Insider Galapagos

Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.  Stay in a unique heritage boutique hotel located in La Ronda, a traditional neighbourhood in the historic colonial quarter.

Quito is also affectionately known as La Carita de Dios (The Little Face of God) because of the high number of skillfully ornamented colonial churches and monasteries. Many of these are also recognized to be amongst the finest colonial buildings of South America. Its lively cobblestone squares and narrow streets are lined with the monumental façades of recently restored neoclassical mansions.
 
Visit the colonial quarter with its narrow cobbled streets, beautiful squares and extraordinary colonial architecture.  Highlights include the Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, San Francisco church and La Compañia de Jesus church, regarded as the finest church in Quito and one of the most ornate religious buildings in Ecuador.  
 
In addition to enjoying the architectural points of interest, you will also get the opportunity to taste some traditional local treats such as: Ecuadorian tamales (hearty corn pies filled with stewed chicken or beef and wrapped in achira leaves), quimbolitos (delicate corn cakes wrapped in achira leaves) and humitas (pounded corn cakes wrapped in corn husk) make for great dishes to eat along with an aromatic cup of coffee.
 
Your Quito experience finishes with a visit to the 3,016m high hill which offers exceptional panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes. The impressive statue sitting at the top is a 41m steel replica of Quito’s Madonna, known as the Winged Virgin. (B)

Transfer to the airport and fly to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the M/Y Solaris for your four-night Galapagos cruise. 
 
You'll head to the Interpretation Centre, located in the provincial capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The detailed exhibition provides an insight to the volcanic formation of the archipelago, its marine currents, particular climate and the arrival and evolution of different species. (B)(L)(D)

GARDENER BAY (ESPANOLA)

On the north eastern coast of the island of Espanola, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire the large number of colourful reef fish. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel side by side with green sea turtles, or to enjoy the proximity of the playful Galapagos sea lion. The white sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. In the crystal-clear ocean, sometimes whales can be sighted under certain circumstances.

SUAREZ POINT (ESPANOLA)

This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago. The endangered Galapagos albatross returns to Espanola (March - December) annually. This allows visitors to admire the balances of pipes and bows (especially in October). Blue footed and Nazca boobies, black tailed gulls and red billed tropic birds are native to this island. Along the southern coast, high cliffs allow spectacular views of ascending birds and the sea water shot through air holes. (B)(L)(D)

PUNTA CORMORANT & CHAMPION ISLET (FLOREANA)

The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which was formed by a number of smaller volcanic cones, covered with tropical dry forest (palo santo). At the landing beach, you'll be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion-colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The 'flour sand beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand that feels very smooth on your feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love burying themselves in the sandy bottom. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs.



POST OFFICE BAY (FLOREANA)

While having lunch we will navigate back to Post Office Bay (about 1hr). Post your holiday greetings in the historical barrel, one of three nearby visitors sites on Floreanas north coast (short displacement, wet landing) and relax. Besides Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles and golden cownose rays you might spot Galapagos penguins! This is the only place in the south eastern archipelago where penguins reside. Explore by inflatable dinghy, or in your own pace by sea kayak, another submerged crater rim around the bay of Baroness Lookout. Climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisaical coastal views. (B)(L)(D)

SULLIVAN BAY (SANTIAGO)

The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular amongst photographers, still offers a lot to see. There is even some life! Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oyster catchers.

BARTOLOME

The island of Bartolome rises 114m above Sullivan Bay. Climb the steps of the Bartolome Peak Trail and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over volcanic peaks, lunar craters and lava fields. Afterwards you can refresh yourself at the foot of the famous "Pinnacle Rock" and explore the underwater world in the shallow water while snorkelling. Although there is little vegetation on this island, it has two breathtaking beaches, where sea turtles live. At the foot of the mountain you can also discover a small colony of Galapagos penguins. (B)(L)(D) 

BLACK TURTLE COVE (SANTA CRUZ)

This small bay is located on the north side of the island of Santa Cruz and offers a unique backdrop for unique adventures. The landscape makes you feel as if you're in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays.

After this tour, you'll be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight to Guayaquil. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse. (B)

Transfer to Guayaquil Airport for your onward arrangements.  (B)