Exploring Galápagos

Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, where guests are met and transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay. At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito’s elevation makes early arrival beneficial for acclimatization. Pre-voyage extensions are available, including experiences in the lush cloud forest of the tropical Andes or additional time to explore Quito and its surrounding cultural highlights. Additional nights in Quito may also be reserved to further enhance the journey. Arrival Time: Anytime. Arrival City: Quito, Ecuador

In the morning, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance are provided for the recommended flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, embark the ship.

Below is a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations. North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus. Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore. Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows. Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay. Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay. Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands. Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest. Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked. Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays. San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Quito, with transfers and luggage assistance provided. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. Opportunities are available to extend the journey with additional time in Quito or onward travel in South America, including Machu Picchu and Peru’s Land of the Inca.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for onward flights. Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9. Departure City: Quito