Signature Galápagos Islands

Receive 3 complimentary nights at a boutique hotel in Quito

Description

Expertly designed by Viva Expeditions' destination specialists, this 11-day adventure through Quito and the Galapagos Islands promises to be a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Start with a three-night stay at the luxurious Illa Experience hotel in Quito's historic old town. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian capital’s rich heritage, visiting landmarks such as the San Francisco Catholic Church, the Capilla del Hombre museum, and the iconic El Panecillo monument. Enjoy a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, renowned for its diverse bird species, lush plant life, and the world's highest active volcano. The excursion includes lunch at a charming restaurant at the mountain’s base and a visit to a local indigenous market.

Next, you'll fly to the Galapagos Islands to embark on a luxury cruise aboard the MC Seaman Journey, a sophisticated catamaran accommodating up to 16 passengers for a truly intimate experience. Explore the Santa Cruz highlands and navigate the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, and Bartolome. Discover remote locations where wildlife thrives and human presence is minimal.

Encounter Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat, snorkel at Punta Vicente Roca and Mangle Point, and traverse the lava flows and sinkholes of Santiago Island. Admire the striking red sands and the pink flamingo colony at Rabida Island, and explore the intriguing pirate hideaway of Tagus Cove. Enjoy dinghy rides, swimming, kayaking, and relaxation on pristine beaches and aboard the ship.

This journey offers abundant opportunities to observe marine and land wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, rays, marine iguanas, and rare species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, and blue-footed boobies. A visit to a popular sea turtle nesting site is a memorable highlight, and you'll even find remnants of World War II abandoned barges.

Pricing

Twin Ocean View

From

$13,800*

*Pricing per person is an indication only, subject to USD currency fluctuation

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Situated 2,850 meters above sea level in the Andean foothills, Quito, Ecuador's capital, is renowned for its breathtaking colonial architecture and art. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito boasts one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas, earning it UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 1978.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito Six Senses Tour

Today, you'll embark on a guided tour of Quito’s charming highlights. Visit key sites such as Independence Square, the Government Palace, the lively street of La Ronda, and some of the city’s exquisite baroque churches.

In addition to the main attractions, you’ll experience a range of activities that may vary by season. Options include visiting local markets, making and tasting empanadas or ice cream, crafting your own Panama hat with an artisan, or participating in the restoration of colonial art.

Conclude the day with a cocktail at a rooftop bar, offering stunning views of the old town and Panecillo Hill.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3: Quito to Cotopaxi National Park

Travel south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,943 meters). Despite its altitude, the park is teeming with birdlife and diverse flora. Weather permitting, you might enjoy spectacular views of the volcano. The landscape also features other volcanoes like Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, and Sincholagua. Lunch is included at a restaurant at the mountain’s base, followed by a visit to a nearby indigenous market.

Return to your hotel in Quito for the night.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 4: Quito to the Galapagos Islands

Transfer to Quito Airport for your morning flight to the Galapagos Islands, with a stop in Guayaquil. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guides will meet you, collect your luggage, and transport you to Ranch Mazanillo to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Note: Before departing, you'll pass through an inspection point to prevent the introduction of foreign plants or animals and pay the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (currently US$100 per person, subject to change). The visit to Ranch Mazanillo includes a picnic lunch and a short walk before boarding the Seaman Journey, where you’ll be welcomed by the crew.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands

Travel across Santa Cruz into the highlands, starting from the coast and ascending through agricultural lands into misty forests. Santa Cruz features all the life zones of the archipelago, ideal for birdwatching, including vermilion flycatchers and Darwin’s finches. Explore lava tubes, sinkholes, and craters to gain insight into the island’s volcanic origins.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 5: Galapagos - Fernandina Island

AM: Mangle Point, Fernandina Island

Mangle Point, off Fernandina’s eastern coast, offers excellent snorkelling and the opportunity to navigate through a mangrove forest. Expect to see penguins, sea lions, pelicans, rays, marine iguanas, and various bird species.

PM: Punta Moreno

Located on Isabela Island’s north coast between Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes, Punta Moreno features a trail along pahoehoe lava flows and coastal lagoons. Look for bird species around the lakes and mangroves, and observe three types of cacti.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 6: Galapagos - Isabela Island

AM: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

Urbina Bay, at the base of Alcedo Volcano, is noted for a 1954 uplift that exposed coral reefs and marine life on land. Explore the area’s diverse environment, including sand, pumice, lava, coral, and vegetation. Look for flightless cormorants, pelicans, Darwin’s finches, giant tortoises, and various iguanas.

PM: Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove, west of Darwin Volcano, has a history of pirate and whaler visits. Explore volcanic rocks and a steep hike to Darwin Lake, where you might spot land birds such as finches and hawks.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 7: Galapagos - Fernandina Island

AM: Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island

Espinoza Point is known for its large marine iguana colonies and habitats of the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, and other unique species. The area is also home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs, with La Cumbre volcano dominating the landscape.

PM: Punta Vicente Roca

Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations. The bay is a prime location for snorkelling with seahorses, sea turtles, and the mola-mola. Observe feeding frenzies involving whales, dolphins, sea lions, and various seabirds.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 8: Galapagos - Santiago Island

AM: Playa Espumilla, Santiago Island

Espumilla Beach, on Santiago Island’s northern coast, is a crucial nesting site for marine turtles. Walk through the mangrove forest to a lagoon often frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks, and common stilts.

PM: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island

Puerto Egas features a distinctive black sand beach due to volcanic tuff deposits. Explore the abandoned infrastructure from a failed salt exploitation attempt and enjoy the unique volcanic landscape.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 9: Galapagos - Rabida & Chinese Hat

AM: Rabida Island

Rabida Island is noted for its red-hued rocks and sand, a result of oxidised volcanic material. A short trail leads to a coastal lagoon with land birds such as finches, doves, and mockingbirds, and a flamingo colony.

PM: Chinese Hat

Chinese Hat, a small islet off Santiago Island’s southeastern tip, is named for its hat-like shape. It’s an excellent site to study geological features and observe sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 10: Galapagos - Santiago & Bartolome Island

AM: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

Santiago Island, located in the Galapagos’ western central part, is known for its volcanic activity and recent lava flows. Explore reddish-yellow tuff cones amidst the lava flow and observe tiny plants growing in the fissures.

PM: Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island, across from Sullivan Bay, is famous for Pinnacle Rock and offers panoramic views of lava flows and Santiago Island. The island’s minimal vegetation includes tequila plants and lava cacti, and it’s home to a small Galapagos penguin colony.

Overnight onboard the Seaman Journey.

Day 11: Galapagos - Santa Cruz Island to Mainland

AM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island

Bachas Beach, west of Turtle Cove, is a major sea turtle nesting site. A small lagoon behind the beach is ideal for spotting flamingos and other birds. Look for remnants of WWII-era floating docks and abandoned barges.

After the morning excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland, either to Guayaquil or Quito, depending on your onward travel plans.

**Please note: Galapagos Island itineraries are subject to change.**

What's Included

INCLUDED

• 3 nights boutique hotel in Quito 
• 7 night Galapagos Islands cruise in a double/twin cabin 
• All meals during the Galapagos cruise 
• All visits and excursions according to the itinerary 
• Round trip flight to/from Galapagos from Quito 
• Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins) 
• Kayaks 

Your Ship

The M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is a first-class expedition catamaran that began navigating the Galapagos Islands in January 2008 and was fully renovated in 2019. Designed for superior comfort, style, and stability, this vessel accommodates up to 16 passengers, providing ample space for relaxation and recreation.

For adults seeking a moment of relaxation, the catamaran features an elegant bar and lounge area where a dedicated bartender is on hand to cater to your needs and preferences. As a distinguished member of the renowned Galapagos Journey Fleet, the M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey offers an exceptional blend of adventure, luxury, and outstanding service.

Terms and Conditions

Prices advertised are NZD but based on USD and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Prices are subject to change and subject to availability at time of booking. 

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy or family share where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares (and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges (which are subject to change). Offers valid for travel originating in New Zealand only. Required deposit amounts and deposit/final payment dates vary. Deposits may or may not be refundable. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to Viva Expeditions. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Professional service fees may apply. Airfares & transfers are additional (unless specified otherwise). Some staterooms are based on a 'guarantee' stateroom. The exact stateroom grade, number and location on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of the cruise line. Some staterooms have obstructed views.