Read a sampling of what our
clients said about their trips
What a great way to travel. It was a wonderful adventure. If you don't care for the sterile atmosphere of an organized tour group where all you mingle with is other Americans, this is the way to go. All hotels, transportation and tours arranged to your needs. Most tours are private. Someone meets yo ... more Dave and Bobbe Mootchnik
Huntington Beach, CA
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 Santa Cruz
This tour combines colonial Quito with a five day Galapagos Islands cruise on the Santa Cruz, an expedition vessel built exclusively for Galapagos Islands cruising. The ship accommodates 90 passengers in its 44 cabins, is air conditioned throughout, and is recognized for its superb service, expert crew, and international and Ecuadorian cuisine. Each spacious cabin features twin or double beds, private bathrooms, and a safe. Four public decks offer a dining room, bar, library, sun deck, and Jacuzzi. Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge, and wet suits can be rented for $15 for the five days.
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/Middle of the World
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.
Following the city tour, you will be driven to the "Middle of the World City" complex, which is located 11 miles north of Quito. Here, you will see the monument of the equatorial line, a 98 ft high stone trapezoidal monument with a brass globe on top. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. (B)
Day 3: Quito/Baltra/Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Galapagos. Upon arrival in Baltra Island, you will be transferred to the dock to board the MV Santa Cruz. Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship's boat drill.
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching, where Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Bartolome/Puerto Egas (Santiago)
Disembark at Bartolome Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galapagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seals. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk. Briefing. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Rabida/North Seymour
Disembark at Rabida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's Finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times Greater Flamingos migrate to. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our eyes open for dolphins.
Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in Galapagos Archipelago. The trail leads guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo Santo trees and Salt Bushes. Expedition plan for tomorrow's outings. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Highlands/Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands' most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin's finches (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Lunch in a charming restaurant in the lush highlands of the island.
Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapaguenos live in this magical paradise. Browse in the many handcraft shops. Return aboard the MV Santa Cruz for tonight's expedition plan for next day's adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, where it allows visitors to obtain information that will help them understand more the natural history of the Galapagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet cafes welcome world travelers who are willing to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed, before heading back to the mainland.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent. (B)
Day 8: Quito
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
Save $320-$485 or No Single Supplement on all September and December 1-15 Departures. Call to Request a Quote.
Single
Double
Triple
Main Deck Twin Standard
$4,159
$2,449
$2,229
Upper Deck Twin Standard
$4,349
$2,559
n/a
Boat Deck Twin Standard
$4,679
$2,759
$2,509
Boat Deck Standard Plus Twin
$4,859
$2,859
n/a
Boat Deck Single Standard
$4,239
n/a
n/a
Boat Deck Superior Twin/Double
$5,029
$2,959
n/a
Boat Deck Junior Suite Twin
$5,239
$3,079
$2,809
Boat Deck Master Suite Double
$5,909
$3,479
$3,179
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
Low Season prices are shown above. High Season prices are shown in the Detailed Itinerary.
The above prices are valid until January 2, 2011.
There is one cabin available for single use (Boat Deck Single Standard). Twin/Double cabins for single use have a surcharge of 70%.
Triple rates are based on one child under 12 sharing cabin with two adults paying full fare.
High Season: March 29-April 04, December 20-January 02.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Private airport/hotel transfers on the first and last day of the tour, and shared transfers out/in from select hotels in Quito and in/out in the Galapagos islands on the date of the cruise.
Three nights accommodations at the Swissotel Quito (or similar) including service fees and taxes.
City tour of Quito/Middle of the World excursion.
Accommodations on board the M/V Santa Cruz.
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.
Snorkeling equipment.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Round-trip airfare from Quito to Galapagos.
Ecuadorian departure tax (Quito $44.30).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Fuel surcharge ($96).
Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100/$50 child).
Transit control card ($10).
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Bar, gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
Quito and Five Day Galapagos Islands Cruise Aboard the Santa Cruz
