Page Text Content
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands Cruise
13 days from £3199
Sea lions
Galapagos Islands
· Quito · Northern Highlands and Otavalo · 7-night Galapagos Islands cruise
Lying on the Equator some 600 miles from the Pacific coast of Ecuador, the volcanic Galapagos Islands are one of the most intriguing destinations on earth. Amid the hauntingly beautiful landscapes we will encounter species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world and which prompted Darwin's theories of evolution. This amazing voyage of discovery is combined with a stay in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, renowned for its spectacular Andean mountain scenery, colonial architecture and colourful Indian culture.
ITINERARY DAY 1 UK/Quito We take the morning flight to Quito, meet our Tour Guide late afternoon and transfer to the hotel for three nights. DAY 5 Santa Cruz Today we will visit Santa Cruz and Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill. Land iguanas, frigate birds and blue footed boobies are just some of the species we will encounter. Later in the day we will see Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. Here the landing is on a beach with green olivine sand, which is a nesting area for Green Sea Turtles. DAY 6 Espanola & San Cristobal Islands This morning we head for the remote southerly island of Espanola, the only breeding ground of the majestic waved albatross. At Punta Suarez young sea lions are often seen in the surf, and we have the chance to see masked boobies, Galapagos doves and the famous blow holes through which the sea spouts up to 20 metres into the air. During the afternoon we reach San Cristobal and visit the Interpretation Centre, with its fascinating displays of the human and natural history of the islands. We may even see the giant Galapagos tortoises. DAY 7 North Seymour & San Bartolome Today we see the very different scenery on North Seymour. It is a very flat island, uplifted by seismic activity. Later in the day we arrive at San Bartolome where we can climb to the summit of the volcanic hill for a panoramic view of the islands across the strange lava formations and Pinnacle Rock. DAY 8 Isabela & Fernandina We spend the morning at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island today where volcanic
COLOMBIA
Northern Highlands GALAPAGOS AP ISLANDS Ota Otavalo t tavalo QUITO
E C UA D OR
DAY 2 Northern Highlands & Otavalo We drive north through mountainous scenery and the artisan villages of the area to Otavalo, home to Ecuador's oldest and largest Indian market, dating back to pre-Inca times. It is a bustling spectacle with vendors adorned in colourful native dress selling their traditional handicrafts. Lunch is included in one of the Haciendas of the region. DAY 3 Quito Set in a valley 2,800 metres above sea level and surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes, the Ecuadorian capital is one of the most spectacular cities in the world. This morning we have included a sightseeing tour taking in the bustling metropolis and high-rise buildings of modern Quito and the colonial architecture and charming squares of the old city. Lunch is included before our afternoon visit to the Equatorial Complex just north of the capital. Here we find the monument marking the earth's latitude of 0 0' 0'', a planetarium, craft shops and an Ethnic Museum. DAY 4 Galapagos Islands Today we fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos and from the pier transfer by zodiac (small inflatable boat) to board the MV Galapagos Legend for our thrilling seven-night cruise around this amazing archipelago.
PERU G A L A PA G O S ISLANDS CRUISE
Santiago Isabela Fernandina Santa Cruz San Cristobal Floreana
Espanola
To view dates & prices click here
72
To book click here
|
inbro