Galapagos Islands – Nine of the Best Isles

Begin in Quito, located on the Equator in the Andean foothills at 9,350 feet, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. You explore its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, founded on an ancient Inca settlement, known for well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful plazas, churches, and monuments. You settle into your hotel for an overnight stay. If you have extra time, you may arrive earlier and join a pre-voyage option.

Enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s Old Town, one of the best-preserved colonial districts in South America. You walk through cobblestone streets and see historic architecture while sampling Ecuadorian chocolate made from local cacao. You then travel about 16 miles north to the Middle of the World City. After lunch, you visit the Equator monument and take photos at the line dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

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 Galapagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. You begin your exploration of the Galapagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, where you land. On the first part of your walk, you 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.

Start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, you explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides 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, Galapagos 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, you 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.

Today, you explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, you 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 also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

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, you 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 the glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, you head to Cormorant Point, where you walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.

Relax on board while you anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique natural environments of the Galapagos, 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, you 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 Galapagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Swim or snorkel before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.

Today, you 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, you head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You have the opportunity to see a colony of Galapagos 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.

Your day starts on tiny Rabida 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, you sail to the golden sands of Bartolome Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel at the beach here or discover colorful marine life riding in your glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galapagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

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.

You start your last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide 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’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. After this visit you transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito – or if you prefer, to Guayaquil – to connect to your international airport.

To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of  the post-voyage options.