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Galapagos Islands Expedition - Nine of the Best Isles
Galapagos Islands Expedition - Nine of the Best Isles
Hurtigruten Expeditions | 11 Days | From $10,144*
Departure Dates between Apr 2024 and Mar 2025
Ship: MS Santa Cruz II | Quito to Guayaquil, Ecuador
Join Hurtigruten on a journey of ecological discovery set out from Quito to explore the incomparable beauty and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
The Galápagos Islands are famed for their association with the evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin. Our comprehensive itinerary calls at the centrally-located Santa Cruz Island, the volcanic island of Fernandina, Isabela and Floreana—two of the four islands visited by Darwin—and balmy Baltra, before continuing to Santiago, the adjacent islands of Rábida and Bartolomé, and isolated Genovesa. The landings take in a wide variety of ecosystems and picturesque landscapes and provide great opportunities for seeing wildlife such as sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flamingos and iconic Darwin’s Finches.
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
AAA Member Benefit
- Up to 90 euro onboard credit per person for all sailings except Galapagos. Galapagos is $100 USD onboard credit per person.
What's Included:
Flights
- Roundtrip flights in economy class (from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil. Or, you can continue from Guayaquil to Quito. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.)
Hotel
- Two nights at a hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Excursion
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise.
Extras
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands
- Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation.
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activites
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
- Welcome and farewell coktails
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microcope
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
- Landing activities
- Escorted landings with panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities.
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes:
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions.
- Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent.
- Quito’s altitude is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. You may experience mild altitude sickness during your stay.
- Excursions and activities are subject to change.
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements.
- No gratuities are expected.
What's not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Additional Information
DAY 1: Vibrant Quito
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito.
Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
If you have time, we recommend coming a few days earlier and joining one of the optional Pre-Programs.
DAY 2: Visit historic Quito
Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World City
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
DAY 3: Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands
As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.
We’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where we’ll land. On the first part of our walk, we’ll pass a brackish lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.
DAY 4: Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species
You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area.
This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.
DAY 5: Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Meet the famous giant tortoises of the Galápagos
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds.
Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.
You’ll also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.
DAY 6: Picturesque Floreana
Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife.
After breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.
After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we’ll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.
DAY 7: Relax in Baltra
Unwind and recharge your batteries
Relax on board while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique natural environments of the Galápagos, have a relaxation day so you can recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Make use of the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library, or exercise in the gym – it’s up to you.
In the afternoon, we’ll land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galápagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Swim or snorkel before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.
DAY 8: Pristine Santiago Island
See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
Today, you’ll explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop’.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You’ll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or, you can swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles.
DAY 9: Stunning Rábida and Bartolomé
Soak up the sights and sounds of the Galápagos
Your day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga ride along the coast to explore the island’s mesmerizing, red-colored beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches.
In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel at the beach here or discover colorful marine life riding in our glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galápagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.
DAY 10: Genovesa, a bird paradise
Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip
Today, you explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb (only 90 feet) up Prince Philip’s Steps – otherwise known as El Barranco – to reach a flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterward, or instead, hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure.
In the afternoon, we’ll land at the beautiful beach that borders Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. You can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or just take relax on the beach.
DAY 11: One last adventure
See giant tortoises in the wild
We’ll start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After a dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the island’s higher region, you’ll see a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild.
The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that is home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids, and bromeliads.
After this visit, we’ll take a transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito, where you’ll connect to your international flight. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.
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Product Code: AAA-Hurtigruten Expeditions
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