Day 1: Discover Vibrant Quito
Your journey begins in Quito, a lively city nestled in the lush Andean foothills. Sitting at 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and boasts a beautifully preserved Old Town, built on ancient Inca foundations.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito’s Old Town is a treasure trove of colonial architecture, featuring colourful plazas, grand churches, and historic monuments. After checking into your hotel, take some time to explore this charming city at your own pace.
Day 2: Step into History in Quito
Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World
Today, you’ll embark on a guided tour through Quito’s fascinating Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial quarters in South America. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire magnificent architecture, and sample exquisite Ecuadorian chocolate, made from the world’s finest cacao.
Next, you’ll visit the iconic Middle of the World City, located about 16 miles north of Quito. After a delightful lunch, you’ll arrive at the famous monument that marks the Equator, where you can capture the unique moment of standing with one foot in each hemisphere!
Day 3: Begin Your Galápagos Expedition
Welcome to the Enchanted Islands
After breakfast, take a short flight to Baltra Island, your gateway to the Galápagos archipelago. A quick transfer brings you to the port, where your expedition ship, MS Santa Cruz II, awaits.
Your first wildlife encounter happens on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the *argest sea lion colonies in the Galápagos. You’ll take a small panga boats ashore for an up-close look at this incredible ecosystem.
As you explore the sandy dunes, watch for Blue-footed Boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and other unique species, while your naturalist guides share insights into the region’s diverse marine and terrestrial life.
Day 4: Encounter the Iconic Giant Tortoise
Visit San Cristóbal’s Tortoise Reserve
Start the day at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding centre dedicated to preserving endangered giant tortoises. Wander through forests designed to mimic their natural habitat, and spot San Cristóbal Mockingbirds and lava lizards along the way.
Visit Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see all three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, a boat excursion, or go snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. *(Itinerary subject to local regulations.)*
Day 5: Santa Fe & South Plaza – A Wildlife Haven
Explore stunning landscapes teeming with unique species
Start your morning with a scenic nature walk on the pristine beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a vibrant sea lion colony.
Choose your adventure: snorkel from a panga boat, kayak along the coast, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to observe marine life without getting wet!
After a delicious onboard lunch, head to South Plaza Island, where you’ll see land iguanas basking along the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water. Keep your eyes on the sky for frigate birds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Galápagos Shearwaters.
Day 6: Conservation & Culture on Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
Today, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, a breeding centre for giant tortoises. Witness recently hatched tortoises, observe Darwin’s finches, and walk through a unique prickly pear cactus forest that supports a range of land birds.
After lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely, you’ll have time for an optional adventure, such as mountain biking or visiting a traditional sugar plantation.
Day 7: Dramatic Landscapes of Española Island
Witness rare wildlife and stunning scenery
As you arrive at Española, the southernmost Galápagos island, prepare for extraordinary birdwatching. Spot Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and from April to December, witness the majestic Waved Albatross nesting here.
Other highlights include the vibrant red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as El Soplador, a dramatic blowhole that sends water 75 feet into the air.
After lunch, visit Gardner Bay and Osborn Islet, where you can relax on pristine beaches or go snorkelling, kayaking, or simply enjoy the playful sea lions.
Day 8: Marine Marvels at Eden Islet & North Seymour
Discover reef life and rare bird colonies
Start the day exploring Eden Islet, a marine paradise where you might spot Galápagos green turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays.
For a closer look, choose between snorkelling, kayaking, or a glass-bottom boat tour.
After lunch, you’ll head to North Seymour Island, a wildlife hotspot home to Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Watch frigate birds puff out their red throat pouches in an attempt to attract mates.
Day 9: Farewell to the Galápagos
Return to Quito or continue your Ecuadorian adventure
Your expedition comes to an end as you disembark at Baltra Island. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Quito to connect with your international flight, or you can choose to continue to Guayaquil for further exploration.
As you leave the Galápagos Islands, you’ll take with you a lifetime of unforgettable memories—of incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
