Galapagos Premium

Colonial city tour:  San Francisco de Quito, recognized as the largest and better preserved colonial city in the Americas.  Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, 1978 anddue to its artistic vocation offers art and creativity ranging from the modern to the lavish baroque.  While touring opportunity to recognize the gothic style of the Basilica of the Heart of Jesus; dwellings with architectonical influence derived from Spanish Conquistadores visible in observation of tile roofs, forged iron rode balconies and beautifully carved doors.  The heart of Quito, Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop´s palaces, the Metropolitan Cathedral give to the visitor the feeling of going back in time to the  of Spanish-American era.  The Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesús, magnificent example of the baroque style in Latin America.  

From there we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of downtown Quito, we visit “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) and the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude where the eighteenth century French Geodesic Expedition built one of the three pyramids as landmarks for their planet calculations to deduct the shape of the earth in a complex which replicates a Spanish-American village. We also visit the Intiñan  Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Fly from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

The $100 entrance fee to the Galapagos Islands Park and the $10 Tourist card are included in your booking. Please note that the itinerary is a guide only -  the route and program vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and wildlife encounters.

A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to/from Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price. 
Fuel Surcharge is subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. After this, a guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor and then on board your cruise ship.

Explore the area around Eden Islet further to the west, off the main island of Santa Cruz. Typical birdlife in this area include Nazca Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies. You will also find Marine Iguanas as well as an amazing array of underwater wildlife; including large mustard rays, octopus, and the endemic salemas.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, you will be able to see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and Sea Lions. It is also an opportunity to see the nesting sites of the Flightless Cormorants. Among the flora and the volcanic formations, you will see Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Lava flows are always viewed from a safe distance. The island has numerous mangrove beds extending into the sea, indicating a healthy and thriving eco-system.

Dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island where you will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater Lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. You will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where you will admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. You will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Elizabeth Bay is one of the furthest points of the Galapagos that we will visit on our cruise. A panga ride around two islets called the Marielas offers a wide variety of bird life, such as flightless cormorants, herons, and blue-footed boobies. Then we will enter a sheltered cove – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles and rays.

Lying at the foot of Alcedo Volcano, south of Tagus Cove, is Urvina Bay (Urbina Bay) one of the best and the most recent example of geological uplift in the Galapagos. The visit begins with a wet landing on the white sand beach. Hiking trail ranges from easily passable during the dry season to mildly challenging requiring wading to pass during the rainy season. Flightless cormorants, pelicans, and marine iguanas are often seen on land, while rays and sea turtles can be viewed swimming near the surface of the bay.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Galapagos Islands visitors who now come to Espumilla Beach come in search of birds rather than water. A short walk inland takes visitors through a mangrove forest normally inhabited by the Common Stilt. Sea Turtles also visit these mangroves to nest. Beyond the mangroves is a brackish lagoon where flocks of Pink Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintails can be seen. The trail makes a loop heading over a knob into a sparely forested area then back to the beach. Along the way those with a watchful eye may spot a variety of Galapagos Finches or a Vermilion Fly Catcher. Once back at the beach visitors may have the chance to swim or snorkel time permitting. Sea turtles often lay their eggs in Playa Espumilla, so be careful where you step.

Sullivan Bay provides a unique opportunity to view a recent lava flow of approximately 100 years ago. The East Side of James Island is known to have barren volcanic landscapes, dominated by black pahoehoe (ropy) lava flows of very young age. On the surface of the lava it is possible to observe trees that were carried down by the flow of the fresh lava. It is also interesting to see how some Mollugo plants are starting to colonize the small lava fissures.

Naturalist's briefing on the next day's activities followed by dinner on your cruise ship.

Take a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro Chato. Here you’ll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that give the islands their name. After this visit, return to Puerto Ayora.

Transfer by bus across Santa Cruz Island and a short ferry ride to Baltra where the airport is located.

Fly from Galapagos to Quito via Guayaquil on Aerogal. The flight duration is approximately 4 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.

A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.