The Discovery Journeys to
Ecuador & The Islands of the Galapagos
Aboard the 16-passenger M/Y Monserrat
Discover the colorful culture of Ecuador and experience close encounters with animals found nowhere else on earth. Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, Charles Darwin used the Galapagos Islands as his living laboratory to gather evidence for his theory of Natural Selection. You can use it to swim and snorkel with sea lion, come within mere inches of Blue-footed Booby and iguana as mysterious as the volcanic islands they inhabit. The intimate atmosphere of your luxury motor yacht with spacious, elegant rooms and common areas makes this an unforgettable adventure.
Days 1/2/3 - Miami/Quito/Cotopaxi Volcano
Fly from Miami to Quito. Upon arrival, you are escorted to your historic boutique hotel in the heart of ‘Quito Antiguo.’ Next morning, all aboard the Chiva Express, a colorfully-painted one-coach train much like a bus on tracks. The scenery of the Andean Highlands is breathtaking. At the foot of the Cotopaxi Volcano, a bus whisks you to the Andean moorlands of Cotopaxi National Park for a short hike and lunch at a local hacienda. Explore bird-filled surroundings with a possible sighting of the majestic Andean Condor. Also look for herds of wild llama that have been re-introduced to the park. Last day, tour the vibrant colonial city of Ecuador with its churches and Spanish gold-glittering altars. Panoramic views are enjoyed from the Aerial Tram. A traditional dinner completes your day. PATIO ANDALUZ. (Meals Aloft; B Daily)
Day 4 - Galapagos Islands/M/Y Monserrat/San Cristobal/Playa Ochoa
Fly to San Cristobal and visit the Interpretation Center for insight into the first settlements and pioneers of the Galapagos Islands, as well as the flora and fauna. Then board the M/Y MONSERRAT, your elegant first-class motor yacht. Each cabin has separate climate controls and private bathrooms. Enjoy exceptional food and daily lectures by naturalists. Set sail for Playa Ochoa for a chance to snorkel and swim with a small colony of sea lions. (All Meals)
Day 5 - Hood Island/Gardner Bay/Punta Suarez
Step foot this morning on the magnificent beaches of Hood Island’s Gardner Bay – the only nesting site in the Galapagos for Waved Albatrosses. Continue to Punta Suarez, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds, there are the curious Hood Island Mockingbirds, brilliantly-colored marine iguanas and oversized lava lizards. (All Meals)
Day 6 - Santa Fe/South Plaza
One of the oldest islands dating back four million years and one of the smallest is Santa Fe, home to the largest species of the giant Opuntia cactus. Crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming with seals. Hike the trail that leads to a nearby cliff to experience land iguanas, lava lizards, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Shearwater Petrels. Depart for South Plaza known for the bright red ground cover of sesuvium plants and the sea lion colony on the coast. A circular path winds its way up 82-feet for views of soaring pelicans and Audubon’s Shearwaters. Easy to spot are the yellow iguanas, a subspecies of land iguanas. (All Meals)
Day 7 - Darwin Research Station/Santa Cruz Highlands
Drop anchor at Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where scientists from all over the globe conduct biological research. Observe giant tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding program. Take a bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. From June to January, you can find giant tortoises on a private farm. Visit Los Gemelos, a pair of large pit craters where you may see bright red Vermilion Flycatchers. (All Meals)
Day 8 - Tower Island
Calling all bird watchers! Upon arrival at Darwin Bay, stroll up to Swallow-tailed and Lava Gulls at nearby tide pools before entering a salt bush forest, where colonies of Great Frigatebirds often nest. Swim, snorkel and then board your panga to see more wildlife near Prince Phillips Steps including Red-footed Boobies roosting in mangrove trees. Savor the majestic panorama of the bay and Red-billed Tropicbirds, Nazca Boobies and Storm Petrels soaring on the breeze. (All Meals)
Day 9 - Bartolome/Sulivan Bay
Explore the rustic beauty of Bartolome and Sulivan Bay’s lunar landscape of cones and craters. Survey bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs scramble sideways across molten lava frozen in time and space. A 30-minute hike to the summit of a once active volcano offers a panoramic view of your surroundings including the distinctive Pinnacle Rock. Swim and snorkel with colorful fish and penguins. (All Meals)
Day 10 - Bachas Beach/North Seymour
Soft white sand cushions your steps as you investigate Bachas Beach. Its interior lagoons are home to the Greater Flamingoes. A floating pier is all that’s left from the U.S. WW II presence. Continue onto North Seymour Island and scenes of Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds colonies. Watch for scores of Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas on its sandy shores. (All Meals)
Day 11 - San Cristobal/Sleeping Lion
Your panga cruises around Kicker Rock for opportunities to see Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies along its sharp vertical conformation. Also known as Sleeping Lion or Leon Dormido, it towers almost 500-feet out of the ocean. (All Meals)
Days 12/13 - San Cristobal/Guayaquil
Disembark in San Cristobal and fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s port city. Transfer to your luxurious hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Next morning, leave the ancient islands behind as you board your flight home. HOTEL ORO VERDE. (B; B, Meals Aloft)
Please note: Itinerary subject to change at the discretion of the Ecuadorian Park Authorities.
7-Day Optional Post-Extension to Peru
Echoes of Spanish conquistadors and ancient civilizations are yours to explore in Peru. The colonial architecture of Lima and the once capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco give you an insider’s view of the descendants of the original Incas, bustling markets and mysterious ruins. Reach Machu Picchu by rail and hike into its mystical past. All the places you’ve read about – Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, the Sun and the Moon temples and the Sun Gate – are within your reach.
Your Journey Includes:
- Roundtrip flights from Miami. Plus, flights to and from the Galapagos and on the Peru extension.
- Best available accommodations at hotels and on yacht.
- All meals while on the Galapagos cruise. Continental or buffet breakfasts in Peru. All other meals as specified.
- 8-Day/7-Night cruise to the Galapagos Islands on the M/Y MONSERRAT. Naturalist guide provided aboard the ship. Accommodations are in double, air-conditioned cabins, outside with private facilities.
- All hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Galapagos Islands entrance fee is not included; it is billed and payable before departure from the USA.
- Complimentary backpack, passport wallet and baggage tags.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip Land Only |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Optional Extension |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
May 26 - Jun 6 |
$4,295 |
$2,395 |
Peru |
$2,895 |
$695 |
Aug 25 - Sep 5 |
$4,295 |
$2,395 |
Peru |
$2,895 |
$695 |
Sep 22 - Oct 3 |
$4,295 |
$2,395 |
Peru |
$2,895 |
$695 |
Sep 29 - Oct 10 |
$4,295 |
$2,395 |
Peru |
$2,895 |
$695 |
Dec 8 - 19 |
$4,295 |
$2,395 |
Peru |
$2,895 |
$695 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.