Discover Galapagos

The Natural History:
The natural history of the Galapagos Islands has fascinated visitors since their most famous guest landed there in 1845. Darwin's observations during his voyage on the HMS Beagle laid the foundation for a theory that greatly impacted western thought --the theory of evolution.
Upon rediscovery of the islands, your mind will also reel with delight --leaving you slack-jawed with awe, your camera flashing. Amid the volcanic geography of these islands 600 miles in the Pacific Ocean, plant life takes root in basalt rock, centurion turtles roam and penguins swim in equatorial waters. In the 450 years of human history , the islands have been used as prison colonies, naval ports and research stations.
Come with us and discover an undiscovered land in the geology of the Galapagos islands, a unique spot of the earth with an environment nearly untouched by man.

Day 1 Arrive Quito
Fly into Quito, where we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel, located in the heart of the city. Overnight at hotel in Quito.

Day 2 Fly out to Galapagos
We fly 600 miles out over the Pacific Ocean to arrive at the Galapagos Islands where we will be met at the airport and transferred to our ship.

Day 3-8 In the Islands
Itineraries vary from vessel to vessel, but we will spend these days exploring the islands in depth. Our boat will travel between several different islands, so that you can experience a wide variety of the unique wildlife and environments that the Galapagos offers. Each island presents a unique experience, and often there are species found nowhere else in the world. The giant Galapagos Tortoise, the marine iguana, the waved albatross, the Galapagos penguin, and flightless cormorants are just a few of the species we will see. There will also be daily opportunities to snorkel, where you can see what's below the surface: giant sea turtles, rays, and sea lions, to name just a few. Each day you will enjoy excellent cuisine, and the company of an expert bilingual naturalist guide.

Day 9 Fly back to Quito
We will enjoy a final morning in the Islands before flying out from the Galapagos back to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. Hotel in Quito.

Day 10 Depart
Fly home or continue your trip in mainland Ecuador or perhaps to Peru & Machu Picchu. Possible extensions include visits to the Amazon Jungle, local markets, volcanoes, and stays at historic haciendas.

Our Quito Hotel:

The Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, located
in the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo”
and surrounded by churches, museums
and national monuments, was declared
Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. The Hotel is an official National Treasure and holds centuries of history within its walls. It was part of the original Solaris (original building sites)that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at the time of its foundation.

Situated in the heart of the Old Historic Centre of Quito, and surrounded by churches, museums, and national monuments; El Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito, is a marvelous building of Republican origin. Enjoy the enchantment and comfort that our beautifully elegant Boutique Hotel offers, with large arches, balconies, and towering attics that gives the feeling of being in the republican era.

Yacht Details:

First class cruising yacht with maximum of 20 passengers. Expect great food, top quality service and guides. Snorkeling equipment, wet suits, sea kayaks are provided.

Fully air conditioned cabins with private bathrooms
Spacious public areas
Well stocked Bar
Conference area with TV, VCR, stereo, book and video library

Dolphin Deck: Top deck with
cabins similar to Booby deck
windows open. One has double
bed, three have twin beds.

Booby Deck: This is the middle
deck with 2 cabins. The cabins
are slightly larger than on
Iguana Deck, and have larger
windows - windows do not
open. Double beds.

Iguana Deck: This is the lower
deck with 4 cabins with porthole
windows. Twin beds.