Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery

Your adventure starts at the Equator amidst the verdant Andean foothills. Quito, situated at 9,350 feet, ranks as the world’s second-highest capital city. Its primary allure lies in the charming Old Town, established upon an ancient Inca site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts immaculately preserved colonial buildings, vibrant plazas, impressive churches, and dignified monuments. After settling into your accommodation, venture out to discover the area.

Consider arriving a few days prior to join one of the optional Pre-Programs if your schedule allows.

Today, take pleasure in a guided exploration of Quito’s extraordinary Old Town, renowned as one of South America’s most extensive and well-maintained colonial districts. Stroll along cobblestone pathways, marvel at the architecture, and indulge in delicious chocolate crafted from Ecuador’s finest cacao.

Following this, journey to the renowned ‘Middle of the World City’, situated approximately 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, visit the iconic monument marking the imaginary line of the Equator. Be prepared with your camera to capture the moment as you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

As your South America land adventure nears its end, it’s time to transition to the next leg of your journey. After breakfast, a brief flight will transport you to Baltra Island, situated within the breathtaking Galápagos Archipelago. From there, a transfer will swiftly bring you to the port, where the comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.

Our exploration of the Galápagos Islands will commence in the afternoon as we trace the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the captivating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, also known as Dragon Hill, where we will disembark. Along the initial part of the trail, we’ll pass by a brackish lagoon frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further along the trail, you’ll enjoy a picturesque view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, offering your first opportunity to encounter land iguanas.

Photo: sgoodwin4813

Your day will commence at Punta Vicente Roca, situated on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. Following breakfast, we will embark on a coastal exploration aboard a panga boat, led by your naturalist guides who will enlighten you about the area’s striking geology.

This location serves as a nesting site for various bird species, so keep an eye out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. If weather permits, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you may encounter green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.

Later in the day, we will venture to Fernandina, an island distinguished by its unique ecology and a thriving population of marine iguanas. Keep watch along the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.

Today’s itinerary involves exploring Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we will disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

At this facility dedicated to giant tortoise conservation, you’ll have the chance to observe newly hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches—the birds central to his theory of evolution by natural selection. The station is also home to a remarkable forest of prickly pear cacti that attracts various land birds.

For lunch, enjoy a cooler climate in the lush highlands, where you can observe giant tortoises grazing on grass and lounging in pools.

Later in the day, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Following breakfast, embark on a panga boat excursion through the channels along Floreana’s north shore, enjoying the picturesque views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we’ll disembark at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.

© Latin Trails

After lunch, discover the marvels around Champion Islet either by panga boat or aboard the glass-bottom boat. This location is renowned as one of the finest snorkeling spots in the archipelago.

Next, we’ll journey to Cormorant Point, where we’ll stroll from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, you can expect to see American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more fascinating wildlife.

As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to the wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island.

A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.

To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of the optional Post-Programmes.