The giant tortoise in
spanish is known as
'galapago'





A colony of sea lions is
called a 'harem'






Blue-footed boobies as
well as, other species of
boobies are part of the
penguin family






Cotopaxi is the
second largest
volcano in Ecuador,
after Chimborazo
Volcano







Chiva Express


Ecuador &
The Galapagos Islands

Discover Ecuador, one of South America’s smallest countries whose borders hold a wealth of rich biodiversity, culture and wildlife, including the mysterious Galapagos Islands. View the continuous change of vegetation while taking the Chiva Express to the highest active volcano in the world – Cotopaxi. Experience the sights and sounds of one of the most famous markets in the land – Otavalo. Tour cities brimming with historic architectural treasures and experience native cultures that have survived since before the Spanish conquered this country in 1533, including the mighty Incas. Cruise in the wake of Darwin’s HMS Beagle on your luxurious ship stocked with modern amenities to explore the Islands of the Galapagos, whose unique volcanic formation and vegetation have spawned a host of unique and endemic species.

The Discovery Journey 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.

The Discovery Journey to Ecuador & The Islands of the Galapagos
*Aboard the 90-passenger M/V SANTA CRUZ
Experience landscapes sculpted throughout the centuries by tumultuous volcanic upheaval and get up-close views of unique wildlife during an adventure to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Ride the Chiva Express through the Andes and become enveloped by the spectacular countryside of extinct volcanoes, indigenous villages and patchwork fields. Gaze at the highest active volcano in the world – Cotopaxi – while exploring the moorlands surrounding it. Follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps as you investigate his ‘living laboratory’ and decide if his theory of Natural Selection holds true today. Swim and snorkel among fur seals and penguins, watch Sally Lightfoot Crabs and iguanas scamper across the sand and witness huge colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Waved Albatrosses.

Classic Expedition to the Ecuadorian Amazon & The Islands Of The Galapagos
Snow-capped mountains, lush and steamy rainforests, amazing culture and the enchanting Galapagos Islands – all combine to make Ecuador one of the most intriguing countries in South America.  Discover the natural beauty of Ecuador from its colonial splendor, to its spectacular rainforests, to species found nowhere else on earth.  Explore one of the most remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin accompanied on hikes by Achuar and professional naturalists, than cruise the islands of the Galapagos.

Classic Expedition to the Ecuadorian Highlands & Galapagos Islands
Explore some of South America’s greatest natural and cultural wonders on a classic adventure by boat, train and bus throughout Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Learn first-hand about Galapagos conservation projects at the Charles Darwin Research Station and participate in a service project that gives back to the community by protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of this fragile ecosystem. Cruise along the very islands where Darwin conducted his research and come face-to-face with unique wildlife only found in the Galapagos Islands. All aboard the Chiva Express to explore Riobamba, colonial Cuenca, Incan ruins and the colorful Dandean towns while experiencing traditions still so much a part of life today.

Cultural & Wildlife Expedition to the Islands of the Galapagos & Peru
For a cultural and wildlife adventure a little closer to home and your own time zone, journey to the enchanted isles of the Galapagos.  Beginning with a 4-day cruise aboard the M.V. Santa Cruz, experience close encounters with animals found nowhere else on earth.  Feel the wind in your hair as you motor in an open panga between the ship and the next island, where your hikes will be accompanied by knowledgeable professional naturalists eager to share their enthusiasm for this world treasure.  Then explore Peru’s colorful Inca and Spanish heritage.  From cosmopolitan Lima, to Machu Picchu – the ‘lost city of the Incas’ – to Cusco, discover this fascinating land where the past is interwoven in the fabric of the present.

Affordable Nature: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
Discover a painter’s palate of colors splashed over a landscape of craters, cones, rock formations, lava fields and its inhabitants – iguanas, birds, sea lions, crabs and penguins. Set sail to the legendary Islands of the Galapagos, once a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, where creatures remain virtually fearless and unaffected by visitors. Explore the historic sights and exotic sounds of Ecuador’s capital city with an optional excursion to South America’s most famous Indian Fair.

World Explorer Expedition to Ecuador & The Islands Of The Galapagos
Explore the enchanted isles of the Galapagos, the land that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on board the HMS Beagle.  His zoological and geological discoveries on the voyage formed the basis of his theories on evolution and will form the basis of a wildlife adventure unlike you’ve ever experienced before. Your motorized yacht drops anchor at different islands every day to hike, snorkel and swim in the midst of some of our planet’s most captivating wildlife, who are not intimidated by your presence.

Generation Exploration Family Adventure: Ecuador & the Islands of the Galapagos
Just a quick flight from Miami lays a whole other world for your family to explore. Discover the beauty of Ecuador from its colonial history in Quito, to hiking, horseback riding and staying at a hacienda at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. Leave behind the Charles Darwin textbooks, as natural history comes alive for your family while walking in his footsteps on the enchanted isles of the Galapagos. Share close encounters with some of our planet's coolest wildlife from Blue-footed Boobies, mysterious marine iguanas to swimming and snorkeling with friendly sea lions and petting the 600-pound tortoise that the islands their name.

Educator's Adventure to Ecuador & the Islands of the Galapagos
Study in one of Darwin's most famous classrooms as you learn first-hand about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Your introduction begins in Quito from an aerial tram and your upcoming curriculum includes spectacular views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Hike the slopes of Volcano Cotopaxi and cruise the Galapagos, the land that Charles Darwin visited as a naturalist on board the HMS Beagle. His zoological and geological discoveries on the voyage resulted in numerous important publications and formed the basis of his theories on evolution. At Finch Bay's Eco-Lodge make a difference by participating in service projects that give back to the community and learn first-hand about Galapagos conservation projects at the Charles Darwin Research Station.