Galapagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route)

Begin your stay in Quito

Your journey begins near the Equator in the Andean foothills. Located at an elevation of 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world. Its historic Old Town, built on an ancient Inca settlement, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its preserved colonial architecture, colorful plazas, churches, and monuments. Settle into your hotel before heading out to discover the city.

For more time to experience the region, consider arriving a few days early and joining an optional Pre-Program.

Explore Quito and Visit the Equator

Today, join a guided tour of Quito’s Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial districts in South America. Walk along its cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and sample chocolate made from Ecuadorian cacao.

Continue approximately 16 miles north of Quito to the Middle of the World City. After lunch, visit the monument marking the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and capture the moment.

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands

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 takes you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer takes you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits 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 Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where you’ll land. On the first part of your walk, pass’ll 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.

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species

You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, you’ll explore the coast on a panga boat, and your naturalist guides can 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, Galápagos 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’ll 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.

Meet the famous giant tortoises of the Galápagos

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

Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife

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, 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, head to Cormorant Point, where you’ll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.

Your adventure comes to an end 

As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. You’ll also say farewell to the wonderful crew and naturalist guides as you disembark at Baltra Island.  

After this visit you’ll 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 optional Post-Programmes.