Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the 44-room Hotel del Parque, a tranquil haven surrounded by lush gardens set in a lovingly restored 19th-century building. Most flights arrive in the late evening. Choose to arrive early for an optional extra night to rest, relax, and prepare for your voyage. Or opt for the full-day excursion from Guayaquil to Hacienda La Danesa. Ask your expedition specialist about options, including flying into Quito, Ecuador’s capital, instead of Guayaquil.

Fly to Baltra in the center of Galápagos, a little world unto itself in the Tropical Pacific. We are welcomed by our naturalist staff and start exploring the islands.

Listed below is a sample of islands we may visit during our expedition. Our expeditions begin and end at Baltra, and include visits to Isla Santa Cruz and a careful selection of diverse islands. Each of our itineraries offers an optimal balance of wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour
Encounter nesting frigatebirds, plus land and marine iguanas, and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.

Santa Cruz
Head to the lush, green highlands to look for giant tortoises roaming in the wild.

Isabela
Toast crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye open for whales and dolphins as we ply these nutrient-rich waters, once the haunt of whalers and pirates.

Fernandina
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant and the largest marine iguanas.

San Cristobal
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island.

Española
Located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago, this island is home to swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, and seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatrosses at Punta Suárez.

Floreana
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay, and learn about its unusual postal system.

Return by air to Guayaquil, where we transfer to the Hotel del Parque—or continue to Quito for an optional three-night extension. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights. Ask your Expedition Specialist for details. You may also opt to stay and linger in Guayaquil or return home on Day 8.