Day 2, Thursday – Quito City Tour and The Equator
The tour begins with a great view of Orellana’s way and Guapulo Sanctuary (XVII Century). We will continue towards the downtown, where we will take a walk visiting the Independence Square, surrounded by historically important buildings, such us the Cathedral (XVI Century), the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century). After some stops to take pictures or just to take your breath back, we will visit the Church and Monastery of San Francisco built few months after the Spaniards arrival (XVI Century). Visit to the Panecillo Hill where the Virgin of Quito, (the only winged virgin) is located. From this perspective you will be delighted by the spectacular view of Colonial Quito mainly. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Continue this amazing tour, we will drive 15 Km. north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. Here you will have two options, either to visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument, which shows a display of the main cultures of Ecuador. This monument was built to commemorate the Geodesic Scientific Mission, which came to Ecuador, during the 19th century, in order to study and measure the Earth Meridian. Or, visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum, located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses and where you will be shown with different scientific experiments that you are truly stand on the 0° Meridian.

Day 3, Friday – Quito/Galapagos
Morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Galapagos. Morning arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the small and cozy capital of Galapagos. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting that allows visitors to obtain information for a better understanding of the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Transfer to board Yacht La Pinta. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat Drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.
Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa (San Cristobal Island)
A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar saloon for a cocktail offered by the Captain, enjoy the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner.

Day 4, Saturday - North Seymour Island
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration.
Guy Fawkes and Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island)
Guy Fawkes is a group of four small islets, remains of eroded tuff cones, two of which still show their crescent face protected to the leeward side. Fantastic locations to enjoy the marine reserve, including Galápagos sharks, turtles and sea horses along with myriads of reef fish. Afterwards, explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes.

Day 5, Sunday - Post Office Bay, Champion Islet (Floreana [Charles] Island)
Wet landing at the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird.
Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts, sandpipers, etc. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner

Day 6, Monday - Punta Moreno (Isabela [Albemarle] Island)
Dry landing over a young lava field. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Lunch on board.
Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the national Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner.

Day 7, Tuesday - Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.

Day 8, Wednesday - Bartolomé Island
A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board.
Rábida Island
Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. The day can end with a rewarding stroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night.

Day 9, Thursday - Gardner Bay (Española [Hood] Island)
After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Punta Suárez (Española [Hood] Island)
Afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.

Day 10, Friday - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)/Guayaquil
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 11, Thursday – Guayaquil/Miami
Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight. your flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to your hotel.

Request more information:

• Air transportation from Miami to Quito, Quito to Galapagos, Galapagos to Guayaquil, Guayaquil to Miami, coach class - (departures from other cities available for a surcharge)
• Round-trip airport/hotel transfers
• 7 nights cruise on the Yacht La Pinta, Galapagos Park Entrance fee is included; all meals and shore excursions
• Hotel accommodation including breakfast daily and taxes
• Guided tours in English including all entrance fees
• Meals as per itinerary