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HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

8 DAYS

COMFORT

STYLE

LANGUAGE

RATING

Guided colonial Quito tour
Four-night luxury Galapagos cruise
Exciting guided shore excursions
Snorkelling with sea lions!
Darwin Research Station visit

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:	Sailing, Walking Tour
Other:	Snorkeling, hike, Historical Sites, Swimming, Volcanoes, Urban Exploration, World Heritage Sites, national parks, museums, flight, churches

$3190USD

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Ecuador's Galapagos Islands

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TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS

A special treat before we set sail to marvel at the ecological wonderlands of the Galapagos Islands, we take time to discover some man-made marvels with thorough exploration of Quito, Ecuador's bustling capital city. Boasting attractive colonial architecture, spectacular centuries-old cathedrals with beautifully ornate facades and majestic palaces, Quito emanates an old-world grandeur, but is simultaneously as vibrant and exciting as any city anywhere in the world. As our comfortable cruising vessel navigates its leisurely course between the magical lands of the Galapagos Islands, we find an archipelago comprised of wholly unique natural environments and each island is truly a world unto itself. A trip to the Galapagos is not a sightseeing expedition so much as it is an interactive journey with nature; only here can travellers get up-close and personal with hundreds of species of wildlife that have evolved in complete isolation and have therefore never learned to fear humans. Remarkable volcanic landscapes bring a lunar ambiance to this special destination that has hardly changed since the days of Charles Darwin and the many giant tortoises, land iguanas, lava lizards, flightless cormorants, penguins and sea lions constitute just a scant few of the innumerable wildlife highlights along the way.

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Arrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.

Day 2: 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 3: Quito - The Galapagos / Baltra & Bartolome Islands

This morning we fly from Quito to Baltra 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. 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 Baltra Island, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for Bartolome Island and a dry landing (passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock). Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a hike to the summit, aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the islands, including Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find red mangroves and tequila cacti.

You will have free time for snorkelling and / or swimming from a beautiful sandy beach. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March), and docile white-tipped sharks.

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.

* The operators reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and change the order of the places to be visited or move reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather conditions or 'force majeur' which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands' conservation. We may also substitute vessels due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.

Please Note: Due to adjustment of park policies and landing schedules, this cruise itinerary will change for departures after January 2012.

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 4: Galapagos Cruise / Fernandina & Isabela Islands

Buffet Breakfast.

Urbina Bay (Isabela): Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass. After a wet landing (passengers alight the tender into knee deep water with the assistance of crew) passengers will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way, depending on the season, it will be possible to observe many endemic species, such as: giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.

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

Fernandina (Espinosa Point): After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs. They will also enjoy the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA". Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.

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 5: Galapagos Cruise / Santiago Island

Buffet Breakfast

Santiago (Egas Port): After cruising through the Bolivar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we take a Panga ride and disembark to visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. We go for a medium-length walk in search of land iguanas, orange-yellow in colour with large spines along their backs, as well as Flamingos and Oysterscatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers.

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

Rabida (Jervis): We have a wet landing at the dark red-coloured beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.

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 6: Galapagos Cruise / Santa Cruz Island

This morning we have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises, part of the breeding program. Travellers can also admire the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs. Lunch.

Santa Cruz (Highlands): You will have an option is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passengers will visit Cerro Chato. On this visit, you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, travellers can walk in dormant lava tubes. Free time on the island.

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 7: Galapagos / Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands - Quito

We arrive at Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island for a wet landing. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. Passengers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from this white sand beach.

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 8: Departure

Departure from Quito.

Buen Viaje! Meal plan: Breakfast.

TRIP INCLUDES

Breakfast and dinner in Quito, all meals on board ship.
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, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance.
Tips for ship's crew are NOT included (allow USD 50 per person).
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and local departure taxes.

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!

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        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Ecuador's Galapagos Islands</h1>
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    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; color: #928164;">A special treat before we set sail to marvel at the ecological wonderlands of the Galapagos Islands, we take time to discover some man-made marvels with thorough exploration of Quito, Ecuador's bustling capital city.</div>

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                                    <div style="font-family: 'alice'; font-size: 18px; color: #7a9ebf; padding-top: 10px;">8 <span style="font-size: 10px;">DAYS</span></div>
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                                        <span style="display: inline-block;" class="sprite_icons icn_style_luxury btnStyleClass" data-hover="<b>Luxury Travel</b> – Have you ever wanted to take a private jet world tour or fly into a Botswana safari
                                      camp? Travel to far off places in comfort and style with these unique, 5-star travel experiences
                                      that will deliver an entirely personalized and unforgettable vacation."></span>
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                            <ul><li>Guided colonial Quito tour<li>Four-night luxury Galapagos cruise<li>Exciting guided shore excursions<li>Snorkelling with sea lions!<li>Darwin Research Station visit</li></li></li></li></li></ul>
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                        <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: #604c3d; text-align: center;">ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP</div>
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                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Sailing/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Sailing</a>, <a href="/search/for/Walking%20Tour/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Walking Tour</a></td>
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                                <td><a href="/search/for/Snorkeling/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Snorkeling</a>, <a href="/search/for/hike/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">hike</a>, <a href="/search/for/Historical%20Sites/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Historical Sites</a>, <a href="/search/for/Swimming/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Swimming</a>, <a href="/search/for/Volcanoes/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Volcanoes</a>, <a href="/search/for/Urban%20Exploration/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Urban Exploration</a>, <a href="/search/for/World%20Heritage%20Sites/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">World Heritage Sites</a>, <a href="/search/for/national%20parks/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">national parks</a>, <a href="/search/for/museums/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">museums</a>, <a href="/search/for/flight/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">flight</a>, <a href="/search/for/churches/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">churches</a></td>
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                                        Day 1: Arrive in Quito
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                                        <div>Arrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.</div>
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                                        Day 2: Quito: City Tour
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                                        <div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Please Note: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.</div>
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                                        Day 3: Quito - The Galapagos / Baltra & Bartolome Islands 
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                                        <div>This morning we fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.*</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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. 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.</div><div><br></div><div>Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for Bartolome Island and a dry landing (passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock). Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a hike to the summit, aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the islands, including Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find red mangroves and tequila cacti.</div><div><br></div><div>You will have free time for snorkelling and / or swimming from a beautiful sandy beach. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March), and docile white-tipped sharks.</div><div><br></div><div>Return to ship for passenger welcome and briefing; there is a presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced.</div><div><br></div><div>Free time on board. After dinner a guide's briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.</div><div><br></div><div>* The operators reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and change the order of the places to be visited or move reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather conditions or 'force majeur' which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands' conservation. We may also substitute vessels due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.</div><div><br></div><div>Please Note: Due to adjustment of park policies and landing schedules, this cruise itinerary will change for departures after January 2012. </div><div><br></div><div>Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.</div>
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                                                    <td valign="top">Lodging</td>
                                                    
                                                    <td valign="top"><a style="color: #3D6287;" target="_blank" href="http://www.galapagoslegend.com.ec/ "><b> M/V Galapagos Legend</b></a></td>
                                                    
                                                </tr>
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Description</td>
                                                    <td valign="top">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.
</td>
                                                </tr>
                                                </table>
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                                        Day 4: Galapagos Cruise / Fernandina & Isabela Islands
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                                        <div>Buffet Breakfast.</div><div><br></div><div>Urbina Bay (Isabela): Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass. After a wet landing (passengers alight the tender into knee deep water with the assistance of crew) passengers will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way, depending on the season, it will be possible to observe many endemic species, such as: giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.</div><div><br></div><div>Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes followed by lunch.</div><div><br></div><div>Fernandina (Espinosa Point): After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs. They will also enjoy the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA". Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.</div><div><br></div><div>Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.</div>
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                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Lodging</td>
                                                    
                                                    <td valign="top"><a style="color: #3D6287;" target="_blank" href="http://www.galapagoslegend.com.ec/ "><b>MV Galapagos Legend </b></a></td>
                                                    
                                                </tr>
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Description</td>
                                                    <td valign="top">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.
</td>
                                                </tr>
                                                </table>
                                            </div>
                                    
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                                        Day 5: Galapagos Cruise / Santiago Island
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                                        <div>Buffet Breakfast</div><div><br></div><div>Santiago (Egas Port): After cruising through the Bolivar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we take a Panga ride and disembark to visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. We go for a medium-length walk in search of land iguanas, orange-yellow in colour with large spines along their backs, as well as Flamingos and Oysterscatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers.</div><div><br></div><div>Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Lunch.</div><div><br></div><div>Rabida (Jervis): We have a wet landing at the dark red-coloured beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.</div><div><br></div><div>Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.</div>
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                                                <table cellpadding="5">
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Lodging</td>
                                                    
                                                    <td valign="top"><a style="color: #3D6287;" target="_blank" href="http://www.galapagoslegend.com.ec/ "><b>MV Galapagos Legend </b></a></td>
                                                    
                                                </tr>
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Description</td>
                                                    <td valign="top">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.
</td>
                                                </tr>
                                                </table>
                                            </div>
                                    
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                                        Day 6: Galapagos Cruise / Santa Cruz Island
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                                        <div>This morning we have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises, part of the breeding program. Travellers can also admire the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs. Lunch.</div><div><br></div><div>Santa Cruz (Highlands): You will have an option is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passengers will visit Cerro Chato. On this visit, you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, travellers can walk in dormant lava tubes. Free time on the island.</div><div><br></div><div>Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.</div>
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                                                <table cellpadding="5">
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Lodging</td>
                                                    
                                                    <td valign="top"><a style="color: #3D6287;" target="_blank" href="http://www.galapagoslegend.com.ec/ "><b>MV Galapagos Legend </b></a></td>
                                                    
                                                </tr>
                                                <tr>
                                                    <td valign="top">Description</td>
                                                    <td valign="top">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.
</td>
                                                </tr>
                                                </table>
                                            </div>
                                    
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	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
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                                        Day 7: Galapagos / Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands - Quito
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                                        <div>We arrive at Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island for a wet landing. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. Passengers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from this white sand beach.</div><div><br></div><div>Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out* and depart to the airport for our flight to Quito (via a stop in Guayaquil).</div><div><br></div><div>*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.</div><div><br></div><div>Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.</div>
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                                        Day 8: Departure
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                                        Departure from Quito. <div><br></div><div>Buen Viaje! Meal plan: Breakfast.</div>
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Customize your message:	Checkout this awesome trip: Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. A special treat before we set sail to marvel at the ecological wonderlands of the Galapagos Islands, we take time to discover some man-made marvels with thorough exploration of Quito, Ecuador's bustling capital city. Check it out here: http://www.adventurelink.com/trip/58492/ecuadors-galapagos-islands

Ecuador's Galapagos Islands

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