In Darwin’s Footsteps

Your adventure commences at the Equator amidst the verdant Andean foothills. Quito, situated at an elevation of 9,350 feet, ranks as the second-highest capital globally. Its primary attraction is the beautiful Old Town, built upon an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts immaculately preserved colonial buildings, vibrant plazas, impressive churches, and grand monuments. After settling into your hotel, venture out to discover this captivating area.

Consider arriving a few days ahead to participate in one of the optional Pre-Programs if your schedule allows.

Today, take pleasure in a guided exploration of Quito’s impressive Old Town, which stands as one of the most extensive and well-maintained colonial districts in South America. Stroll along cobblestone streets, 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 celebrated monument marking the imaginary line of the Equator. Keep your camera handy to capture the unique moment of straddling both hemispheres with one foot in each.

After breakfast, a brief flight will transport you to Baltra Island, located within the stunning Galápagos Archipelago. Upon arrival, a transfer will whisk you directly to the port, where the comfortable expedition vessel MS Santa Cruz II awaits.

Your introduction to the remarkable wildlife of the islands begins at Mosquera Islet, which hosts one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the archipelago. We’ll disembark

Photo: Gerald Corsi

using small panga boats for a closer observation.

While walking across the flat, sandy dunes, keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and benefit from insights about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems provided by your knowledgeable naturalist guides.

Your initial destination today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, which serves as a breeding facility for the endangered giant tortoise. This reserve is also a habitat for other unique species such as the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard.

The giant tortoise is one of the most iconic creatures of the Galápagos, known for its long lifespan exceeding 100 years. They thrive in this environment, wandering through forests that mimic their natural habitat.

Until August 2024, we will visit Cerro Brujo on the island’s west coast. This location boasts white coral beaches and holds historical significance as Darwin visited here in 1835. You can expect to encounter numerous sea and shore birds along with sea lions.

Photo: SL_Photography

Starting from August 2024, our likely exploration will shift to Punta Pitt using small panga boats. This is the sole site in the Galápagos Islands where you may have the opportunity to see three species of boobies. Engage in a nature walk, coastline exploration by boat, or snorkeling and swimming in the pristine waters. Please note that this plan is contingent upon local authority regulations.

Photo: marktucan

We begin our day with a delightful nature walk along the picturesque beaches of Santa Fe, known for hosting the endemic Barrington land iguana and a lively colony of sea lions.

Following the walk, you have the option to swim or snorkel from the small panga boats, kayak around the island, or join a glass-bottomed boat excursion to observe the marine life beneath the surface. After enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by our onboard chefs, we proceed to South Plaza Island.

While exploring South Plaza, watch for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Galápagos shearwaters soaring overhead. Amidst a stunning variety of flora, observe land iguanas basking on the shore and marine iguanas effortlessly maneuvering in and out of the water.

Today, our itinerary includes a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.

This facility serves as a breeding center for giant tortoises, where you can observe newly hatched tortoises and Darwin’s renowned finches—the birds pivotal to his theory of evolution by natural selection. Additionally, explore an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that provides habitat for various land birds.

Following the visit, enjoy a cooler climate during lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely, grazing on grass and soaking in pools.

You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in another activity, such as mountain biking or touring a sugar plantation, before concluding the day’s adventures.

© Latin Trails

Your Galápagos Islands voyage reaches Española, the southernmost island of the archipelago, known for its extraordinary birdlife. During cruises from April to December, keep an eye out for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the majestic waved albatross.

This is also an excellent opportunity to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, and witness El Soplador, the renowned blowhole that shoots water up to 75 feet into the air.

Following lunch aboard the ship, we’ll visit the scenic coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to observe sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. For those seeking adventure, snorkeling or kayaking options are available.

The wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we anticipate sightings of Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On land, keep an eye out for distinctive frigatebirds with their striking red throats.

You’ll have the option to swim or snorkel to explore the reefs, observe them from a glass-bottomed boat, or kayak around the area. Following lunch, we’ll sail to North Seymour.

North Seymour Island is renowned for its colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. The island also attracts sea lions and marine iguanas, drawn by the abundant sea life in its waters.

© Latin Trails

Your expedition cruise concludes with disembarkation at Baltra Island. From there, a transfer will escort you to the Baltra airport for your flight to Quito, where you can connect to your international flight. It is essential to request the flight to Quito when booking. Please contact us during booking to arrange onward travel to Quito at the conclusion of your tour. Alternatively, you can opt to continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.

For those interested in further exploring Ecuador, we recommend extending your stay and participating in one of the optional Post-Programs.

As you bid farewell to this captivating region, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of incredible wildlife encounters and unique experiences that few have the opportunity to enjoy.