As of May 1st, 2018, all guests visiting Ecuador are required to have medical travel insurance. Proof of insurance is required upon entry to Ecuador, and your insurance policy must be valid for the duration of your stay in the country. Medical insurance can be purchased through Kensington Tours or independently. Please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

Develop new culinary skills on this private tour where you will learn the secrets behind preparing delicious and traditional Ecuadorian dishes, complimented by an artisanal chocolate sampling. All of the ingredients necessary for this activity will be set up and waiting for you upon arrival to the cooking course, which takes place in the private cellar of Hotel Patio Andaluz. With the assistance of the chef at El Rincon de Cantuna, Hotel Patio Andaluz's upmarket restaurant, discover techniques you will be able to utilize to impressive friends and family long after you have returned home from Ecuador. After enjoying the fruits of your labor, rest and enjoy a sampling of locally prepared (and mouth-watering) chocolate. Following the cooking course and chocolate tasting, you will be returned to your hotel.

Enjoy a guided tour of Colonial Quito and discover the Middle of the World. Begin the day by touring through the streets and main squares of Quito’s historic center – the first city in the world to be declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing the city’s unique architectural and artistic achievements which have been masterfully preserved and left relatively unaltered through the centuries – on this private guided tour. You’ll visit the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo which exhibits some of the finest architectural and religious art in the city and have the opportunity to see first-hand the beauty of the Convent and the Chapels of El Rosario and Pompeya, whose walls and columns are decorated in gold and showcase revered flora and anthropomorphic figures. Please note that when it is raining, the floors of Santo Domingo Church and Convent are quite slippery; please ensure you have appropriate footwear. After this unique experience you will have lunch at a typical Ecuadorian restaurant (included), then set out on a short trip north of the city to visit latitude 0´0´0´. Here you will 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. Be sure to bring your camera on this fantastic tour; on top of the stunning architecture, you’ll also 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.

Accompanied by your professional driver and private guide, depart Quito to visit an Andean hacienda. Surrounded by a spectacular landscape that climbs in altitude, make a stop at Los Fallones del Isco, a wall of rocks where Andean Condors live and are regularly spotted. Here you'll find endemic flora, including the chuquiragua, or the flower of the climbers. This place is home of many kinds of birds include guarros, blackbirds, partridges, turtledoves, curiquingues, and sparrow hawks. Witness rivers of petrified lava rising from the gorge which have resulted in the formation of lakes replete with trout. Spend the remainder of your day in and around an Andean hacienda where you will enjoy a three-course lunch before having the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape. This full-day adventure concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

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.

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.

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

Along with other cruise guests, board a shared transfer to the airport.

Board a scheduled flight to Baltra via Guayaquil. Approximate duration is 3.5 hours.

A shared transfer will take you straight to the port to board your awaiting vessel.

Discover Baltra, the center of GalÁpagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific, where you’ll be welcomed by your naturalist staff as you begin exploring the islands.

The National Geographic Delfina offers exceptional onboard facilities to enhance your Galapagos expedition. Accommodating up to 16 guests in eight spacious, air-conditioned staterooms adorned with polished wood decor, the ship ensures an intimate and comfortable experience. The Delfina's three-deck design includes indoor and outdoor dining areas, allowing guests to savor gourmet meals while enjoying panoramic island views. The indoor lounge and bar serve as cozy venues for relaxation and naturalist briefings. On the open-air Observation Deck, guests can enjoy 360-degree views, a shaded relaxation area, a whirlpool hot tub, and comfortable lounge chairs, perfect for wildlife observation and stargazing.

Your voyage aboard the National Geographic Delfina is designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience. All onboard meals are included, featuring diverse cuisine options prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Complimentary beverages, including unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, are available throughout the journey. Daily excursions, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and guided hikes, are included, offering immersive experiences with the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. Additionally, onboard presentations and briefings enrich your understanding of the region's natural history and conservation efforts.

Expeditions include visits to a careful selection of diverse islands. No two days are alike. Each itinerary offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to GalÁpagos National Park regulations. Some potential visits for today are North Seymour Island and BartolomÉ Island.

On North Seymour, follow coastal trails past playful GalÁpagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance, and prehistoric-looking land iguanas feed on cactus. If visiting BartolomÉ, climb to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for panoramic views, then swim and snorkel from the beach, keeping watch for GalÁpagos penguins along the shore.

Some potential visits for today are Santiago Island and Isabela Island.

On Santiago, explore tide pools and search for GalÁpagos fur seals resting in sheltered grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard along the island’s striking coast, and stroll through an enchanting coastal forest once explored by Charles Darwin. If stopping at Isabela, cross the Equator at VolcÁn Ecuador, the northernmost of the island’s great shield volcanoes. Watch for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and ocean sunfish, and spend time along the dramatically eroded volcanic shoreline where wildlife abounds.

Some potential visits for today are Fernandina Island and EspaÑola Island.

On Fernandina, hike across recent lava flows at one of the world’s most active oceanic volcanoes. Watch for flightless cormorants, GalÁpagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas basking along the shore. If stopping at EspaÑola, visit Punta SuÁrez to see Nazca boobies, EspaÑola mockingbirds, and, seasonally, the world’s only colony of waved albatross. At Gardner Bay, relax on white sand beaches with playful sea lions or snorkel in clear waters teeming with marine life.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the GalÁpagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Some potential visits for today are Santiago Island and Genovesa Island.

On Santiago, explore tide pools and look for fur seals tucked into basalt grottos. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along a rugged, volcanic coast once explored by Charles Darwin. If stopping at Genovesa, sail into a flooded caldera alive with over a million seabirds. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps for encounters with Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, gulls, and owls. Waters here are rich with sea lions, fur seals, and, occasionally, hammerhead sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Some potential visits for today are San CristÓbal Island and nearby islets. On San CristÓbal, stroll along a pristine white-sand beach framed by the towering cliffs of Kicker Rock. In the town of Baquerizo Moreno, watch sea lions lounging on benches, docks, and waterfront promenades, thriving in the heart of island life.

As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. Say farewell to your wonderful crew and naturalist guides as you disembark at Baltra Island.

A shared transfer will take you from the port to the airport.

Board a flight back to Quito, via Guayaquil. Approximate duration is 4 hours.

Along with other cruise guests, board a shared transfer to to your hotel in Quito.

Board a shared transfer to the airport in Quito.

Casa Gangotena is a beautifully restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Quito’s Old Town. This elegant three-story property offers a collection of guest rooms that blend contemporary design with antique touches, fine furnishings, and modern comforts, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere.

Intimate yet sophisticated, the hotel retains the feel of a private residence while offering the thoughtful services and amenities expected by today’s travellers. Guests are invited to unwind or explore its beautifully appointed spaces, from the dining room and glass-enclosed patio to the fragrant garden, wood-panelled library, and panoramic rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the historic center.

As the only Relais & ChÂteaux property in Quito and recognized as the city’s first Michelin Key destination, Casa Gangotena stands as one of Ecuador’s most distinguished boutique hotels.

Pre-cruise accommodation in Quito is provided by Lindblad Expeditions, and will include all the essential amenities to make your stay comfortable.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions welcomes the newest and most intimate addition to the Galapagos fleet, National Geographic Delfina. Setting sail in early 2025, this sleek, contemporary vessel is a luxury catamaran designed for cruising the Galapagos Islands in style and stable comfort. The open-air Observation Deck, which provides 360-degree views, has a shaded area for relaxation, a whirlpool hot tub, and lounge chairs to take in your surroundings. On the wrap-around Upper Deck, dine al fresco at the stern and enjoy spectacular island views from the bow as you watch for dolphins, whales, and other dazzling marine life. The dining room, bar, and cozy lounge with library are on the Main Deck, which is also the boarding area and marina.

Post-cruise accommodation in Quito is provided by Lindblad Expeditions, and will include all the essential amenities to make your stay comfortable.