Quito and 4 Day Coral I & II Cruise – Eastern Galapagos Islands

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. Overnight in Quito. (B)

Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (dry landing).  This afternoon, you will visit the Galapagos giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program, where the famous Lonesome George (last surviving specimen of Pinta Island) lived for decades.  The center is managed by the Galapagos National Park´s (GNP) staff with the collaboration of scientists from the Charles Darwin Station (CDS).  Here, eggs taken from Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands hatch without the danger of introduced species.  After artificial incubation; the “galapaguitos” (newborn tortoises) are reared until the age of five, when they are released in their native habitats, having the capability to survive alone.  Since the 70’s, more than 2,000 specimens have returned to their native islands.  In addition, the Darwin Station works in several scientific projects and botanical research, providing environmental education to local communities, schools and tourists.  If time permits, it is possible to visit Puerto Ayora town.  (Duration: 1.5 hour walk).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

North Seymour Island (dry landing).  This is one of the busiest tourist destinations on the archipelago.  Off of Baltra Island (where the airport is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible for day trips out of Santa Cruz’s main port, Puerto Ayora.  You will have an approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles.  You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake.  (Duration: 2 hour walk/30 minute snorkeling).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

South Plaza.  Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet.  The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the lookout for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.  In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas.  There is a population of approximately 300 individuals.  They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti.  Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galapagos hybrid iguana.  (Duration: Two hour hike).  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Cerro Colorado is a dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.  Passengers visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs.  Enjoy a beautiful landscape on the way to the Reserve.  Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the village’s port, have a drink, or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs.  (Duration: 40 minute bus drive to the reserve/one hour visit).

After the visit, you will go to San Cristobal Airport for the return flight to Quito.  Upon Arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Quito.  (B)