Galapagos Discover Tour | Latin America

Itinerary Highlights

Cruise around Galapagos onboard the M/C Seaman Journey
Observe Galapagos tortoises at Galapaguera
Spot sea lions as you kayak around Gardner Bay
See flamingos at Cormorant Point

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast
International Flights

Nick

Travel Specialist

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Shadowed by the famous Pichincha Volcano, framed by mountain peaks and sitting in a narrow valley, Quito comes as a welcome introduction on arrival to Ecuador.

Indisputably likeable, the city has much to offer and spending two nights here is just enough time to take in its highlights.

Departing the bustling city means the onwards adventure to the Galapagos Islands. This isolated archipelago, 1,000 kilometres adrift of Ecuador in the Pacific, is one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations and comes with exceptionally unique landscapes. Spending four nights aboard the Seaman Journey is the ideal way to take in some of the best sights the islands have to offer. There are many options of different boats within the Galapagos, coming in all shapes and sizes and for different durations. For those adverse to the motion of the ocean, land-based options are available, whether staying on one island is favourable or whether island hopping suits your tastes.

Our team of knowledgeable Travel Specialists can create a completely bespoke Ecuador & Galapagos holiday for you, please enquire for further details on different cruisers or land-based stays. A variety of pre- and post-tour extensions to the Galapagos on the mainland are also available.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK – Quito

Board your overnight flight with Avianca via Bogota, Colombia.

Day 2 Quito

Upon arrival, transfer to the characterful Casona de la Ronda in the historic centre of Quito. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is said to be one of the best preserved colonial centres in Latin America. This area has an abundance of architectural treasures from ornate churches and neo-gothic buildings to picturesque whitewashed walls and cobblestoned streets. The rest of the day is at leisure.

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Day 3 Quito

On a private city tour, start in the main Independence Plaza. Here you will see the cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishops Palace. Don’t miss the impressive Monastery of San Francisco with its beautiful baroque interior and ornate facades. Continue to the “Middle of the World” to visit the Equator line, just north of the city, and stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

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Day 4 Quito – San Cristobal

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil. Upon arrival at San Cristobal, visit the Interpretation Centre. Enjoy its exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views and learn about geological, human and natural history and conservation. Travel by motorised raft (Pangas) to board the M/C Seaman Journey for a four-night cruise. Please note all Galapagos itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions.

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Day 5 La Galapaguera and Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)

This morning visit the Galapaguera to observe Galapagos Tortoises. Built to improve the status population of the island’s tortoise, follow interpretive trails through the reserve and see young tortoises in breeding pens. This afternoon visit the beautiful white coral beach of Cerro Brujo, to swim, snorkel and spot wildlife! Home to a colony of sealions and blue-footed boobies, there is also a lagoon full of bird life here.

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Day 6 Bahia Gardner and Suarez Point (Española Island)

This morning, a stop at Gardner Bay provides an excellent opportunity to swim, snorkel, kayak and observe sea lions and sharks in the crystal-clear waters. Three endemic sub-species of Darwin’s Finches, resident and migratory birds and nesting marine tortoises can be spotted. At Suarez Point, visit the magnificent blowhole spirting water up to 75 metres high. Abundant blue-footed and Nazca boobies as well as albatrosses make Suarez their home.

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Day 7 Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay & Baroness Lookout (Floreana Island)

At Cormorant Point this morning, visit one of the largest lagoons in the Islands, beautifully situated between two tuff lava cones, to observe flamingos. The site offers two contrasting beaches, one being a green sand beach and the other “Flour Sand Beach” made up of coral. This afternoon, visit the landing area of the first colonists; Post Office Bay and Baroness Lookout for panoramic vistas.

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Day 8 Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz) - Baltra - Guayaquil

This morning disembark your cruise for the final time and visit the famous Charles Darwin Station. At this biological research station and active breeding centre, learn about the protection and conservation of the islands. Following the excursion, transfer to Balta airport and fly back to Guayaquil on the mainland. Spend your final night in the Pacific port city.

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