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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
29 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • We start our tour at the Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas. 
  • We fly from Quito to San Cristibal Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.
  • We also explore Plaza de Bolivar as well as Plaza de San Diego and Plaza de Santo Domingo.
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Sailing, Local Culture & Cuisine, Urban Exploration, Walking Tour
Other: Snorkeling, Rainforest, Waterfalls, Arts & Crafts, dugout canoe, Swimming, Volcanoes, Wildlife, amazon rainforest, World Heritage Sites, national parks, museums, cruise, flight, motor boat, Amazon, Local Culture
$7490USD
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Colombia, Ecuador & The Galapagos - Tour Length: 29 Days

It is highly unfortunate that Colombia has made a name for itself not for its incredible topographical diversity and splendour, its cultural charms or its myriad historic and natural attractions, but rather for its political strife and social unrest.
It is highly unfortunate that Colombia has made a name for itself not for its incredible topographical diversity and splendour, its cultural charms or its myriad historic and natural attractions, but rather for its political strife and social unrest. Times, however, are changing and as a result of considerable efforts to make the country more appealing, Colombia's well-publicized crime-rate is down and its domestic strife is in a consistent state of decrease. Indeed, travellers' aversion to Colombia as a result of its former reputation now serves the intrepid visitor well, since it means the opportunity to explore an unspoiled country still free from the negative effects of mass tourism. For the best part of a month, we discover this newly opened world and experience its innumerable bounties for ourselves. From the lively capital, Bogota, through colonial cities and coffee plantations, and on into Ecuador for a exploration of the Amazon, trek up the Avenue of the Volcanoes and expedition to the Galapagos Islands, we are spoiled for attraction and activity on this fun-packed, comprehensive tour. Beautiful cathedrals, historic sites -- including the routes taken by Simon Bolivar -- lush, green landscapes and regions of ecological significance number but a few of the highlights on the Colombia portion of our adventure. This is one destination that will be hard to say goodbye to.
Day 1: Arrival in Cartagena
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia.

Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, Cartagena de Indias was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas, which had impressive development in the 18th century as the de facto capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. Today Cartagena beautifully preserves its colonial character with the assistance of UNESCO as a listed World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.
Day 2: Cartagena: City Tour
Cartagena is undoubtedly one of Latin America's most beautiful cities, lost somewhere in time between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, with the Caribbean sea as a sparkling backdrop. Sir Francis Drake laid siege to the city but the fortress walls and cannons remain, making the area within the old walled city a living museum.

We start our tour at the Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas. The fort, which is on the way to the Old City, is the largest and strongest fortification the Spanish ever built in the colonies. From the fort, we head to the Old City, which is nearly encircled by walls that stand 4 m (12 ft) tall and are as thick as 18 m (60 ft) in some places. Their strength has preserved some fascinating colonial structures, many of which are situated around Plaza de Bolivar, a lovely, leafy plaza that contains an impressive statue of the liberator himself on horseback.

We stroll through the narrow shaded streets of the old walled city, where flowers cascade from overhanging wooden balconies. You'll find a photo opportunity at every corner. Peek into doorways to see the cool tiled patios hidden from other passersby. We also explore Plaza de Bolivar as well as Plaza de San Diego and Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Cartagena: Gold Museum & Leisure Time
This morning we visit the Gold Museum, an amazing and priceless national collection with interesting rooms that recreate the region's Amerindian ethnic groups. The "Strong Room" contains lovely gold jewelry, crafted in fine and exquisite detail, as well as other interesting pre-Colombian artifacts. Information is available in English providing explanations and visuals of the many fine displays found in this two story museum.

The balance of the day is free to enjoy and explore Cartagena. Later this afternoon, colonial carriages will pick us up at the hotel and take us for a very pleasant ride around the city. Our carriages will drop us at a very good restaurant for our evening meal.

Overnight in Cartagena. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Cartagena - Bogota
Today we fly to Bogota and transfer to our hotel.

Also known as Santa Fe de Bogota, or the 'Athens of the Americas' (owing to Bogotanos' reputation for politeness and civility), Bogota is set at an altitude of over 2600m (>8,000 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. Downtown Bogota is filled with shops, business offices, cafes, and the banking district -- an interesting area to stroll around.

Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Bogota: City Tour
Bogota's name comes from the Chibcha word 'Bacata.' Bacata was the territory of the zipa (overlord) of the Chibcha or Muisca Indian tribes that inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spaniards. Gonzalo Jimenez of Quesada was the first European to set foot in the lands of the Chibchas nation in 1538.

Most of the sights of the city are in the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria. Bogota is shaking off its unjust reputation as mad, bad and dangerous, and La Candelaria is the very heartbeat of this cultural and touristic renaissance. Our tour will take us around myriad streets in La Candelaria and into the vast Plaza de Bolivar. We will encounter some excellent examples of colonial architecture, such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia and San Bartolome College. We visit the Gold Museum, regarded as the finest collection of gold from pre-Hispanic times. It has some excellent, well laid out exhibitions and some explanations in English. On to the Botero Museum, home to some of Fernando Botero's finest pieces. Fernando Botero is the most widely recognized Colombian painter and sculptor.

In Candelaria there are many 'chocolaterias', where you can sample the famous Bogotano hot chocolate. Walking around La Candelaria streets, you will witness most traditions typical of 'old Bogota'.

Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Bogota - Salento
This morning we fly to Armenia and continue by road to our hotel near the town of Salento, located in the Cafetera, a charming region of rolling hillside carpeted with coffee bushes and plantations. The Cafetera is widely considered the heart and soul of Colombia -- its cultural epicentre. With every turn, spectacular panoramas emerge, from the rolling hillsides of fertile coffee plantations to plunging valleys and bold elevations. Campesino, or rural, life continues as it has done for centuries, with the cultivation and harvest of coffee, plantains (a type of banana) and many other fruits and vegetables.

Later we visit one of the small villages in the area, as well as the Butterfly House (mariposario), home to some one thousand five hundred butterflies from thirty different species. Walking around the six hundred species of plants and trees you will understand the diverse and rich ecology of Colombia.

Overnight near Salento. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Salento: Valle de Cocora
Today we visit Valle de Cocora to see the Palma de Cera growing on the green hillsides. The Palma de Cera (wax palm), grows abundantly along the hillsides, towering high and making for the rather strange but beautiful scenery. The Valle de Cocora belongs to Colombia's coffee region, a tourist destination of increasing popularity for its historical and ecological richness. Having shed years of isolation imposed by surrounding civil war and the central Andean range that marks its eastern limit, coffee country has become the heart of Colombia's nascent "rural tourism" industry that fuses history, ecology and know-your-roots national pride. We also visit a hacienda with an excellent array of Heliconia specimens.

We also visit the town of Salento, one of the oldest towns in the department of Quindio, and probably the smallest. In the colonial era, the main route from Popayan to Bogota travelled over the Quindio Pass, going through the current-day site of Salento. In 1830, Simon Bolivar travelled the route and, for its poor condition and strategic importance, ordered that it be upgraded. However, work did not start until 1842 after the Guerra de los Supremos. Political prisoners from that war were sent from Panama, Antioquia and Cauca to upgrade and maintain the road. After completing their sentences they were given a block of land in the region.

Overnight near Salento. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Eje Cafetera
Today we learn, step-by-step, everything about the coffee producing process, from cultivation to harvesting to cup. You can directly participate in the process; collecting the ripe beans from the trees, placing them in the sun to dry on bamboo stretchers, take part in the manual roasting process, grinding and final proper preparation.

The balance of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Also on the grounds of our hotel is The Canopy, a 2-kilometre track with seven stations, between which you to glide across the coffee plantations, bamboo stands and heliconias, at speeds of up to 80 km per hour! The Canopy is the highest and longest in Colombia (Optional activity, approximately $17, third-party general insurance included).

Overnight near Salento. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Salento - Villa de Leyva
Today we fly to Bogota and drive to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's colonial treasures and a popular place for those with enough wealth to buy a traditional house in the country. Villa de Leyva was declared a national monument in 1954. The cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, with their wood framed windows and balconies often straining under the weight of flower pots and plants, make for some excellent photographic opportunities.

We have a tour of the town and some of the main historical venues, including the Iglesia Parroquial, facing onto the plaza major. This plaza is reputed to be the largest town square in Colombia. There will always be time to meander the streets and find out for yourself what draws so many people to this little town.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Villa de Leyva: El Fossil & Muisca Observatory
Today we have a trip El Fossil and then onto the Muisca Observatory, both of which are located only a few kilometers from the town itself. Although now located in the Andes chain, Villa de Leyva was once deep below the ocean. When the Andean range rose it brought with it an abundance of fossils, including the 170 million year old Kronosauras, otherwise known as El Fossil. Also on display are a number of other fossils found around a very small area of Boyaca.

From the El Fossil Museum we make our way to Muisca Observatory, El Infierno, an astronomical observatory for the Muiscans and a place of worship, the observatory is home to thirty cylindrical stone monoliths. Muisca refers to a nation of the Chibchan Culture that formed the Muisca Confederation encountered by the Spanish at the time of the conquest of what is now part of central Colombia in 1537. The Muiscas used the observatory to plan planting seasons and harvests.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Villa de Leyva: Raquira & Monasteria de la Candelaria
From Villa de Leyva, our half-day trip to Raquira is the perfect opportunity to buy artisan goods and maybe learn how to make clay pots for which Raquira is so famous. Raquira is another pretty little town with colourful houses and an abundance of pottery, hammocks and sweet dulces. We will watch a short demonstration and have the opportunity to try your hand at making some pottery yourself.

We also visit the even smaller town of La Candelaria and its monastery, the Monasteria de la Candelaria, founded in 1660. We can take a tour with the monks.

In the afternoon we have time to relax in the main square, watch the world go by over a Colombian coffee. This evening we hope to have a traditional BBQ dinner and music.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Villa de Leyva - Catedral de Sal - Bogota
Today we drive back to Bogota via Zipaquira and the Catedral de Sal. This cathedral is an engineering feat under the earth's surface, part of the salt mines that date back from the Muisca period. It has been thoughtfully lit and enchanting music is piped through its internal spaces. Curving and twisting tunnels descend into the Roman Catholic church, passing 14 small chapels representing the stations of the cross, illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. Each station has a cross and several kneeling platforms carved into the salt structure.

Back in Bogota we take the cable car to Cerro Monserrate. Some amazing views can be had from this great vantage point. Monserrate is crowned with its easily recognizable church and is a place of pilgrimage due to its statue of Senor Caido, the fallen Christ.

Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13: Bogota, Colombia - Quito, Ecuador
Today we fly from Bogota to Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Overnight in Quito. Reina Isabel Hotel or similar. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Lodging Reina Isabel Hotel
Description All air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Reina Isabel feature parquet floors and a private terrace. They are equipped with satellite TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
Day 14: Quito - Amazon
Today we fly to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Sani Lodge, our preferred accommodation.*

SANI LODGE: We are met by an English speaking, naturalist guide and shuttled from the airport to a waiting motorized boat at the edge of the Napo River, where they will be given a light lunch. The Napo is the largest river in Ecuador and is a major tributary of the Amazon River. We motor comfortably down this river for about 3 hours before arriving to a small stream called Challuayacu where we will transfer to dugout canoes which are paddled into a lake for us, the Challuacocha, and right up to Sani Amazon Lodge a short distance away (about 30 min in the canoes). Between the massive Cuyabeno Reserve and the vast Yasuni National Park is a corridor of untouched rainforest where our lodge is located.

The lodge consists of thatch-roofed cabanas, each with a modern bathroom and shower (luke-warm water -- refreshing in the jungle heat!). The cabanas are spaciously designed for double occupancy, and have screened in windows to guard against insects while you sleep. Electric lights at the lodge run from ecologically friendly solar energy instead of a noisy generator so the night sounds will be pure and natural. Oil lamps are also provided for those who appreciate that rustic feel.

Please note that groups of fewer than 8 participants will not be accompanied by an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader for this Amazon portion (you will be very capably looked after by Sani Lodge staff & guides).

* THIS TOUR has changed since the printing of our general catalogue which featured an Amazon cruise. This section of the tour is now land-based.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 15: Amazon
You will experience a pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 beautiful butterflies. Guides with extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity can give guests the true experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. All of our jungle adventures will be guided by a bilingual, naturalist, as well as a knowledgeable native guide.

Today we sneak up on birds, amphibians and other Amazon wildlife from a stealthy canoe paddled by an expert native guide and notice the difference in rainforest vegetation which grows along and overtop of the river.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 16: Amazon
Today we enjoy a walk on the Golden Mantled Tamarin Trail. This trail is located on the south side of the Rio Napo and is a great way to appreciate the local variation in distribution and abundance in the Amazon rainforest. On this side of the Napo you will hike into the terra firma forest, and maybe get a chance to see unique ant bird species. Also, you might see 4 species of monkeys, which cannot be found to the north of the Napo including the magnificent monkey for which the trail is named.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 17: Amazon - Quito
Today we return by motorized boat (+/- 2 hours) to the city of Coca to catch our flight back to Quito.

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the cruise route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations.

Overnight in Quito. Reina Isabel Hotel or similar. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Lodging Reina Isabel Hotel
Description All air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Reina Isabel feature parquet floors and a private terrace. They are equipped with satellite TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
Day 18: Quito - Otavalo Valley - Ibarra
Today we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region.

In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics. Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy.

Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m / 7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed.

Overnight in Ibarra. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 19: Ibarra - Otavalo Market - Avenue of Volcanoes - La Cienega
This morning we visit Otavalo to experience the market. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music, and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square across the town.

We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (202 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures.

The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Lodging Hosteria La Cienega
Description "Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. "
Day 20: La Cienega - Banos
Today we continue our journey to Banos. This small town's elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. En route we have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl.

The word Banos means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passion-fruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Banos area.

Overnight in Banos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 21: Banos - Riobamba
After lunch in Banos we travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes. On arrival in Riobamba we will have a walking tour including the cathedral and the restored 1920's era Post Office, with free time for independent wanderings.

Overnight in Riobamba. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 22: Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - Quito
We depart Riobamba and head for Chimborazo Reserve for a scenic drive around the base of this almost perfectly-conical dormant volcano. Chimborazo (6310m / 20,833 ft), the highest summit in Ecuador, is the gem of the reserve along with the neighboring Carihuairazo Volcano. In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt made an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world. This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. The Reserve of Chimborazo was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region.

We will make several photo stops on our drive, and enjoy this starkly beautiful volcanic landscape. We have a chance to see a vicuna, an endangered species. Vicuna are the smallest of the Camelid family standing at just 2ft 8"-3ft 7" at the shoulder. They are extremely refined and delicate to look at, cinnamon in colour with an apron of long white hair on their chest. The vicuna produces one of the finest fibres of any animal in the world. We also visit an interesting indigenous community at the foot of the mountain where they have been successful in creating a responsible travel and tourism industry.

We continue north to Quito.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 23: Quito: City Tour
Today we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church, whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 24: Quito - The Galapagos / San Cristobal
This morning we fly from Quito to San Cristibal Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.*

An archipelago of 12 large and several hundred smaller volcanic islands occupying a 4800 sq km (3,000 sq mile) area about 1000 km (620 miles) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations. Over the course of your visit, you'll enjoy up-close views of unusual, specially-adapted animals, plants and terrains including sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, land and sea birds, volcanic landscapes, unusual cacti and vegetation. Little has changed about the islands since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 to "this little world within itself" inspired his first theories of evolution. Nearly the entire archipelago is a natural sanctuary where you'll have thrilling encounters with some of the world's last completely untamed wildlife that has never learned to fear the presence of humans.

We will be navigating the Galapagos on board the M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship totally converted in December 2001. The M/V Galapagos Legend has all-new passenger accommodations with 1800 sq m of social areas and was built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications. All cabins are booked in outside 'superior' class with plenty of space for luggage in the wardrobe closet (Junior Suite cabin upgrades available; view cabins on www.gogalapagos.com). Private bathrooms feature hot and cold water, shower, and a hair dryer. Also aboard, a highly trained crew, 24 hour physician, and naturalist multilingual guides. An auditorium for conferences, spacious social areas, dining room, 24 hour coffee bar, swimming pool and sun decks, observation platforms, cocktail bars, long distance calls, fully air-conditioned.

Upon arrival on San Cristobal, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for the Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill on San Cristobal (dry landing).

Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galapagos Islands. Passengers visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about Natural History in the Galapagos. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands.

The Tijeretas Hill optional activity involves a high intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a
magnificent view at the foot of a frigatebird nesting colony.

Return to ship for passenger welcome and briefing; there is a presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced.

Free time on board. After dinner a guide's briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.

PLEASE NOTE: You may visit www.gogalapagos.com for more information on the cruise and vessel. Most of our trips will be doing itinerary "D" -- exceptions are P29 & P30 in Oct 2012, and tour codes EQ, EP & PQ in October only when the cruise will do itinerary "B." 2013 TBA.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging M/V Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 25: Galapagos Cruise / Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn islets (Espanola)
Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin's finches: a subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of Galapagos marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes followed by lunch.

PM - Dry landing. An island of geological interest, we explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Espanola mockingbird, Nazca Boobies and the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed Gulls and the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December). Admire the island's dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water some 23 m (75 ft) in the air.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 26: Galapagos Cruise / Post Office & Cormorant Point (Floreana)
Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay is so-named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them to their destinations. Today, our visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel that should reach their destinations for free. It can take weeks, months, even years, not arrive at all, or even arrive before you!

We may also encounter Darwin's finches, Yellow Warbler and lava lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles as well, this island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus, and Galapagos milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Lunch.

PM - Cormorant Point (Floreana). Wet landing on an olivine green sand beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white-sand beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach one can spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 27: Galapagos Cruise / El Garrapatero & Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
El Garrapatero is a wide bay with multiple sandy beaches. Behind the beach is an area with a fresh water lake where you can come across pink flamingos, herons, mockingbirds, White-cheeked Pintail ducks, sally lightfoot crabs, oystercatchers and occasionally marine iguanas can be found.

PM - Dry landing. We visit the Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place and you will have the opportunity to meet Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species and symbol of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment. It is an excellent place for visitors to be photographed with them. Admire a prickly-pear cactus forest and a variety Darwin's finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to communities and schools within the islands, and to tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will also have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 28: Galapagos / Daphne - Quito
We circumnavigate the islet of Daphne, an eroded tuff cone formation that was created by successive volcanic activity, for an opportunity to see Darwin's finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Brown Noddies.

Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out* and depart to the airport for our flight to Quito (via a stop in Guayaquil).

* PLEASE NOTE: As an exception to our general policy regarding the inclusion of tips in our tour pricing, gratuities for the ship's crew are NOT included in tour price. (We have found that trying to pre-pay tips on your behalf is not practical, for a number of reasons). Accordingly, we suggest that you allow approximately USD 50 total per passenger for satisfactory service.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 29: Departure
Departure from Quito. BUEN VIAJE! Meal plan: Breakfast.
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants); all meals on cruise.
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary, including Galapagos park entry fee.
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, Amazon cruise crew (only), porters (if available).
  • Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Tour Leader gratuity, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).
  • Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
  • Tips are not included for Galapagos crew (approx USD 50 per person).
  • Optional trip cancellation insurance.
  • Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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