Home > Independent Tours >
Gems of Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
416-915-2516
| 1-800-228-6902 |
|||||||||
 |
Newsletter | |
Reservations | |
About Us | |
Contact Us | ||
| Gems of Ecuador & Galapagos Islands | ||
This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a 7 night luxury cruise of the Galapagos Islands and a privately guided tour of Quito.
Itinerary (11 days/10 nights)
DAY ONE: QUITO
You will be met by your driver for the private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY TWO: QUITO
Privately guided tour of Quito (4.5 hours). A visit to downtown Quito to experience this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum , which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY THREE: QUITO - GALAPAGOS
Transfer between hotel and airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, that allows visitors to obtain information for a better understanding of the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Transfer to board La Pinta. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.
Overnight on La Pinta.
Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar for a cocktail offered by the Captain and a review of the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY FOUR: GALAPAGOS
North Seymour Island
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration.
Guy Fawkes and Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island) Guy Fawkes is a group of four small islets, remains of eroded tuff cones, two of which still show their crescent face protected to the leeward side. Fantastic locations to enjoy the marine reserve, including Galápagos sharks, turtles and sea horses along with myriads of reef fish. Afterwards, explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY FIVE: GALAPAGOS
Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY SIX: GALAPAGOS
Punta Moreno (Isabela [Albemarle] Island)
Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava.A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the national Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY SEVEN: GALAPAGOS
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation andthe National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY EIGHT: GALAPAGOS
Bartolomé Island
A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board.
Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. The day can end with a rewardingstroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY NINE: GALAPAGOS
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelingin this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Punta Suárez (Española Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY TEN: GALAPAGOS - QUITO
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer between airport and hotel.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY ELEVEN: RETURN HOME
Private transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
DAY ONE: QUITO
You will be met by your driver for the private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY TWO: QUITO
Privately guided tour of Quito (4.5 hours). A visit to downtown Quito to experience this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum , which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador. Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs. You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY THREE: QUITO - GALAPAGOS
Transfer between hotel and airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, that allows visitors to obtain information for a better understanding of the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Transfer to board La Pinta. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.
Overnight on La Pinta.
Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar for a cocktail offered by the Captain and a review of the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY FOUR: GALAPAGOS
North Seymour Island
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration.
Guy Fawkes and Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island) Guy Fawkes is a group of four small islets, remains of eroded tuff cones, two of which still show their crescent face protected to the leeward side. Fantastic locations to enjoy the marine reserve, including Galápagos sharks, turtles and sea horses along with myriads of reef fish. Afterwards, explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY FIVE: GALAPAGOS
Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY SIX: GALAPAGOS
Punta Moreno (Isabela [Albemarle] Island)
Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava.A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the national Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY SEVEN: GALAPAGOS
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation andthe National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY EIGHT: GALAPAGOS
Bartolomé Island
A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board.
Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. The day can end with a rewardingstroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY NINE: GALAPAGOS
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelingin this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Punta Suárez (Española Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.
Overnight on La Pinta.
DAY TEN: GALAPAGOS - QUITO
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal [Chatham] Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer between airport and hotel.
Overnight in Quito.
DAY ELEVEN: RETURN HOME
Private transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
NOTE:
Itinerary is a guide only. Our route and program varies according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and the wildlife we encounter.
What's Included
- 3 nights hotel in Quito including daily breakfast
- Private airport transfers (for international flight arrival/departure)
- Privately guided tour of Quito
- Flight Quito-San Cristobal-Quito
- 7 nights cruise on La Pinta
- All meals on La Pinta
- Cruise fuel surcharge
- National park entrance fee and tourist card
FAQ
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Dates & Land Only Prices
Dates
Weekly departures are available.
Wednesday arrival in Quito is required.
Land Only Prices
$5,745.00 to $5,945.00 USD per person, double occupancy
NOTE: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
Ship Information
La Pinta has been designed for the ultimate luxurious
expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands.
The 63-meter (207-foot) yacht accommodates 32 guests.
A full week discovery trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard La
Pinta allows encounters with unique fauna, like the famous giant Galapagos
tortoises in the wild, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, penguins, blue-footed boobies and the famous Darwin’s finches.
After intense days of wildlife exploration, La Pinta provides a
haven of relaxation and tranquility with tastefully appointed accommodations
and all the facilities for a stylish yet informal ambiance.
