Itinerary | Trip Details | Bookmark and Share

Day 1: Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into your hotel and enjoy the city. A G.A.P Adventures representative will greet you at the hotel and brief you on the various aspects of the tour. If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, a representative will leave all important information at your hotel's reception indicating what time to be ready on Day 2 of your trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed within you travel documents. Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes, including nearby Pichincha, are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito's appeal to thousands of tourists every year. In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, so any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable.

Day 2: Santa Cruz (L, D)
Transfer early to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to the G.A.P Adventurer IV boat moored in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. Here we visit the Charles Darwin Station, see giant tortoises and learn about Charles Darwin's studies of Galapagos wildlife. You will have free time to do some shopping and exploring. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist. Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named. Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 3: Rabida (B, L, D)
The ship makes her way to Rabida Island, where the boat lands on Rabida's red beach (also called Jervis). From here, a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. Another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior where the revered Palo Santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Back on the beach, among low-lying bushes, nest the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.

Day 4: Bartolomé (B, L, D)
Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning where you disembark and go for a short hike. BartolomŽ Island (also called Bartholomew) has 2 main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the island's not-too-distant volcanic origins and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. The double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance are visable from here. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkeling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters and marine turtles nest here from January through March.

Day 5: Santa Fé (B, L, D)
Set sail and reach Santa Fé Island early in the morning. Santa Fé (also called Barrington) is well-known as a great place for watching and swimming with sea lions. There is only one place to land launches, but two different trails offer varied experiences. The shorter of the two hikes leads from the beach into a sparse forest of Prickly Pear Cactus. The second, longer trail goes up a cliff side into an area inhabited by Land Iguanas. The interior terrain of the island is interesting, with a good panoramic view from the cliff top. Back on the beach, it is easy to sit for hours just watching the antics of the sociable sea lions.

Day 6: North Seymour/Quito (B)
This morning you make a brief visit to North Seymour for one last look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. This is probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds on Seymour Island. Close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos' largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display. Males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead and, if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma. Further along the trail you can observe a colony of sea lions. Following this you sail to Baltra to be transferred to the airport for the flight to historic Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day and evening are free to spend at your leisure.

Day 7: Depart Quito
Depart Quito at any time. (B)