Colonial Quito & Galápagos Islands

Welcome to Ecuador! Begin your journey in this historic city rich in legends and culture. Your first stop is the grand Casa Gangotena Hotel, voted the #1 Hotel in Ecuador by TripAdvisor and where you stay these first two nights. A gorgeous example of Spanish Colonial style, enjoy this restored boutique hotel just steps away from picturesque Plaza de San Francisco, built atop Incan temples and markets.

Once called the Northern Capital of the Inca Empire, the capital city of Quito has long been a center of commerce and culture. The city’s growth after the Spanish took over in 1534 included the building of many outstanding convents, monasteries, and churches, earning Quito the title “Capitol of Art of Spanish America.” Discover why the city’s exquisitely preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site—departing from your hotel, a walking tour explores its past, present, and future. With time on your own in the afternoon, opt for a visit to the fascinating pre-Columbian Museo Casa del Alabado or explore the cultural center at leisure. Your full day of exploration ends at a local restaurant with sunset views overlooking the city.

This morning, travel to the second UNESCO World Heritage Site on your itinerary: the legendary Galápagos Islands. From Quito, fly to Isla San Cristóbal named after the patron saint of seafarers. A quick panga ride brings you to the yacht La Pinta to meet the crew, be welcomed aboard, and get acquainted with your ship. As Charles Darwin did in 1835, take your first exploratory steps in the Galápagos at Cerro Colorado—home to dozens of bird species, the endemic San Cristóbal lava lizard, and a tortoise breeding center set amidst a fantastic deciduous forest along the island’s southern shore.

On the eastern side of the island, venture up a trail from the beach with gorgeous views of the shoreline. Explore Punta Pitt where opportunities abound to observe frigatebirds, three types of boobies, and bachelor sea lions that rest on this beach. Perhaps even have a chance to investigate below the surface of the water with a snorkel or swim. Later, after a panga ride around the north tip of the island, walk the tranquil coral-sand beach of Cerro Brujo, watching seabirds and shore birds bustle about. Keep an eye out for sea lions and marine iguanas.

Considered one of the top two showcase islands in the archipelago, Isla Española is one of the oldest, most isolated islands and is known for its astounding number of endemic species including the entire world’s population of waved albatross (typically April to December). A hike at Punta Suárez provides opportunities to see sea lions and seabirds, shorebirds and tropicbirds. Your afternoon at the white-sand beach in Gardner Bay includes a short walk to see finches and extroverted mockingbirds. Cool off by snorkeling with green sea turtles, kick back for a snooze alongside the sea lions, or go for a spin in a kayak or the glass-bottom boat.

Today, it’s all about the magnificent giant tortoise. On the island of the Charles Darwin Research Station, learn about their exceptional conservation program and spend time in the giant tortoise’s natural habitat. Embrace Galápagos conservation by learning about threats that still endanger this fragile ecosystem. After a lingering poolside lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel (bring your swimsuit just in case), explore the misty, forested highlands and see the lumbering and charming tortoises in their natural habitat. You also have a chance to walk inside the island’s famed lava tubes for a geological exploration of these remarkable volcanic channels.

A panga ride brings you to tiny Eden Islet, where blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigatebirds roam. Pull on your mask and jump into the water for a snorkel with the sea life. If conditions permit, cruise in the glass-bottom boat and marvel at all the world beneath you. On beautiful Sombrero Chino Islet, look for iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs on the 400-meter-long trail that brings you to a postcard-worthy sandy, crescent beach. And if you're lucky, swim and snorkel with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins in these calm waters.

Geologically young, Bartolomé is one of the most picturesque islands of the Galápagos. Climb a wooden staircase to the summit of a volcanic cone with your camera ready to capture the exquisite panoramic views, including iconic Pinnacle Rock! Bartolomé has its own unique fauna including green sea turtles, Galápagos penguins, and rays. The white sandy beach of Santiago’s Sullivan Bay is a stunning spot for swimming, snorkeling, and a chance to peer at life below the surface. Hike to a fantastic lava field that showcases the archipelago’s volcanic origins.

The second showcase island—Genovesa, known as “the bird island”—lies north of the equator, and you cross it twice! On a leisurely exploration of Darwin Bay, witness the many island inhabitants—giant frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, storm petrels, and nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls. At the beach, snorkel, swim, or investigate shoreline cliffs by kayak. A panga ride past the dramatic cliffs brings you to the short, steep Prince Philip’s Steps. Once at the top, a fascinating walk amongst stands of palo santo trees crosses this flat land through large colonies of boobies, frigatebirds, and just maybe, the elusive short-eared owl.

Your adventure of a lifetime aboard La Pinta concludes on Isla Baltra. From here, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito and await your connecting flight home.