Optional Cloud Forest Wildlife Photography Pre-Tour:
January 7: Arrive in Quito and transfer to our 5* hotel.
January 8: Depart from Quito to the Alambi Reserve. After visiting this stunning bird-view area, we will head to Bellavista, a serene private cloud forest reserve. Settle in and take a guided walk through the lush forest. Explore the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest with the help of a local guide, who will explain the flora, fauna, and ecological importance of the area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
January 9: Nature walk and bird photography activities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
January 10: The nearby Mindo area, famous for its rich biodiversity, is our destination today. We’ll visit the mariposario (butterfly sanctuary) and have time for a nature walk in the area. This afternoon we return to Quito. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Treasures of Ecuador and the Galapagos
January 10: Arrival in Quito, transfer to our 5-star hotel
January 11: Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the best preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas. Its dramatic 477- year history is revealed on our walking tour of the historic center. Historic mansions, commercial buildings and municipal buildings line the cobblestone streets, and ornate churches on every square hold treasures of religious art. At Plaza Grande, we will see the Palacio del Gobierno and the Cathedral. Plaza San Francisco reveals spectacular views of Volcan Pinchicha and the Monastery of San Francisco is the oldest in Ecuador. Later our condor’s view of the town center from Panecillo Hill will give us perspective to appreciate the unique high Andean setting and beauty of the capital. This afternoon, our 1.5 hour drive carries us to the picturesque rural Andean countryside and our 400 year old Spanish hacienda near San Pedro del Lago. Overnight at the Hacienda (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
January 12: The famous Otovalo market where locals buy, sell and barter will be our first stop. Otovalenos are traders by tradition and highly skilled in artisan crafts. Colorful expertly woven textiles and tapestries, baskets, ropes, felt hats and jewelry are waiting for us in the market. Bargaining is expected, so give it your best effort! Whatever you pay for that special item, it will all the more special for the experience. We will enjoy a lunch of typical Andean food near here, then this afternoon we will visit the village of Pechuge, an ancient community famed for their textiles and tapestries. We will continue on to Cotacachi, famous for its beautiful tooled leather work . Tonight during our social hour before dinner, let’s show and tell
our bargaining exploits. Overnight at the Hacienda. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
January 13: Enjoy a leisurely morning amid the historic ambiance of the hacienda. Later, we visit a nearby rose plantation and enjoy lunch before heading back to Quito. Overnight in Quito. (Breakfast and lunch Included)
January 14: Quito/ Galapagos and the Magic of Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz island) Our early morning 2 hour flight carries us from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. We quickly transfer to the waiting vessel, the yacht Coral 1, that will be our home for the next 4 nights/5 days. After a delicious lunch aboard while the ship moves to our first discovery location, we depart on our first Galápagos adventure with a visit to Black Turtle Cove, an enchanting tidal lagoon system on Santa Cruz Island. Stretching nearly a mile inland, this serene sanctuary is surrounded by four species of lush mangroves, creating a natural labyrinth teeming with life. As our panga carries us through the emerald waters, we’ll be captivated by the otherworldly beauty of this untouched paradise. Look beneath the surface to spot graceful sea turtles, golden rays and reef sharks gliding through the water below. Herons of various species perch gracefully among the mangroves, their watchful eyes scanning the waters for their next catch. This serene experience sets the perfect tone for the adventures to come, leaving us with a deep appreciation for the pristine wonders of the Galápagos. Back onboard we’ll enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner as fiery sunset colors fill the equatorial sky. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
January 15: Dive into Adventure at Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) Day two of our Galápagos journey brings us to the breathtaking Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, a site of dramatic beauty and unmatched wildlife encounters. As we approach, we’ll be awed by the immense cliffs, remnants of an eroded volcano, rising majestically from the sea. This striking backdrop is studded with resting seabirds, including brown noddies and the iconic Nazca boobies, creating a photographer’s dream setting. The adventure continues beneath the waves, where Punta Vicente Roca offers some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos, the perfect place to plunge into crystal-clear waters to discover a vibrant underwater world filled with unique fish species found nowhere else on Earth. Glide alongside playful Galápagos penguins, marvel at the grace of green sea turtles as they effortlessly navigate the currents, and keep an eye out for the occasional shy seahorse hiding among the rocks. This incredible mix of dramatic landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and unforgettable underwater exploration will leave us exhilarated and inspired. Explore Pristine Fernandina – The Marine Iguana Capital (Fernandina Island) Our second excursion of the day carries us to Fernandina Island, where the rugged volcanic landscape is home to an extraordinary concentration of these marine iguanas basking on the black lava rocks and diving into the waters to forage. Strolling along the dramatic shoreline, we’ll encounter a surprising mix of wildlife including Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants. Snorkeling here is an unforgettable experience, offering the rare chance to witness marine iguanas feeding underwater, a behavior found nowhere else in the animal kingdom. Swim alongside green turtles, darting
penguins, and a kaleidoscope of fish in this vibrant marine habitat. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
January 16: Discover Geological Marvels at Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) Urbina Bay is our first shore excursion today. Nestled at the western base of the towering Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island, this site offers a rare glimpse into the island’s dynamic geological past. A leisurely hike through a level terrain brings us to a truly bizarre and fascinating phenomenon: enormous coral blocks lying completely exposed, remnants of a dramatic geological uplift in 1954 that raised the seabed over 15 feet. Walking among these fossilized reefs, now far from the ocean, feels like stepping into a prehistoric world frozen in time. On a leisurely hike through level terrain, we keep an eye out for some of the Galápagos’ most iconic inhabitants. This area is home to impressive land iguanas, their golden hues blending into the volcanic landscape, as well as Galápagos giant tortoises during the wet season. Urbina Bay is a perfect blend of geological wonder and wildlife encounters, offering a deeper appreciation for the natural forces and unique species that make the Galápagos so extraordinary. Uncover History and Adventure at Tagus Cove (Isabela Island) Tagus Cove, is a historic pirate hideout and anchorage on Isabela Island that has enchanted explorers for centuries. This iconic site, once visited by Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle in 1835, is steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Let’s hike past Darwin Lake through a stunning volcanic landscape, with views of Isabela island’s dramatic northern volcanoes. Back at the shore, we can snorkel and swim alongside green turtles, schools of vibrant fish, and playful penguins, while the unique flightless cormorants dart gracefully underwater. There’s time to hop into a kayak or join a panga ride to explore the cove’s cliffs and hidden corners. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
January 17: Explore the Unique Beauty of Egas Point (Santiago Island) Our day begins with a visit to Egas Point on Santiago Island, where the striking black volcanic sand creates a dramatic setting. As we walk along the coast, we’ll encounter a fascinating array of species that thrive in this transition zone between land and sea. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle across the
rocks, while marine iguanas bask under the sun, and shorebirds forage in the tide pools. We soon arrive at a highlight of Egas Point—the small yet charismatic colony of endemic Galápagos fur seals. Watching these playful and curious creatures lounging on the rocks or diving into the crystal-clear pools is a truly special experience, offering rare and intimate wildlife moments. Walk on a Martian Landscape at Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) Our afternoon excursion transports us to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, a destination famed for its otherworldly volcanic terrain. Here, we’ll witness extensive pāhoehoe lava flows formed in the late 19th century, creating a striking, wave-like surface that seems frozen in time. Strolling across this surreal landscape, we’ll encounter older reddish-yellow tuff cones rising dramatically amidst the black lava, adding a splash of color to the scene. Look closely, to spot Mollugo plants, their vibrant yellow-to-orange leaves spiraling out of fissures in the hardened rock, a testament to nature’s resilience in this seemingly inhospitable environment. The visit to Sullivan Bay’s extraordinary terrain offers a glimpse into the raw power of the Earth’s geological forces and the beginnings of land formation and will leave us in awe of the Galápagos’ volcanic origins. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
January 18: A Close Encounter with Giants in the
Highlands of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Island) The lush greenery of the Santa Cruz Highlands is a stark and welcoming change from the barren landscapes of our prior visits. This is home to the island’s most iconic residents, the wild Galápagos giant tortoises. This is our best opportunity to walk among these incredible 600-pound reptiles in their natural
habitat, observing their slow, deliberate movements and ancient presence up close. We’ll also have the chance to spot several species of the famed Darwin finches, hopping through the trees and shrubs. These unique birds, with their varied beak shapes, played a pivotal role in Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, adding an extra layer of fascination to our visit. This serene and unforgettable encounter with the giants of the Galápagos is the perfect way to conclude our adventure before heading to Baltra Island Airport for our flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel. (Breakfast included).
January 19: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, The memories of close encounters with wildlife and the extraordinary landscapes of the Galapagos islands will remain with us long after we return home. (Breakfast Included).
Accommodation is included for all nights on the yacht.
• Explore the Spanish Colonial Old Town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage
• Learn about ancient indigenous cultures of the Andes and meet their descendants today
• Browse vibrant indigenous markets known for their beautifully crafted leather goods, intricate wood carvings, colorful weavings, and stunning tapestries
• Overnight at a 400 year old Hacienda and enjoy the genteel colonial lifestyle
• Cruise the Galapagos Islands on a state-of-the-art yacht with naturalist guides and superb chef
• Go ashore on Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Santa Cruz islands (2 landings per day) to walk in Darwin’s footsteps
• Encounter colonies of dragon-like marine iguanas, seals, sea lions, penguins, frigate birds, boobies, cormorants, flamingos, turtles and, of course, the giant Galapagos tortoise
• Stargaze from the equator and locate the Southern Cross among brilliant constellations
• Swim or snorkel with playful seals among colorful tropical fish
• Learn about latest studies of adaptation and evolution
• Savor superb fresh island seafood like corvina encocado, ceviche mixto, and camarones
