Quito
Quito 12/18/2024
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito. Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore. If you have time, come a few days earlier and join one of the optional Pre-Programs.,
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12/18/2024 |
12/18/2024 |
Quito
Quito 12/19/2024
Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World City. Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito's remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you'll head to the iconic 'Middle of the World City', located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you'll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.,
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12/19/2024 |
12/19/2024 |
Mitad del Mundo
Mitad del Mundo 12/19/2024
Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World City. Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito's remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you'll head to the iconic 'Middle of the World City', located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you'll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.,
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12/19/2024 |
12/19/2024 |
Quito
Quito 12/20/2024
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. Get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.,
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12/20/2024 |
12/20/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 12/20/2024
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. Get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.,
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12/20/2024 |
12/20/2024 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 12/20/2024
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. Get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.,
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12/20/2024 |
12/20/2024 |
Isla Baltra
Isla Baltra 12/20/2024
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. Get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.,
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12/20/2024 |
12/20/2024 |
Isla Mosquera
Isla Mosquera 12/20/2024
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. Get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.,
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12/20/2024 |
12/20/2024 |
Isla San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)
Isla San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) 12/21/2024
Meet the famous giant tortoises. Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard. The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat. Our small panga boats will then take us to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where we might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.,
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Galapaguero Cerro Colorado
Galapaguero Cerro Colorado 12/21/2024
Meet the famous giant tortoises. Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard. The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat. Our small panga boats will then take us to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where we might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.,
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Punta Pitt
Punta Pitt 12/21/2024
Meet the famous giant tortoises. Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard. The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat. Our small panga boats will then take us to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where we might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.,
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12/21/2024 |
12/21/2024 |
Isla Santa Fe
Isla Santa Fe 12/22/2024
Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops. We start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions. You can swim or snorkel from the small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in a glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Galápagos shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.,
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12/22/2024 |
12/22/2024 |
South Plaza
South Plaza 12/22/2024
Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops. We start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions. You can swim or snorkel from the small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in a glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Galápagos shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.,
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12/22/2024 |
12/22/2024 |
Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora 12/23/2024
Learn about local conservation efforts on Santa Cruz Island. Today, we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. 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, such as mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.,
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12/23/2024 |
12/23/2024 |
Punta Suarez
Punta Suarez 12/24/2024
Lava lizards and incredible birdlife. Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross. This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts water 75 feet into the air. After lunch onboard the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking.,
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12/24/2024 |
12/24/2024 |
Gardner Bay
Gardner Bay 12/24/2024
Lava lizards and incredible birdlife. Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross. This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts water 75 feet into the air. After lunch onboard the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking.,
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12/24/2024 |
12/24/2024 |
Osborn Islet
Osborn Islet 12/24/2024
Lava lizards and incredible birdlife. Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross. This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts water 75 feet into the air. After lunch onboard the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking.,
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12/24/2024 |
12/24/2024 |
Eden Islet
Eden Islet 12/25/2024
Green turtles, sharks, and rare bird colonies. The abundant wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On shore, look for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats. You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. You can also see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we'll sail to North Seymour. The island is a great site for spotting colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.,
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12/25/2024 |
12/25/2024 |
North Seymour
North Seymour 12/25/2024
Green turtles, sharks, and rare bird colonies. The abundant wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On shore, look for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats. You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. You can also see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we'll sail to North Seymour. The island is a great site for spotting colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.,
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12/25/2024 |
12/25/2024 |
Isla Baltra
Isla Baltra 12/26/2024
From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito. Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, stay and join one of the optional Post-Programs. As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.,
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 12/26/2024
From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito. Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, stay and join one of the optional Post-Programs. As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.,
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 12/26/2024
From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito. Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, stay and join one of the optional Post-Programs. As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.,
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |
Quito
Quito 12/26/2024
From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito. Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. To explore more of Ecuador, stay and join one of the optional Post-Programs. As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.,
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12/26/2024 |
12/26/2024 |