Classic Expedition to
The Ecuadorian
Highlands &
The 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.
Day 1 - Miami/Guayaquil
Board your flight to Guayaqil, Ecuador’s port city, where you are escorted to the HILTON COLON GUAYAQUIL.
Days 2/3 - Galapagos/Finch Bay
Return to the airport and fly to Baltra. Your private seaside home for the next two nights is surrounded by mangroves and tucked away in a secluded bay at Punta Estrada. Mountain bike, walk, hike and horseback ride in the highlands, and scuba dive, snorkel and ocean kayak in the sea. Participate in service projects, such as coastal cleaning. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, join in research for Galapagos conservation. FINCH BAY ECO-LODGE. (B Daily)
Day 4 - Cruise: Baltra & Santa Cruz/Dragon Hill
In Baltra, board the M/V SANTA CRUZ – a 47-cabin, air-conditioned ship with Jacuzzi and library. Each day, drop anchor and go ashore in a panga (small boat) accompanied by professional naturalists for close encounters with wildlife species discovered by Darwin himself. After an on-board briefing, set sail for Santa Cruz Island where you may see Darwin’s Finch, Galapagos Mockingbird and Yellow Warbler. Return shipside for a welcome cocktail and dinner with the Captain. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Bartolome & James Islands
Explore the rugged beauty of Bartolome and Sullivan Bay’s lunar landscape of cones and craters. Climb to the summit of a once active volcano for a panoramic view. Watch bright red Sally lightfoot crabs scramble sideways across molten lava frozen in time. See octopus, Lava Heron and oystercatcher along the shores of James Island. Swim with shy fur seals that hide in cool caves at the fur seal grotto. (All Meals)
Day 6 - Tower & North Seymour Islands
Enter a salt bush forest at Darwin Bay, where colonies of Great Frigatebirds often nest. Swim, snorkel and board your panga to view more wildlife near Prince Phillip’s Steps, including Red-footed Boobies roosting in mangrove trees. Follow a trail that leads to sea lions and Blue-footed boobies, and one of the largest colonies of Magnificent Frigatebirds. Savor the view of the bay while Red-billed Tropicbirds and Storm Petrels soar with the breezes. (All Meals)
Day 7 - Santa Fe & Santa Cruz Islands
Explore the oldest rocks found on the islands and visit a sea colony on an early morning launch to Santa Fe Island. Then, set sail to Santa Cruz Island to re-visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora and after lunch drive through lush highlands to see the giant tortoise in its natural habitat, along with bright red Vermillion flycatcher and Woodpecker Finch. (All Meals)
Day 8 - San Cristobal Island/Quito
Disembark at San Cristobal, the first island Darwin set foot upon in 1836. Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center for insight into the island’s human history and conservation. Then fly to Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, where the rest of your day is at leisure. GRAND HOTEL MERCURE ALAMEDA. (B)
Day 9 - Chiva Express: Riobamba
All aboard the Chiva Express, a one-coach train much like a bus on tracks, decorated with rustic paintings by a local indigenous artist from the town of Tigua (Cotopaxi). As you ascend to the station of El Boliche, you may see white-tailed deer. Continue along the ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ and visit a colorful Indian market. Arrive at the town of Riobamba and check into your hacienda. HOSTERIA ABRASPUNGO/ANDALUZA. (B,L,D)
Days 10/11 - Chiva Express: Cuenca
Re-board the Chiva Express for a scenic ride to Alausi – tunnel through rocky impasses, cross bridges over ravines and river gorges as you make your way through the Andes. In Alausi, board a bus and drive to the Inca ruins of Ingapirca with its impressive Temple of the Sun. Continue onto Cuenca arriving at dusk. The next day explore the cobblestone streets and plazas that reflect the colonial beauty of Ecuador’s third largest city, recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site. Learn about Ecuador’s various cultures at the Ethnographic Museum. HOTEL SANTA LUCIA/ORO VERDE. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 12 - Cuenca/Quito
Dependent on weather, today will either be a full-day hike in the lake country of El Cajas or a journey to the Gualaceo Valley stopping at small towns along the way to see regional handicrafts. This afternoon, return by air to Quito. GRAND HOTEL MERCURE ALAMEDA. (B,L)
Day 13 - Quito
Tour Quito’s many Spanish colonial treasures including a visit to the Museum of the City of Quito. Then it’s up and away on Quito’s aerial tram, gliding almost 14,000 feet up a volcano from the valley. At the top, savor the spectacular scenery and view of the city and the famed ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes.’ As the sun begins to set, return to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. GRAND HOTEL MERCURE ALAMEDA. (B,D)
Day 14 - Quito/Miami
Bid Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands farewell and fly home. (B)
Your Classic Adventure Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Miami, plus flights within Ecuador as indicated.
- Superior and best available accommodations at hotels and on cruise ship.
- All meals as specified.
- 5-Days/4-Nights Cruise to the Galapagos Islands on the M/V SANTA CRUZ with all meals included. Professional naturalist provided aboard ship. Accommodations are in double, air-conditioned cabins, outside with private facilities, based on choice of accommodations available at time of booking.
- All hotel/lodging taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary, EXCEPT for the Galapagos Islands entrance fee, which is billed and payable before departure from the USA.
- Complimentary backpack, passport wallet and baggage tags.