I wanted to let you know how wonderful our trip to Peru was this past April. Everything was so well arranged and the local agency that you use was wonderful. Our guides in each pl ... more Sandra and Phillip Mullins
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
Day 1
Quito
Day 2
City Tour of Quito
Day 3
Quito/Baltra Airport/Bartolome
Day 4
Urbina Bay (Isabela)/Espinosa Point (Fernandina)
Day 5
Egas Port (Santiago)/Rabida
Day 6
Charles Darwin Research Station/Highlands (Santa Cruz)
Day 7
Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)/Baltra Airport/Quito
Day 8
Quito
Save $865 per Child (under 12 years old) on the August 16 and 30 Departures and Other Promotional Dates through the Remainder of the Year. Call for Availability.
Note: The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level.
IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program
South American Vacations is an active member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association). In support of IGTOA's Traveler Funding Program, we contribute $50 for each passenger that we send to the Galapagos Islands. You'll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos Islands.
Sixty percent of the funding of this program goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. You can visit their web site to learn more http://www.darwinfoundation.org
. The remainder goes toward IGTOA's mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
This tour combines colonial Quito with a four day Galapagos Islands cruise on the Galapagos Legend, a 100 passenger deluxe expedition ship that offers the comforts and amenities of a larger cruise liner. It is air conditioned throughout, and features 57 cabins with lower beds, private bathroom, safe, and mini bar. The ship's spacious social areas include a pool, Jacuzzi, Fisherman's Bar, observation decks, al fresco dining areas, a spacious passenger lounge, dining room, boutique, library, and conference room. Snorkeling equipment ($20) and wets suits ($25) can be rented on board.
Activities: Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling, and glass bottom boating.
Dry Landing: Guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. Wet Landing: As the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Day 1: Quito
Depart to Quito. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: City Tour of Quito
In the morning, you will have a city tour of Quito. You will explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, and visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compania and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You will drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan and finish the morning at the Panecillo hillside, with its breathtaking views of the old and modern parts of the city. (B)
Day 3: Quito/Baltra Airport/Bartolome
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Galapagos. Passengers are picked up at the airport by our guides and taken to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
Bartolome (dry landing). Passengers will see volcanic formations like lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit you'll be impressed by the view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the hike to the summit, travelers will often see colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla, and various cacti. Visitors will be able to snorkel and see the Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe distance. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Urbina Bay (Isabela)/Espinosa Point (Fernandina)
Urbina Bay (wet landing). Passengers will visit the fossil beach and coral area. Depending on the season you may be able to observe giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.
Espinosa Point (dry landing). Visitors will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs, as well as flightless cormorants nesting sites, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will spot brachycereus cactus, and "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA" lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Egas Port (Santiago)/Rabida
Egas Port (wet landing). Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. You can observe hunting herons, great blue herons, lava herons, yellow crowned night herons and oyster catchers. Passengers will see marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds alongside red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seals swimming in deep pools of cool water. Here you can swim and snorkel and find octopuses, sea horses, star fish.
Rabida (wet landing). The volcano-formed beach is dark red and frequented by sea lions. It's considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diverse volcanic rocks on the Islands. You'll hike to a salt water lagoon, where flamingos can sometimes be found. July through September is a good time to observe brown pelicans nesting in the salty bushes. Boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches can also be observed. You can take a dinghy ride by the reefs, as well as snorkel. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Charles Darwin Research Station/Highlands (Santa Cruz)
Charles Darwin Research Station. Travelers will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can admire the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program. Visitors can also admire the prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Later on, you'll have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Highlands of Santa Cruz. You can visit Cerro Chato, where you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises. Additionally, you can walk inside the dormant lava tubes. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)/Baltra Airport/Quito
Bachas Beach (wet landing). This beach is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter many sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and have the opportunity to swim on the white sand beach.
Return to the Galapagos Legend, check out, and transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito. (B)
Day 8: Quito
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
Save $865 per Child (under 12 years old) on the August 16 and 30 Departures and Other Promotional Dates through the Remainder of the Year. Call for Availability.
Single
Double
Triple
Superior Exterior
$3,789
$2,289
n/a
Junior Suite
$4,469
$2,669
$2,559
Legend Suite
$5,019
$3,019
$2,909
Galapagos Balcony
$5,649
$3,379
$3,259
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
The above prices are valid until December 10, 2010.
Singles willing to share a cabin during the cruise can pay the double price plus a single supplement of $450 for the land portion in Quito (subject to availability).
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Round-trip airfare from Quito to Galapagos in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Three nights accommodations at the Hotel Quito (or similar) including service fees and taxes.
City tour of Quito.
Accommodations on board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
Two daily excursions to the islands conducted by bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Evening briefings and lectures.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Ecuadorian departure tax (Quito $44.30).
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100).
Transit control card ($10).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Galapagos Legend
