Spend time at leisure in Quito, strolling the colonial streets of the historic Old Town, browsing vibrant local markets, or dining on fresh seafood and Ecuadorian specialties.

A city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and home to many spectacular historic churches; Quito has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all of South America. The integrity of this fascinating historic city was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site. Join your private guide and walk through the city's Main Plaza to see the Government Palace, the spectacular gilded church of La CompaÑÍa, and some of the most important churches built through the 16th and 17th centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery. Visit La Ronda, the city’s famous colonial street to learn about traditional jobs in colonial Quito. Your final stop will be Panecillo, a hill that divides Quito between north and south. Here you will be able to admire the famous statue Our Lady of the Panecillo, built by Bernardo de Legarda, while taking in spectacular views of the city. After a break for lunch in the emblematic neighborhood of La Ronda, enjoy a chocolate sampling experience, starting with a guided tour that explains the history of cocoa in Ecuador. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years, and Spanish explorers treasured it so much they dubbed it the ‘Food of the Gods’. Learn about Republica del Cacao, an ambitious company that aims to produce the most authentic chocolate while developing sustainable fine cocoa production practices. This day of discovery concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Quito’s Old Town offers memorable dining amid its colonial landmarks. Casa Gangotena presents inventive Ecuadorian cuisine inspired by ancestral techniques, while Vista Hermosa pairs regional dishes with sweeping historic-center views. La PurÍsima adds a modern touch to local favorites, Cafe Plaza Grande serves traditional fare in an elegant setting, and Hasta la Vuelta, SeÑor features balcony dining overlooking Plaza Grande.

Transfer to Quito Airport with your private driver and an English-speaking guide.

Board a flight in Quito with service to Baltra Island, connecting via Guayaquil (no change of plane required). Approximate flight duration is three hours and 30 minutes. Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.

All visitors to the Galapagos Islands must complete the “Declaration of Goods” form online as part of the Galapagos National Park’s ongoing control measures to protect the islands’ unique ecosystem. Please speak to your Destination Expert who can share with you the online form and assist in the completion of it if needed.

All guests visiting the Galapagos Islands are required to have medical travel insurance. Proof of insurance is required upon entry to the Galapagos Islands, and your insurance policy must be valid for the duration of your stay. Medical Travel Insurance can be purchased through Kensington Tours or independently. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

The mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card is included in your itinerary.

The mandatory Galapagos National Park entrance fee is included in your itinerary. Please Note: All Galapagos excursions are to be referenced as a guideline only - the route and program are subject to change according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and estimated wildlife encounters, etc. A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to and from the Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price. Fuel Surcharges are subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, gateway to the Galapagos, you will be greeted by a local representative and escorted to a lounge with restroom facilities, where you will have the opportunity to change into swimwear and apply sunscreen before transferring to the Itabaca Channel.

At Itabaca, explore the beautiful turquoise waters with your private guide while kayaking, snorkeling, or using a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Throughout the water activities, keep an eye out for iconic Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons, and white-tipped reef sharks, all amid red mangrove forests and dramatic lava rock cliffs. The clear waters also offer excellent opportunities to observe marine life in the shallows.

Single and double sit-on-top ocean kayaks and life jackets are provided. A support boat will accompany you throughout the water activities for added safety and provide water, snacks, and towels between activities. After an hour or two on the water, you will be transferred to your accommodations on Santa Cruz Island.

La Terraza at Ikala Galapagos Hotel is an inviting place to begin the day or unwind at sunset. Buffet breakfasts, private dinners, and al fresco dining showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients inspired by the islands. As evening falls, admire Puerto Ayora Bay and use the available binoculars to observe the moon and stars, creating a peaceful dining experience connected to the natural beauty of the Galapagos.

Depart from your hotel with your private guide and visit the farming area of El Cascajo to tour a traditional farm. Learn about the best practices of coffee bean and sugar cane cultivation and processing, highlighted by a visit to a handcrafted sugar cane mill and distillery where the farmers produce sugar cane liquor. After a nutritious lunch, make a stop to the legendary Charles Darwin Research Center, the central scientific research station in the Galapagos Islands. It is from these headquarters that the most sensitive conservation projects are being directed, and you’ll have the chance to learn about them first-hand. Walk through the core of the Research Center to find where giant tortoises are bred and to see where land iguanas are studied. Visit the station's new Interpretation Center, showcasing the works of local GalapagueÑos artists. Their pieces are full of creativity and details that reflect the wonder of these enchanted islands.

Evenings on Santa Cruz Island unfold at an easygoing pace. Stroll Puerto Ayora’s waterfront, browse local shops, or dine on fresh seafood at Isla Grill, Plaza del JardÍn, or Calle Charles Binford’s lively Los Kioskos market. Sample local brews at Santa Cruz Brewery, sip oceanfront cocktails at Bohemian or The Point by Midori, and watch the sunset from La Ratonera alongside marine iguanas and crabs.

Begin your day in Puerto Ayora with a short water taxi crossing to the opposite shore, where your exploration starts. Together with your private guide, follow a gently winding path of approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) leading to Las Grietas. This narrow volcanic canyon is framed by steep rock walls and filled with remarkably clear, still water, offering a refreshing place to swim or snorkel.

From here, continue on foot through a landscape of dry coastal vegetation for around 2.5 km (1.5 miles), arriving at the expansive shoreline of Tortuga Bay. Known for its soft white sand and open coastal views, it is one of the most scenic stretches in the islands. Walk a further 1 km (0.6 miles) along the beach to reach Playa Mansa, where the waters are calm and well-suited for kayaking.

Set out on a guided kayaking experience along the bay, taking in the surroundings from the water. At the end of your excursion, return to Puerto Ayora, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel on Santa Cruz Island to the Baltra Airport. The travel duration is 1-2 hours depending on the location of your hotel.

Upon arrival to Baltra, a group transfer awaits, for your transportation to the ship.

Welcome aboard!

Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and to explore the ship. Your expedition begins shortly.

This afternoon, start your adventure at Black Turtle Cove where you can find four species of mangrove in the extensive tidal lagoon system that stretches for almost a mile inland. During your panga ride through the labyrinth, you will spot many turtles, herons of several species, sharks and rays. The experience is otherworldly and seems to transport you back

to the beginning of time.

Today, explore Vicente Roca Point, a promontory with two protected turquoise coves on either side. One cove is only accessible from the sea via water-filled subterranean passages, making it a marine-only visitor site. This area offers incredible deep-water snorkeling thanks to its location at one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth. In this part of the Galapagos, the upwelling of cold water currents from the west provides an abundant food supply for marine species. Red-lipped batfish, sea horses, frogfish, nudibranchs, octopi, and sun fish all call the area home. Keep alert for sightings of dolphins, sea lions and tunas feeding here. In the afternoon, enjoy a dry landing at Espinosa Point. From here you can see Isabela Island across the Bolivar Channel. The largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. There’s also a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos Penguins, or the “king” of predators on the Islands, the Galapagos Hawk.

This morning, experience a wet landing at Urbina Bay, home to giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland, enjoy time to snorkel amid sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay also features a wide variety of plant life that changes depending on the season. Observe the beautiful colors of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. Explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from 1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano. Next, visit Tagus Cove to learn about the formation of Isabela Island. Walk to the salt-water Crater Lake and marvel at excellent views of lava fields. Take a dinghy ride along the shoreline to admire a variety of seabirds like the blue-footed booby, brown noddy, tern, flightless cormorant, and potentially Galapagos penguins. There will be time to snorkel here as well.

This morning leads to a wet landing at a beach of black volcanic sand. The Egas Port trail invites you to explore the best tidal pool areas in the Galapagos, populated by fur seals and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Snorkeling in this place is a highlight, with astounding marine wildlife, including marine iguanas grazing on algae beds, or perhaps get lucky and spot an octopus or squid. This afternoon, experience a wet landing at the visitor site of Sullivan Bay. Located at the southeastern portion of Santiago Island, the site features extensive lava flows believed to have been formed during the last quarter of the 19th century.

In the highlands of the Galapagos it is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as tree and

ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing

on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the Giant Tortoise reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone

and straight up into the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on 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. Enjoy an 1-1.5 hour stroll through the reserve amongst scores of Giant Tortoises roaming freely and take photos with these iconic creatures of the archipelago.

Disembark from your ship and bid farewell to the crew.

A coach awaits to transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight.

Board a flight on Baltra Island with service to Quito, connecting in Guayaquil (no change of plane required). Approximate flight duration is four hours total. Please note: Flight rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Transfer to Quito Airport with your private driver and an English-speaking guide.

Enjoy a free evening to follow your interests, whether you step out to explore or unwind at your hotel.

Depart on a short trip north of the city to visit latitude 0´0´0´. Here you will also visit the ItiÑan museum known as "The Trek of Sun" where you will be guided through the wonderful world of the Andean cosmovision, culture and traditions. Featuring didactic games that demonstrate how the laws of physic dictate the unique events that happen at the middle of the world, this museum reveals the influence that this imaginary line has on agriculture practices, as well as ancient ritualistic events which praised the Sun as the principal divinity. Be sure to bring your camera on this tour, you’ll have an opportunity to take a photograph with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern!

Experience the ultimate in creative fine dining with a decadent 7-course tasting menu at Zazu. A Relais & ChÂteaux designated restaurant, Zazu invites you on an incredible epicurean journey, where a progression of rare and beautiful ingredients takes center stage. Indulge in fish ceviche and foie gras presented like works of art amid simple but welcoming dÉcor. Chef Wilson Alpala creates contemporary cuisine with Latin American influences, transforming local ingredients into enticing, mouth-watering dishes. Tonight's elegant dining experience also includes private round-trip transfers and English-speaking assistance for added comfort and convenience.

Transfer to Quito Airport with your private driver and an English-speaking guide.

The Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, located in the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo” and surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. The Hotel is an official National Treasure and holds centuries of history within its walls. It was part of the original Solaris (original building sites) that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at the time of its foundation. Since then, revolutionary actors, historic figures, presidents and thinkers had passed through its patios and corridors. Enjoy the elegance and comfort that this Hotel Boutique offers, with its great arches, balconies and attics.

The Ikala Galapagos Hotel offers an experience made to impress. Surrounded by beautiful trees and lush gardens, the hotel invites you to unwind in one of the 15 spacious suites or 6 standard guest rooms. Take a refreshing dip in the open-air pool, indulge in delicious dishes in La Terraza Restaurant & Bar, or spend time exploring at your own pace with complimentary bicycle rentals. The Ikala Galapagos Hotel's use of solar energy, convenient location, and dedicated staff help make it an ideal choice when visiting Santa Cruz for a peaceful retreat or an adventure to remember.

Board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II, intimate sister yachts designed for a personalized Galapagos experience. With sleek, sophisticated styling, Coral I features 18 cabins and Coral II offers 10, each complemented by inviting indoor and outdoor spaces. Relax in the main lounge, browse the library, take in island views from the observation deck and roofed terrace, or unwind in the open-air Jacuzzi. In the evening, enjoy stargazing and Ecuadorian and international cuisine, including a special BBQ dinner under the stars on the Moon Deck.

Following a meticulous renovation, this antique Spanish-colonial house was resurrected and modernized into what is now Hotel Mama Cuchara. The property offers guests all the charisma of a historic hotel, the deeply individual charm of a boutique guesthouse and the effortless comforts, services and contemporary elegance of five star accommodations. Faithful to the Art Hotels brand concept, Hotel Mama Cuchara indulges the keen traveler with a private collection of art complemented by rotating exhibits of various Ecuadorian artists. For an artistic, creative approach to luxury hospitality in the impressive historic center of Quito – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – look no further than Hotel Mama Cuchara.