Wonders of Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands | March 19th, 2025
$13299 $12999 per person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
*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 10 passengers
Single Supplement: +$4100 CAD (limited to 2 rooms)
*Space is limited and is first come first serve!
BOOK BY SEPTEMBER 30th, 2024 (OR UNTIL SOLD OUT) AND SAVE $300 CAD PER PERSON!
5 DAY/4 NIGHT: ANAKONDA AMAZON RIVER CRUISE – MARCH 15TH TO 19TH, 2024 | 1 Night Quito + 3 Night River Cruise
This journey takes us into the endless heart of biodiversity, the Amazon Basin. Our First-Rate River Cruise Vessel makes it possible for you to explore the remote nature of this jungle in total comfort and leisure. The Anakonda Amazon Cruise is our state-of-the-art vessel specifically designed to navigate on the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our 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
$4999 CAD – based on double occupancy (Standard Suite)
$6999 CAD – based on single occupancy (Standard Suite)
Includes:
1-night accommodation at the Quito Wyndam Airport Hotel (Deluxe Room)
3-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)
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 19th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final balance)
SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH | Arrival into Quito
After your arrival into Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and proceeding through customs and collecting your luggage you will be transferred to the Wyndham Airport Hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Meals: No Meals Included
Accommodation: Wyndham Airport Hotel , Quito
Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. Enjoy a privileged location at Mariscal Sucre International Airport . This hotel offers outstanding services and amenities including; a spa, well-equipped fitness center, heated indoor pool, polished business center, and on-site restaurant and bar as well as guest rooms with free high-speed WiFi, a 51-inch flat-screen TV, digital safe, and iPod docking station.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Quito airport for your 30 minute flight to Coca that departs at 9:31 AM.
Upon arrival at Coca Airport you will be transferred to the dock to 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.
On the Anakonda, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
MONDAY, MARCH 17TH: PAÑACOCHA, THE MYTHICAL PIRANHA LAGOON
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Anakonda, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
TUESDAY, MARCH 18TH: PARROT CLAY LICKS AND AMAZON COMMUNITIES
We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon – the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Anakonda Amazon River Cruise
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19TH: RETURN BACK TO QUITO
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
You will then be transferred to Coca Airport for your return flight to Quito to commence the main program of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in Quito Airport you will be transferred to the Patio Andaluz, which is a charming hotel located in the historic district of Quito.
Meals: Breakfast
Wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos | Limited to 16 Guests
March 19th to April 2nd, 2025 (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:
- 2 Nights in the Colonial City of Quito, Ecuador’s Capital
- Tour of Quito’s Historical District
- Stay in a local Hacienda in Cotopaxi overlooking Cotopaxi Volcano
- 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
- 7 Night Cruise of the Galapagos Islands on the Galapagos Legend (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
- 6 Nights on Land in Ecuador – Quito and Cotopaxi
- 34 Meals – 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 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
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
161 Square Feet Oceanview cabin/Junior Suite with Two Windows forward and aft on deck 3-Earth
Upgrade to a Balcony Suite: +$2100 per person, based on double occupancy
237 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 (November 19th, 2024)
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
Truly exceptional food on the Anaconda ship. Excellent presentation and portion size and tasted fabulous. Raul was an exceptional guide, very personable and knowledgeable. Seeing the animals in the Galapagos and snorkeling with turtles, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, and countless fish. Again, another trip thoroughly enjoyed and many fabulous memories were made. I’m so glad my son was able to share this trip with me. Kudos to you, Tom!
Kathy B.
My only comment is there was too much food! Perhaps a smaller lunch
option? It was hard to say no to the excellent food, but more than required. Raul and Eddie were amazing. Highlights were Everything Galapagos! This was another amazing Trip Merchant Journey.
Kerry M
Too much food!! I found eating late- around 8? is not good for me. But it was all good. Raul was just outstanding. Very easy to follow and so interesting. Loved the middle of the world tour. Loved the Quito churches. Loved the hikes and the birds of prey centre. Loved the Blue Footed Boobies-and all the wildlife. Loved going by the
Fernandino volcano and the stargazing from the ship. Loved it all!! My only “complaint” is feeling rushed at the Charles Darwin Research Centre. I
could have spent the day there! I found Ecuador and the Galapagos overwhelmingly beautiful. I appreciated the careful organization and was completely satisfied with this trip. Thank you Trip Merchant!
Barbara B.
The food was excellent but a 3 course lunch and 3 course dinner
was a bit too much. A slightly smaller lunch would be better. What were the highlights? The entire trip! The naturalist guide in the Galapagos was outstanding.
I loved the day Raul took us up into the highlands and we visited a family on
their land along the way, followed by a visit to an indigenous market. This
allowed us to actually see the traditional way of living and people in
their traditional dress going about their day. We also had an opportunity to visit a
family along the Napo River one afternoon and learn about their way of life in the Amazon Rainforest. Everything about this trip was a highlight for me!! It was a Fabulous three weeks!! TMJ does it again=:)) Thank you Tom for putting this
together. It should be on everyone’s bucket list. Ecuador and its people
were so kind and willing to help out in any way requested.
Sally M.
Trip Merchant goes above and beyond to provide a well rounded itinerary.
Trip Merchant cares about the individual where you are treated like
family. This is our 3rd trip with Trip Merchant and we look forward to many
more!
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext. 506
Mention Group Booking Number: TMJECU325
-
Destination
-
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 passengers only
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025: Arrival into Quito
During the 13th century. It was the prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitus. It later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built impressive monasteries, and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Quito's artistic creativity awaits the visitor in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures, and exquisite traditional crafts.
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.
Thursday, March 20th, 2025: 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)
Friday, March 21st, 2025: Quito to Cotopaxi
We depart from Quito heading south along the so-called “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Before midday, we arrive at 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: Hacienda Porvenir or similar
On the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged location, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings. It is one of the best and most intense ways to get to know, first hand, the Andean way of life and to have the most thrilling adventures, having the privilege of offering our guests a diversity of options. El Porvenir is just an hour and a half away from Quito by car and is located four kilometers from the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. The house is located in a very scenic spot, at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. The scenic premises are surrounded by four volcanoes, one of which is the famous Cotopaxi volcano. Our guests can enjoy their stay in a comfortable, warm, and operating «Hacienda» setting. El Porvenir is a working ranch that is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cattle farming, conservation, and ecotourism. We produce milk, cheese and also grow some of the vegetables offered in our restaurant. Our herb garden is essential to what we cook up in our kitchen!
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025: Cotopaxi National Park | Quilotoa Crater
After an early breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at the lobby to start your Quilotoa Crater Lake Tour. This one-day cultural tour takes us to one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador and South America, the amazing Laguna Quilotoa, and surrounding villages.
We start our day with a visit to the famous local market of Saquisilí.
On Sundays, we visit a market in Pujili instead. Continuing our trip, we pass through the indigenous villages of the area which provide a fantastic chance to see the true Ecuador. When we arrive at the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake, we hike down to the Laguna and back up again in a stunning two-hour hike tour. Down there it is possible to go kayaking. It is also possible to hire mules for part of the trek. Paying special attention to indigenous Andean people's culture and rural life, this Quilotoa day tour is a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of Ecuador in all of its forms. Lunch in a local restaurant.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Porvenir or similar
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025: Cotopaxi - Quito
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Wyndham Airport Hotel, Quito
Monday, March 24th, 2025: 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.
Upon arrival at the pier you will get on a dingy to be taken 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, March 25th, 2025: 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, March 26th, 2025: 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, March 27th, 2025: 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, March 28th, 2025:: 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, March 29th, 2025: 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, March 30th, 2025: 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, March 31st, 2025: 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 the return flight to Quito.
Meet your guide at Quito Airport and transfer to Wyndham airport hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner as you celebrate the end of this unforgettable experience!
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Wyndham Airport Hotel, Deluxe room
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025: Departure Day
Breakfast at your leisure before your departing flight back home.
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
