July 11 - Quito
Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and escorted to your hotel. You may consider joining the optional pre-trip extension to Tandayapa and Antisana (see separate flyer). Overnight Hotel Sheraton Quito
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July 12 - Quito
After breakfast this morning head out for an excursion to the Otavalo Market with lunch. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening. Overnight Hotel Sheraton Quito (BLD)
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July 13 - Galápagos
This morning, head to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Please note that there is a weight limit of 44 pounds on the internal flights and bags should be packed accordingly. Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and transfer to the M/Y Yolita II. Your adventure begins with a visit to the beautiful Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 14 - Galápagos
Today disembark on Genovesa. The island’s volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush are a prime habitat for the birds of the Galápagos, making it an excellent birdwatching location. Visit Darwin Bay, the caldera of an extinct volcano that has been partially eroded and offers excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch continue to the youngest geological area of the island, El Barranco, located in the southern part of Darwin Bay. The cliffs in the south are composed of very fragile lava, and the natural erosion of the lava flows produces the ideal habitat for nesting Storm Petrels. You can see two species of petrels nesting in cavities and holes in the lava, the night-feeding Madeiran Storm Petrel and the diurnal Galápagos Petrel. Red-footed Boobies only nest in the outer islands of the archipelago: Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa. Nazca Boobies are also found on Genovesa. During panga rides along the cliffs, fur seals can be seen along with several species of seabirds. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 15 - Galápagos
Bartolome Island is home to Pinnacle Rock, the "Guardian of the Isles" which rises sharply from the coast. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands’ most endearing residents: the Galápagos Penguin. Hike to the island’s summit to enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock’s eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti. You will have an opportunity to snorkel and spot Galápagos Penguin, sea turtles, and White-tipped sharks (from a safe distance) as well. After lunch, visit Sullivan Bay to observe fascinating geological features. A hike to a cactus forest will allow you get a close look at land iguanas and their habitat before continuing in search of local sea lion colonies. This small island is known as a great place to watch seabirds in flight, and walking along the clifftop provides perfect views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and others. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 16 - Galápagos
The visitor site “Wetlands” is a complex of trails that consists of multiple sites combining to form spectacular scenery. The trails travel through lava rock paths, mangrove forests, volcanoes, and beaches, containing a variety of birds and plants. The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela is home to 330 juvenile and adult tortoises, including many breeds in danger of extinction. Later see the Sierra Negra volcano, considered the oldest of the volcanoes on Isabela. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 17 - Galápagos
Located on Isabela Island’s west shore, Elizabeth Bay is a fascinating place to observe marine life, including more Galápagos Penguins. A small passage lined with mangroves guides you into an enclosed cove that hosts marine turtles, rays, Flightless Cormorants, sea lions, and Galápagos Hawks. Learn about the eruptions of the five volcanoes that formed this island as you hike the trail to Darwin’s saltwater lagoon and enjoy excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 18 - Galápagos
Today trek the trail at Urbina Bay, located at the east base of the Alcedo Volcano. The trail starts on the beach and runs through sand substrates, pumice rock, and lava formations along the coast where burrows of land iguanas can be found. Later visit Punta Espinosa, a narrow ledge of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea. There is a vivid description by Captain Benjamin Morrell of his experience witnessing an eruption of Fernandina in the 1820s, likely resulting in the rise of the point. In 1975 there was another uprising of approximately 90cm, which is why the landing pier can only be used during high tide. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 19 - Galápagos
This morning visit Playa Espumilla on the northern coast of Santiago Island, a critical nesting site for marine turtles. Explore Buccaneer Cove, an area with steep cliffs and dark beaches that is used as nesting grounds by several species of seabirds. The expedition continues at Rábida, considered the geographic center of Galápagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the islands. Rábida’s volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea lions. While hiking here you will have the rare opportunity to see pelicans nesting up close and visit one of the best saltwater lagoons for viewing flamingos. Between July and September you can observe Brown Pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Several species of boobies and Darwin’s finches can also be spotted. After your hike you can take a dinghy ride or snorkel above the reefs. Overnight M/Y Yolita (BLD)
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July 20 - Quito
This morning visit Daphne Island, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. The island is the location of a long-term study of Darwin’s finches. Enjoy this last chance to see the iconic Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies before heading to Baltra Island for disembarkment. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Lunch will be served during your flight. Late afternoon arrival at the hotel, where farewell dinner will be served. Overnight Hotel Sheraton (BLD)
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July 21 - Farewell!
You may consider joining the optional post-trip extension to the Amazon (see separate flyer), or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
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