees ($70 USD per person)
Transfers to / from the vessel when arriving on our flights
Private & personalized assistance for Quito – Coca – Quito flights at both airports
Not Included: Extra expenses not indicated in description, other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks over and above what is shown as included above
Terms and Conditions:
$1000 CAD per person non-refundable deposit
Final Balance Due: December 3rd, 2023 (100% non-refundable after final balance)
Tuesday, April 16th | Quito to Coca
This morning depart for your 30 minute to Coca. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your lodge in the Ecuadorean Amazon. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Hotel de Lago, Coca
In 1980, the then called Gran Hostal de Lago was founded with the vision of expanding and being the most important lodging in the region. What began with the dream of a hostel in the city of Lago Agrio, gave way to the development of the most important Hotel Chain in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Wednesday, April 17th: COCA – NAPO RIVER
Today you will be transferred from our lodge to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and receive our welcome aboard.
Once we have settled into the Anakonda Amazon Cruise, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. After, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.
After dinner, we will plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk (optional excursion) to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
Thursday, April 18th: THE HEART OF YASUNI NATIONAL PARK (HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK RIVER DOLPHIN) & SECOYA COMMUNITY
After a delicious breakfast, we will go on a motorized canoe to spend some time exploring one of the large islands where we could see eagles, oropendolas, woodpeckers, and many other birds.
We will then board the Anakonda Amazon Cruise for lunch and enjoy of the onboard experiences such us a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from the Amazon hut tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge, or admire the breathtaking landscapes from the observation deck.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit Yasuní National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our guests will be pleased to learn that this is the home of the legendary pink river dolphin! In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the stinky turkey.
Near Yasuní live the Secoyas, a minority community that our guests will have the opportunity to visit and share their traditions and lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
Friday, April 19th: FRIDAY: KICHWA FAMILY & LIFE ON BOARD
We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.
We will then board the Anakonda Amazon Cruise for some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard activities and participate in a cooking lesson with our expert chef who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. After lunch, guests are also invited to try their hand at making traditional handicrafts and attend an ancestral cultures lecture with one of our local guides. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the surrounding nature. There is an option for everyone!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
Saturday, April 20th: OBSERVATION CANOPY TOWER & FOREST ADVENTURE
Our guests can relax and enjoy the Anakonda Amazon Cruise during the morning. After, they will disembark to visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers astonishing 360-degree vistas. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin. This is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.
In the afternoon, we will explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. A kayak activity is also available to explore this area.
Back on board the Anakonda Amazon Cruise, we will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
Sunday, April 21st: Depart for Home
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (90 minutes ride approximately). Then be transferred to the Coca Airport to board your short flight back to Quito. Continue your onward journey home!
Meals: Breakfast
Wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos | Hosted by Trip Merchant
April 1-16, 2024 (Land and Galapagos Cruise Combination)
Ecuador is a country in Northwestern South America, with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the Equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east. Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano. Many cities and sites in Ecuador are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such cities and best known places are the Galapagos Islands, and the city of Cuenca. Ecuador is the most biodiverse country in the world. The Galapagos Islands are justly famed for their wildlife, but there is also a lot to see on the mainland. Ecuador has over one hundred different types of hummingbirds and thousands of orchid varieties. Cuyabeno Wild Life Reserve, Mindo and San Luis de Pambil are all good places to see many types of flora and fauna. The beaches in Ecuador are amazing, including: Salinas, Bahia de Caraquez, Manta, Crucita, San Jacinto, and San Clemente.
Highlights:
- 3 Nights in the Colonial City of Quito, Ecuador’s Capital
- Tour of Quito’s Historical District
- Stay in local Haciendas in Otavalo and Cotopaxi
- Middle of the World Monument – Stand on either side of the equator
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park, site of the highest active volcano in the world
- Quilotoa Crater Lake Tour
- Otavalo Market
- 7 Night Cruise of the Galapagos Islands (Visiting the Islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, South Plaza, Sante Fe, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina)
What’s Included:
- 7 Night Cruise of the Galapagos Islands in either a Junior Suite or Balcony Suite, including all taxes and port charges
- 7 Nights on Land in Ecuador – Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi
- 37 Meals – 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
- All tipping for drivers, guides, Galapagos Crew, on all included meals and luggage handling
- Galapagos National Park Fees
- All domestic flights and taxes
- Migration Control Form
- *Arrival and Departure transfers
- All transportation in Air Conditioned Motorcoaches for land portion
- All sightseeing as per itinerary
*GROUP ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TRANSFERS INCLUDED – This transfer will be based on the timing of the majority of flight arrivals and departures. If flights are booked outside of this then a $50 CAD per person cost each way will apply.
Not included:
Round trip International Airfare | Cancellation and Out of Country Medical Insurance | Anything not mentioned in included section
Junior Suite: Included in Package Rate
215 Square Feet Oceanview cabin/Junior Suite Plus with Two Windows forward and aft on deck 3-Earth
Upgrade to a Balcony Suite: +$1000 per person, based on double occupancy
250 Square Feet forward on decks 4-Sky and 5-Moon
Payment Terms & Conditions:
Deposit: 20% of total cost is due at time of booking (non-refundable)
Final Balance: 120 Days Prior (December 3rd, 2023)
120 Days – 70 Days Prior to departure: 50% of total cost is non-refundable
69 Days – up to day or departure: All Payments are 100% non-refundable
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext. 3
Mention Group Booking Number: TMJECU24
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Destination
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Arrival City
Quito, Ecuador -
Departure City
Quito, Ecuador -
Activity Level
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. -
Passenger Limit
16-24 passengers only
Monday, April 1, 2024: International Departure
Depart Canada and fly to Ecuador!
If booking flights on your own, be sure to ensure your flight arrives in Quito no later than April 2nd.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024: Arrival into Quito
Meals Provided: N/A
Accommodation: : Patio Andaluz, Quito
Hotel Patio Andaluz is an elegant boutique hotel Located in a colonial style house of the end of the XVI Century, a national monument whose walls contain centuries of history and art, with large arches, and inner courtyards filled with light and colorful gardens. The restaurant Rincón de Cantuña”, inside its main Patio offers excellent options of Ecuadorian and International flavours. Hotel Patio Andaluz has a privileged location in the heart of Quito. Less than 200 metres away from the main square, also known as Independence Square. An area filled with museums, churches and historical sites.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024: Quito City Tour (Full Day)
After breakfast, we will commence our tour of Quito.
We will make our way to Quito's historical district, located in the vicinity of our hotel. During our time in the historical district, we will have the chance to observe several beautiful churches, the presidential and archbishop palaces, the cathedral, the Jesuit church Compañia de Jesus (one of the most beautiful churches in the world), and the San Francisco church, the first building of importance constructed by the Spanish. We will then visit the Panecillo Hill (winged virgin) lookout.
In the afternoon, we visit the middle of the world monument and the solar museum at the Equator with the Intiñan museum included. We will have an included lunch at El Crater restaurant or similar.
Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz (Quito)
Thursday, April 4, 2024: Otavalo
Quitsato is the first integral project from Ecuador, which develops an extensive work, studies and revalues the concept of the Middle of the World, considering it as the base of the cultural identity of Ecuador.
Then we will continue to the town of Otavalo. Enroute we will make a stop at San Pablo Lake, which is one of Ecuador's most beautiful lakes. Afterwards we make our way to the Otavalo Market, the most important indigenous market in South America.
We will arrive on time for lunch at El Leñador restaurant or similar.
The afternoon we will take you to the birds of prey centre called "Parque Condor". Here we observe a demonstration of the power and skills of these magnificent birds.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar
Friday, April 5, 2024: Otavalo-Cuicocha-Cotopaxi
The Otavalo area is well known for its agricultural production, flower plantations and dairy products. Cotacachi welcomes us with a large sun sculpture, a fitting reflection of this friendly, hardworking and lively community. Throughout town, find a wide variety of top-quality leather accessory retail stores that offer everything from wallets, purses and belts to bags, shoes, and jackets.
In the afternoon, we visit Cuicocha Lake, part of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. With an altitude of 3,064 m, this reserve is a pleasure for all nature lovers alike. The deep blue lake is located inside the volcanic crater of Mount Cotacachi. The surrounding scenery, dotted by local plants and flowers (orchids and other Andean gems), are complemented by the possibility of spotting a fox, llamas, Andean ducks, and perhaps even the majestic Andean Condor soaring above. After a short hike, we may offer the opportunity to take a scenic boat ride along the lake with an included lunch.
Transfer from Otavalo to Cotopaxi area.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hacienda - La Ciénega or similar
Going through La Ciénega is going through the secrets of Ecuadorian history in a setting of colonial luxury surrounded by hundred-year-old trees. With pieces from the 17th century, our rooms have a historical touch that recovers the memory of the hacienda, and is combined with contemporary nuances to meet the highest standards of hospitality and elegance.
Saturday, April 6, 2024: Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi Volcano and National Park: After your breakfast meet your guide at the lobby of the Hotel. Today we will visit the Cotopaxi National Park, located 60 km from the city. Mount Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, is one of the most impressive landmarks in the country. Fascinating endemic nature and a unique wildlife include one of the most representative plant species – the Chuquiragua – Ecuador’s beautiful feiry-orange national flower, as well as wild horses, deer, llamas, and more. At Limpiopungo Lake, located near Mount Rumiñahui (4757 meters), we will have a chance to watch birds, including attractive lapwings and the only mountain gull in the world, the Andean Gull.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hacienda - La Ciénega or similar
Sunday, April 7, 2024: Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Quito
In the afternoon, we will drive back to Quito for our final night prior to our flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Patio Andaluz, Quito
Monday, April 8, 2024: Transfer from hotel to Quito Airport - Fly to Galapagos
After an early breakfast, meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and transfer to the airport in Quito for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Departure from Quito to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
Santa Cruz Island Located roughly in the centre of the archipelago, the Island of Santa Cruz is the most populous of the Galapagos Islands and the second largest in the area, after Isabela. Dotted with a few small villages, the island is a large dormant volcano, which was once prone to volcanic eruptions.
Afternoon - Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island):
On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, and rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons, and egrets. This cove has been declared a “turtle sanctuary”.
Difficulty level: easy | Type of terrain: none | Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Tuesday, April 9, 2024: El Barranco, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island) / Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
Morning – El Barranco, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island): Be marvelled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Difficulty level: moderate | Type of terrain: rocky – lava | Duration: 45-minute walk
Afternoon – Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island): Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Difficulty level: moderate | Type of terrain: Sand & Lava | Duration: 2 ½-hour walks approx / Snorkeling
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Wednesday, April 10, 2024: South Plaza Island / Santa Fe Island
Morning – South Plaza Island: Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas are all present at the landing site. The small island is covered with a carpet of red succulents studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, we spend time watching birds fly past at eye level in the updraught. These include frigatebirds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters, and of particular note, flights of displaying red-billed tropicbirds. Back at sea level, we once again encounter land iguanas, some of which have hybridized with their resident marine cousins.
Difficulty level: intermediate | Type of terrain: rocky | Duration: 2-hour walk
Afternoon - Santa Fe Island: Wet landing. Santa Fe shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home to the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches, and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago.
Difficulty level: intermediate | Type of terrain: rocky | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour deep-water snorkeling
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Thursday, April 11, 2024: Bachas Beach / Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island) / Mosquera Islet:
Morning - Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island): Wet landing. On the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lies two small flamingo ponds where iguanas sunbathe, see coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove, and salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos.
Difficulty level: easy | Type of terrain: sandy | Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling/beach time
Morning - Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island): Dry landing. We visit the Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place as part of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment and where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of his species) lived for decades.
Difficulty level: intermediate | Type of terrain: flat | Duration: 1 ½-hour visit
Afternoon - Mosquera Islet: Wet Landing, Mosquera Islet is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. There is no trail on the islet, the visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very few sesuvium portulacastrum plants grow on the sand.
Difficulty level: easy | Type of terrain: sandy | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk & snorkeling
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Friday, April 12, 2024: Egas Port (Santiago Island) / Rabida Island
Santiago Island This Island has a surreal volcanic scenery that's combined with its natural beauty, it has great appeal to the visitor that loves to explore unique environments.
Egas Port (Santiago Island): Wet landing. Egas Port is a black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and ,marine wildlife including lobster, starfish, and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally light-foot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.
Difficult level: intermediate | Type of terrain: flat & semi-rocky | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling
Afternoon - Rabida Island: Wet landing. Dark-red sand covers the unique beaches of this island, home of sea lions colonies; Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting brown pelicans are found from July through September plus nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches. Here a dinghy ride along marine cliffs is done, to observe nesting seabirds. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.
Difficult level: easy | Type of terrain: sandy | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Saturday, April 13, 2024: Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) / Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
Isabela Island The largest Island that houses over 6 volcanoes (some still active) and over 8 spectacular visitor sites; a marvelous destination whether you are taking a boat-trip or a land-based program.
Morning - Urbina Bay (Isabela Island):
Wet landing (might be difficult due to the tide). Volcanic black beach, depending on the season, it is possible to find giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland it´s snorkeling time, a chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plants with a different range of colors in flowers, attracting different insects, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights of the island is the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the 1954 seismic activity; here the views of Alcedo Volcano are remarkable. When navigating from Urbina to Tagus Cove whale watching is usual in May – December.
Difficult level: intermediate | Type of terrain: flat & rocky | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling
Afternoon - Tagus Cove (Isabela Island): Dry landing on the Galapagos’ largest island where we will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake and has excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where we will admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed boobies, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorants depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm tall; the only penguin species in the world to live in the tropics.
The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.
Difficulty level: intermediate/difficult | Type of terrain: steep/steep | Duration: 2-hour walk / 40-minute dinghy ride / 1-hour deep water snorkeling
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M/V Galapagos Legend
Sunday, April 14, 2024: Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island) / Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Fernandina Island It holds the best sites in the Western part, meet the Endemic Flightless Cormorant, Galapagos Penguins and Marine Iguanas.
Morning - Punta Espinosa (Fernandina Island): Dry landing. From Espinosa Point, is possible to admire a wide view of Isabela Island across the Bolivar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. Here the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Fernandina displays a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins and, the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galapagos hawk. Pa-hoe-hoe and lava formations cover the majority of Fernandina terrain. Vegetation is scarce inland, with few brachycereus cacti. In the shore mangrove, can be found.
Difficulty level: intermediate |Type of terrain: flat/semi rocky | Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling
Morning - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island):
Great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth, the Bolivar Channel. Accessible by water, we take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, and, flightless cormorants. The upwelling of cold water currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, a perfect place for deep snorkeling. Enjoy your last evening in the Galpagos, before we return back to the mainland.
Difficulty Level: moderate / high | Type of terrain: water | Duration: 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Monday, April 15, 2024: Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) / Baltra Airport - Fly to Quito
Morning - Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island): Dry landing. In the mountains of the Galapagos its possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises' shells). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrast that the island offers throughout the variety of ecosystems. The road goes straight up to the dense humid forests from the coast through the agricultural zone. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen along the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Difficulty level: easy | Type of Terrain: flat, & muddy (depending on the season) | Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walks
Morning - Baltra Airport: After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.
Meet your guide at Quito Airport and transfer to Wyndham airport hotel
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Wyndham Airport Hotel, Deluxe room
Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. Located at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024: Departure Day
Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and transfer to the airport in Quito for your flight back home or Continue on with our Optional 5 Night Extension to the Ecuadorean Amazon! For Full Details - Click on the Amazon Post Extension
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Tour Location
GALAPAGOS LEGEND - 7 NIGHT CRUISE
Download Brochure HERE!
Experience comfort, luxury and style while exploring the enchanted Archipelago on board one of the most recognized and renowned expedition vessels sailing the Galapagos, the M/V GALAPAGOS LEGEND; a stylish and elegant boat that offers everything the eager explorer looks for on a high end ship: spacious cabins and suites (some with private balconies), ample comfortable social areas to enjoy in group, family and as a couple, tasty Ecuadorian and international cuisine served at its two restaurants and al-fresco dining, a complete library and modern auditorium, well-provided bars, swimming pool and 2 jacuzzis on its wonderful sun-deck, nursery and children’s play-and-learn area are some of the highlights of this enchanting vessel.
The cabins/suites are strategically distributed in the boat’s different decks, each type has its own charm and offers balcony, panoramic windows or port-hole; all cabins have the same luxury amenities that will surely make your stay, a different experience: hot/cold water, private bathroom, safety deposit-box, iron, hair-dryer and Air-Conditioning are some of the key features that will make your journey, a memorable experience.
Smooth sailing in open-sea rough waters is also a relevant aspect on why choosing the Galapagos Legend, being a large expedition vessels, it guarantees less motion while cruising in your boat trip. Even though it’s a large motor boat, you can be sure that you will enjoy every excursion and activity like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, swimming and glass-bottom boat-ride; this because all guest are carefully divided into small groups of no more than 16 passengers with one bilingual or multilingual professional licensed guide. The well-trained Staff makes extra efforts to offer a more personalized and intimate experience on every life-filled visitor site so everyone enjoys the natural marvels of the National Park and the Marine Reserve without having to wait too much to embark/disembark at every location.
The Legend offers extraordinary cabins/suites to its guests (some can be interconnected): 1 exclusive Legend balcony suite (Moon deck), 17 Balcony suites (Moon & Sky decks), 28 Junior suites (Earth deck), 7 Standard Plus and 3 Standard Inside cabins (Earth deck). All cabins offer unparalleled comfort and space to enjoy a delightful resting time on board the boat. All cabins can be single, twin or double occupancy.
Junior Suite: Included in Package Rate
215 Square Feet Oceanview cabin/Junior Suite Plus with Two Windows forward and aft on deck 3-Earth