Arrival in Quito , reception and transfer to the
Marriott Hotel in Quito
Day 2.
(Saturday) - Quito Tour
After breakfast, a
full guided tour in private, of Quito . The tour will include; the Plaza de la
Independencia the Parque Alameda , The Plaza de San Francisco , La Compaņia,
the markets, and the Middle of the world monument
Day 3: (Sunday). Quito - Santa Cruz - Highlands
Flight to Baltra to visit to second largest island in the Galapagos, Santa Cruz.
With six different zones of vegetation: Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia,
Miconia, and Pampa Zones. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos
National Park offices are also based here. The station is also a tortoise
breeding centre, where tortoises of different species are prepared for
reintroduction to their natural habitats. it is home to "Lonesome
George", the only survivor of this specific turtle species.
Day 4. Santiago - Puerto Egas - Rabida
Today, we take a small path from the visitor center at James' Bay on Santiago
Island passing the ruins of a former salt mine and seeing along the way sea
lions, lizards, herons and fur seals. In the afternoon, a trip to the beach of
the small volcanic island of Rabida. A small path will lead to a small lagoon
populated with flamingos.
Day 5. Bartolome Island - Sullivan
We disembark at Bartolome Island for a hike to the summit and a spectacular
panoramic view. Later there will be a chance to snorkel with Galapagos Penguins.
Continue on to Sullivan Bay, a white coral sand beach and begin your walk over
lava that flowed less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and
feel the volcanic origin of the Galapagos. Return to the yacht.
Day 6. North Seymour - South Plazas Island
North Seymour is an uplifted island which used to be on the ocean floor.
Afternoon trip though North Seymour observing bird colonies of blue-footed
boobies, frigate birds, and also sea lions and marine iguanas. Continue onto
South Plaza, one of the smallest islands and only 130 metres wide and just 800
metres long. Here there is a large colony of sea lions, with over 1,000
occupying the smooth rocks. The small cactus forest is populated by land
iguanas, where they can be seen sunning themselves or feeding on Opuntia pads
and fruits. Along the cliff edge nesting swallow-tailed gulls are the
predominant seabirds, along with tropic birds.
Day 7. San Cristobal - Quito
The last day, we follow in the path of Charles Darwin and navigate close by
Kicker Rock, a small islet whose cliffs are home to many sea birds. A visit to
the Interpretation Centre at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno before arriving to Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno for the transfer to the airport and return to the Ecuador
mainland.
Prices
and full itinerary available on request. Click on the e-mail link below.
