Darwin's Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands with Quito

Arrive in Ecuador and check in to your hotel in Quito. No meals are included this day, but there are many great restaurants to try in town or at your hotel. Settle in before a day of exploration.

Experience Quito as Quiteños do on this full-day exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage city. Wander historic neighborhoods, visit a museum filled with pre-Incan treasures, and take in sweeping views from El Panecillo, home to the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. Stroll through Independence Square, where daily life and history meet, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and other landmarks. Step inside the gold leafed La Compañía Church and explore San Francisco Church and Monastery, home to an impressive collection of Colonial religious art.

After a busy morning, enjoy an exquisite lunch at a local Restaurant. In the afternoon, rest and prepare for your cruise at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant and get a good night's sleep before your early flight to the Galapagos.

Fly from Quito to Isla Baltra and board the ship La Pinta. Your first excursion is to Isla Seymour Norte to see blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. A hike and panga ride reveal striking geological formations and abundant birdlife.

By panga, explore Punta Vicente Roca on Isla Isabela, known for its dramatic coastlines and rich marine life. Look for flightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel among fish and green sea turtles. Later, hike on pristine Isla Fernandina to observe marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and other wildlife.

Stroll in Urbina Bay to search for large, colorful land iguanas and possibly giant tortoises. Cross the Bolívar Channel while scanning for whales and dolphins. At Tagus Cove, snorkel, kayak, or take a panga ride before hiking to an overlook above Darwin Crater.

Rábida’s red-sand beach attracts sea lions, marine iguanas, and pelicans. Snorkel from the beach or observe marine life from a glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, land at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz to look for flamingos and land iguanas basking in the sun.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about giant tortoise conservation and see hatchlings raised for repatriation. Enjoy lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. In the afternoon, travel into the highlands of Santa Cruz to search for wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Snorkel, hike, kayak, or explore by glass-bottom boat around Isla Floreana. At Post Office Bay, drop a letter in the historic barrel and see if there is one you can hand-deliver back home. A hike to Baroness Viewpoint offers panoramic views and the chance to spot flamingos or green sea turtles.

Return to Isla Baltra and disembark. Fly to Quito for connecting flights home or continue your adventure with an optional Machu Picchu land extension.

Itineraries are subject to change.