dossier

Cruising the Galapagos

WHERE YOU STAY - DAY BY DAY

Patio Andaluz  AAAA
Quito, Days 1,2,3

Day 1   Arrive in Quito

We meet you at the airport and take you to your central hotel (30mins) – home for the next three nights.

Day 2    Pululahua & the Centro Historico

Today we visit the Ethnographic Museum straddling the Equator – you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Nearby we explore the orchid reserve of Pululahua volcano. After lunch we return to Quito and tour spectacular golden churches in the cobbled Centro Historico.

Day 3   Otavalo Market

A drive north to Otavalo (2hrs) – a daily craft market ablaze with colorful tapestries. After browsing we enjoy a hacienda lunch, after which we meet locals weaving intricate patterns on Spanish looms in Peguche village, and see traditional instruments hand crafted by musician José Luis Fichamba.

Day 4   Depart for Baltra

We land on Baltra Island, and after lunch on board vist North Seymour for our first close encounters with basking lava lizards and Nazca boobies, who punch into clear water like dive-bombers, emerging with struggling silvery fish.

The Santa Cruz ****
Cruising around the islands Days 4-13 inclusive

Day 5   Isabela and Fernandina

Cruise past coastal colonies of flightless cormorants, then snorkel with curious fur seals and Galapagos penguins! Our next landing is on Fernandina's newest lava, within touching distance of jet-black marine iguanas grazing on emerald greeen algae.

Day 6  Tagus Cover and Urbina Bay

We anchor in Tagus Cove, a shelter for pirates and whalers for centuries - you can even see their old graffiti on the cliffs! We stroll to a hilltop abovve Darwin Crater for bay and ocean views. This afternoon, spoit giant tortoises dozing in the shade in Urbina Bay, where shells and corals forced up from the sea floor by volcanic activity bask in the sun.

Day 7   Puerto Ayora and Santa Cruz Island

Today we learn about conservation with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. After lunch we head for the highlands spotting scarlet and emerald vermillion flycatchers, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat!

Day 8   Floreana Island

Post Office Bay was a mail drop in ships crossing the Pacific in the C19! Narrow coastal channels teem with rays, turtles and sea lions as we approach, before a walk to Baroness Tower viewpoint. We explore a coral beach and lagoon at Cormorant Point, home to flamingo, heron and sandpiper

Day 9   Baltra and Las Bachas

Relax in the top deck jacuzzi or browse the library at leisure as the boat replensihes stores before we visit Las Bachas. This glorious crushed coral beach is home to Pacific Green sea turles and several rusting US military barges abandoned in WW2. You'll spot stilts roaming brackish lagoons behind the beach.

Day 10   James Island

Thousands of wild goats, introduced by C18 sailors, used to roam James' Island. We anchor in Buccaneer Cove, full of rock formations and caves perfect for snorkelling to spot colorful parrotfish. On our walk at Puerto Egas we stroll past barking sea lion colonies on layers of solidified black lavea.

Day 11   Rabida and Bartolome Islands

Rabida beach is washed red, due to the high iron content in the crushed coral sand. This island is just 2 miles square - you can meet fearless local mockingbirds who may even hop on your knee to say hello!

Day 12   Genovesa Island

Prince Philip's Steps lead up to a flat plateau on Genovesa - a trail winds through colonies of endearingly dopey red-footed boobies and great frigate birds less than a meter away from you! This afternoon, Darwin Bay is a great spot for a final snorkel, swim, or coastal stroll.

Day 13    Depart from San Cristobal

A transfer takes you from the dock to the aiport for your flight back to Guayaquil on the mainland. A private guide meets you in Guayaquil for a final tour of the boardwalk, gardens and historic Las Penas art district before heading back to the airport for your flight home.

Note: The order of the itinerary may vary according to your arrival day, however the overall content will not be affected.

WALKING DETAILS

Walks on this holiday are short and undemanding, but terrain underfoot can be rocky and uneven in places. Walking shoes or light boots are recommended.
For extra nights we recommend Guayaquil or Quito.

City add ons can be arranged in Guayaquil and Quito.