Wonders of the Galápagos

Day 1:

Fly to Ecuador

• Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  

Day 2:

Explore Quito

• Guided by a local expert, explore Quito’s colonial center beneath the Andes. Walk through Independence Plaza, pass the Government Palace, and visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, a Baroque masterpiece of gold leaf, dark wood, and towering altars
• Take an excursion to the equatorial line, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and explore hands-on exhibits about life at latitude zero
  
• Visit the Intiñan Museum to test gravity, straddle the equator, and explore the blend of science and myth at the center of the Earth
  

Day 3:

Quito - Galápagos

• Fly to Baltra, continue to Santa Cruz Island
  
• Hike lava trails and visit the Twin Craters, massive sinkholes formed by volcanic collapse and now home to giant tortoises and native flora
  
• Visit the Santa Cruz highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely through misty forests and lava tunnels mark an ancient volcanic past
  

Day 4:

Santa Cruz Island - Isabela Island

• Travel by boat to Isabela Island
  
• Visit a highland lagoon where flamingos wade through mineral-rich shallows, their bright feathers glowing against volcanic backdrops
  
• Visit a giant tortoise breeding center to observe efforts to protect these slow-moving icons and witness conservation in action
  
• Take an excursion by boat to Tintoreras Lava Islet, spotting marine iguanas, sea lions, and reef sharks among the black volcanic rock just off Isabela Island
  
• Snorkel the clear waters of Las Tintoreras and spot penguins, rays, and marine iguanas
  

Day 5:

Galapagos

• Enjoy an excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano, where you’ll hike across otherworldly lava fields and take in sweeping views from one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos
• Spend time on the beach in Puerto Villamil, where soft sand, clear waters, and marine iguanas create a Galápagos-style escape
  

Day 6:

Isabela Island - Santa Cruz Island

• Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island
  
• Explore Puerto Ayora on foot with your Tour Director, walking the harborfront streets of the Galápagos’ main town with its mix of local markets, sea lions, and island life
  
• Enjoy the sands of Tortuga Bay and watch for wildlife along its protected shores
  
• Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe giant tortoises up close and learn how scientists protect the Galápagos ecosystem
  

Day 7:

Santa Cruz Island - Quito

• Fly to Quito
  
• Enjoy free time to explore Quito, from the colorful facades of the old town to scenic overlooks above the city
  
• Enjoy a special farewell dinner to celebrate your journey and share a final meal with your group
  

Day 8:

Otavaio - Depart for home

• Take an excursion to Otavalo, one of South America’s most famous markets, where local artisans showcase handwoven textiles, crafts, and traditions in a vibrant mountain town
  
• Explore the local market, known for colorful textiles, Andean crafts, and lively open-air stalls
  
• Visit a waterfall in Cotacachi to take in misty views and the peaceful rush of water in this Ecuadorian highland region
  

Day 9:

Arrive home