How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Globus Independent tour in South America is pointing you in the right direction. Begin by exploring the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!
From Quito to Guayaquil trip; 7 days
Highlights:
- Begin with Historic Quito - Start with a private guided tour of Quito’s UNESCO-listed old town, exploring grand plazas, colonial churches, and mountain vistas—perfect for immersing yourself in Ecuadorian heritage.
- Wildlife Encounter at North Seymour Island - Board the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise and step ashore on North Seymour Island—where blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, land iguanas, and the rare Galápagos snake await your discovery.
- Volcanoes, Lava Flows & Snorkeling at Bartolomé & Santiago - Hike the lunar landscapes of Bartolomé Island (Pinnacle Rock) and explore fresh lava fields at Sullivan Bay on Santiago. Complete the day snorkeling alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, and even Galápagos penguins.
- San Cristóbal & the Giant Tortoise Reserve - Disembark on San Cristóbal Island, hiking to viewpoints and snorkeling amid seabird colonies. Then visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve, learning about vital conservation efforts for these gentle giants.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: QUITO
Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise.
• Sail to North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: CRUISING: BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SANTIAGO ISLAND
Wake up at Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best spots to snorkel, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins.
• This afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and take a walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th Century. See the reddish-yellow tuff-cones with various flora growing from the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of walking on another planet. After your guided walk, spend time snorkeling from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks, and rays.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and a great spot to snorkel!
• At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL
After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species.
• Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands.
• Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Guayaquil, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 7: GUAYAQUIL
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: GJ
