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| Cost From: | $3295 |
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| Length: | 7 days |
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| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Snorkeling, Wildlife & Natural History, Walking |
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Every day offered us something magical. Swimming with sea lions, sharks and turtles; interaction of wildlife with us and each other—truly awesome!R. Adam—Ojai CA
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Hike the spectacular emerald-green rice terraces of mountainous Banaue (the famed “stepping stones to the sky”), then don your snorkeling gear and slip into the warm waters of the Coral Triangle to swim amid a staggering abundance of vibrant reef life.
The peaceful Eden of the Galápagos Islands is a place unlike any other on earth. Set on the Equator 600 miles off the coast of South America and recognized as a World Heritage Site, this is the legendary place where the young naturalist Charles Darwin, traveling on the research vessel HMS Beagle, made the first observations that would lead to his revolutionary theory of evolution. Today these mysterious islands provide one of nature’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. We savor the wonder, exploring a new island each day as our fantastic naturalist guide brings this unique world to life. Our journey explores many islands, each with distinct species and landscapes, as we enjoy unforgettable days of hiking and snorkeling adventures.
Reading list, click here.
The Western Islands Itinerary is one day longer and spends that extra day in the Galápagos. Download full trip brochure for details.
We meet in Quito and enjoy a half day tour of the charming colonial quarter, with its classic plazas and ornate churches.
Flying to the Galápagos, we board our yacht and begin our explorations. Many Galápagos “residents” are found directly on or next to the trail, allowing for nose-to-nose observation and incredible up-close photography. We land at South Plaza Island to hike a rocky trail that circles the island. One of the Galápagos’ largest populations of land iguanas lives here, nibbling on the fruit and pads of the prickly-pear cactus. Marine iguanas roam along the coast, and swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed and Nazca boobies are often seen. On the striking isle of Española (Hood), southernmost island in the archipelago, there are several endemic species, including Hood mockingbirds. As we hike the cliffs at Punta Suarez, we should spot sky-pointing blue-footed boobies and huge lava lizards along with Darwin’s finches and marine iguanas. After our hikes, we swim and snorkel in the blue waters of Gardner Bay, where Galápagos sea lions cavort and green sea turtles nest in the dunes.
On Santa Cruz, we visit Puerto Ayora, and the museum and tortoise breeding facility at the Darwin Research Station, then drive up to the Santa Cruz highlands to look for wild Galápagos tortoises. Our hike on North Seymour, a small, uplifted island just north of Baltra, brings us abundant sea lions and blue-footed boobies. Marine iguanas and swallow-tailed gulls are also found here, as well as a large colony of magnificent frigatebirds that shares a nesting site with the blue-footed boobies. Fly to Quito and depart on Day 7, or join our Amazon Rainforest Extension.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure
A remote lodge offers the full wonder of the deepest rainforest with guided hikes and canoeing.
Please call us or Download Full Trip Brochure for more information
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Day 6 (1 night),
Quito, Ecuador
One of Quito’s best luxury hotels, the JW Marriot is located in the heart of the new city, with elegantly appointed rooms that feature large ...
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Days 3 to 5 (3 nights), Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The 216-foot Mary Anne is a stunningly beautiful 3-masted barquentine sailing ship that accommodates 16 passengers in double cabins with private ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
